Chinese Characters of Gold being antient Epitaphs in honor of the Deceased About Noon they came to two great Forts and about six a Clock in the Evening into the City Hokzwa which entring they were receiv'd by the chiefest of the Town and carry'd into a great House provided for the most eminent Persons of the Countrey in their Journeys Here they had sent them for Presents three Pigs twenty Hens and four Geese which they requited by returning some small Trifles In the Night by Order of the Magistrates of the Town a Guard was set about their Lodgings that they might suffer no injury by the Common People The twenty ninth being Sunday though they prepared for their Journey yet they could not set forward for want of Convoy because a strong Party of three hundred Horse was sent by the Vice-Roy's Mother with Money and other Goods to the Army at Sinksieu to her Son Singlamong for the paying of the Souldiers so that being forc'd to stay in Hokzwa all that day they were visited by many great and eminent Mandarins of the City and presented with Oranges Pears Chesnuts Coco-Nuts besides several other Fruits two Pigs five Geese and ten Hens in requital for Money and Goods worth full as much The People seem'd to be very obliging when they heard that the Hollanders lay with a Fleet on the Coast of China to joyn with them against the Islanders of Quemuy and the rest of Coxinga's Party In the afternoon they view'd the Town This City Hokzwa lying in a pleasant Place encompassed with many delightful Gardens contains several Markets and great Plains and appears beautiful with divers Triumphal Arches and stately antient Buildings rang'd close together with Party-walls not being usual in China It hath thick and strong Walls or rather Bulwarks continually Guarded by many Horse and Foot About an hours walking from thence are many pleasant Groves with Arbors and other like Receptions for such as Walk to refresh themselves in where they call for all sorts of Fruit whatever they have a mind to so making themselves merry The twenty fifth being Monday they began their Journey anew about day-break with a Convoy of fifty Tartars and passing by several strong Holds and through many Villages they came to two Rocks which so straiten the Passage that two Carts or Wagons can scarce go between at each Entrance stands a Block-house so that none can pass without leave Upon the top of these Rocks where there is no kind of Mould to be seen grow many Cypress and Ash-Trees About Noon passing by another Hold the Governor invited them to Dinner which they modestly refus'd by their Interpreter yet their Retinue had as much strong Chinese Beer given them as they pleas'd to drink Then proceeding on in the Evening they pass'd through a Wall'd City and well Garrison'd and a little Southward from the City they took their repose in a Pagode where several of the chief Citizens visiting for welcom presented them with several Provisions such as the Countrey afforded in return whereof they gave them some Spanish Ryals and four Pieces of course white Linnen Besides their Followers were entertain'd with two great Pots of strong Chinese Beer a Drink very pleasing to their Palats The twenty sixth about Sun-rising being ready for their Journey they had such a concourse of Men Women and Children which came to see them from all places that they were scarce able to pass along the Streets for the Palakin or Sedan in which the Vice-Admiral Van Campen was carry'd was often stopt and held by the People to see his Face and speak with him but because he could not answer them and his Interpreter not being able to come to him through the Crowd they let him pass This Day they went by and through more Forts and Villages and in the Evening came to the City Hokexcho where they stay'd all Night being Entertain'd by the eminentest of the Town and visited by many antient Merchants which stay'd with them so late that they took but little rest The City of Hokexcho lies but a days Journey from Hokzwa whose Inhabitants maintain themselves for the most part by Husbandry for there are few Merchants being a kind and hospitable People for Hok signifies Good and Zwa Bad. Between Hokzwa and Hokexcho lies a Village in which they make great quantities of Porcelin The twenty seventh before Sun-rising they betook themselves to their Journey accompany'd with several Troops of Horse and Foot and pass'd most by and through several great strong Towns and Villages About three a Clock in the Afternoon they Rode through a great Town and in the Evening arriv'd at a strong Castle where they were courteously receiv'd by the Governor and first entertain'd with Bean-broth afterwards caress'd both with Meat and Drink which kindness they requited with other Presents The twenty eighth they proceeded again on their Journey very early and in the Afternoon about three a Clock arriv'd at another City where they were welcom'd and presented by the Magistrates with Provision and receiv'd again in a bartering Return as others had before after which they drank Spanish Wine and Brandy with the Agents shewing a great liking thereunto having never tasted such Liquor so that it was mid-night before they went away The twenty ninth being Friday they set forward again with the Dawn after Day-break beholding very many large and sumptuous Tombs and stately antient Buildings besides several Triumphal Arches adorn'd with Horsemen Tygers Bears Lyons and Dragons hew'n out of Free-stone and the Arches beautifi'd with Golden Characters Then they pass'd a long Bridge over the great River Loyang consisting of divers Stone Arches Pav'd with Free-stones of an incredible size some of which being about seventy Foot long three and a half broad and half a Foot thick on each side Rail'd in and accommodated with Benches of blue Stone with the Honors of the Empire as Lyons Dragons and the like on several Pedestals The Chineses report this Bridge to have been built in one Night by the Angels and look upon it as a great Wonder At the Bridge-foot stood an old House and in it several Figures of Men gilded with Gold In the same House also was a great blue Stone inscrib'd with the antiquity of this wondrous Bridge The middle Arch of this Bridge had lately been broke down to hinder the Enemy's Passage about which they were then busie in mending laying great Beams of Timber over the Gap A little before Noon they came to the City Zwansifoe where at the Gates they were kindly welcom'd by three Mandarins sent thither to meet them by Santing Houbethetok Admiral of the Sea and Governor of the Place and conducted into a great Pagode where they were civilly entertain'd with a Draught of honorable Bean-broth after having stay'd a little while they entred the City in company with the same Mandarins who carry'd them into a fair House whither many of the eminentest Citizens out of curiosity came
to visit them The Letter from the Admiral Bort to Santing Houbethetok with the Presents being a pair of Snaphance Pistols with Holsters four Yards of Scarlet and four Pieces of fine Linnen were by the Agents two Interpreters Bedel and Lakka sent to him but he told them That he durst not receive any Letters or Presents before they came back again from Sinksieu and had spoke with the Vice-Roy and General Lipovy but he intended to have visited them had not his present indisposition hindred him But Houbethetok caus'd his Servants to carry them Oranges Nuts Chesnuts besides some Porkers Hens and Geese for which they return'd the Servants good Spanish Coyn. The next day being the thirtieth they with their Retinue went to see the City whilst the Convoy made all things ready for their farther Journey Zwansifoe is a Place of great Trade full of Shops and Merchandise adorn'd with several Triumphal Arches made of blue Stone whereon Men Women Horses Dragons Tygers Lyons Bears Apes were all presented in Graven Work to the Life in their various Colours and on the top the Names of those in honor of whom they were erected It hath also three high Steeples with Galleries about them besides many inferior Temples The Wall about the City being twenty seven Foot high and of equal thickness is fortifi'd with many Bulwarks Moats and Breast-works upon the top of it always lie heaps of Stones and Timber for defence against sudden Storms or Assaults This City hath three Gates with winding Entrances rais'd of great blue Stones and was never Conquer'd by the Tartars but deliver'd up by Collonel Houbethetok conditionally That he should still possess the Place of Governor and likewise because of this free Surrender the old Magistrates kept their several Offices and the City their antient Priviledges and Liberties yet as a sign of Conquest the Tartars caus'd all the Steeples to be pull'd down except the three before-mention'd Coxinga once laid Siege to it but was forc'd to leave it and depart with the loss of many Men. In the Morning about nine a Clock they proceeded on their Journey and at Noon travel'd by the ruin'd City Engeling and all the day long past thorow and in sight of divers strong Castles built of Stone and many Villages About the Evening they came to two great Forts call'd Twaia distant from each other a quarter of an Hours walking whose Walls built of Free-Stone were twenty five Foot high and twenty eight thick The first of October in the Morning the Agents leaving these Forts came about three a Clock with their Retinue which consisted of above a hundred Persons Hollanders Chineses and Tartars to the City Tanwa surrounded with a Stone-Wall and Fortifi'd with high Bulwarks and deep Trenches Tanwa is accounted one of the most delightful and populous Cities of all China seated in a rich Valley abounding with plenty of all things so that many Merchants resorting thither take up their Residence to enjoy the benefit and pleasure of the adjacent Countrey Without the City are many stately Monuments where the Towns men make daily Offerings to the Souls of their deceas'd Parents Three grand Mandarins well Mounted and follow'd by a great Train of Servants bidding the Agents welcome carry'd them into a stately Inn to which they ascended by seven Marble Steps in it were many Chambers all the floors neatly Pav'd and furnish'd with Chairs and Stools Benches and costly Bedsteds to accommodate Persons of Quality when they travel'd with Stable-rooms for an hundred Horse and Lodgings for twelve hundred Men Here the Agents choosing one of the most convenient Chambers took their repose that Night The second being Munday about nine a Clock the Agents with all their Attendance left Tanwa and passing a large Stone Bridge saw several Ruin'd Towns and Villages besides others yet in their Splendor but commanded by Garrisons A little before Sun-set they came to a Fort on the top of a Hill which whilst they ascended they were met and courteously welcom'd by the Governor from whom they understood that the Islanders of Eymuy and Quemuy were upon a Treaty of Peace with the Tartars but he fear'd that it would come to nothing This Night they Lodg'd in the Castle where they had good Entertainment for their Money The third being Tuesday the Agents set forward about three a Clock in the Morning and travel'd by and through many Villages coming at last to a Stone Bridge at each side Guarded with a Fort. In the afternoon the Agents pass'd by several Pagodes where the Chinesy Priests seem'd to shew them great Respect Presenting them with Sweet-Meats and Tee After some stay proceeding on their Journey came at last in sight of Sinksieu whither they were sent not far from whence they were met by three Mandarins with their Attendants sent from the Vice-Roy Singlamong and the General Lipovi to Complement and welcom them After the Ceremonies were past on both sides the Agents were by the Mandarins carry'd to a great Pagode from whence after a short Treat they were conducted through the City into a spacious Court the usual place of Reception for their travelling Grandees This House was of so large Reception that it not only afforded Stable room for above a thousand Horse but also Lodgings for as many Men having divers large and handsom Chambers furnish'd with stately Bedsteds Stools and Benches Here the Agents took their repose several Soldiers being sent to Guard the House from the overpressing intrusions of the common People which by thousands out of curiosity came thither to see and gaze upon the Hollanders The Agents immediately gave notice of their arrival by their Interpretors Pedel and Lakka to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Taysing Lipovi with request to grant them Audience and suffer them to speak with him that they might deliver the General of Batavia's Letters that so time might not be lost in imploying so stout a Fleet as lay at present in his own River Whereupon the Vice-Roy and General reply'd That they were come a great and long Voyage by Sea and Land and were weary with travelling thefore they should stay till the next day on which they should have Audience Mean while several Mandarins came to Congratulate their welcome bringing with them divers sorts of Fruit as Oranges Nuts Chestnuts and Pears besides Hens Geese and two Swine for which they return'd them Thanks and gave their Servants Money The fourth in the Morning the Agents made themselves ready to deliver the small Presents and Letters from Batavia to the Vice-Roy and General in the Camp About eight a Clock twelve Horses were brought to their Lodging which they and their Attendance Mounted and with two Mandarins Rode thorow a great part of the City Sinksieu by many fair and large Triumphal Arches A little Southward from the City ran a River which having cross'd they came into the Army which lay about a Mile and a half
in the Night the Fleet reacht the East Point of the Isle Ainan which according to Bartholomew Verwei's Observation lies much more Northerly than it is plac'd in the general Map On this Isle lies the City Ingly otherwise call'd Ciunchew being fortified with very strong Walls full of handsom Buildings and well seated for Trade the whole Island being in a manner surrounded with Mountains and Woods produceth great plenty of all Necessaries for Humane Sustenance On the Mountains grows the sweet-smelling Craine-Wood and likewise Ebony Roses and Brasile much us'd by the Dyers through all China There are also many Indian Nuts and a Fruit by them call'd Iaca which grows not on the Branches but the Body of the Tree Amongst others there also grows a certain strange Herb in the Chinese Tongue call'd Chitung for the Sea-men are of opinion that they can find by its Joynts or Knobs in what Month and how many Storms there shall be in a whole Year saying The fewer Joynts this Herb hath the less the number of Storms will be and likewise from its Stalks that shoot out of the Joynts from the Root upwards they judge in what Month it will be tempestuous Weather The Island also breeds many Harts and other wild and tame Beasts besides abundance of Birds Near this Island they also fish for Pearls on the Northern Shore between this and the Main Land There is likewise a very strange Fish caught here with four Eyes and six Feet which the Chineses affirm produces also Pearls There is yet another Monster in this Sea whose Head resembles a Birds all the rest a Fish and yields as they say several Precious Stones Between the City Coacheu and the Isle of Hainan they catch some Sea-Crabs which differ not much from the other except in this that as soon as they come out of the Water into the Air they are turn'd into Stone yet still keeping their former Shape The Portuguese and Chineses use them for Medicines against Burning Fevers On the Southside of this Isle the Chineses catch Whales after the same manner as we do at Greenland This Island hath divers Mountains towards the South side whereof one call'd Kinim hath a Quarry of red Marble Not far from Linkao a little Town there lies the Mountain Pisie of which the Chineses tell strange Fictions for they relate That there was a Stag endued with Humane Reason which conducted the Islanders Army through unknown ways and brought them where they block'd up their Enemy that came from Cochinchina to invade them by which means they obtain'd a great Victory and on the same place erected a Temple in his Honor. Eastward of Cincheu is a Lake where a City stood formerly that was swallow'd up by an Earthquake By the little Town Iai rises a Mountain said to be so lofty that neither Wind nor Rain reaches the top and therefore call'd Hoeifung that is Above the Wind. It is very remarkable what the Chineses relate of the Sea near the Town Cium viz. That it neither ebbs nor flows which is observ'd at the neighboring Places but runs one half of the Month towards the East and the other half to the West The City of Ingly is a Place of great Commerce in which there are three Markets every day one of which is held in a very large Place on the East side of the City whither so soon as the Sun rises divers Merchants resort as Arabians Turks Zurats Malabars Abyssines and those of Pegu and Malaya besides many of the Native Inhabitants Indians and Portuguese After this Market is ended which continues till nine a Clock begins a second which is kept before the Governors Palace and lasts till Noon at which time every one retires home to their Dinners In the Afternoon about three a clock the third Market begins in a Place at the South side of the City where those Women for the Females drive the Trade here and not the Men which sell several sorts of Goods stand apart by themselves and separated from one another First stand in a row the Pepper-traders next those that sell Betel Leaves Onekka Water-Melons and Anana's and behind them the Book-sellers In another Quarter are the Ironmongers and Brasiers Shops furnish'd with Armor Poniards Swords and all sorts of Weapons and likewise Sandal-Wood Opposite to them stand such as vend Sugar Honey and all manner of Preserves Not far distant is sold white black red yellow green and gray Beans and lastly appears a handsom Square where all sorts of Herbs either for Food or Physical use may be bought Here also those Merchants which Trade in Linnen and other Commodities by Whole-sale have their Exchange beyond which is a Market for Poultry as Hens Ducks Pigeons Parrots and other Birds and likewise of Cabrito's or Goats Here are also three High Streets In the first on the right side are some Jewellers which sell Rubies Hyacinths and the like on the left side many Chinese Picture-drawers intermix'd with such as sell divers Colours of Sowing-Silks Silk and Damask Stuffs Flannel Sattin Gold Wyre Cloth of Tissue Porcelane Wax'd Baskets Copper Basons Pots and Cans great and small Quicksilver Chests Writing-Paper of all Colours Almanacks Leaf-Gold in Books Looking-glasses Combs Spectacles Brimstone Chinese Scymiters with wax'd Scabbards China-Roots Fans and other Trifles The second is full of Picture-Shops The third is onely for private use Passing on somewhat further you come to the Fruit-Market and through that into the Fish-Market and from thence turning towards the left side to the Shambles beyond which is a peculiar Place where the Women sell by Retail round and long Pepper white and black Cloves Nutmegs Mace Cubebs Cinnamon Cummin Ginger Zedoar Sandal-Wood Rhubarb Galanga Anniseeds and the like On the right side is the Rice-Market close by which the place where they sell Pots Bags Mats and Salt and opposite to it on the left side Oyl The first of March the Fleet sail'd by Tinhosa the second by the Cape de Avarelles on the third they pass'd over the Garden of Holland Breda and Ackersloot Sands lying on the South side of the Paracelles The fourth they sail'd by Candor and on the seventh Anchor'd at the Isle of Timon The eighth was publickly read an Order of the Council by which it was commanded That none either there or at Batavia should sell any of the Chinese Children which the Officers Soldiers or Sea-men had taken either to Moors or Heathens And for the better prevention thereof it was order'd That they should all be numbred which Office was committed to the charge of Peter Suskens Captain Adrian Mouldpenny Secretary Henry Ysbrands and Iohn Renaldus This Order was verbatim as follows SInce there are many Chinese Children as well Females as Males in the Fleet which belong to the Officers Sea-men and Soldiers whom We fear they may sell either here at Poele Timon or when they come to Batavia either to Idolaters or Mahumetans which is neither fitting nor lawful
the Interpreter De Hase to the foremention'd Governor to ask if any thing was specifi'd in the Pass for a Boat to come up again to bring News from the Ships To which the Interpreter Hase at his Return brought this Answer That he could not speak with the Governor himself but his Secretary had told him That the Pass made mention of nothing else but to let the Ship and Sloop go down but not come up again The Ambassador not satisfied with such an answer the next morning sent the Secretary Vander Does to know the Contents of the Pass but not being permitted to speak with the Governor he onely brought back word That the Pass contain'd no more than what was told the Interpreter the day before and therefore if the Netherlanders desir'd another Pass they must go to the General for it Whereupon the Secretary was immediately sent to the Mandarin Liulavja to desire the standing Pass which he had promis'd to make for the Boat to go up and down the River and send it together with that for the Ship and withal tell him how necessary it was for them constantly to know the Condition of their Ships and People But the Secretary coming thither and being inform'd that he was gone to the Lodge return'd home In the afternoon the foremention'd Mandarin came with the desir'd Pass drawn after the same manner as the former had been but a while after the Interpreter Ienko sent from Liu-lavja came to fetch the Pass again under pretence that a Name was forgotten which must needs be put into it promising to return it immediately The same day the Factors came to the Dutch Merchants Lodgings to conclude an Agreement about the Prises of their Merchandise but parted again without making an end In the evening the Ambassador sending for the Interpreter Ienko shew'd himself much dissatisfi'd that he did not return the Pass for the Vessels to go to and again he having promis'd That so soon as a Name was put in it should be re-deliver'd To which he answer'd That Liu-lavja had commanded him to ask for it because the Mandarins Name which was to go down with it was to be inserted and why it was not brought again he knew not The same day Captain Iohn vander Werf set Sail in the Blyswiik to Netherland Haven where by the Ambassadors Election he was to bear the chief Command and observe all Transactions and keep things in good order The Treasurer acquainted the Ambassador That the fifty Picol of Kadjang and twenty Gammons of Bacon were not yet brought for the Ships because the Steward had told him That there was an Order that no Kadjang nor Gammons of Bacon might be transported Whereby the Ambassador seeing that seldom any Provision was sent to the Ships without the greatest trouble imaginable judg'd it convenient to write a Letter to the General to this purpose That the Ambassador had always found Talavja kind and affable and therefore thank'd him That he likewise knew that he had much Business wherefore he would not be troublesom to him That the Holland Sea-men must in this Mouson be provided for with Meat and Drink or else they could not live That the Ambassador had continually been put to much trouble to get fresh Provisions therefore he desir'd that the Husband-men might every eight days carry Porkers and the like fresh Provisions with their own Vessels and sell them to the Ships which would save both him and Talavja a great deal of trouble This Letter Nobel and the Secretary Vander Does carried to Court to deliver it to the General but coming to the City Gates they were stopp'd by the Watch who said That Order was come from the General not to let any Hollanders into the Town whereupon they resolv'd to return which the Guards seeing call'd them back and suffer'd them to pass to the Generals whither coming they sent him word of their being there for which he sent to know the Reason whereupon they deliver'd the Ambassadors Letter to his Interpreter who brought them this answer That Talavja was very busie and could not grant them Audience but that he permitted the Netherlanders to carry as much Provision out as they pleas'd first giving an account of it to the Mandarin Liu-lavja that the General might afterwards sign it But he did not understand that any Person should buy all manner of Goods and carry them aboard without being willing that the Waiters should perform their Office in searching the Ship whereby they should give an account of what they transported and likewise that they must use their own and not Chinese Vessels Mean while the Interpreter Ienko brought back the Pass for the Sloop to go up and down the River The Blyswiik Frigat the Water being somewhat faln stuck about a Cannon-shot from the Bridge where she was forc'd to stay till High-water The fourth there was nothing done but a Dispute concerning the Waiters stopping the Frigat and clapping her aboard with four or five of their best Jonks and that some Mandarins desir'd she might be brought back to the Bridge The next day all the Governors Factors came to the Lodge but went away again without speaking any thing concerning the Trade In the evening the Vlaerding Sloop arriv'd there again from Netherland Haven with a Letter from Captain Iohn Vander Werf where he found the Polesnip that came from Quelang riding at an Anchor wherefore he thought it convenient to send his Book-keeper thither to acquaint his Excellency with it by a Letter and to advise him That all things about the Ships were in good condition and also that they had not seen any Ships either going to or coming from Iapan The fifth in the Morning the Ambassador sent the Interpreter Ienko to the General to acquaint him with the Fly-boats arrival and also to desire that Nobel might come and speak with him The Interpreter returning with two Mandarins told the Ambassador That the General was so busie about some private Concerns of the Empire that he could not give any publick Audience Mean while a Ship did afterwards come thither from Quelang which the General had privately permitted to go away again with Provisions and other Necessaries but she was now return'd which his Highness did not understand and therefore the Ambassador must give immediate Order for her to be gone Hereupon the Ambassador answer'd the Mandarins That it should be done and desir'd them to bring a Pass for the Sloop to go to and fro to carry Tydings which they promis'd without fail to perform The sixth a Servant bringing a Pass from the Mandarin Liu-lavja for a Vessel to carry Provisions to and again said That the Sloop must at farthest go away the next Morning The seventh against noon with the Ebb the Vlaerdings Sloop went down with certain Writings kept by Caroli their Clerk and Maurice the Interpreter but they return'd again telling That the Governor of Minjazen would not suffer any fresh Provisions as Hogs
On the other side of the Channel to the West lies a Suburb neither lesser nor emptier of People than the City it self Between these lie several Bridges over which they pass out of one into another beyond the Bridges the Channel extends it self to a greater breadth and receives Water from several Places which makes so great a Navigation by that City that it cannot be express'd for all the Ships or Vessels that come from the Province of Chekiang and the other Eastern Towns to go to Peking and other Places must stop here to put up their Masts and hold out their Sails not being able hitherto to use them because of the many Bridges in that Channel for from hence to the Grand Metropolis Peking no Bridge is suffer'd excepting one to draw up This City by some justly call'd Kinkeu that is The Mouth of the Court because there are continually Freighted Vessels going from hence to Peking The seventh Division call'd Yangcheufu borders in the North at the River Hoai East at the Sea Southward upon the Stream of Kiang West on Nankingfu and the little County Chucheufu and the North and by West conterminates with Fungyangfu This contains ten Cities viz. Yâ—…ngcheu Ychin Taihing Kaoyeu Hinghoa Paoyng Tai Iucao Fung and Haimuen of which Kaoyeu and Tai are the biggest Northward over the River Kiang is a great Sluce near the Garison Quacheu where the foremention'd Channel takes its beginning along which they Row up to the City Yangcheu which lies on the East-side of it as on the West the Suburb which formerly stretch'd a German League but was ruin'd in the last Tartar War The City Yancheu is full of large and stately buildings and in many Places moistned with Graffs of fresh Water over which lead Stone Bridges consisting of twenty four Arches besides many lesser not to be reckon'd There is also a Custom-house for the Emperor's use The chief Trade which the Inhabitants follow is the dealing in Salt for in the East of this County near the Sea are many Salt-pits The eighth being Hoaiganfu Confines in the East upon the Sea in the South with the River Hoai in the South-West and West with Fungyangfu and Sucheufu and in the North with the Province of Xantung The whole Tract of Land is cut through with Rivers and Lakes It contains ten Towns Hoaigan the chief Cingho Gantung Taoyven Moyang Hai Canyu Pi Souven and Ciuning Hai and Pi are great Cities In the time of the Emperor Yu this County belong'd to that of Iancheu under the Government Ten and belong'd first to King V. afterwards to Iue then to Cu. In the time of the Family Hun the City Hoaigan was onely a small Town call'd Hoaiyu afterwards Han call'd her Linhoan but the present Name and Title the House of Sung gave her This City lying on the Eastern Shore of the digg'd Channel is divided into two Parts a Southern and a Northern yet both inclos'd in one Wall of which the South side bears the Name of Hoaigan and the North of Yeuching The one side is enlarg'd with a Suburb which extends in length along the Banks of the Channel a German Mile out of which they enter into the Yellow River In the Suburb are two Custom-houses in the one the Customs for Goods are paid and in the other for Ships according to their Burthen all which Money is kept and bestow'd upon the repairing of their Sluces in the Channel against the force of the Water for to the Northward of this City are three Water-falls yet nevertheless a great part of it goes to the Emperor's Treasury In this City the Vice-Roy being the Emperor's Purveyor hath his Residence who Commands with arbitrary Power over the seven Southern Provinces The ninth Lucheufu borders in the North at Fungyangfu in the East at Hocheufu and the River Kiang in the South at Gankingfu and in the West at the Province of Huquang and Honan It contains eight Cities Lucheu the chief the rest Xuching Lukiang Vuguei Cao Logan Iugran Hoxan most of them lying on the Shore of the famous Lake Cao Vuguei and Logan are the biggest In ancient Times this Countrey stood like the former subject to the Family Cheu under whom it became an intire Kingdom and nam'd Lucu but soon after was taken from them by the Kings Cu. In the time of the Family Han it was with its chief City call'd Lukiang but the present Name given by the Emperor Sui Near the small City Logan are two stately Temples and a large Bridge The tenth County Gankingfu borders in the North at Lucheufu in the East and South-East at the River Kiang in the West and North-West at the Province of Huquang This Countrey contains six Towns viz. Ganking Tunchiang Cienxan Taihu Sosung Vangkiang was formerly call'd Von and subdu'd by King Cu after which the Family of Tang nam'd it Sucheu that of Sung Ganking The City Ganking stands situate on the Eastern Shore of the River Ganking and for Wealth and Trade compares with the famousest Cities in this Province for all that comes out of the other County to go to Nanking comes first hither Because this Tract of Land joyns the three Provinces Kiangsi Huquang and Nanking and lies well for any Warlike Undertaking it hath a Vice-Roy who maintains a strong Garison in the Castle Haimusen for a defence of the Lake Poyang and the River Kiang The Family Tang caus'd an Iron Pillar to be erected there of three Rods high and of a proportionable thickness Anvil'd out of an intire Piece The eleventh Shire being Taipingfu is surrounded with the River Kiang or rather lies between two of her Branches and moreover verges in the East with a part of the Lake Tanyang where it borders with the County of Kiangning This County belong'd formerly to the Kingdom of V. afterwards to Iue next to Cu but was at last by the Family of Cyn reduc'd under that of Chang. The House of Han call'd it Tanyang Tang Nanyu Sung first nam'd it Pingnan and lastly Taiping which Name it retains to this day It contains three Cities viz. Taiping Vehu and Fachang of which Vehu the biggest and richest hath also a Custom-house and lies on an Island between the two Arms of the River Kiang which afterwards joyn together at the City of Nanking The twelfth being Ningquefu borders in the North at the River Kiang in the East at Quanghefu in the South at Hoecheufu and in the West at Chicheufu It is a mountainous Countrey and contains six Towns viz. Ningque the Great and Ningque the Less King Taiping Cingte Nanling The chief City Ninque lies on the Eastern Shore of the River Von Within her Walls are pleasant Hills Warrens magnificent Buildings and abundance of Chesnut and Pear-trees Neaâ—… the little City King stands a fair Chappel in the Chinese Tongue call'd Hiangsi that is A sweet smelling Hart and is Dedicated to five Maidens which when they were taken by Pyrats
Gardens Rivers Springs and Lakes that are in and about them In the observation and chusing of Mountains they are no less curious than superstitious imagining that in them all their happiness and prosperity consists because the Dragon whom they account the chief Instrument of their felicity resides in a Mountain But of this their Mountainous Superstition a more particular account may be seen in Father Martin's Preface to the History of China FIve Leagues Northward from the Metropolis Peking is a Mountain call'd Thienxen wherein the Tombs of divers Chinese Emperors are very richly and magnificently built On the South-West side of the City is a Mountain call'd Iociven crown'd with most stately Palaces belonging to the Tartarian Family of Iven Here the Tartar Emperors us'd to retire to shelter themselves from the excessive heat of the Sun in the Summer In the same County near the City Changpling is the Mountain Pefeu out of which run two Rivers which meet at the Village Feu In the same County not far from the City Pa is a Mountain nam'd Nan overgrown with a Wood of Canes twelve Furlongs in circumference in the midst of which is a noble Palace and not far from thence is that high and steep Mountain nam'd Puon having upon one of its tops a Stone which though of a huge bulk totters and shakes at the least touch the like whereof we have in a certain Cave in Derby-shire Near the City Iungjung is the Mountain Chinquon forty Furlongs about and on its South side a Hill call'd The Flower from the various colour'd Stones thereon Not far from the City Cunhoo is the Mountain Mingque so call'd from a Fire burning within it which seems to pierce it through in such a manner that looking in at a Hole on the right side there appears the form of a bright Half-Moon By the City Phingco are the Mountains Kie and Siuvu out of which they dig a sort of Coals that serve the Inhabitants for Fewel In the County wherein is the City Paoting near the City Huon is the Mountain Yki on which they say the Emperor Yau's Mother resided Hard by the City Hiung lies the Mountain Tahiung out of a Rocky part whereof springs a clear Fountain Near the City Ie is the Mountain Lungcie on which appears the foot-steps of a Dragon Not far from thence is a Valley call'd Tunglo which being surrounded with high Mountains onely one narrow Passage left is much resorted to as a very secure place in time of War The County wherein is the City Hokien hath few and little Mountains the onely remarkable one call'd Si is near the City Ching on the top whereof spreading it self into a large and fruitful Plain is built a pleasant Village In the County wherein is the City Chingting and near the City Cinking is a very high Mountain call'd Changuen upon whose top reaching above the Clouds is a very soveraign Spring and a stately Cloyster for Priests built by Queen Xayang in memory of a great Cure she receiv'd by drinking the Water of the fore-mention'd Spring Near the City Kioyang is another Hill out of which gusheth also a healing Fountain and whereon grow divers kinds of Physical Herbs By the City Ki are the Mountains Curi and Tiaopuon eminent for the Defeat which Hansini of Chinya received there Not far from the City Chanhoang is the Mountain Ulna so call'd from the Statues of five Horses Cut in yellow Stone over which the Family of Sung built a rich Chappel In the County of Xantefu near the City Xaho is a Mountain famous for its many Caverns it is call'd Tang that is Bath from a Fountain of warm Water thereon exceeding good against all kind of Scurf Near the City Nuikeu is the Mountain Pungcio producing divers Physical Drugs There is likewise the Mountain Cu that is Orphan because it rises onely with one top and stands distant from all others In the County Tamingfu near the City Chinfung lies the Mountain Cieu famous for the Emperor Kau's Tomb. Near the City Siun is the Mountain Feukieu having a Lake on the West-side which proceeded from the sinking of another City call'd also Siun Nor far from hence is likewise the steep and high Mountain Cukin In Iungpingfu on the South-East side of the City Iungping is the Mountain Sang of a dreadful heighth out of which spring many Brooks Near the City Hiengan is a Mountain call'd Lungciven and upon it a Spring whither the Chineses repair in dry Weather to Pray to the Dragon for Rain Eastward from the same City is that high Mountain nam'd Tu surrounded with pleasant Woods Near the Garrison Iungcheu is one nam'd Lungmuen that is to say Dragons Gate so call'd because the River Linhoang flows out of Tartary between those Mountains through the Great Wall into China Near the Garrison Xanghai are Mountains of a great heighth IN the County Taiyvenfu are many Mountains but none remarkable except the Mountain Kiecheu North-East from the City Taiyven Kiecheu signifies Tying of a Ship for it is Recorded that the Emperor Yu ty'd his Ship to this Mountain when he Sail'd up the Stream Fuen By the City Kioching is the Mountain Hukive out of which they dig abundance of the best sort of Iron to make Working-Tools of Near the City Pingting is the Mountain Cio eminent for a Chappel or Cloyster of Priests By the City Kafau is the Mountain Siue that is Mountain of Snow because it is always cover'd with Snow The Mountain Xeleu lying in the Jurisdiction of the City Chin is notable for its heighth in which some say it exceeds all besides In the County Pingyangfu near the City Siangling lies the great Mountain Golung which extends Northward by the Cities Fuensi and Fuensan and runs South to the Towns Kioyao and Yeching where it unites with the Mountain Ulao and stretches in a continu'd Ridge to the Province of Xensi and further Westward In the Mountain Kiao near the City Kioyao they say the Crown and other Imperial Ensigns of the ancient Emperor Hiangti lie bury'd Near the City Pu is the Mountain Xeuyang eminent for the Residence of two Philosophers of the Royal Extraction who chose rather to quit the Pomp of Empire and retire from the World than to attend upon the wicked Emperor Cheu Near it stands the Mountain Lie where the Emperor Xun extoll'd amongst the Chineses for his Pious Life follow'd Husbandry before he was advanc'd to the Crown This Mountain to this day produces neither Thorn nor Bramble nor any hurtful Plant and this they imagine to be an effect of the said Emperors Piety In the County Taitingfu near the City Henyven is a part of the Mountain Heng much resorted to for its rare Flowers and Physical Herbs but there is one Tree thought to be of great Vertue to which their Superstition will not suffer them to lay an Ax. Near the City So lies the Mountain Iueney so call'd from a belov'd Female
On Friday the eighteenth Van Campen went ashore with his Sloop and came to the South-west Point of the smallest Island at a Stone Cawsey along which he walked to a deserted Place wherehe saw many large Ruines of former Houses and under the jutting of a Hill several Towns besides two fair Temples and in them on a row many Chests with dead Corps standing against the Walls above the Ground There also were two Light-houses furnish'd with many Images sitting on Stools at a Table before which they burnt Offerings imploring indulgence to departed Souls The nineteenth Admiral Bort sent Philip Mew who had some smattering of the Chinese Tongue to the Fort of Minjazen three Leagues from Hoksieu to the Governor with Desire to permit them with Boats and two of the taken Jonks to Sail up the River for fresh Water for the Ships and to buy Provisions He brought Answer that they might go with all their Boats and Jonks and fetch as much Water as they pleas'd The twentieth and one and twentieth nothing hapned of any remark every Ship being busie to take in Water The two and twentieth being Tuesday five Mandarins with a considerable Train came in great Tartar Vessels Aboard the Naerden Frigat to the Admiral where they were welcom'd with the firing of Guns and three Vollies of small Shot Upon the Admiral 's Order the Naerden fir'd seven Zirickzee five Domburgh three and all the rest of the Ships two Guns apiece and three Vollies of small Shot more The Pilot of the Naerden Frigat carried in a Tartar Vessel aboard of the Vice-Admiral Van Campen who at that time being troubled with an Ague could not be at the Mandarins Entertainment in the Naerden one fat Calf five Hens five Ducks three Water-Lemons with a great Pot of Chinese Beer all sent as a Present to Van Campen from the Governors of Hoksieu and Minjazen The twenty fourth a Corporal with four Souldiers was sent ashore with a Flag to the Island being on the North side of the River with Command to go to the top of the Mountains and see if he could descry any Ships or Jonks if they saw Ships then they were to wave their Colours as many times as there were Vessels if Jonks betwixt every Flourish to fire a Gun In the Afternoon Ysbrant van Banke Commander of the Ankeveen who dy'd the Night before was Buried on the Island and Iacob Swaert put in his Place being the Pilot to the Vice-Admiral in the Zirickzee The twenty sixth and twenty seventh nothing of remark hapned The twenty eighth three Chinese Vessels came with three Mandarins from Hoksieu aboard the Naerden Frigat and brought a Letter from the Governor thereof and Commander of the Castle Minjazen The Contents consisted in many Complements with promise of Favors and all kindness from them both likewise a free Grant to go unmolested up the River and buy Necessaries for their Money for the Fleet and lastly wishing them a kind welcom into China by which it appear'd that the Tartars intended to joyn with the Netherland Forces The Letter being read several Guns were fir'd from the Naerden At Noon the three Mandarins taking their leave went away in the same Vessels whilst five Cannons were fir'd in honor to them and also three Vollies of small Shot they carry'd with them a Letter from the Admiral Bort written by the Chinese Interpreter Lakka to the Governors of Hoksieu with many civil Expressions of thankfulness The twenty ninth thirtieth and one and thirtieth nothing hapned of any note The first of September all Officers were commanded by the Admiral to Land their Soldiers on the middle Island and take up their Quarters in the best Houses of the ruin'd Town with Order that every Officer should furnish his Soldiers with all Necessaries for the Dressing of Meat and to give them double allowance on the Shore of Rice Pork Oyl Vinegar and Arak which daily occasion'd a murmuring amongst the Sea-men who said That they did the worst Work and hazarded their Lives as well as the Soldiers and therefore ought rather to have the greatest allowance The second being Saturday Auke Peters Commander of the Ter-Boede and Captain Constantine Nobell came back from Hoksieu whither they were sent by Order of the Admiral on the thirtieth of the last Moneth and brought with them to the Admiral in the Naerden five Cows thirty six Ducks five great Pears with some Pot-herbs The third being Sunday Vice-Admiral Van Campen went ashore in his Sloop where he saw divers Burying-places defaced by their own Soldiers who out of hope to find Gold Silver or Jewels buried within broke open the Chests and threw out the Corps which lay in all their Apparel as Caps on their Heads Coats Breeches and Shoes and in their full shape but as firm as a Mummy On the fourth fifth sixth and seventh days nothing hapned worthy of relation The eighth being Friday Iohn Melman with two Soldiers and three Tartars that came with the Fleet from Batavia besides the Chinese Interpreter and Secretary Lakka came back from Sinksieu through Hoksieu after a Journey of twenty four days accompanied with a Mandarin sent to the Admiral Bort with Letters from the Vice-Roy Singlamong and from the next Person to him the General Taysing Lipovy besides a Letter from a great Lord call'd Santing Houbethetok Governor of the great City Zwansyfoe in all which they express'd themselves in a handsom Style signifying the Hollanders kind welcome thither The two chief Commanders the Vice-Roy and General desir'd moreover that the Admiral would please to repair to them or some other he should Depute for they would be glad of some People of Quality to Confer with and likewise that they would be pleas'd to send the Letters from the Lord-General and Councel of Batavia by a special Envoy by Land to the Camp at Sinksieu that so they might better know by communicating their Intentions how to carry on the grand Affair and that they should in the interim leave the Presents for the Vice-Roy in their Ships till farther order and accordingly he Commission'd the Vice-Admiral Van Campen and Constantine Nobell yet their Letters did not so earnestly require it as the Interpreter Iohn Melman related to the Admiral with Commands to deliver the Lord-General and Indian Councels Letters to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and the Person next to him in State the General Taysing Lipovy and withall to Treat and conclude with them concerning the grand Affair This being concluded on they sent advice concerning it to the Governor of Hoksieu who return'd this Answer THe dispatching of the Vice-Admiral Iohn van Campen and Constantine Nobel with Letters from the Lord-General and Councel of Batavia to the Vice-Roy Singlamong and the next Person to him Taysing Lipovy will according to my Judgment come to a good issue but to joyn with You and make a League to go against Coxinga or his Adherents is beyond my Commission but I will
because they were desirous to see their Forces and Fleet mean while they would consult with the Provincials of Hoksieu and then give their Resolution by the Governor Whether the several Cargoes which they had in their Ships might not be sold in private Likewise the Interpreter being so commanded further told them That it had been better that their Admiral had staid in the River Hoksieu and not gone to Sea because he would effect little by so doing for along the Sea-Coast we have nothing but ruin'd Cities and Villages where some poor Fishermen with their Vessels and Nets with leave of the Governors live to maintain themselves because all the greatest Towns and Villages in those Parts were by the Emperors Order pull'd down to the Ground to prevent the sending of Provisions and Merchandise to the Islands Eymuy and Quemuy by which means Coxinga and his great Forces being much straightned he betook himself with all his Army and Jonks to Formosa and not onely won that but Tayowan also leaving onely some small Garrisons of Soldiers on those Isles yet if by the Treaty now on Foot a Peace be concluded the Hollanders may easily obtain it of us again Hereupon the Vice-Admiral Campen directed the Interpreter to tell the Vice-Roy That the Hollanders hoped that now would have been the onely time to enter into a League with the Great Cham of Tartary and Emperor of China that joyning their Forces they might reduce all under the Subjection of his Imperial Majesty Whereupon the Vice-Roy return'd That is done already and needs no more to be spoken of We are now at a Cessation of Arms with the Governors of the Islands but if the Emperor hath or will accept of the Peace We know not yet it hath proceeded thus far that young Coxinga and all his People will obey and submit themselves to the Emperor by shaving off their Hair except one Tuft and also become Tributaries onely they demand a peculiar Government and Garrisons for their own Soldiers which whether the Emperor will grant is much to be doubted However you must stay sixty or seventy days for an Answer from the Emperor at Peking viz. If you shall have a Free Trade granted through all China Which We suppose may be done But Van Campen order'd the Interpreter Lakka to tell the Vice-Roy and General That in Peking were many subtile Jesuits and Priests who bore great spleen to the Hollanders and sought to scandalize and make them seem odious to the Emperor because of their difference in Religion among themselves and likewise for the War maintain'd by the Hollanders against the two Mighty Kings of Spain and Portugal to whom these Jesuits and Priests were Confessors The Vice-Roy and General made answer That for the same Reason must the Tartars who under their Emperor the Great Cham of Tartary have by force of Arms subdu'd and taken the whole Empire of China be accounted a despicable People by the Jesuits because they had done the same thing with the Hollanders adding That the Hollanders were the welcomer to them in China and that they would look to the Priests and Jesuits somewhat better than they had done heretofore Thus ended the Discourse Then the Vice-Roy and General in the presence of many great Mandarins entertain'd the Agents and their Retinue who sate every one at a particular Table furnish'd with variety of Meat serv'd in Gold and Silver Dishes and being very merry drunk the Emperors and the Hollanders General Iohn Maetzuiker's Health The General likewise gave them each two Pieces of Chinese Silk Stuffs and one Silver Plate for which the Agents humbly return'd them both thanks and likewise for the Honor and Favor which they had been pleas'd to shew them The Plate given by the General to Van Campen was the biggest and thickest weighing above twenty Ounces and eight or nine Inches in Diameter The undermost or greatest part is quite round and neatly imprest in the middle with six gilded Chinese Letters the Edges about it embost with Flowers and gilt On the top for an Ornament was like a Handle a piece Scallop'd the Edges gilt and the middle wrought with Leaves and Flowers The other Plate being the Vice-Roys was much lighter weighing not above six Ounces very thin and no way so well gilded or flowr'd at the Edges but onely on the Handle having in the middle sixteen or seventeen Chinese Characters Besides these every one of the Attendants had a Silver Cognizance given them but much lesser and lighter than the other Upon the Hollanders first arrival the Vice-Roy sent a Letter to the Emperor informing him of their Intention and likewise another to the Admiral Bort whom he desir'd to stay for his coming because he was very desirous to see their Fleet and to that end for encouragement proffer'd to furnish them with Provisions at his own Charge But Bort being gone with the Fleet towards the North before the Vice-Roys Letter came to his Hands and the Vice Roy coming afterwards in vain it was resented very ill yet at last he seem'd pacified when told That it hapned through the mistake of not delivering the Letters in good time And now the Ambassadors having leave to return took their Farewel with many Ceremonies complemented by the Vice-Roy and General after the manner of the Tartars then wishing them a safe Return they commanded seven Mandarins to conduct them through the Army beyond all the Guards From whence they rode over a great Bridge into the City to their Lodgings The City Sinksieu lying eleven days Journey into the Countrey is cut through the middle by a River which takes its Original out of a Mountain about an Hours walk beyond the Fort Lantyn It stands inviron'd with a Stone Wall broad enough for a Cart and Horses to go upon and set full of long Poles pointed with a sharp Iron like a Scythe with which they can cut a Man asunder at one stroke The City hath handsom Streets pav'd with Free-stone high Buildings large Pagodes or Temples of blue Stone several Houses and Shops well furnish'd with all manner of Silks Pourcelan Linnen and other necessary Commodities All the Windows of the Houses were fill'd with Spectators and the Streets on both sides crowded with thousands of People who out of curiosity came to see the Hollanders many of whom as they pass'd by wish'd them all happiness and a prosperous Journey Being past through the City with all their Train which consisted in seventeen Hollanders about a hundred to carry their Baggage and fifty Horse and Foot sent by the Vice-Roy as their Guard and Convoy they rode in four days to Zwansifoe from whence in the Evening they came to a great Village nam'd Chinhoe where they were welcom'd by three Mandarins and conducted into a spacious Pagode wherein the Images sate on Stools and Tables being there kindly entertain'd and treated by the Priests The ninth the Ambassadors set forth very early out of Chinhoe and travelling all
day at night arriv'd at a strong Hold where they intended to take up their Lodging for that night but they were carried into a Mandarins House and accommodated very generously where amongst others they saw three Ladies one of whose Feet with Shoes and all were but six another five and a half and the third five Inches long occasion'd from the straight swadling of their Legs and Feet in their Infancy after the Chinese manner for Women with great Feet they account homely and those that have little Feet Beauties so that the bigger they are the lesser they strive to make their Feet The tenth setting forward again they travell'd by several ruin'd Villages They saw also nine strong Castles and many long hair'd Chineses Heads hanging in Baskets on Trees for all the Chineses of Coxinga's Party which refus'd to cut their Hair were when found by the Emperors Command decollated and their Heads hang'd up in that manner In the Evening they came to the City Tamwa where they were receiv'd by three Mandarins conducted to a great House like a Court of Guard and entertain'd with variety of Meats The Eleventh in the Morning they left Tamwa and proceeding on their Journey went through several other Villages and Fortifications in the afternoon coming to the Castle Tamhoe they retir'd thither to rest themselves because Constantine Nobel was much troubled with an Ague where the Governor entertaining them with variety of Dishes they made by several Presents a civil Return The twelfth they left Tamhoe and travell'd that day by five great Villages and many Garrisons and at Noon arriv'd at the City Zwansifoe where met by the Mandarins and conducted into an antient Building After a little stay they pass'd on to Santing Houbethetok his House a Man of great Quality and Governor of this City whom they proffer'd the Presents sent him by the Admiral Bort viz. A pair of Pistols five Dutch Ells of Scarlet and four Pieces of fine Linnen but because they seem'd to Van Campen and Nobel too little they added a Demy-castor five Dutch Knives three Rummers three Beer-glasses five Flasks of Brandy and five of Sack all which Santing Houbethetok receiv'd and caus'd to be brought to him by his Servants and having treated the Ambassadors very splendidly gave each of them two Chinese Rolls of Silk and a great Silver Medal whereon with Golden Letters his Name was engraven which was a Pasport signifying That whoever bore it were Persons of Quality and so to be look'd upon as no less than Lavyaes that is Lords or Fathers This done they began a long Discourse about the Dutch and Chinese Wars and also that of Coxinga Lastly they desir'd his Assistance in the procuring for them a Free Trade in China of which he seem'd no ways to doubt saying Were your Ships here hard by or in the River I would buy all your Commodities Having discours'd a little while and been plentifully feasted they took their leaves and rode to their Lodging where divers Mandarins out of curiosity came to visit and speak with them and bringing Fruit and Sweet-meats kept them company most part of the Night The thirteenth at day-break the Agents left Zwansifoe and travell'd until they reach'd Zwansehoo a Place of very considerable strength into which they were receiv'd by three Mandarins who gave them a very handsom Entertainment The fourteenth being Saturday they left Zwansehoo and going on all day came towards Evening to a well-guarded Place call'd Enwacho where they took their Repose that Night in a Temple in which they were nobly accommodated by the Priests On Munday Morning the sixteenth the Agents set forward again and that night reach'd the City Enwa into which being conducted by three great Mandarins they were brought into a great Wall'd Pagode wherein above fifty Chinese Priests having their abode gave them a welcome Reception Many Apartments were in this Pagode every one furnish'd with various Images which being as big as the Life sate cloth'd in rich Apparel on Stools round about Tables All the Priests offer'd Incense to these their Idols before whom also burnt many Lamps with taboring on a Drum and singing The next day the Vice-Admiral Van Campen presented the Priests with twenty Crowns of Silver Coin for which they return'd him many complemental Thanks after the Chinese manner The same day proceeding further on they pass'd a most delightful and rich Countrey which had not been wasted by the War but remain'd still in its full Glory Here they saw divers well-built and wall'd Villages and likewise many antient Structures and beautiful Tombs each of which had a convenient Entrance and within that an arched Passage leading to the Grave where they burnt Offerings to the Dead There were also Tombs on which lay great Turtles carv'd of blue Stone and others adorn'd with Columns and arch'd above In the Evening they arriv'd at Fort Lantongzwa standing on Mount Tishoo into which they were introduc'd by three Mandarins and conducted to the Governors House who entertain'd them nobly and had a long Discourse about the Dutch Tartar and Chinese War The eighteenth they began their Journey about Noon not able sooner to get Men to carry them and their Goods and travell'd towards the Evening through a great unwall'd Village where they were invited to a civil Treat by a grand Mandarin Here the Agents found five Chineses which a few days before were fled with a Jonk from Tayowan amongst which was one who smatter'd so much broken Dutch that Van Campen could understand when he told him That Coxinga and the General Bethekok two such Leaders that China afforded not the like being overpower'd and straightned by the Tartars both despairing ended their days in Tayowan where since hapned such a Famine that many died suffering by extremity of want At the Evening arriving at the City Hokzwa three Mandarins led them to a spacious House whereto all Governors when they travel about Publick Affairs are conducted for these Houses as we said before have many large Chambers furnish'd with good Beds and all manner of Furniture both for their Lodging and Diet with large Out-rooms for Servants and Stables for Horses The Governor of the Town sent the Agents good store of fresh Provisions After Supper many Grandees of the City and two Mandarins that came lately from Peking visited them who told them that all the News there was that the Peace between the Emperor and Coxinga would not be concluded because the Islanders of Eymuy and Quemuy would have their own Governors and Soldiers They also acquainted them of the sudden Death of Coxinga's Envoy in his Journey to Peking and that there was no News of sending another in his stead Thursday being the nineteenth a great Train of People rode through the City that came from Hoksieu and were going to Sinksieu to the Vice-Roy with Clothes and other Goods and also with News of his Wives Mothers Death which forc'd the Agents
the twelfth they saw two Jonks in the South-West seeming to steer towards Tinghay which Van Campen chasing endeavour'd to get to the Northwards but labour'd in vain because of contrary Winds and Tides at last he was forc'd near the Islands of Pakka which although pretty large yet are for the most part waste and untill'd and inhabited by none but Fishers and poor Rusticks Nevertheless there is good Harbor for Ships and Refreshments of Water and Provisions to be had The thirteenth being Munday Van Campen with the Ebb set Sail Northwards between the Islands Pakka in eighteen nineteen and twenty Fathom Water but came after the Tide spent to Anchor in thirteen Fathom Water under the Eastermost Island About Noon the Fleet weigh'd to get more towards the North and against the Evening Anchor'd in eight Fathom Water about half a League Nor-Eastand-by-East from the Eastermost Isle before Pakka The fourteenth Van Campen set Sail again with a Nor-Nor-East Wind in six seven and eight Fathom between the Isles of Pakka and about Noon forc'd by contrary Tides came to an Anchor in seven Fathom Towards Evening weighing again with the Ebb he let fall his Drag about midnight in eighteen Fathom gravelly Ground not far from the place where the Coast of China hath many high Mountains and broken Land yet behind them very pleasant and fertile Meadows and Rice-Fields The fifteenth setting Sail again he Anchor'd about Noon under an Isle in thirteen Fathom Water gravelly Ground about Cannon-shot from Shore whither he sent his Boat to see for Water From hence setting Sail he came into a Bay behind Campens Point so call'd from himself where he dropp'd Anchor in five Fathom Water there being a convenient Harbor and safe Retreat against hollow Seas and turbulent Winds On the North side of this Point lying in twenty six Degrees and fifty one Minutes Northern Latitude may be seen the Ruines of the City Tikyen or Tykin formerly a place of great Trade but lately destroy'd by the Tartars Here the Zierikzee's Boat was sent ashore with the Pilot Auke Pieters and thirteen Men to fetch Water Near the Shore between the Mountains appear'd a pleasant Valley flourishing with Rice Carrots and all manner of Fruit. You may freely without fear or danger sail between the main Coast and these Isles yet not without some care because divers Shoals lie near the Coast. The eighteenth being Saturday Van Campen set Sail with his Squadron the Wind Nor-Nor-East and laveering it between Campens Point and the foremention'd Isles between seven and thirteen Fathom Water gravelly Ground they discover'd the old Zajer Isle East-Nor-East four or five Leagues distant in twenty seven Degrees and fifteen Minutes Northern Latitude and about Noon came to an Anchor in ten Fathom Water gravelly Ground In the Night setting Sail again they ran the next day about Noon behind Campens Bay where they were forc'd to lie till Friday the twenty fourth by contrary Winds Tides and Calms Towards Night the Finch came also to an Anchor there Friday the twenty fourth the Ships went to Sea together and with a Nor-Nor-East Wind endeavor'd to sail Easterly but being driven back by the Tide they came to an Anchor in eight Fathom and had the North Point of the Island with Brests South-West and the old Zajer East and by North. At Night in the second Watch when the Tide was almost spent they weigh'd Anchor again and the next Evening rode in eight Fathom Water having the Chinese City Samzwa Nor-East and by East and the Isle Old Zayer Sou-Sou-East and Sou-East and by South and the Isle with Breasts Sou-Sou-West The City Samzwa seated on the hanging of a Mountain and planted round about with high Trees was ruin'd by the Tartars It boasts a safe Harbor for Ships to defend them from the Southern and Northern stormy Seasons The Hollanders going ashore here found one Pagode or Temple with divers Images about fifteen Leagues from Tinghay The twenty seventh the Point of Samzwa bearing Westward two Leagues from them they descry'd a white Cliff in the Sea about three Leagues from the Shore and three Isles in the East-Nor-East and by Observation found themselves at Noon to be in twenty seven Degrees and thirty nine Minutes Northern Latitude In the Evening Van Campen came to an Anchor with the Ankeveen Frigat in eleven Fathom Water gravelly Ground but the High-land and Meliskerk Frigats with the Loenen and Finch went behind the Isle of Good Hope Van Campen in the Night the Tide favoring him set Sail again and was follow'd by the Ankeveen Frigat onely the other four lying still behind the Isle without making the Reason thereof known The next day forc'd by Storm to come to an Anchor again in ten Fathom Water he was driven from two Anchors towards the seven Rocks a little Southward of Zwatia not without great danger of Shipwrack The City Zwatia lying in the mouth of a River near the Sea and also ruin'd by the Tartars is inhabited by mean and poor People which are very slow in rebuilding the same Opposite to the Nor-West side of the River lies a Village call'd Zwatho whither most of the Citizens fled it being not laid waste by the Tartars The first of Ianuary Van Campen concluded upon Advice of the Ships Council by force of a Storm out of the Nor-East and by East to set Sail again to get from the Shore so that he drove down Sou-West and by South to Brest-Island and in the afternoon came to an Anchor in the Bay behind Campens Point in nine Fathom The other Frigats and the Finch lay still at Anchor contrary to their Orders The third the Ankeveen Frigat commanded by Iacob Swart having been busied about getting his Anchors aboard came and rode by the Vice-Admiral The fourth in the afternoon they spied in the Sou-Sou-West between seventy and eighty Fisher-Jonks and other Vessels standing towards the North which they let all pass About the evening they stood to and again yet were got out of sight next Morning on which the Captain Auke Pieters was commanded to go ashore with fifty Men to gather Sallad-herbs and Potatoes to refresh their People The sixth in the Evening the four other Ships came to an Anchor near Van Campen having before lain behind the Isles Northward of the River Zwatia The eighth in the Morning they spied six Jonks fishing in the Sou-East and by East behind the Breast-Isle and in the afternoon two Ships in the Sou-East in the Bay of Pakka and also heard the Report of several Cannon shot from thence whereupon a Council being call'd Harmans Symonsz Commander of the High land Frigat was sent thither with Order That when he came to them he should fire five Guns one after another if he needed Van Campen's Assistance if not to fire none but come back to the Fleet. Against the Evening the High-land Frigat came to an Anchor South-West and by South three Leagues
having but one Man kill'd and about sixteen wounded The Hollanders were now fully satisfi'd of the Tartars cowardise for that with their whole Fleet which was four times as strong as the Enemy's they durst not Engage with seven or eight Jonks but fled as we said for safeguard under the Netherlanders Guns leaving their Admiral Bethetok and the General Iantetok which last was kill'd whereas the Enemy when he came near the great Ships defended himself with Bowes and Arrows and Darts which in great abundance they shot and threw into the Sails and likewise with small Shot and fiery Darts yet did little damage In the Evening the Interpreter Melman was sent aboard Tonganpek to enquire how it hapned that his Men had not defended themselves better whereto he made this Answer That a sudden fear had surpris'd them but desir'd him that he should be pleas'd at the rising of the Moon to Sail between the Isle of Goutsoe and the other small Isles thereabouts to Eymuy where he would meet him The twentieth two hours before Day the Admiral with his whole Fleet set Sail for Eymuy and Rowing along to the Southward so passing by Goutsoe not far from whence they spy'd Coxin'gas Fleet whereupon the Hollanders made up towards them as they on the other side did towards the Tartar Jonks and about ten of the Clock came into the Channel between the Westermost Island of Toata and the Northern or third of Goutsoe but the Hollanders because the Current was against them in that Straight spent two hours in approaching the Enemy by which time they had Engag'd the Tartars but at the Hollanders coming in they quitted their Design and shifted for their safety which though the Hollanders had them as in a Pound that either they must be taken sunk or run ashore they perform'd with such activity skill and courage that they broke through the midst of them running their low-built Vessels close under their Guns so fighting their Way that of a hundred and eighty Ships of War three onely were taken the rest all entring with small damage into Quemuy and Goutsoe Lipovi greedy to hear of the Success came down the River Chinchieu and sent a Batsiang or Messenger aboard the Admiral to know the news and advise concerning the Landing of the Tartar Horse at Eymuy to all which he return'd an Answer in Writing by the same Batsiang relating at large the whole circumstances of the Battel In the afternoon the Netherlanders saw four Chinese Jonks coming from Quemuy which designed passing by them to go to the Tartars but they were prevented in their Course by the Guns and forc'd to Anchor near the Ships of which the Commanders that lay nearest went aboard and according to the Admirals Order brought them into the middle of the Fleet who being examin'd by the Commanders told the Admiral That they had onely six Families aboard and Provisions for their Voyage Whereupon he declar'd the Jonks to be free Prize and gave all what was in them to be distributed amongst the Sea-men Notwithstanding some Tartar Mandarins came to intreat the Admiral to let them be discharg'd alledging that they had an Invitation by Letter from Geitonkok Governor of Chinchieu to make an escape over to them but he having a Letter from Soanghieu to spare none upon any pretence but to make all Prize and Prisoners made seizure sending two of them and keeping the other two for himself But Lipovi not long after sent another Letter to the Admiral acknowledging that though he desir'd to be inform'd from his Excellency yet he had seen the Fight though at great distance from a Hill and acknowledg'd the honor of the Victory belong'd only to his Ships His Letter Translated was to this effect Lipovi Chief Commander and General of the Tartar Forces in the Territory of Fokien and Admiral of the Fleet before Eymuy by this Letter sends kind Salutations to his Excellency the Admiral of the Hollanders THe one and twentieth in the Morning from a Mountain I saw the coming of your Ships and with joy beheld the driving away of the Pyrates Jonks with the Thunder of your Cannon Now I see the integrity of your Nation and that you mean as you say and perform what you promise I will not be negligent with the first opportunity to signifie to my Master the good Service which you have done to his Imperial Majesty and how bravely you have behav'd your selves in the Fight routing yours and our Enemies Soanghieu's Supplies will be ready to joyn with us to morrow What I have more to write I hope ere long Sir to deliver by word of Mouth To which the Admiral return'd in brief That he was much rejoyced that he was pleas'd to present their Business to the Emperor with such favor that he should be the better prepar'd to requite their good Service With Lipovi's Letter Bort also receiv'd one from Admiral Sitetok who sent him four fed Oxen which he had taken in Eymuy The same day the Rere-Admiral brought Iohn Ianz one of the Dutch Prisoners aboard the Admiral who had written the two fore-mention'd Letters and was come in a Champan with four Chineses aboard the Rere-Admiral the day of the Fight having on purpose misconstrued the Admiral 's Letter to the Chineses desire as if he had granted what was but in Proposal viz. That the Netherlanders would Charge their Guns onely with Powder and that he must go in Person to acquaint the Rere-Admiral with the Design By which means he got his Liberty and the rest were taken Prisoners Mean while the Enemy being dispatch'd at Sea the Tartars under Lipovi having Landed their Horse which put the People under great consternation they suddenly took the City of Eymuy by Storm slaughtering the Inhabitants and plundering their Houses The same day a Mandarin came with a Letter from the General to the Admiral expressing his joy for having taken the City Eymuy and desiring that on the Morrow he would be pleas'd to favor him so much as to come thither and speak with him The Admiral congratulated his Victory but excus'd himself as to waiting upon him because of the distance of the Place The one and twentieth he receiv'd Missives from Tonganpek to this effect TWo days since I saw with great admiration how valiantly your Ships behav'd themselves in the Engagement against the Enemy which will so amaze the Pyrate himself that he will never dare to look you in the Face I for my particular part humbly thank you for such kind Service in dissipating the Enemy About three days since I sent you the Vice-Roy's Order wherein he commands us to Sail with all our Fleet to Eymuy but being on my Way thither I was by another Order detain'd at Liutien Now in regard his intentions are to come in Person to Eymuy I humbly desire you according to his Request that you will please to send five of your Ships to Liutien and with the other ten lie at
belong to the Emperor of China but to certain Free Lords which they call'd the Min. The first that joyn'd it to the Empire of China was the chief of the Family Cheu yet the Inhabitants soon shook off that Yoke and kept themselves free till the fortunate and valiant Emperor Hiaou of the Family of Han reduced and added it to China with all the Southern Territories setling them in Peace and placed a Vice-Roy over it call'd Veuching who kept his Court in the Metropolis thereof Cyn the first King thereof call'd the chief City and the Tract of Land thereto belonging Cyngan the next King Sui nam'd the Countrey Mencheu but the Tangs of another Line Kiencheu and not long after Focheu which Name the Taimingian Race kept ever since This Countrey Focheufu contains eight Cities Focheu the Metropolis and chief of all the Countrey otherwise call'd Hoksieu or Hokzieuw Cutien Mincing Changlo Lienkiang Loquen Iangfo Focing The City Focheu by Paulus Venetus call'd Fugui lieth about fifteen Leagues Westerly from the Sea on the Southern Shore of the River Min which with a wide Mouth falls Easterly into the Sea and brings both great and small Vessels up to the City Walls The convenience of this River makes the Town very populous and of great Trade It is adorn'd with fair Buildings and hath large Suburbs call'd Nantai otherwise according to the pronunciation of the Inhabitants Lamthay for those in Fokien use in stead of N the Letter L. and often say Lamking in stead of Nanking There are also many Idol Temples Cross the Bay near Nantai lies a Stone Bridge a hundred and fifty Rods long and one and a half broad built all of white Free-stone resting on a hundred very high Arches on the top of each side are Rails and Benches adorn'd at an equal distance with Lyons neatly cut of Stone Next this Bridge at the South end stands a fair and large Pagode or Temple Another Bridge not unlike this being a hundred Rods long may be seen at the City Focing And many more are without and within the Walls of the chiefest Cities Three Leagues from Focheu stands a Temple call'd Kouzan the largest of all in the Nether Provinces The second Division Civencheufu borders from the East to the South-east and so to the South upon the Sea and from the South-west to the West touches Chancheufu and on the North verges with Ienpingfu This Countrey formerly belong'd to the Princes Min and hath seven Cities Civencheu the chief Nangan Hocigan Tehoa Ganki Tunygan and Iungehung The City Civencheu lies near the Sea in a delightful Plain and admits by a large Bay the greatest Ships to Ride close under the Walls not onely on one but both sides of the City for it is built on a Promontory encompass'd with Water except on the North and South-east sides On the opposite Shore are many populous and Trading Towns and chiefly on a Place towards the North-west call'd Loyang which may rather be look'd upon as great Cities There also is a Bridge which hath the same denomination with the Town the whole World not shewing the like for it consists of a black Stone like Touch-stone not supported with Arches but above three hundred square Columns sharp above Bridge and below the better to break the impetuous egress and regress of the Current These Pillars are Capp'd to walk upon with five Stones of an exact breadth each eighteen Paces long and two broad which successively touch one another at either Foot of the Bridge of which there are to the number of a hundred and forty it is certainly a Miracle of Workmanship not onely for its great number of Stones of such a bigness that rest on those Columns but most of all where so many large and equal Stones could be had on each side to make the Passage the safer are Rails of the same Stones adorn'd with Lyons standing on Pedestals and other Imagery It is worth our observation what is written of one part of this Bridge that is between a Village call'd Loyan and a Castle built on the Bridge for beyond the Village reaches another part not much less than the former and of one make A Chinese Writer saith thus concerning it This part of the Bridge Loyang and also call'd Vangan lying on the North-west side of the City cross the River Loyang was built by a Governor call'd Cayang it extends in length to about three hundred and sixty Rods and in breadth one and a half Before this Bridge was built they cross'd the River in Boats but because every year many Vessels were by Storm cast away Cayang resolv'd for the safety of Passengers to build a Bridge but seeing such a great piece of Work to be too much for Mankind to undertake and also the Water too deep to lay a Foundation in it he invok'd the Gods of the Sea as he says for some time to stop the Current of the Water which if you will believe he obtain'd After the Essluxes were stay'd and no Tydes swelling the River in one and twenty days the Foundation was laid and forty hundred thousand Tail spent in the building of it The third Province call'd Chancheufu being the most Southern of all this Territory borders in the North-East and East with Civenchufu on the East South-East and South with the Sea on the South-West touches the Countrey of Quantung on the West and North-West and North at Tingcheufu It contains ten Cities of which Chancheu is the chiefest the rest are Changpu Lugnien Nancing Changtai Changping Pingho Chaogang Huicing and Ningyang The Name of Chancheu was first given to this Metropolis and Countrey by the Family of the Tang from the River Chang on whose Western Shore situate and was then allow'd the priviledge of a small City but the Iuem made her afterwards a Metropolis and at the same time built the small City Nancing from whence Father Martin concludes that then all these Places were much frequented by Navigators and that Paulus Venetus his Zerte must needs be thereabouts On the South-side where the River also washes the City is a large Bridge of Hew'n-stone with thirty six high Arches and so broad that on each side are divers Tradesmen and Artificers Shops in which they sell every day all manner of rich and foreign Commodities which are brought thither from Hiamuen The fourth call'd Kienningfu a very wide and spacious piece of Land borders on the North and North-East upon Chekiang on the East with Foningfu on the South at Focheufu and Ienpingfu on the West at Xaonufu on the North West and North upon Kiangsi This Division belong'd antiently to the Princes Min after which the Family Tang gave it the Name of Kiencheu and Sung another Race that which it hath at present Here are seven Towns whereof Kienning is the chiefest the rest are Cungan Puchiang Chingo Sunghi and Xeuning The City Kienning lying on the Eastern Shore of the
The second County call'd Kiahingfu every where water'd with Rivers and Lakes borders in the East upon the Sea in the South upon a part of the Ocean and part of Hangcheufu Westward at Hucheufu and in the North at Sucheufu and Sungkiangfu the Territory of Nanking and a part of the Lake call'd Tai. This Shire contains six Cities viz. Kiahing Kiaxeny Hayeni Pinghu Cungte and Tungchiang The Metropolis Kiahing was formerly a small City and subject to Sucheu but growing in Riches and Greatness in the Reign of the Taimingian Family it was made the Head City or Metropolis and chang'd its former Name Siucheu to Kiahing The City Kiahang being the most Northern of the whole Province lies as if it were Moated about with Rivulets of Water full of stately and well built Structures flourishing with variety of its own Product having in all Places Riches and Plenty All the Streets of the City are Arch'd under which they walk as in a Piatzo or Exchange free from Wind and Weather and sheltred from Sun and Rain Without the City are several Triumphal Arches erected and on the West side near the River in one peculiar Place which they Sail by with their Ships or Vessels stand sixteen of these Arches in a Square all built of Marble Athwart the River stands a Bridge of Marble with many Arches seventy Paces long and likewise a Tower thrusting forth towards the Skye nine Pinacles or Spires All the Shores without the City are wharfed with square Free-stone of which also the lesser Bridges are made that lead over them There are forty more fair Bridges leading to several parts of the City besides a great many less scarce to be numbred The third County being Hucheufu borders in the East with Kiahingfu in the South upon Hangcheufu in the West verges the Province of Nanking in the North at the Lake Tai. This was formerly a Kingdom of it self and nominated Tung which first was possess'd by King V. and afterwards by Ine then by Cu. The Family Cyn gave this County and its Head City the Name of Uching that of Tang call'd it Hucheu that is The City of the Lake because of the neighboring Lake Tai for Hu signifies a Lake and Cheu a City the Royal Line of Sung nam'd it Chaoking but the Taimingian Family restor'd the old Name Hucheu Here are five Temples the chiefest of which stands within the City Walls they were founded in honor of the five first Emperors This Division contains six Cities viz. Hucheu Changhing Tecing Hiaosung Unkang and Gankie Hucheu is not onely the chief but reckon'd one of the biggest and flourishes in Trade and Riches It is adorn'd with many beautiful and large Buildings The fourth Niencheufu is a mountainous and rough Countrey and borders Eastward on the River Chee South at Kincheufu the West on Nanking and the North on Hancheufu It was formerly call'd Suntu next by the Family of Han Lecheu and lastly by that of Sung Niencheufu It contains six Cities Niencheu Xungan Tungliu Suigan Xeuchang and Fuentui The Metropolis Niencheu stands upon a rising Ground between the Singan and Chee which two Navigable Rivers before the Walls conjoyn their Waters The fifth Kinhoafu touches North and East upon Xaohingfu and Taicheâ—…fu in the South upon Chucheâ—…fu in the West conterminates with Kincheufu and the remainder bounded by the River Chee King Loang call'd this with its Metropolis first by the Name of Kinhoa that is Venus Flower for the Chineses say that the Goddess Venus striving here with another which they call Vuniu that is a Masculine Woman and the same which the Poets call Pallas a Flower which obtaining they styl'd her Kingsing that is Golden Star and the City receiv'd the Name of Kinhoa that is Venus Flower This City Kinhoa was formerly very populous and full of well built Edifices but in the late Tartar War in which they held out a considerable time was in a manner buried in Ruines yet nevertheless it is almost re-erected and especially one Stone Bridge on the West side hath obtain'd its former lustre This County hath eight Cities Kinhoa Lanki Tungagang Yui Iungkang Vuy Pukiang and Tanki Near the small City Lanki you may see another Bridge over the Chee some few years since re-built and now much better than the former burnt by the Tartars The sixth call'd Kincheufu being the most Southern of all this Province borders in the East at Kinhoafu in the South-East at Chincheufu in the South-West upon Fokien in the West on that of Nanking and in the North at Niencheufu In the time of the Kings Reigns this Province with the two former suffer'd divers great Changes and Alterations the Family Cyn after they had taken all China call'd its Metropolis Taimo Han nam'd it Singuan and the Family Tang gave it the Name which it now hath It contains five Cities viz. Kincheu Lungyeu Changxan Kiangzan and Kaihoa The City Kincheu lies on the Eastern Shore of the River Changyo three days Journey from Fokien between steep and troublesom Mountains to pass over Paulus Venetus calls this City Kugui according to the Tartar pronunciation with whom he travell'd in an Embassy thither who in stead of Cheu say Gui both Words signifying Great City wherefore Paulus may easily have made Kugui to be Kuicheu The seventh Division or Shire Chucheufu inviron'd with several high Mountains borders in the East at Veucheufu in the South-West at Fokien in the North-West at Kuicheufu in the North upon the County Kinhaofu In the time of the Kings this Countrey was also subject to various Revolutions and strange Alterations The Family Tang gave it the Name of Hocheu the Taimingian that of Chucheu This Chucheufu contains ten Cities of which Cheucheu is the Metropolis the rest are Cingtien Ciniquun Sungyang Sunchang Lunguven Kingyven Iunko Sivenping and Kingning besides three famous Temples The City of Chincheu which is very populous lieth upon the River Tung which falls into the Sea and able to carry Ships of good burthen The eighth Tract of Land being Xaohingfu borders in the East with Ningpofu North upon the River Cientang in the West at that of Chee and opposite to Hangcheufu in the South at Kinhoafu and Taicheufu The Family Sung first gave this Countrey the present Name Xoahing but it was formerly by the Family Tang call'd Iucheu It reckons seven Cities Xaohing Siaoxan Chuki Yuyae Xangyu Xing Sinchang The City of Xoahing though not so big yet in handsom Buildings exceeds the Metropolis being seated in a pleasant Plain Moated with fresh Water very much resembling Venice the Water gliding through every Street which are all curiously Pav'd and the Walls of the Houses all built of Free-Stone which in China is very rare and scarce to be seen in any other Place in the whole Empire The Bridges also over which they pass the River and Lake are all built in the same manner being very numerous The Banks of the River
which extends it self to three days Journey are on each side wharf'd and wall'd in with Stone of the Quarre at the end of which appears a great Dam that receives and keeps the Waters which swelling to a convenient heighth Vessels that come thither are with little help floated over into another Stream This Current serves onely to bring small Vessels up to the City Ningpo for the great ones go about by Sea Near this City are also many Triumphal Arches for building of which they have ready accommodation because the Quarres that serve all China are close by their Doors The ninth Division call'd Ningpofu borders in the East with the Sea in the West with Xaochingfu South upon a River flowing between this and the County Tancheufu The Kings Iue gave this and its Metropolis the Name of Iungtung the Family of Yang Nungcheu those of Sung Kingchyven but at last by the Taimingian Ningpo that is Reconciler of Strife The Kings of Han brought this Countrey under the Territory of Huiki Ningpofu hath five Cities viz Ningpo Cuki Funghoa Finghai and Siangxan Not far from Ningpo lies a Promontory which the Portuguese formerly very much frequented who corrupted the Name to Liampo Some say that from this Point in serene Weather they can discern the Mountains of Iapan whereas the most exact Chinese Cards or Maps make the Sea much broader than to discover any such Prospect The Metropolis Ningpo situated close by the River In boasts store of handsom Buildings On whose Eastern Shore stand several Triumphal Arches and two Steeples with seven Galleries one over another The Banks of the said River are all rais'd of Free-Stone at the end the Water is also stopp'd with a Stone Dam over which they hale the Vessels into a larger Channel In the little City Cuky are two Bridges one with Stone Supporters and great Pieces of Timber three hundred Rods long another which is very high and all of Stone stands on three Arches The tenth County call'd Taicheufu being a great Tract of Land verges Eastward with the Sea Southward with Vencheufu Westward with Kinhoafâ—… Northward with Xaohingfu and Ningpofu In the time of the Kings this Countrey belong'd to V. afterwards to Iue but was at last by the Family Cyn brought under the Territory of Minching The Family Han gave it the Name of Changan Tang of Haicheu and soon after that of Taicheu which it retains to this day This Countrey comprehends six Cities viz. Taicheu Hoanguien Tientai Cienkiu Ninghai Taiping This City Taicheu is situate on a Hill lying on the East side of the River San. The eleventh call'd Veucheufu conterminates in the East at the Sea in the South with the Territory of Fokien in the West at Cucheufu in the North at Taicheufu This Countrey is for the most part very mountainous but hath in the South before you approach the Hills of Fokien a large and spacious Plain Formerly this Countrey belong'd to the Kings of Iue afterwards to those of V. King Loang gave it the Name of Iungkia and was by the House of Tang first call'd Tunkia and soon after Voucheu by Sung Xuigan and lastly by the Taimingian Veucheu This Province Veucheu possesses six Cities viz. Veucheu Xuigan Locing Ping Yang and Taixium The City of Veucheu seated on the River Iungkia because it is also like the Metropolis Hangcheu standing on a Morass Soil and adorn'd with many fair Edifices is by the Inhabitants call'd Little Hancheu The City is very populous and a Residence for many Merchants whose Ships find good and safe Harbors in the great River Iungkia the Sea ebbing and flowing up to the City Walls Near the Sea-shore in this Territory are fifteen Garisons built against the Incursions of the Iapanners and safeguard of the Sea viz. in Veucheufu Nan Ningtung Sining Huigan Tunchi Cumen Puohin Xetic in Taicheufu Sinho Cioki Ninghai in Ningpofu onely Tinghai in Kiahinfu Hiacing Kinexan and Chincam Several Isles neighbor this Countrey inhabited by Husband-men and Fisher-men of which Cheuxan is the greatest the next are Chanque Chaopao besides several other lesser Cheuxan lies directly East from the Metropolis Hancheu opposite to the River Cientang in thirty one and thirty two Degrees Northern Latitude thirteen Leagues from the Main Land and hath in length from North to South sixteen and in breadth eight Leagues When antiently the Chinese King Lui worsted by the Tartars and flying with his scatter'd Forces to this Isle from all Parts many of the Chineses flock'd thither so that ever since what was before inconsiderable hath been a populous and well planted Isle for they number in this small Isle above seventy Towns and Villages most of them verging the Sea in such Places where Inlets and Bays make convenient Harbors neither wants their King a considerable Fleet which keep his Coast safe from the Incursions and Landing of the Tartars Horse wherein they are most formidable And the Tartars as much in awe of the Islanders keep continual Guard in the Fort of Tinghay rais'd on the Main Land with a Fleet of Crusing Chineses Before the Province Taicheufu near the Garison Cioki lies an Island call'd Ychoan which is Precious Circle so call'd for its convenient Havens the whole being in a manner so surrounded with Mountains it breaks off all Winds leaving onely a Gap or Entrance for Ships to come in at The whole Province of Chekiang is every where cut through with Rivers Rivulets and murmuring Streams some brought in by Art others of their own accord Most of the Channels of those Rivers which run Southward fall in such order as if Nature on purpose had contriv'd their Course so that the Traveller may pass through the whole Territory either by Land or Water which way he will still supply'd with all conveniencies The River Che from whence this Countrey hath its Name runs from the South to the North and divides it exactly in the middle in an Eastern and Western Canton but it changeth its Name at Hangcheu and there is call'd Cientang and again where it takes its original out of the Mountains in the Province Hoeicheufu they name it Singan The eighteenth day of the eighth Moon which is our October a prodigigious Spring-tyde happens worthy of admiration for it is onely on that day and begins to flow exactly at four a Clock in the Afternoon and comes with a Head at the first appearance high and strangely mounted above the Waters and suddenly turns Topsi-turvy what ever either by neglect or carelesness lies in the Way roaring extremely in his ascent beyond the loud murmur of Cataracts or Water-breaches to which as a wonderful spectacle where they have secure places the Magistrates Strangers and a great number of People resort to see though horrid the annual Spectacle The River Ho takes its Original near Cinijuw the third substitute City to the seventh Province Chucheufu and from thence follows by the Metropolis Kuihoa
else is permitted and the other stands empty for their Deity who they say sits therein and receives the Offering Without the Temple stand many Altars of Red Marble which represent the Moon Sun Hills and Floods and according to the Chineses Relations all these Altars are plac'd without the Temple that none might worship them but that every one should know they are of the same Structure which the Emperor worships in the Temple Round about are several Chambers or rather Cells which formerly as they say were us'd as Bannia's in which the Emperor when he went to Offer Bath'd himself with his Attendants To this Temple and to the Emperor's Tombs lead very broad Ways on each side planted with five Rows of Pine-trees at equal distance and in a direct Line from which none might break a Bough on pain of death All these Buildings were ruin'd in the late Tartar Wars the Trees pluck'd up the Tombs defac'd and the Temples and Palaces utterly laid waste The County of Fungiangfu a great Tract of Land gives Limits in the East and North-East to Hoaiganfu in the East to the Lake Piexe and Chucheufu in the South and South-West to Hocheufu and Lucheufu in the West to the Territory of Honan This pleasant and fruitful Countrey vein'd by several great Rivers is famous because two of her Natives of mean Extract were rais'd to the highest degree of Honor the first call'd Lieupang bred among the scum of the Commonalty nay among Robbers and Rebels subdu'd the Imperial Family Cyn and rais'd that of Han. The second being Humvu or Chu was a mean Priests Son who at first turning Robber soon after the expulsion of the Tartars got into the Throne and establish'd the Crown on the Taimingian Family The Emperor Yu also did not a little enrich this Countrey when by his Predecessor Ya he was Crown'd King in the City of Mao It is also said that Lahu the first Inventer of the Epicurean Learning which liv'd before the great Philosopher Confut was born in that City of Mao The County Fungyangfu contains eighteen Towns of which Fungyang is the chiefest the next are Liuhoai Hoaiyuen Tingyuen Uho Hung Hokieu Munching Su Hiutai Tienchang So Lingpi Ing Tacho Hao Ingxan Su So Ing Hao all great Places The Metropolis Fungyang lying on a Mountain incloseth many Hills within its Walls built with fair Edifices both publick and private This Division was by the Emperor Yu brought and joyn'd to the Province of Yang to be Govern'd by Teu In the time of the Kings this part of the Countrey was call'd The Kingdom of Tuxam which the Kings of Cu afterwards included in their Dominions but the Family Han made it again Tributary call'd Chungly yet this Place was not honor'd with the Title of Teu or Metropopolis untill the fore-mention'd Chu which rais'd the Taimingian Family and was born in this City enlarg'd it building new and strong Walls fifty Furlongs in circumference and adorning the Tombs of his Predecessors and gave it the Name of Metropolis setting over it a Vice-Roy giving it Jurisdiction over other Cities intituling it Fungyang that is Nobleness of the Phenix The third Sucheufu conterminates in the North and North-East with the Mouth of the River Kiang in the East with the Sea in the South with Sunkiang and Kiahingfu the West borders Kiangningfu and the North-West Chancheufu The first which inhabited this Countrey amongst the Chineses was one Taipe of the Family Cheu who coming out of the North planted his Seat here and reduced those that formerly were wild and savage to be rational and understanding People In the Emperor Vu's time this County obtain'd Royal Dignity being call'd The Kingdom of V. after whose Death it was taken by the Kingdom of Iue who possess'd it but a little while being routed by Cu who subdu'd the Countrey Lastly the promoter of the Family Cyn conquer'd all those Kingdoms and brought them under the Province of Hoeiki The first which call'd this Countrey and its Metropolis Sucheu was King Sui the Family of Tang gave it the Name of Changcheu Sung that of Pnkiang but the Taimingian Family restor'd the old Name Sucheu The Countrey is in all Places interlac'd with Branches of Rivers and Graffs along which they may Sail from the City to the Sea Sucheufu contains seven Towns of which Sucheu is the chiefest the rest are Quengxan Changxoe Ukiang Kiating Taicing Cungmung and Cungming which lies on an Island in the Sea The fourth Tract of Land being Sunghiangfu is a small County yet fruitful and a good Soyl bordering in the North with Sucheufu in the East with the Sea and Hangcheufu in the South and West at Hangcheufu onely and the remainder on Sucheufu This Countrey as the former lies most in Water the East part of it being wash'd by the Sea and the rest surrounded by Rivers which with their Branches cutting through the middle and all Places else of it make the whole Navigable It contains onely three Towns which in bigness populosity and variety of Commodities may stand in competition with many more eminent Cities the first and chiefest is Sunkiang the other two Langhai and Cingpai The City Sunkiang verges with the Sea on the Northern Shore of a River which at its Mouth is fortifi'd with a strong Castle from whence they may Sail to Iapan In ancient times this Countrey and City before mention'd shar'd also in the Tartars Cruelties The Family of Tang call'd it Houting the Tartars of the House of Iuen not onely gave it the present Name but also the Title of Fu or Great City having formerly but the Priviledges and Name of a mean Town and belong'd to the third County Sucheufu The fifth County Changcheufu reckons for Limits in the North and North-East the River Kiang in the South Sucheufu in the South and South-West the Lake Tai in the West Yancheufu This County contains five Towns viz. Changcheu Vufie Kiangyn and Ginkiang There are also five Temples of which one built near the City Vufie in honor to Taipe the Supporter of the People exceeds all the other The City Changcheu lies near the fore-mention'd Moat which runs from the City Sucheu to the River Kiang the Stone Banks of which near this City are much more curious and artificial than any where else There are also some Triumphal Arches which add a great beauty to the City It hath receiv'd its Denomination Guihing from the exceeding fineness of the Earth of which the Tee Cups are made for Guihing signifies Rare Earth The sixth Territory Chinkiangfu borders in the North at the River Kiang in the East at Changcheufu in the South at the Lake Tai and in the West at Kiangnangfu This County reckons three Cities viz. Chinkiang Tanyang and Kintan Chinkiang by Martinius taken for Cingiam so call'd by Paulus Venetus lies Northward from the River Kiang on the East side of a Channel which falls into the Kiang
which at this Place they were to provide themselves quite to Peking The thirtieth in the Forenoon the Conbon sent the Ambassador by one of his Mandarins ten Picols of Hay for a Present which since none could be bought for Money was accepted with many thanks and a reward to the Mandarin that brought it In the Afternoon a Grand Mandarin who had the Command over the Militia and the Emperors Wardrobe in this City came to Complement and Welcom the Ambassador who having presented him with a Glass of Wine and shewed him the Horses and Oxen took his leave The one and thirtieth in the Morning being furnish'd with all Necessaries they left Siucheu and were Tow'd along a digg'd Channel which reaches from Siucheu Eastward of the Lake Tai to the City Chinkiang and disembogues it self into the great River Kiang Having stay'd eight days for new Vessels to Embarque themselves in and yet not able to get enough were forc'd to keep four of their Hanksieu Barques two for the Horses and two for the Presents The two Masters of the Havens sent by the General of Hanksieu to conduct the Netherlanders took their leave at the North Suburb of Siucheu where leaving the Ambassador they intended to Sail again to Hanksieu Van Hoorn for their care which they had over the Vessels gave each of them a Piece of Perpetuana and also with this opportunity sent the following Letter to the General of Hanksieu and the Conbon GRatitude is accounted the greatest Vertue amongst the Hollanders The Ambassador cannot forget the many Favors which the generousness and Civility of Talavja had conferr'd on him The Ambassador cannot find words to express his hearty thanks but hopes at his Return from Peking and for the future to manifest by Deeds how much the Realm of Holland and the Ambassador are oblig'd to Talavja The whole City Siucheu hath its Situation on the Banks of a great standing River which cuts through the City cross-ways and is Navigable both for small and great Vessels The Walls of the City according to the Chinese Geographers are forty Chinese Furlongs in circumference and with the Suburbs above a hundred As the Netherlanders were inform'd the City covers a Spot of three Leagues in circumference Without and within are many stately Bridges of Stone resting on several Arches It is but thinly built and the Houses are erected on Pine-tree Masts many of them being very sleight Siucheu because of its nearness to the Sea and the River Kiang is a Place of great Trade and hath many Ships belonging to it nay the Netherlanders saw so many Boats in all Places that there was scarce room to get through them Much Amber is us'd in this City for the Hollanders passing through several Streets saw none but Workers of Amber All things not onely for the subsistence of Man but also for pleasure may be had here in great plenty It is one of the famousest Places in all China because all the Portuguese Indian Iapan and other Commodities that come from foreign Countreys are brought thither not onely by Strangers but the Chineses themselves There also come many Merchants from Nanking and other Places to Trade which makes that from year to year there is a continual Trade here and Ships going from hence to other Provinces and Cities and because the Ships should not be in danger when they Sail cross the neighboring Lake Tai there is a Channel made on the North side of the Lake which runs from the City Sucheu to that of Chinkiang so that it discharges its Waters in the River Kiang but yet the Course of it is stopp'd up there by a Sluce which is drawn up or let down when they please But as they travel from Sucheu to Ukiang or from Ukiang to Sucheu is a Stone Bridge resting on three hundred Arches by which the Channel is divided from the Lake Tai. On this Bridge they draw their Vessels along by a Line it being built for that purpose that they need not lie still there with their Ships Without the Walls of the City stands a Custom-house where they pay no Custom for Goods but for the Ships according to their Burthen and it is said that this Custom comes Annually to ten hundred thousand Ducats or five hundred thousand Pound Sterling whereby it may easily be judg'd how many Ships go constantly up and down this River whereas all the Emperor's Vessels or those that carry any thing to the Court pay nothing Many of the Emperor's greatest Barques call'd Lunchyven past by whilst the Hollanders Rid at Anchor there The City is Govern'd by a Conbon or Governor who at that time was a Leaohing Chinese and highly belov'd by all Persons After the Netherlanders were gone about a League from the City they pass'd by Xuciquan a large Village and in the Afternoon saw two hundred of the Emperor 's great Barques lying at Anchor In the Evening they arriv'd at the South-East side of the Suburb Usie having that day with Sailing and Towing pass'd six Leagues in several Courses Usie the second substitute City to the fifth Metropolis Changcheu signifies Wanting of Tin for formerly on Mount Sie near Fusie the Chineses found a great deal of that Metal but in the beginning of the Reign of the Imperial Family of Han most of the Mines were exhausted for which reason the City receiv'd that Denomination Here the Hollanders found many Stone Ovens in which they Bake or harden with Heat to that purpose all manner of Stone In the Morning being the first of April they proceeded on their Journey and Sailing about a Musquet-shot from the Walls of Usie which leaving on their Lar-board they arriv'd at the North-Suburb where having stay'd some time for Coelies or Men to Tow them they went forward again About Noon they Sail'd through Unquouw a Village situate on both sides of the Channel where they saw divers Vessels full of Indigo which the Masters of them said was to be had at Sinchian and Sucheu and towards the Evening arriv'd at the Village Gongling where they stay'd all that Night having that day Sail'd three Leagues and a half in a Northerly Course The second in the Morning leaving the Village Gongling and after half a Leagues Towing through the Village Syksiovyem they dropp'd Anchor in the Evening on the North side of the City Siucheuw otherwise call'd Cbangcheu that there they might furnish themselves with fresh Coelies but none being to be had there so suddenly they were forc'd to stay that Night having not gain'd above two Leagues in a North-West Course all that day The reason why they made no greater speed was because the Channel was very full of the Emperor's Barques which by reason of their Bulk and deep Lading made but little way and the Channel so narrow that they could not pass them The sides of this Channel near the City are rais'd with much braver Stone than the other parts The third
Westward of which the Countrey lay all drown'd In the Afternoon they arriv'd at Kayoven or Kaoyeu the fourth City of Note next Hangcheu where they were forc'd to stay because their Coelies could not pass the Ways being so deep by continual falling of Rain The City Kaoyeu lieth on the East-side of this Channel on the brinks of the Lake Piexe which supplies the Stream with Water Formerly all the Ships that would go from Nanking and the other Southern Territories along the River Kiang and this Channel up to Peking and so to the Northern Province were forc'd to cross the foremention'd Lake to their great hinderance and inconveniency being in Stormy Weather many times compell'd to stay at Kaoyeu for fair Weather But in process of time to prevent this trouble and that at all times the Ships might proceed on their Journey and not be necessitated to cross the Lake a broad Channel was digg'd of seventy Furlongs on the East-side of it and Wharff'd or Inclos'd on each side with Free-stone The City stands on a Clay Ground the same with the adjacent Countrey very good for Rice which they have there in abundance The Countrey to the West of this Channel lies most under Water yet produceth abundance of Canes which serve for Fuel for no other Wood grows here The fourteenth in the Morning they set Sail with a stiff Gale of Wind out of the North-North-East from the South Suburb of Kayoven and for a quarter of a League they had the City on their Starboard and the Lake on their Larboard till they were past the North Suburb then Steering a Northerly Course up the Royal Channel they left the foremention'd Lake on their Larboard Between this Lake and the Channel is only a narrow Bank of three Foot high which separates the one from the other On their left Hand the Countrey lay all under Water yet in some places stood a few small Huts dry being the Residence of Countrey People In the Afternoon they past by the Village Loantsia which lay on their Starboard here the Countrey on the East-side began to shew somewhat pleasanter being Till'd in several places In the Evening they Anchor'd at a Village call'd Kuisjo The fifteenth in the Morning leaving Kuisjo they past by Laensui and Loujapou and in the Afternoon Landed at Paoing the sixth City of Note under the seventh Metropolis Yangsheu it lieth on the East-side of this Channel and is surrounded with strong Walls about a League and a half in Circumference On the North-side of the City stands a fair Temple neatly built after the Chinese manner Here they staid sometime waiting for fresh Coelies which having gotten they went farther and in the Evening arriv'd at Kinho where they staid all Night having that day by several Courses gain'd five Leagues Between the City Paoing and the Village Kinho the Bank Westward of the Channel which separates that and the Lake Piexe is broken in several places through which the Water rushes with such a force out of the Channel into the Lake that they had great labor to keep the Vessels from falling there into The sixteenth about Day-break proceeding on their Journey they past through and by many Villages and Hamlets lying on each side of the Channel and about Noon arriv'd at the West Gate of the City Hoaigan having by Noon been Tow'd and Sail'd three Leagues and a half in a Northerly Course Here as the Mandarin Guides told them all their Vessels in which they came were to be chang'd whereupon they immediately apply'd themselves to the Commissary of that place that they might be dispatch'd with what speed possible No sooner were they come to an Anchor with all their Barques but there also Landed the Masters of the Haven of Hanksieu which on the last of March went from Sucheu with the Ambassador's Letter to the General which Letter they said they had safely deliver'd Their business for which they came thither was to fetch back the four Hanksieu Jonks which were yet amongst the Fleet. Some Mandarins also came to Complement and bid the Ambassador Welcome in the name of the Governor of that place for which Civility they were Entertain'd with two or three Glasses of Spanish Wine In the Night there arose a great Storm out of the North mixt with Thunder and Lightning which continu'd all the next day The eighteenth the foremention'd Governor invited the Ambassador and his whole Retinue to a Feast in a great House at the West-Gate of the City before which they lay with their Vessels whither they accordingly went about Noon and were no sooner come there but they were brought to the Governor's Presence who kindly Congratulated the Ambassador's Arrival and Health After some other Complements were past every one was plac'd at a peculiar Table and plentifully serv'd Among their Table-talk at Dinner the Governor ask'd What the Ambassador thought of China and if it was not a great Countrey Who reply'd Yes Sir not only a great but a very fair Countrey full of Fertile Grounds and Delightful Objects Then he began to Discourse with the Guide Mandarins which were there present about the Vessels Wherefore the Ambassador desir'd the Governor being inform'd before that there were few Barques to be had there that since he was come so far with the Emperor's Presents having never wanted any Conveniencies that he would be pleas'd to take care to procure them good Vessels so soon as possible because he was yet to go the most dangerous part of the way having already spent so long a time in their Journey All which this Lord promis'd and excusing the meanness of the present Treat hoping when they came back from Peking to be provided for their better Entertainment On which Van Hoorn proffer'd to Present him with a parting Cup of Spanish Wine which he modestly refusing would not suffer Thus the Netherlanders taking their leaves and departing to their several Barques two Mandarins came to them which had whilst the Netherlanders were Entertain'd at the foremention'd Lords sate just over against them to ask in the Governor's Name if their Entertainment had pleas'd them whereupon the Ambassador in respect to their Master Presented each of them with five Ells and a half of Red Cloth which after some Complements they accepted The nineteenth in the Morning according to the usual Custom the Secretary Vander Does went with a Complementing Letter to the Commissary and to Thank him for his kind Entertainment The Contents were these THe Ambassador so highly esteems Talavja's Civility that he cannot express his Thankfulness in these few Lines but at his return from Peking He hopes to find Him in good Health when he will manifest and confess himself much oblig'd by his Lordships Favors The Ambassador was inform'd by the Mandarin Guides that notwithstanding the Commissary had promis'd Yesterday that he would take care to provide Vessels for his farther Journey The Touwatja had said That there were none to be
before a Flood-gate having that day been Tow'd but three quarters of a League it was very difficult too for the great Vessels to get through these Sluces which were in a manner quite dry on the North side and on the South side not above three Foot and a half of Water which being let out there would not remain a Foot and a quarter when as the great Barges drew two Foot and a half so that the Water must at least be a Foot higher before they could get through wherefore they lay still two days viz. the seventeenth and eighteenth but on the nineteenth they got through and after a little Sailing coming to the Village Gihaatsysy they dropp'd Anchor before a Water gate having this half day been Tow'd somewhat more than a League The twentieth in the Morning they went through the Sluce and at Noon another and also by the Village Zoatiajeen In the Afternoon arriving at Lieghayway they Anchor'd before a Water-gate having gain'd two Leagues this day The one and twentieth in the Morning having shot the last Sluce they arriv'd about nine a Clock at the South Suburb of Tungjanfoe otherwise call'd Tungchang the third City of eminency in the Province of Xantung This little City of Tungchang stands in a Valley built square and about an hours walking in circumference with defensive Walls In it are two eminent Streets which run cross through the Town in the middle of which stands a Triumphal Arch or a high Structure with four Vaulted Posterns and as many Roofs one above another The Gates are very strong and have on each side four Bulwarks which they can when Storm'd clear and make good On the North side is a Bridge of a hundred and thirty Paces long leading cross a Water that incircles the City On the South is a very populous Suburb of great Trade On the East stands an Iron Pillar four Fathom and a half thick and about twenty Foot high Engraven at the bottom with several Chinese Characters which according to their Relation was set up there seven hundred years before as a Monument under which lay the Body of an Heroe famous for his valorous Atchievements and good Service done his Countrey The two and twentieth in the Morning they left the South Suburb of Tunghang having gotten fresh Toers for which they stay'd and Sailing a Musquet Shot Eastward by the City came about Noon to Sinsia where they Anchor'd before a Sluce having Sail'd above a League this half day Here they were forc'd to lie all the Afternoon and the next day before they could get through for want of Water The twenty fourth in the Morning they shot the fore-mention'd Sluces and about Noon another and also pass'd by Xoesu Liancotsue Liancotza In the Afternoon they came to Toetsao where they Anchor'd before a Water-gate having been Tow'd above a League that day The twenty fifth setting forth again they pass'd another Sluce and about Noon they came to Woersjavaan where taking fresh Toers they went away immediately with hopes to reach the City of Linsing that day but being past Ooetsjaven Taykiasa and Tayhiaven they saw that the Channel lay full of the Emperor's Vessels laden with Tributary Goods which by reason of its narrowness and sholeness in some places they could not pass by which forc'd them though but half a League from Linsing to stay till the Water grew higher having that day gain'd three Leagues The twenty sixth in the Morning they went forward again and about nine a Clock they arriv'd at Linsing into which they went with their Barges for the Channel runs through the middle of it till they came before a Flood-gate through which they were to pass having this Morning been Tow'd half a League in a Northerly Course All Places hereabouts lay full of the Emperors Barges The Governor of this Place as the Mandarin Guides related was depos'd and a new one expected in two or three days from Tungchianfoe for which reason they could not pass the Sluce before which they lay it being lock'd up with Iron Chains The twenty seventh and twenty eighth nothing hapned of remark The twenty ninth being Whitsunday the Ambassador was told that the Governor of Tungchanfoe was come and had taken possession of his Place so that he thought fit the thirtieth in the Morning for the hastening of his Journey to write the following Letter to him THe Holland Ambassador is come from remote Countries and hath staid here at Linsing above four days The Chinkon hath been a long time a coming and by that means subject to be spoil'd therefore the Ambassador desires that they may with all speed go to Peking and to that purpose the Sluces may be open'd which will be serviceable to the Emperor and a great kindness to the Ambassador Nobel carrying this Letter related at his return that he had been with the new Governor who in answer to the Ambassador's Letter had told him That he was sensible how far a Journey the Netherlanders were come and that he knew having two years since been at Emuy and Quemuy what service they had done for the Emperor therefore he would not detain them but send a Mandarin to search the Barges because there being a Custom-house no Goods but the Emperors were to pass through without paying in which the Emperors Goods were to see if any other private Commodities were in them or not which should no sooner be done but he would give them leave to be gone and accordingly a Mandarin was forthwith sent who at first was very earnest about searching of the Goods But when the Ambassador answer'd him that he might do it and begin at his Vessel but he would permit no Chests nor Cases to be open'd he went away without looking upon them being first presented by the Ambassador with two Pieces of Linnen which was all he aim'd at The next Morning about Day-break passing the Sluce with all the Vessels they went through the City of Linsing till they came to the River Guei or Geu which comes from the South to another part of the City Thus they left the Channel Iun in which they had past through forty seven Sluces or Flood-Gates not without great trouble and Expence of two and thirty days time yet according to the Chineses saying they were gotten happily and speedily out of it because some years since there was so little Water in that Channel that the ordinary Vessels had been forty five and fifty days coming from Tunchiangfoe and Linching which places are not above six Leagues distant one from another In the Afternoon they got beyond Linsing which exceeds all other Cities in this County for Populousness fair Buildings though on the West side it is much decay'd and Traffique nay it need not give place to any City in the whole Empire for it stands at the end of the Channel Iun where the foremention'd Channel and the River Guei commix their Waters by which means there is extraordinary Conveniencies
for Shipping the Vessels and Barques that come Laden to this City with all sorts of Merchandize from most places in China here pay Custom to three Treasurers chosen for that purpose On the North side you may see a Bridge with nine Arches over which they pass from one part of the City to the other one of which Arches is made so artificially that it may be remov'd and give Passage to the biggest Vessels after they have paid their Custom The City seated in a plain and Sandy Soil hath a Mud-Wall Fortifi'd on the top with Stone Breast-works having on the North side fifteen Bulwarks and two Redoubts Half a League from the Walls on the North side of the City is an exceeding high Tower built with eight corners rising from the Ground with nine Galleries every one nine Cubits above another so that the whole heighth amounts to ninety Cubits The Out-Wall consists of fine Porcelane Earth curiously adorn'd with Imagery and Painting the Inner of various colour'd Marble Pollish'd as smooth as Glass especially the Black The Ascent is by a pair of winding Stairs not made in the middle but betwixt two Walls which hath its Entrance at every Story and from thence to the Marble Galleries and Gilded Iron Rails which as an Ornament are made round about the Galleries at whose corners hang little Bells in such a manner that being mov'd by the Wind they make a pleasing sound On the uppermost Story stands a great Image thirty Foot high Cast of Copper and Gilt to which being a Goddess the Tower is Dedicated From the upper Gallery the whole City with the adjacent Countrey yield a pleasing and delightful Prospect On one side of this Tower stands a fair Pagode or Temple worth the seeing for the great Gilded Images which are in it In the Afternoon they were Tow'd along the River Guei through the Village Wantouwo and in the dusk of the Evening they arriv'd at Ifong a little Village where they Anchor'd being gotten three Leagues with the Tyde from Linsing This River Guei takes its Original on the West side of Gueihoei the fourth City of Eminency in the Province of Honan and from thence runs with many crooked Meanders between Xantung and Peking and at the Castle Tiencin disembogues into a Bay call'd Cang which borders on the great Indian Ocean The first of Iune Weighing again by break of Day they had sight of Oepoeye and Wankelo two pretty Villages at Noon they were Tow'd Easterly by the City of Vohincheen but without stay so in the Afternoon passing Sangnes about the Evening they arriv'd at Chianmaing where they were to change their Toers having that day gain'd five Leagues in several Courses The second in the Morning having gotten fresh Coelies they set out from Chiamaing and past by Tsasuang and Singkiakouw and in the Evening they arriv'd at the City of Oesingjeen or Uciening otherwise call'd Vuching the fourteenth City belonging to the Metropolis Tungchang in the Province of Xantung where they cast Anchor Vuching lies Inclos'd with a square Wall on the East side of the River having on the same a well-built Suburb This day they gain'd five Leagues and a half according to the Course of the Stream which thereabouts is full of windings and shallow Water The third in the Morning they reach'd the Villages Thunloo Soenusoe and Teckchiouw and at Noon arriv'd at the City Taatchiouw otherwise call'd Tachu This City lieth in a Square as most of the other Cities in China built on the right side of the River Guei as you go up the same it is inlarg'd with a fair and Populous Suburb The City it self though full of handsom Houses yet hath lost much of his former Luster suffering in the last Tartar Wars The Wall is about thirty Foot high well built and Fortifi'd with Bulwarks and Breast-works The chiefest Trade of the Inhabitants consists in the Brewing of as we may call it Chinese Beer which the Tartars Transport from thence to other places Here they lay still a little while waiting for fresh Toers which having gotten they Weigh'd again and came that Evening to Soukuntang a Village where they staid to change their Toers again having this day gain'd six Leagues and a half The next Morning being the fourth having gotten other Coelies they proceeded on their Journey and past by some Vessels that were come from Peking in one of which was the General of the Province of Quantung sent thither to succeed him that was then there having in regard of his great Age desir'd a Writ of Ease About nine a Clock they Landed at Sangjueen where they tarry'd some time from thence going on in the Afternoon they came to Ghanning and Seufeukhouw and against the Evening at Lienuchoe where they Anchor'd having that day gone six Leagues According to the information of the Villagers here the Province of Xantung parted from that of Peking though others will have it that those two Provinces are separated by the City Taatchiouw The fifth in the Morning they Weigh'd at break of Day and Sailing down the River with a fair Wind from Lienuhoe they past about eight a Clock by Taloeveen at nine a Clock Westward by the City Tonquangchien or Tungquiang on the South side of the River Guei about a Musquet shot up into the Countrey This City as the rest built Square contains about an Hours walk in Circumference Inviron'd with strong Walls and deep Moats In the Market-place in the middle of the City stands a great Iron Lyon and the Countrey about is planted with all manner of Trees pleasant to behold At Noon they Landed at Ieusang in the Evening at Poethouw where they dropt Anchor waiting for new Toers having this Day Sail'd four Leagues in the Province of Peking The next Morning so soon as Day-light appear'd they left Poethouw with a fair Wind and new Toers and in the Forenoon past Suskiajeen Sjenzoctan Swykvao Sakkiavoy Siensiteen Fonkiakoul Sangui and Suangcho and at Noon arriv'd at the City of Siangchiouw where they found other Toers ready with which they immediately went away again and past that Afternoon by Paliswang Zaysisung Ulchilitung Soucoulthon Suckiaswun Sang Isuang Ul and Vly besides many Pagodes and Hamlets of decay'd Houses and arriv'd in the Evening at the City of Chinche where they lay still that Night to be furnish'd with fresh Coelies The seventh before Day-light new Coelies coming they immediately went on their Journey and very early past by and through several Villages viz. Sanquesucan Iaquacouw Tonchekouw Palisuang and about eight a Clock they went Eastward along by the City Chingchee By this City a River running up into the Countrey takes its Course to the South soon after they went by Sayetwang Masang Haysoemat and Suang At Noon they past thorow Lioucho where they should have chang'd their Toers but the Wind blowing very fair they past by without striking Sail which favoring them all the Afternoon they went by nine Villages
and the Looking-glasses in return of which he sent one Hog one Pikol of Meal and Rice and a parcel of Fruit of which the Ambassador accepted only the Fruit and sent back the rest yet the civility of their offer avail'd so much that the Hollanders were permitted to pass by the Custom-house and in the Afternoon Sailing by the City Ianchefoe arriv'd at Quasui A Captain who had the Command over a thousand Men in this City and had Presented the Ambassador with some Provision came to bid him Welcome for which Civility he receiv'd five Ells of Stammel The one and twentieth in the Morning leaving the City of Sinksianfoe they Sail'd along the outside of it where they saw abundance of Jonks and Cojas as at Ianchufoe which were newly repair'd of which the Netherlanders asking the reason receiv'd answer that it was customary for all Towns to repair their Vessels once in three years In the Evening they arriv'd at Tayanchcheen where casting Anchor for that Night they Weigh'd again the next Morning being the two and twentieth Upon the way the Ambassador was inform'd by some Barge-men that came from Suchu that the Vice-Roy Singlamong was arriv'd there with his Train to go from thence up to Peking In the Afternoon they reach'd the City of Yanghsu and the next day Anchor'd at the City of Uchinopeen and on the twenty fourth at Xuciquan a Village two Leagues from Suchu before a Custom-house where they lay all Night The next Morning passing the Boome they arriv'd in the Afternoon at the City of Suchu where two Blacks belonging to the Vice-Roy Singlamong's two Sons came aboard the Ambassador to tell him that their Masters were a Month since gone by Land to Peking and that they follow'd with their Goods adding moreover that Singlamong was yet in Hoksieu and was to remain there so that the Barge-mens relation prov'd false In the Afternoon about three a Clock they arriv'd at the West-gate of the City of Suchu Here the Hollanders were met by two Conjurers one a Man and the other a Woman both in handsom Apparel of which there are great numbers in all parts of China that for a small reward proffer their Service to foretel all future Events and procure a good Wind they also came to the Netherlanders to put their Art in practice to hasten or shorten their Journey but they not approving of such Magical assistance sent them away with a small Gift This Conjuring is at large describ'd in the following Description of the Empire of China The Governor of this place came to visit the Ambassador and Present him and the chiefest of his Retinue as Nobel and Putmans with a well-tasted Liquor for which he receiv'd some Ells of Stammel Divers sorts of Liquors made of Rice are drank by the Chineses In the fifth Territory Fuencheufu in the Province of Xensi is a very pleasant Drink and not inferior to either French or Rennish Wine being made of Rice and Kids flesh which last being bruis'd is laid to soke in the Juyce of the Rice This Liquor is highly esteem'd by the Chineses being strong of operation and of a sweet and pleasing taste to the Palate In the fifth County Hinhoa of the Province of Chekiang they boyl the best Liquor in all China of Rice and Water The six and twentieth in the Morning the Netherlanders left the great City Suchu with a fair Wind and came that Evening to the South Suburb of Ukiajeen which City is neatly built and though not very big yet it is surrounded with strong Walls The Inhabitants thereof maintain themselves with Merchandizing and Husbandry In the Morning setting Sail from thence and having got about three Leagues and a half farther they were forc'd the Evening coming suddenly upon them to make to their Harbor The twenty eighth in the Morning they set Sail again from thence and in the Afternoon past by Kiangfoe where they went out of the Province of Nanking into that of Chekiang and in the Evening arriv'd at a Village call'd Sinning The twenty ninth Weighing again they had in sight the City of Ukiajeen which having past in the Evening they rested at Tangheg The thirtieth they came to the North-Suburb of Hanksieu before a Custom-house where the Channel being shut up by a Gate under a Bridge the Ambassador sent to desire that it might be open'd and the Barques suffer'd to go through but the Watch-men answer'd That they must first have order from the Poutsjensy or the Emperor's Farmer so that the Secretary Vander Does was sent to the Governor and Conbon at Hanksieu with a Letter in which the Ambassador desir'd to be speedily dispatch'd and if their Highnesses pleas'd he would come to Complement them Moreover the Secretary was Commanded to ask them If their Highnesses would permit the Ambassador to come and speak with them and bring those Presents of which their Highnesses had receiv'd the Inventory at their Journey up to Peking In the Morning the first of October the Gate being open'd the Ambassador went through with his whole Retinue Soon after the Secretary coming aboard again related That he had been at the Generals the last Night but could not be admitted to Audience To the Letter which he sent him by his Clerk he had return'd answer That he would send a Mandarin early the next Morning to let the Ambassador through the Gate and withal conduct him to his House but it being too late for the Secretary to go to the Conbon that Night he went thither the next Morning to deliver his Highness the Ambassador's Letter and met him as he was coming out of his Court-gate to Complement a great Lord which the day before came thither from Hoksieu and receiv'd in answer that his Highness humbly thank'd the Ambassador for his Civility and that he would expect him Mean while the Vessels went so far into the Suburb that they came to Anchor against a Bank The second the Toya of that place came to Welcom the Ambassador in his Vessel The third nothing happen'd of remark The fourth all the Goods were taken out of these and put into six other Barques lying on the other side of the Bank with which Putmans and Vander Does went the next Morning to the other side of the City there to Reimbarque the Ambassador Nobel and some of the Retinue going before by Land to give order for Shipping of the Goods On the seventh in the Morning leaving the South-Suburb of Hanksieu they arriv'd in the Afternoon at Foejenjeen the ninth at Nienchefoe and the tenth at Lanqui where the great Barques were chang'd for small because here the River began to be very shallow The Governor of this Village invited them to Dinner which in regard they could not put off they went thither and were very kindly entertain'd with various Meats Musick and Drolls towards Evening taking leave On the twelfth in the Morning they left Lanqui and on the thirteenth came to the City of Longuen as
during their time of Government much respected by the common People The third Employment is Treasurer who takes care of the Emperor's Revenue in his Province being Employ'd by the Court of Exchequer which sit at the Emperor's Palace He hath two Councellors allow'd him one of which sits on his right and the other on his left Hand besides twenty six Mandarins and several other Officers His Business is to look after the Customs Farms and all Revenues whatsoever belonging to the Crown He Seals the Weights and Measures decides all Differences concerning Moneys punishing the guilty or sending them if he think fit to higher Courts pays the Magistrates Allies to the Emperor Commanders and Soldiers provides Liveries and Marks of Honor which are given to famous Scholars pays the Money for the repairing of High-ways Bridges Courts or Palaces of the chief Mandarins and Ships of War Lastly this Treasurer hath the Command of all what comes in or goes out of the Treasury He also receives the Emperor's Presents from the Judges Governors and Tauli which every one makes according to their Employments being in Silver Coin or Bullion all which is by him melted into Bars each to the value of fifty Crowns and stamp'd with the Imperial Mark and the Melter's Name that thereby he may know whom to accuse if the Silver should be falsifi'd In this manner it is carry'd into the Emperor's Treasury The fourth Court is call'd Gandchasci that is The Court of Life and Death In it are two Assistants or Tauli whose care is to Visit and go from Town to Town to decide all Differences punish the guilty perform oâ—…r Duties belonging to their Offices which extend over the Militia and Affairs in such Provinces that lie near the Sea The fifth resembles a Colledge of Learned Men ordain'd to Examine Youths how they profit in their Studies and especially to observe their Masters of Art till such time as they have receiv'd their Bonnet and Orders to be Directors The prime of this famous Society is a Chancellor who from time to time goes to Towns and Villages to enquire after the Carriage Deportment and Conversation of the Learned and to punish or chastise them according to their several Offenses There are yet two Persons in every City call'd Hioquon that is Mandarins or Magistrates of Knowledge which also belong to the fore-mention'd five Courts whose Command extends onely over the Students of the City and though they have not Power to give the Degrees due to deserving Persons but onely to chastise them yet nevertheless they are very strict and severe because they continually reside in one Place and like Proctors in our Universities come and Examine the Scholars All these fore-mention'd Courts Command over the whole Province and the Cities Towns and Villages contain'd therein Moreover every City hath peculiar Governors as here in Europe being four eminent Mandarins or Aldermen as one of them is like a Mayor which is by them call'd Chifu Chi signifies Lord or Governor and Fu A Mannor or Tract of Land the other three are his Assistants and call'd Tumchu Tumphuon and Cheuquon every one hath his pecular Court and Officers Besides these are nineteen lesser Magistrates which look after the Towns two of them have a prime Councellor and four inferior Assistants the other nine onely one Councellor and one Assistant the other eight have one supream Head who Commands over their whole Society The Villages have also each of them a Judge and three Justices the Judge is call'd Chihien the first Justice Honchin the second Chufu and the third Tunfu All these have their several Courts or Council-Chambers and likewise Secretaries Clerks and other inferior Officers The Judge may pronounce Sentence of Death but cannot execute it Beside these Mandarins which reside in Towns and Villages there are some which have neither power to Condemn nor Punish but onely to give their Judgments to the Society The great Castles that lie distant from Towns and Villages have also Mandarins or Magistrates chosen from amongst the Clerks for the least Office that any Person of Quality aims at is to be Judge or Justice in a Village Trigaut declares the General Government of every Province as it was in his time after the following manner The Towns which belong to the prime Provinces of Peking and Nanking are Govern'd after the same manner as all the Cities and Towns in the other Provinces The Government of each of the thirteen Provinces consists in a Magistrate call'd Pucinsu and another nam'd Nanganzasu the first determines Civil Causes and the other Criminal They keep their Courts in great State and reside in the Metropolis of the Province To both these belong several petty Officers and also the chief Magistrates which are call'd Tauli but because they Command over several Cities they are sometimes absent from the Metropolis Every Fu â—…r County for a Province is divided into divers Counties hath a peculiar Governor call'd Chifu that is Lord of the County and likewise over every great City or Cheu and over each Town or Hien is a Governor the first call'd Chicheu and the last Cihien These Governors of all the Counties and chief Rulers of Cities have every one four Assistants which aid them in all Businesses that happen in their Jurisdiction being all their Deputies The Chifu or Governor of the County hath his Residence in one of the Cities and determineth all things as Chief for when any Businesses are consultof by the Chicheu and Cihien they acquaint him therewith as their Superior and in the first Degree It is to be observ'd that the Chifu or Governors of the Territories and his Court and the whole County receive their Denomination from the City in which they reside as for example the Governor keeps his Court in the City Nunciang and that City gives denomination to the whole County Governor and Court so that they are call'd Nunciangers Besides these Magistrates there are many others in Cities Towns and Villages as also many Generals and Collonels through the whole Empire but especially in Places bordering the Sea and Garisons Thus far Trigaut All the Magistrates saith the same Trigaut are under nine Orders all comprehended under the Philosopher and Military Man Every one in these Orders receives his Revenue from the publick Stock either in Rice or Mony though but little in respect of their Authority for the Salary of the prime and chief Order amounts not to above a thousand Ducats yearly Those which are of the same Order receive Wages alike whether Philosophers or Military Persons for the chief of the Soldiers get as much as the Supream of the Learned All the Magistrates have a private Seal of their Office given them by the Emperor Humvu What they write in their Law they Seal onely with Red which is a kind of Earth so Red that it is like a Vermilion and digg'd out of the Mountain Tape near the City Lingkien in the Province of
his Concubines was kill'd in the nineteenth Year of his Age together with his Wife Children and most of his Family except one Nephew But the whole Empire is strangely besotted with the study of Alchymie thereby to get the Philosophers-Stone by which they not only Inrich themselves by turning all things to Gold and Silver but also that Elixar makes them Immortal which many Emperors before and since the Nativity have endeavor'd to attain to The Chineses affirm That there are Rules and Commandments of both these Arts found out first by very Ancient Learned which the Chineses reckon amongst their Saints and afterwards from one to another deliver'd to their Successors They say also that these first Inventors after having perform'd many excellent and soveraign Works ascend both with Soul and 〈◊〉 together to Heaven when they began to grow weary living on Earth They also tell us That anciently a Person liv'd without the Walls of the City Nanchang which assisted many needy People and â—…ast pâ—…ntiful Alms amongst the Poor because he by the Art of Chymistry could make pure Silver He also say they had by the help of Divine Arts a Dragon who threaten'd the Ruine of the City after which having Chain'd him to an Iron Column of an exceeding bigness he his whole House and Family ascended up to Heaven For this reason the Citizens out of a Superstition erected a great Chappel for him and the foremention'd Iron Column the better to keep up the reputation of the Fable is there to be seen at this day But however they decline the converting of Metals into Gold or Silver by the Stone yet the Emperor himself and most Eminent Persons of the Empire make it a great part of their business to study Immortality from the promis'd Restauration of Youth by the wonderful Operations of this Elixar To which purpose as there are many Students so there is no want of Masters and the whole City of Peking every where pester'd with their Laboratories and though never so much deluded yet fresh hopes carry them on with a fervent desire to bring their Work to Perfection being perswaded by these Mountebanks that their failings happen'd from some mistakes but now if they would begin again they make no question being since better inform'd to finish the so long expected and happy Work But before we leave our Alchymists take this from Martinius which he tells of the Emperor Hiaou who had not his equal amongst the Chineses He was as their Histories say much transported with a belief that by this Art he might not onely be the Wealthiest the Happiest and the Greatest of all Princes but also be Crown'd with Immortality From hence he receiv'd the Title of Van Sin that is Ten thousand Years which hath descended to all the Emperors to this Day To this great purpose he built a new Palace accordingly all of Cedar Cypress Camphire and the like sweet smelling Woods the scent of which as they say might be perceiv'd a twenty one Chinese Furlongs from thence Amidst this wonderful Structure he rais'd a Tower all of Copper of twenty Rods high a marvellous piece of Work with a winding Pair of Stairs in the middle from the bottom to the top There was also a Copper Bason Cast in the form of a Hand which every Morning was fill'd with early Deâ—…v wherein the Emperor steep'd the Oriental Pearls to soften them being part of the Preparations of the Medicines of Immortality But at last they wrought upon his Belief so far that the Elexar was ready which Drinking would so perpetuate Youth that he should live according to his Title Ten thousand Years that is He should be Immortal The Longevity-Potion being brought was set on the Table which should begin the Work of Youths Renovation when one of his Councellors a Minister of State first disswading him from the taking of it suddenly threw the Liquor down upon the Floor at which the Emperor much incens'd that he should lose his expectation of Immortality which had cost so much time and treasure in Preparing consulted with what Death he should punish so bold an Offender when he that stood thus liable to his fury spake thus mildly and undiscompos'd to him Sir You cannot put me to Death for I have drunk the same Medicine of Immortality already and am Immortal so if I die I am guiltless because the Medicine wants the promised Efficacy and therefore use your pleasure yet I suspect that if your Indignation fall upon me what I have drunk will be of no Defence and I feel I shall certainly suffer Death being conscious of the Deceit of these that are Trapanners for Bread Which mollifying Speech so pacify'd the Emperor that he gave him his Life yet howsoever the Emperor prosecuted the same business to make himself Rich Hapyy and Immortal There are also a third kind of Philosophers by Semedo call'd Taokiao and by Trigaut from the first Promoter Lonzu as likewise by Semedo Tunsi or Tusi being the first broacher of this Doctrine which agrees with the Epicureans who affirm That there is no pleasure after death and therefore they indulge what e're in their life seems to be easie and happy so to prolong their lives to continue their present welfare they use all means possible and not onely study Longevity but also how to be Immortal by ingenious discoveries for self-preservation But though Laotan accounts the Summum Bonum to consist in Pleasures yet Martinius finds him to be no way Atheistical but declares it every where probable that Laotan hath acknowledg'd one Supream Deity saying Tao or Great Understanding hath no Name he hath Created Heaven and Earth he is without shape moves the Stars though he himself is immoveable and because I know not his Name I will call him Tao or Supream Understanding without form The same Philosopher makes mention in another place of The Creation of the Heavens It is not to be credited what the Fathers report out of their Stories concerning this Philosopher Laotan that he lay conceal'd being lock'd up in his Mothers Womb eighty one or according to Trigaut eighty years and afterwards forc'd his passage into the World through her right side wherefore according to Trigaut he is call'd Lauzu and by Martinius Laosu and and last of all Laotan that is Old Philosopher The time of his Maturation or rather Imprisonment in the Womb was as they say nine times nine Years which the Chineses account the fulness of Perfection and all things that are perfect And because Laotan was one of their greatest and most learned Stages they invented the foremention'd number as if Nature had spent so many Years in perfecting of him This Laotan was born in the Kingdom of Zu for China contain'd anciently many and several Kingdoms at this day the County Fungyangfu of the Province of Nanking in the City Mao Anno 603 about twenty four Years before Confut the Prime Philosopher amongst the Chineses The
with ease lie on the same without touching one another Northward from the City Hukeu lies the Mountain Yechung that is Stone-Clock for the Water of the Lake being driven by the Wind against this Mountain makes a noise like a Bell. On the Shore of the River Kiang by the same City the Mountain Matang is noted for the many Ships that have been lost on the same for if any Vessel chance to go never so little from the Shore the Current being so exceeding strong drives them against the Rocks and splits them in pieces In the County Kienchangfu Westward from the chief City Kienchang the Mountain Masu the thirty sixth in order in the Books of Tausu extends four hundred Furlongs By the City Quanchang the Mountain Chunghoa divides it self at the top into several Hillocks whereof all are barren except one which being green and full of Trees is crown'd with a Temple In the County Vucheufu Northward from the City Vucheu is the Mountain Sangkiu on which they say is a strange Image in the shape of a Man which according to the several variations of the Air changes its colour so that the neighboring People know certainly by it what Weather they shall have In the County Linkiangfu on the North side of the City Linkiang is the Mountain Comao the thirty third in order in the Books of Tausu Many Omens of good fortune the Chineses fancy to themselves in this Mountain By the City Sinkin is the Mountain Iosu the seventeenth in order in the Books of Tausu In the Teritory Xuicheufu on the East side of the City Xuicheu is the Mountain Tayu in the midst of which is a pleasant Grove and a stately Chappel By the City Xangcau lies the Mountain Lungfung on which a day after Rain there appears a great Flame of Fire in the Night but never in dry Seasons The People thereabouts being much inclin'd to Superstition say that this Flame is the Spirit of the Mountains and for that reason have built a fair Chappel on the South side of the City Sinchang and Consecrated it to Fire In the County Iuencheufu on the South side of the City Iuencheu lies the Mountain Niang so call'd because it is onely visible but not accessible by reason of its dangerous Cliffs which seem to fall every Minute it is three hundred Furlongs in circumference and produces a Spring whose Water is so exceeding cold all the whole year that it cannot be drunk till it hath stood a considerable time in the Sun In the County of Kancheusu on the East side of the City Kancheu is the Mountain Tiencho on which in the Night appears a Light like that of kindled Coals There are some which suppose it to be Serpents which as they say vomit forth Precious Stones whereof they wear one on their Heads and swallow up the rest again Near the City Ningtu lies the Mountain Kincing the thirty third in order in the Books of Tausu The Chineses fancy that the neighboring Hills are peopled with Satyrs and other strange Monsters in the shape of Men. In the County Nanganfu on the West side of the City Nangan is the Mountain Sihoa that is Western Flower for Si signifies Western and Hoa Flower There are also in this Province by the City Iaoicheu on the Lake Poyang the Mountain Cienfo by the City Yukaw the Mountain Hungyai in the County Kieukiangfu South-East of the City Kieukiang the Mountain Taku on an Isle of the same Name in the Lake Poyang East of the City Tegan the Mountain Poye by the City Pengie in the Lake Poyang the inaccessible Mountain Siaofu near the City Kinki the far-stretch'd Mountain Iunglin having thirty six Tops in the County Kieganfu by the City Ganfo the Mountain Uncung in circuit eight hundred Furlongs by the City Sinfung the large Mountain Hiang producing Medicinal Drugs and several others of which there is nothing remarkable to mention IN the County Kiangningfu South West from the City Kiuyung lies the Mountain Mao which in the Books of Tausu is accounted the first for Pleasure and Happiness North-East from the chief City Nanking the Mountain No bears on its Head a Temple wherein are plac'd a thousand Images Towards the South-East from the City Nanking is the Fang a Mountain onely remarkable because on the Commands of the Emperor Xi it was by five thousand Men digg'd through to prevent as he thought the Prediction which the Mountain-gazers gave out from their observation of this Mountain concerning the subversion of his Empire On the South-West side of the City Nanking the Mountain San juts into the River Kiang and towards the River side hath divers Iron Chains fastned to it not as the Chineses ridiculously affirm because it should not run away but that the Ships may take the better hold with their Hooks otherwise this Mountain being of very hard Stone the Vessels must needs strike against it In the County Fungyangfu near the City Linhoa lies the Mountain Iunonu so call'd from the abundance of a sort of Mineral which we commonly call Muscovy Glass digg'd out of the same Near the City Xeu lies the Mountain Cukin whereon in former Ages a great piece of Gold being found and proving good against many Distempers the Chineses say that it was made by the art of Chymistry By the City Hutai lies the Mountain Moyang or Shepherds-Hill so call'd from a fair Virgin who kept Sheep on the same In the Territory Sucheufu at the South-West side of the City Sucheu near the Lake Tai lies the Mountain Liguien remarkable for the many fair Buildings which crown the same By the Lake Tai the Mountain Siu is coronetted with a stately Chappel and Cloyster Within the City Changxo the Mountain Yu extends to the West several Furlongs In the County Sungkiangfu on the South-East side of the City Sungkiang on the Shore of the River is the Kin onely remarkable in this County upon it stands a great Fort and at the Foot thereof a considerable number of Ships for the securing of the Havens thereabouts In the County Changcheufu by the City Vusie is the Si a Mountain out of which they dig Tin In the Territory Chinkiangfu on the North-West side of the City Chinkiang lies the Mountain Kin which makes an Isle in the River Kiang upon it are several fair Temples and Cloysters for Priests There also springs out of it a Brook call'd Chungleang whose Water is much esteem'd amongst the Chineses so that it is exceeding pleasant both by Art and Nature In the Territory Hoaiganfu lies the Yocheu in the Sea near the City Hai a Mountain very remarkable for a most stately Chappel and Cloyster to which many People from all Parts in China come to make Offerings By the City Lukiang in the County of Lucheufu the Mountain Taifu hath many pleasant Groves and delightful Ascents By the City Sosung lies the Mountain Siaoku with two high Spiry Tops between which being a Valley runs the River Kiang
on one of the Spires is a great Chappel and Cloyster Southward from the City Chicheu lies the Mountain Kieuhoa that is Nine Spires and the Flower for it consists of so many Hills and appears hanging down like a Flower In the County Hoeicheufu on the West side of the City Hoeicheu is the Mountain Hoang the greatest in the whole County it reckons twenty four Brooks thirty two high Tops and eighteen obscure Valleys In the little Territory of the City Quangte near the Towns Quangté and Kienping lie several great and pleasant Mountains the most famous of which are the Hang and Ling the first whereof lying on the West side of the City Quangte pierces the Clouds yet nevertheless hath a Spring on the top thereof which overflows continually The Mountain Ling not inferior to the others in heighth hath also a steep and craggy Ascent and at the top is fifteen Furlongs in circumference Near it at the entrance of a Passage stands the Image of a Priest who as they say was thus transform'd Besides these above mention'd there are in this Province by the City Iungchiung in the County Gunkinfu the steep and cavernous Mountain Feu South-East of the City Taiping the Mountain Tienmen within the Walls of Ning the pleasant Hill Lingyang by the City Tung in the Territory Chicheufu the Mountain Hing very rich in Fruit-Trees especially the Armenian Plum by the City Hicuning the Mountain Ki a hundred Rods high with some others which have not been thought worthy to be nam'd IN the Territory Hangcheufu in the Province of Chekiang on the South side of the City Hangcheu the Mountain Funghoang divides it self upwards into exceeding high Spiry Heads yet on each of them is a Steepled Chappel with nine Galleries On the Eastern Shore of the Lake Si near the City Hangcheu the Mountain Xeceng lifts up a Temple with a Turret and about it nine Galleries By the City Lingan begins the great and steep Mountain Tienmo extending above eight hundred Furlongs and the thirty fourth in order in the Books of Tausu it overlooks most pleasant Woods and Fields of Rice and hath growing upon it great store of rare Mushrooms which being Pickled are from thence sent through all China Tienmo signifies Eye of Heaven because this Mountain on two several Precipices hath two Lakes which the Chineses call Eyes with which it looks up to Heaven By the City Chung hoa the Mountain Cienking hath upon it a Lake which possesseth the space of two hundred Acres very remarkable for yellow Fish by the Chineses call'd Kinyu that breed therein The Tiencho a Mountain which lies South-West from the City Hangcheu is partly very craggy and partly pleasant and delightful it hath one top call'd Filaifung all of hard Rocky Stones and within full of Holes or Caves upon it also are several fair Temples and Cloysters to which they say above three thousand Priests belong most of them betaking themselves to a most solitary Life and chusing to dwell in those dark Caves out of which not being able to get without the assistance of some from without they are upon occasion drawn up by Ropes after which manner they receive Alms from those that pass by which sometimes amounts to no small value for this Place is all the year long especially in May frequented both by Strangers and Natives Tilaifung signifies To come flying which Denomination it receiv'd from an Indian Priest who so soon as he saw this Mountain said This is the Hill which we miss out of India certainly it is flown hither The County Kiahingfu is for the most part Champain having onely one Mountain or Hill nam'd Utai on the North-West side of the City Kiahing in the Lake Tiensing which affords the City a Moat upon it are five pleasant Gardens and Banquetting-houses built by Persons of Quality for Places of Recreation from whence also the Hill hath receiv'd its Denomination for Utai signifies Five Altars To the North side of the City Niencheu in the Territory Niencheufu lies the Mountain Ulum which in a manner surrounds the City it upholds two Lakes one of which though not far distant from the other hath clear and the other muddy Water The Mountain Tuichung rises out of the Valley Kieuli through which flows a little River upon it are the Chappels and Gardens of the famous Philosopher Nienculin to whom those that Travel that way pay their Visits in commemoration of so eminent a Person They say that here he made Fishing his chief Recreation when he hid himself from the Emperor because he would not accept of the prime Place in the Government which was so far urg'd upon him that the Emperor himself coming to him lay with him a whole Night in one Bed so great an esteem did the greatest of the Chinese Emperor 's set upon Learned and Pious Men. In the County Kinhoafu Northward from the City Kinhoa the Mountain Kinhoa extends it self rhree hundred and sixty Furlongs in circumference and is the thirty sixth in the Books of Tausu on which the Chineses say that the Contest was between Venus and Pallas By the City Yu is the Mountain Kiming the biggest in the whole County high and difficult to ascend on the top thereof appears a fair Palace Near the City Pukiang lies Sunhoa a Mountain whereon according to the Relation of the Chineses the ancient Emperor Hoangti's Daughter resided and devoted her self to Virginity By the City Iungkang the Mountain Fangnien is by Stone Steps ascended to the top where a great Bridge leads cross a Valley In the County Kiucheufu on the South side of the City Kiucheu lies the Mountain Lano the eighth in the Books of Tausu Near the City Kiangxan begins the Mountain Civen and from thence extends above three hundred Furlongs Through these Mountains a Way runs to the Province of Fokien though over many Precipices very troublesom to Travellers but most of all in the steep and high Mountain Sienhoa to ascend which are built three hundred and sixty Stone Steps like a pair of winding Stairs On its highest Top is a fair Temple and many Inns or Houses of Entertainment for Travellers In the County Chucheufu near the City Cinyun begins the great Mountain Hocang the thirteenth in order in the Books of Tausu and spreads it self three hundred Furlongs towards the Sea and according to the Chinese Geographers is a thousand Rods high and not subject to Snow Hail Thunder Rain or any alteration of Weather In the Territory Xaohingfu on the South-East side of the City Xaohing is the Mountain Hoeiki the eleventh in the Books of Tausu from whence anciently the Province Hoeiki which compriseth the Eastern Countreys had its Denomination The Mountain Suming the ninth in order amongst the most famous in the Book of Tausu rises with two hundred Spiry Heads hath eight thousand Rods in heighth and extends two hundred and eighty Furlongs it begins about the City Yuyao aud runs South-West to the City Ningpo
though small yet abounds with all manner of Provision The fifth County Fuencheufu though Hilly yet on the Hills themselves hath some places capable of Tillage and beneath divers thick Woods and Forests stor'd with Venison fruitful Corn-fields and Meadows for Pasture The Province of Xensi is more subject to Drought than any other Province and very often infinitely endamag'd by swarms of Locusts which like a vast Army devour the Fruits of the Earth and lay waste all before them This Province particularly produces the Physical Plant Rhubarb The first County Siganfu of the Province of Xensi hath both Pleasant Mountains and Fruitful Plains producing all store of Fruits and other Provision The second likewise is both Manur'd and not behind in natural Fertility The third Territory Hanchungfu hath many rank Pastures and rich Fields The fourth Pingleangfu hath many pleasant Mountains which are not altogether barren The Soil of the whole Province of Xantung is inrich'd by the many Rivers Lakes and Brooks that are in the same and hath plenty of all kind of Necessaries as well Rice Barley and other sorts of Corn as of Beans Hau and divers sorts of excellent Fruit but Drought and Locust do often great hurt Nevertheless the Countrey is naturally so exceeding Fertile that they say the Harvest of one Fruitful Year stor'd them for ten Years in such plenty as to spare great quantities to other Countries Particularly it yields large Pears and Apples of several sorts Chest-nuts Small-nuts and great abundance of Plums which are dry'd and sent to other Countries The first County Cinunfu yields not for pleasure to any other of the Northern Provinces for all manner of Grain or Fruits especially Wheat and Rice which grow there in great abundance In like manner the second County Yeucheufu hath many delightful Fields Wooddy Mountains and in most places is well Cultivated The third County Tungchangfu hath a Plain and Rich Soil produces great store of Grain and wants in a manner nothing of what is requisite for the sustaining of Mans Life The Province of Honan is in some parts Champain and in others Mountainous especially Westward yet the Soil being every where Fruitful no place lies Untill'd except towards the West where several craggy Mountains obstruct the Husbandmans Labor The Fields produce Rice and all other sorts of Grain They have all manner of European Fruits and that in such abundance that they are bought at very cheap Rates so that it is no wonder this Province is by the Chineses call'd A Paradice of Delight for the Eastern part thereof is so pleasant and every where so improv'd by Tillage that those who shall for several days Travel through the same may fancy they walk through a most delightful Garden But above all for richness of Soil are the Counties Queitefu and Changtefu as being for the most part Plain without any Mountains The third Territory on the contrary is very barren and Sandy yet that defect is much supply'd by the conveniency of its Rivers The fifth County Hoaikingfu again is exceeding Fertile as also the sixth and seventh being Honanfu and Nanyangfu the last well Water'd with Rivers and surrounded with Mountains so abounds with Provision that it is able to furnish whole Armies therewith In like manner the little County in which stands the City Iu is very Fruitful The Province of Suchuen hath many pleasant Pastures and rich Corn-fields yet is Mountainous in several places The Physical Drugs which this Countrey produces as well Herbs as Minerals are much esteem'd and from thence Transported to Europe among others the true China-Root and best Rhubarb The whole Territory Chingtufu is partly Champain and in some parts with Mountains the Plains are inrich'd by Natures Hand and the very Mountainous parts by good Tillage are made Fruitful all the Fields are Water'd by Rivulets either Natural or Cut insomuch that whoe're Travels through them hath for three days an exceeding pleasant Journey In the County Paoningfu of the Province of Suchuen in a Pagod-Temple in the great City Kien grows an Indian Fig-tree in the Portuguese Tongue call'd Arvor de Rayes In the Country Xunkingfu grow great store of Gold-colour'd Apples a Root call'd Soozanem and Chest-nuts which melt in the Mouth like Sugar The Territory Siucheufu though craggy and Mountainous produces among many other things requisite abundance of Indian Sugar-canes and an excellent Fruit call'd Lichi The County Chunkingfu hath store of Meutang-Flowers and the Fruit Licheu The Territory Queicheufu Fruitful of its self is also by the Inhabitants very much improv'd by Tillage no spot of Ground being left Unmanur'd except some Sandy and Stony Mountains which lie especially towards the North Among other excellent Fruits this Countrey abounds in Oranges and Lemons The first little County wherein stands the City Tungchun is exceedingly inrich'd by the abundance of Rivers which Water the same The small Territory belonging to the City Kiating is a pleasant place and yields plenty of Rice and other Grains By the fourth Garrison'd City Chinhiung grow a sort of Beans which the Chineses for their hardness call The Stone-Beans they grow on Shrubs and are exceeding good against Heart-burning The County of Huquang for its Fruitfulness is call'd Iumichity that is The Countrey of Fish and Rice it is also call'd The Corn-store-house of the Chineses as Sicilie was anciently call'd The Store-house of Italy from its abundance of all things especially Corn and all manner of Grain which it not onely yields to its Inhabitants but in a plentiful manner furnishes all the neighboring Countries The County Vuchangfu is advantag'd by the many Streams and Channels that run through the same and along whose Banks grow abundance of Reeds of which they make Paper The second Honia among other things produces in particular great plenty of Lemons Oranges and Cytrons Nor are the fifth and sixth Territories inferior which last yields all manner of Provisions The seventh County Iocheufu is very much inrich'd by three Rivers viz. the Kiang Siang and Fungi and brings forth incomparable Fruits especially Oranges and Lemons The eighth County Changxafu generally Champain but in some places Mountainous hath a fat and fertile Soil and plenty of all things Rice growing there in abundance without danger of withering in the dryest Seasons because there seldom wants Rain which if there should the Husband-man supplies it sufficiently with Water which by an Engine is drawn out of the Lakes and Streams over their Fields so to moisten the Roots of their Plants The County Hengcheufu is a delightful and well Till'd Countrey yielding all manner of Provisions and among the rest Paper-canes Much of the same Nature are the tenth and fourteenth Counties In the Territory Chingyangfu grows a Plant which like our Ivy runs up in height bears Yellow Flowers and some White The utmost end of the Sprigs are very thin like Silken Threds they say that a small Branch thereof being laid to the Naked Body occasions Sleep and therefore
abounds with Silk Ebony-Wood Date-Trees and Araka which the Inhabitants chew with Betel-Leaves as also the Indians who call it Makinnang Thus much of the temperature of the Air and fertility of the Soyl of China as to what concerns their manner of Husbandry and the Description of some Plants that belong properly to China we will here Treat at large Of their manner of Husbandry The Emperor Ven who began his Reign Anno 197 before the Incarnation promoted Husbandry then decay'd by the continual Wars with great zeal and put his own Hands to the Work that by his Example he might oblige all the greatest Noble-men to follow him He caus'd all Women to plant Mulbery-Trees and breed Silk-Worms from the Example of his Empress whom he enjoyn'd to set the fore-mention'd Trees and breed Silk-Worms in his Palace insomuch that all the Clothes she wore and which were us'd in their Religious Ceremonies were of her making It is credible that from hence the high Feast which the Chineses call Hinchun hath its original This may well be term'd The Countrey-man's Holiday for in the beginning of the Spring when the Sun is in the Aequator this Day is by the Chineses through the whole Empire kept with great Solemnity by all degrees of Persons in every City and in the Metropolis Peking it self after this manner One of the chiefest of the Nobility Crown'd with a Garland of Flowers goes to the Eastern Gate of the City with all manner of Instruments Playing before him and attended with a number of burning Torches and Flags Behind follow a Train of Men which carry several Dishes of Meat to Trees whereon hang the ancient Monuments of Husbandry being either made of Wood or some other Material and set forth with Silk and Cloth of Gold In several places through which they pass stand Triumphal Arches and all the Streets are hung with Tapestry In this manner the Nobleman goes to the Eastern Gate as it were to meet the approaching Spring The chiefest Pageantries of this Solemnity are A Cow of Bak'd Clay so big that forty Men are scarce able to carry it The other is a Youth whom they call The Careful and Industrious Spirit who going bare with one Leg and the other cover'd with a Stocking continually strikes the Cow on the Back with a Switch Then follow divers Countrey-men carrying Spades Shovels Axes and the like Tools us'd in Husbandry yet nothing of what they carry or do but represents a peculiar Secret as by the continual beating on the Cow they signifie what care the Husband-man must take in the Manuring of his Lands by the Youths going with one Leg bare and the other antickly clad they express what speed they must use to go to their Labor and scarce allow time to Clothe themselves When the whole Train is led to the King 's or Governor's Palace the Stone Cow is bereav'd of all her Garlands and other Ornamentals Out of her open'd Belly like as from the Trojan Horse little Clayie Oxen are drawn in great numbers of which the Emperor sends one to every Governor with admonishments that the Subjects would be careful and diligent in the Tilling of their Lands and leave not an Acre unsow'd and among other Ceremonies the Emperor himself Plows and throws Seed on the Ground that day The Emperor Hiaou though when he was grown very old betook himself three years before his Death to Husbandry and forsaking all kind of State Affairs Plough'd and Sow'd the Ground himself that by that means he might shew good examples to his Subjects and stir them up in like manner to Husbandry Then enquiring out experienc'd Planters commanded them to go through his whole Dominions and teach all People the way of Husbandry to which purpose they found out all sorts of Implements or Tools useful in Tillage and many other the like things which are requir'd in Husbandry so that we may now cease from wondering that formerly mean Rusticks were rais'd from the Plough to the Imperial Throne and sole Monarchy of all China when we see that Emperors descended from the Throne to the Plough nay which is more manag'd the Empire and the Plough at once The ancient Chinese Emperors and Kings have had several Laws concerning Husbandry amongst which were these The nineteenth part of whatsoe're the Soil produces falls to the Emperor The Governors ought in time of Famine to take notice of the Subjects Goods and Estates and Tax them according to their Quality The dividing of the Ground was after this manner every Person was to have an equal share and one Family no more than the other All the Fields were divided into great Squares and these again into nine lesser of which each Person had one to Manure but the middlemost was either the Emperor's or the King 's Square which was also by eight Overseers Till'd on the Emperor's Account The eight Squares were call'd Peculiar Acres but the middlemost The Cammon or Free Square which when left Untill'd no Man was permitted to Manure his own The Emperor Xinnung first Invented the Plough and other Necessary things for Husbandry and taught the Inhabitants to Sow Wheat Rice Barly Maiz or Turkish Corn and other Grains The Emperor Yu who Raign'd Anno 2207. before the Nativity hath written many things concerning Tillage viz. after what manner the Fields of every County are to be Till'd and Sown for he had gain'd excellent knowledge of the Nature of several Soils to which he attain'd by his own Industry And observing their Situation among Rivers concerning which he also wrote several Treatises and from his Writings the Chineses observe several Rules in their Tilling according to the several qualities of the Ground The Mountains are also in China Manur'd after a peculiar manner but in no Province so much as in that of Fokien because there are the most Mountains Michael Boem observes that the Countrey of China is exceeding fruitful not onely in the producing of Indian especially the Southern Provinces but also all sorts of European Fruits besides others solely belonging to it self It is a wonder to consider how many excellent Fruits the Inhabitants in the fifteen Provinces of China enjoy for those Provinces which want any sorts of Fruits are furnish'd by their Neighbors with those which they have not by which means they have all the Year long fresh Fruits even in the midst of Winter for in some Provinces the Fruits are ripe in November December Ianuary and February in others in March April May and Iune and in some in Iuly August September and October The manner of Nursing up of young Plants amongst the Chineses and most Indians is three several ways The first is by burying of the Fruit and Seed together in the Ground for the Chinese Gardners put whole Golden Apples and other Fruits in the Earth and then Plant the Sprouts which shoot from the Seed at a distance from one another by which means they grow in
in their manner of Arms of all the Formosans This King look'd upon as a brave Person keeps a constant Guard and is always quarrelling and making War with his Neighbors He was formerly in Friendship with the Hollanders and proud to serve under them as Serjeant of a Company The fifth is Sapat lying quite on the other side of Formosa and commands over ten Towns the Governor whereof is in League with Pimaba The sixth Dominion is call'd Takabolder and hath eight Towns besides several Villages under its Jurisdiction In Takabolder appears an exceeding high Mountain which may be seen from Tayowan The seventh Lordship is that of Cardeman govern'd by a Woman who for her kind reception of the Christians was by the Hollanders call'd The Good Woman She commands over five Villages When the Hollanders march'd into the Field she sent them Provisions had a great Authority over her Subjects and being a Widow married to one of the Princes of the Countrey The eighth Territory hath twelve Villages of which the chiefest are Deredou Orrazo Porraven Barraba Warrawarra Tannatanna and Cubeca The ninth is call'd Tokodekal and hath seven Towns and seven Villages the chief whereof is Tokodekal where the Governor hath his Residence The tenth nam'd Pukkal consists onely of one handsom City and maintains a continual War against the seven Villages of Tokodekal and likewise against Percuzi and Pergunu two Towns which make the eleventh Dominion Besides all these foremention'd Places there are abundance of Lordships in the Mountains but we will not trouble the Reader with naming them because they are so numerous and for that every one is for it self and continually make War one against another But those Places which formerly the Hollanders had reduc'd they kept in good order and quiet These Islands of Formosa and Tayowan especially the Coasts suffer much 〈◊〉 Storms and Tempests for oftentimes the Wind blows down whole Trees and Houses rending both Walls and Roofs from top to bottom Besides by these Huricanes yearly many Ships are lost that approach near the Coasts Both these Isles also endure terrible Earthquakes Anno 1654. hapned a mighty Earthquake on the fourteenth of December which continu'd with short intermissions almost seven Weeks together It also rains here very much wherefore none can travel above two Months being December and Ianuary for then is generally the fairest Weather but their greatest and perpetual Rains happen onely in Iuly and August There are two Mousons oâ—… Stormy Seasons the one the Northern and the other the Southern Mouson The first begins in October and continues till March the second begins in May and holds till September which the Hollanders call'd The unconstant Month because of its often change of Weather The circumjacent Sea that washes the Skirts of these Isles abounds with Fish especially the Harder or Shepherd-Fish and another call'd the Kings-Fish The Chineses come yearly towards February from the Main-Land with thousands of Jonks to take these Shepherds some of the Jonks being able to carry five or six hundred Tun. There sail also another sort of Vessels amongst these Jonks which they call Koiaes or Wankans somewhat smaller than our Cock-boats This Harder or Shepherd is a Fish about the bigness of a Whiting which when taken is slit to the Back like Habberdine then salted and pack'd up in Barrels is sent in Pickle all over China as we and the Hollanders send our Herrings through Europe The Rows of these Fishes are also salted and put into Pots which remaining very red are accounted for a great Dainty amongst the Chineses For the Priviledge of Fishing under this Island the Chineses us'd to pay the Tithes of all Fish for Custom to the Hollanders there resident The Soil hath in it a natural Fertility yet lies most part waste through the ignorance and sloth of the Inhabitants The fruitfullest Tract the King of Middag possesses which produces abundance of Rice Wheat Barley Rye Kayjang Ginger Sugar several sorts of Trees and great variety of Fruits as Lemmons Oranges Citrons Pumpeons Water-Melons Cucumers Ananasses China-Roots Kadjang Fokkafoka Potatoes Ubes Sweet-Herbs Cabbage Carrots and abundance of Physical Herbs and Cane-wood Kadjang is a certain small Seed green and about the bigness of Coriander which boyl'd with salt and fresh Fish gives a more pleasant taste Fokkafokas is a Fruit like a Pear but thrice as big as one of our greatest white on the shady side and on the other in stead of Red of a Purple Colour and shines on the top like Glass It is first cut into four Quarters then boyld with Flesh or Bacon like Turneps Carrots or Coleworts Of the Broth sweetned with Sugar they make good Drink They also have some few Sheep and store of Harts Goats stags Conies Hares tame and wild Swine Tygers Bears Apes and the like But they have there also another kind of Creature by the Hollanders call'd Tayowans Devil about an Ell long and five Inches broad it is full of Scales both under his Belly and on his Back hath four Feet a long sharp Head very sharp Claws and a Tail thin at the end his Food nothing but Pismires for being hungry they put forth their Tongues which when they perceive creep upon it they draw in again and so swallow their Prey It is an Enemy only to the Ants and is very fearful of Men from whom it flies upon the first sight into any hole or else winds it self together but if taken by the Tail and shaken opens again so that the Hollanders have by an Irony nam'd it the Tayowans Devil being so harmless that it will neither offend another nor defend it self None of these are found in all Asia but on this Isle where they have all manner of Fowl else except Parrots There are also Serpents Millepedes Scorpions Hedgehogs and many other monstrous Creatures They likewise oftentimes see great Swarms of Locusts Anno 1655. abundance of Locusts spread themselves over these Islands of Formosa and Tayowan At their first appearance in Tayowan they fell down from the Sky like a great Snow here with us and cover'd the whole Ground After two days they directed their way to Sakkam multiplying in such manner that no place was free of them The People endeavoring to destroy the young Locusts in Sakkam in four or five days got thirty thousand Picol weight But all prov'd in vain and they were forc'd to give over when they saw their prodigious increase utterly destroying their Sugar and Rice Fields every where Against the North-East part of Formosa lies a great and rich Golden Mine surrounded by many other Marble Quarries At the Foot thereof runs a River with many winding Reaches so that any one which intends to go in quest of the Gold must cross this Stream above twenty times and not without great danger because of the Stones which frequently tumble from the Rocks In August the great Rains sweep down an incredible Store of this rich Metal which
converting his rage into a contrary passion he would have worshipped her but she refusing such honour bad him return thanks to Heaven and the Gods which he ceased not to do after that becoming a zealous Penitent Not long after Biou Tsongong dy'd and Quanien betook her self to Lamhay a Place in China where she spent the remainder of her Life in great Piety After her Death they built a stately Temple in honor of her and Interr'd her Corps in the middle which remains at this day as the Chineses believe as fresh and sound as if it had been buried but a day Every year the Priests go thither to celebrate the Anniversary of her Death in the sixth Moon on the eighteenth day with Sports and Feasting which hath won so much esteem that the Chineses implore her help and assistance in all Tribulations The thirty ninth Goddess is call'd Nioma or as others will have it Matzou she was born in the City Kotzo in the Territory of Houkong where her Father was Vice-Roy This Nioma resolving also to live and die a Virgin to that end went to dwell in the Island Piscadores or Fishers-Isle otherwise by the Inhabitants call'd Pehoe lying to the Northward twelve Leagues distant from Formosa where she spent her Life in a Pious and most Religious manner Her Image not long after was set up in the Temple with two Servants one on the right and another on the left-side each of them holding a Fan in their Hands which cover'd the Goddesses Head She hath also as they say Spirits under her command and is highly honor'd amongst the Chineses for so great and powerful a Deity that all the Emperors at their Inaugurations must not omit to pay their Devotions in the Temple of this Nioma Her greatest Festival is on the three and twentieth day of the third Moon when the Priests repair from all Places of the Empire to her Tomb because she knows as they believe when any Strangers shall address themselves to that Countrey and whether their intentions be good or evil nay more will give certain Responses to any that consult her in what affair soever so that they are so perswaded and superstitious concerning her admonishments that they think all is lost if she advise not thereunto The original of her Adoration sprung hence as the Chinese Records have it One Campo a Chinese Admiral going out with an Armado to Engage with a foreign Enemy being driven by contrary Winds was necessitated to anchor under the Lee of this Isle but afterwards the Storm ceasing and the Wind and Weather growing fair the Fleet weighed and hoising Sail set forward but all the Sea-men with their conjoined strength could not get up his Anchor which while they wondred at this Goddess appear'd to the Admiral whom imploring she advis'd to take her aboard for the People against whom he had Commission to Fight were great Magitians practising the Black Art and could raise or lay Spirits at their pleasure but she was able to frustrate their diabolical practises Thus perswaded the Admiral with great reverence took her into his Ship and coming to the Shore where they intended to Land these Masters of occult Sciences us'd their skill as Nioma had foretold but she baffled them in their own Arts and so made their powerfullest Charms of no effect wherefore the King that trusted to his Necromancers being necessitated to Engage with the Chineses was by her direction and assistance contrary to his confidence utterly defeated and brought under subjection The Admiral though sensible of the wonderful Service which she had done by her power desir'd that she would do something in his presence that he might relate having so many eye-witnesses to the Emperor And having accidentally a wither'd Cane in his Hand Nioma took it and upon his Request immediately made it grow and blossom and to yield a sweet smell Which signal Prodigy the Admiral fix'd on his Stern and coming to the Emperor related to him all his Adventures whereupon he in honor and commemoration of her favors commanded that they should worship her as a Goddess through the whole Empire Since which every Ship bears her Image in the Stern and the Sea-men are strangely devoted to her The fortieth God call'd Sikjaa born in the Kingdom Tantaico opposite to the West of China they held for the first inventer of that Religion which the Chineses observe to this day He always went bare headed neither eating Flesh Fish or other Creature that had life and lived single This Sikjaa Drawn or Carv'd to the life stands upon the Altars in their Temples and on the right-side at the entrance of the Door Over against him and in some Temples round about him stand long Tables at which the Priests sit reading and muttering to themselves Prayers to Sikjaa to receive them into Heaven Two Priests watch day and night before his Altar often bowing to the Ground and lifting up their Heads equally together whilst their Tabors and Pipes consorted with other Wind-Instruments makes no unpleasing harmony In their Diet the Priests follow the strict Life of Sikjaa eating nothing but Rice Grapes and Herbs they live some in the Wildernesses like Hermits others frequent the Temples abroad and spend their time for a small gratuity in making Offerings in peoples Houses having no allowance either from the Emperor or Charity of the People They never pare their Nails some of them growing six eight ten and twelve Inches long which the Chineses count a great Ornament The Doctrine of this Sikjaa is at large declared in the following Description of China The one and fortieth God is call'd Ang-jaa and is carried from House to House on the eleventh day of the third Moon on an Altar by six Priests whereof three go before and three behind before him stands a Perfuming-pot with burning Incense and other Aromaticks The Mendicant Priests stop at every House and never leave Singing and Praying tinckling two small Basons one against another till the Master of the House comes and brings them some Money in a piece of Paper as an Offering to this God This Ang-jaa is not Clothed like the other Gods but quite naked having onely a Cloth about his Middle which reaches down to his Heels and over his Shoulders a Scarf his Hair Beard Mustacho's and Face differ much from the other Chinese Numens the Hair of his Face more resembling an European than an Asiatick concerning which dissimilitude the Chineses themselves are altogether silent The two and fortieth Deity call'd Tontekong is represented in the shape of an antient Man with a white Beard and said to be a great abhorrer of Gaming and Adultery which by all means possible he sought to extinguish wherefore the Chineses have placed him in Heaven and also invoke him daily to defend them from Thieves The three and fortieth God nam'd Teiton a valiant Heroe represented with a drawn Sword in his left-hand whose Services in redeeming the Empire like to be lost by
the Invasion of the Enemy have listed him in special rank amongst the number of their Gods The four and fortieth Schercong next takes place adored for the invention of Tragedies and Comedies and other Enterludes Acted on the Stage The five and fortieth God nam'd Amkong hath obtain'd the like honor meerly for his great Merits and Vertues The six and fortieth Tswajong was in his life-time a mighty Man of a Gigantick Stature his Club which he could flourish with one Hand weighed ninety two pounds so that for his strength and valour he was very famous in China and therefore worshipp'd as a God The seven and fortieth Hangoe another Giant whose Helmet weighed one hundred twenty five pound whose strength and valour made him living a Vice-Roy and after death a Deity The eight and fortieth Hanzing with whom none could stand in competition either for Prudence or Science except Quantecong and Sodejong who perform'd with a few Men greater Acts by his subtile Stratagems and politick Conduct than others with vast Armies and therefore the Chineses worship and hold him for a God The nine and fortieth Sodejong a wise and politick Prince yet meek and loving to his Subjects look'd upon as superior in his Character to Hanzing but much inferior to Quantecong The fiftieth Sjengoesoeng also a very strong Giant and much reputed for serving his Countrey against the common Enemy The one and fiftieth Goumatzintzing signifies Pastor Gregis The Shepherd of the People and a Servant to God He had if you will believe the Chineses five Eyes two in the right places and two above them and the fifth in the middle of his Forehead like the Cinque upon a Dye two of these were alway sawake or open whilst the other three were shut for which they implore him as their Watch in Heaven The two and fiftieth Soumanoaom had four Eyes two in his Neck and two in his Forehead when those two in his Forehead closing slept the other two kept open watchful wherefore he being General was never defeated whom for his never-sleeping Care and Conduct they worship as a God The three and fiftieth Zjenzucung a Lord of small Stature wearing short Hair but of an acute Wit and profound Understanding and abominator of Gaming and Drink The four and fiftieth Quantecong though by Iohannes Gonsales and others call'd Vitie whom the Chineses honor'd more than any of their Gods being reckon'd the first Emperor in China for Valour Subtilty and Science unparalell'd and not to be match'd such was his wonderful and Gigantick Stature being as they fable twelve Foot and eight Inches high and his Shoulders four Foot broad his Sword weighed ninety two pound which he us'd with one Hand In the beginning of his Reign he possessed onely one Province but by his Conquests and Atchievements became Master of the fifteen which now make the Empire He established many Laws and Ordinances especially one against Idleness He first invented Clothing and Dying of Stuffs which they use to this day for before they went naked like the Indians He also modell'd and invented Ships made Saw-Mills Gun-powder and Guns and improved Architecture Some Buildings and Edifices are yet to be seen whereof as they say he was the Contriver He made a Law That all Mechanicks should continue their Parents Trades from Generation to Generation He erected Cities Towns and Villages and commanded the People to inhabit them And as their Chronicles relate this Quantecong with his own Hand slew in one Battle three thousand some say four thousand Men. He had a Negro for his Squire or Armor-bearer who was no less valiant than himself for he accompanied him in all dangers whatsoever and was called Tzicutzong he perform'd great Exploits in his Masters Service by conquering many People and several Countreys but besides Quantecong had another Servant a White call'd Quanpiong yet no Martialist In every City is also a Temple erected to the honor of Quantecong in which stands his Image On one side of him stands his black Squire with a Sword by his Side and a large Knife like a Mowers Scythe four Paces from him on the other Side his white Page Quanpiong Nor was he invocated onely by his Countrey-men but also by the Tungkins their Enemies for as soon as any War broke out they set a Guard before his Temple that none might hurt him for they believe he would punish their neglect with the loss of their Army Nay farther they say That mounting his red Horse Angbea for he onely us'd a red Steed there being none of that kind else in China he Rid against their Enemies and destroy'd their whole Army in revenge of the damage done to his Temple The six and fiftieth Kongsou is held for the first inventer of Printing which the Chineses have us'd eight hundred years and upwards insomuch that they say the Christians learn'd that art from them because at that time they Traded with Christian Merchants This Kongsou stands on a Throne environ'd with People of several Nations every one holding a Book of all which the Germans stand nearest to him because they according to the testimony of the Chineses have greater Judgment and Print better than any other Nation The seven and fiftieth Tegoe that is Transitory Bull. The eight and fiftieth they nominate Kjenke that is Crow or Chicken-Thief A strange fancy and belief possesses the Chineses about these their two Deities for say they when Tegoe hath the Earth on his Shoulders then Kjenke comes from Heaven and pecks Tegoe on his Body whereby necessitated to shake himself the Earth trembles and shakes with him and as soon as any such trepidation begins they fall a laughing saying Now is Tegoe peck'd by Kjenke Father Martinius in his Chinese History saith That the Soil of China is very little subject to Earthquakes yet the Chronicles of that Countrey mention That the Year before the Birth of our Saviour 73. hapned such a great Earthquake that several Mountains were swallow'd up from whence the Chineses a People much inclin'd to Superstition prognosticated the destruction of their Empire such things say they proceeding from an angry and threatning Heaven The nine and fiftieth Luikong or The God of Thunder for Lui is Thunder and Kong a Governor They represent him with a Head like a Crane Feet and Hands like an Eagles Claws and large Wings wherewith he seems to flye through the Clouds When this Luikong say they intends to Thunder he stands between four Clouds with a Drum on every one on which he beats continually with two great Iron Pestles And when any one is struck by a Thunder-bolt they say that Luikong is much enraged against that Person and therefore struck him with the foremention'd Pestles so that they are very fearful of him and when it Thunders creep on their Hands and Feet under Benches and Tables The sixtieth is the Ruler of Lightning and represented by the Chineses with a Straw Wisp in her Hand which when it Lightens
the separated Ships are strictly Commanded not to pass by the foremention'd Island De Lemas but put in to it and there wait for the Fleets coming that so they may proceed on together in their Voyage and the more resolutely bid the Enemy defiance if they should Rancounter After leaving the Island De Lemas and coming on the Coast of China they shall first put in for the Bay of Engeling or rather that of Hoksiu they being the safest and convenientest Harbors in the Southern Bay or Mouson and with the whole Fleet except those bound for Iapan which will part from us before run into them to inquire how the Affairs of War stand between the Tartar and Coxinga and whether he be in China or Formosa therefore if in the way from Lemas to the Coast of China any Frigats should be separated from the Fleet let them put in for the foremention'd Bays of Engeling or Hoksiu where they shall joyn with the Fleet again When the white Flag shall be set up at the Admirals Stern and a Gun be fired from his Ship then the General Council of War shall meet consisting of these following Persons to consult with the Admiral viz. Henry Indiik of the Ship Loosduinen Iohn Idze de Vink or Van Campen Vice-Admiral of the Fleet but so long as Indiik is by the Fleet the Finch shall carry the Flag as Rear-Admiral of Zierikzee The Merchant Constantine Nobel who carries the Light before the Fleet after Indiik hath taken leave shall bear the Flag of Domburgh Peter Iansz Veldmuis Captain of the Naerden Ysbrand Bowmester Captain of the Domburgh Barent Iochemsz Captain of the Overveen Harman Symonsz Commander of the High-Land Iohn Hendriksz Master of the Sea-Dog Dirk Gerritz Commander of the Meliskerke Iohn Ysbransz Van Bank Captain of the Ankeven Valk Master of the Vink Christopher Edwartsz Secretary If the Admiral le ts flie his Red Flag from his Poop then all the remaining Commanders of the Fleet as Brukelen Loenen and Ter-Bode shall also come aboard with the foremention'd persons and likewise their chief Officers of War as the Ensigns and Serjeants But if the Admiral will have his Privy Council to come aboard he shall put out his white Flag with a Bend from the Poop The Privy Council shall consist in the following Persons Henry Indiik Iohn Idze de Vink Constantine Nobel Peter Iansz Veldmuis Commander of the Naerden Ysbrand Bowmester Captain of the Domburgh If the Admiral is desirous to speak with the Captain of the Loosduine he shall let a Pennon flow from his Mizzen-Yard if with the Zirikzee a Pennon from the Fore-Yard if with Domburgh a Jack from the Sprissel-Yard If any one be found to neglect these Orders he shall be put in mind of it by the Secretary and after examination of the cause receive all due punishment All these were made and agreed on in the Naerden Frigat Sailing about the Thousand Islands the 26. of Iune 1662. Balthazar Bort Iohn Idze de Vink On Thursday morning being the twenty seventh the Fleet having the same Weather found themselves to be in four Degrees and eighteen Minutes South-Latitude and in the afternoon beyond the Point of Boomy's Riff in nine and ten Fathom Gravelly Ground in the Night on fourteen and fifteen Fathom the same Ground they spy'd the Banks of the foresaid Riff at a pretty distance On Wednesday Morning the twenty eighth the Fleet being in thirteen and fourteen Fathom Water the Wind Easterly saw the Island Lucipar or Lukapar lying to the South-West about a League and a half from them This Island lies near Sumatra in the Mouth of the Straights of Banka and is fourteen Leagues in Circumference It is uninhabited yet Wooddy and yields a pleasant Prospect with its high Trees towards the Sea it is interlac'd with many murmuring Streams which abounding in Fish and the Woods with Beasts makes it a fit place for the Sea-men to refresh in In the afternoon being in three Degrees and seven Minutes Lukapar lay three Leagues South South-East from the Fleet and having got the first Point of Sumatra on their Starboard their Course being North-East and by East they Sail'd along the Coast of Sumatra in ten and thirteen Fathom Water The twenty ninth about Noon the Fleet Sail'd by Poele Nancha lying in the Straights of Banka thirty Leagues to the In-land in two Degrees and twenty five Minutes Southern-Latitude and were got within a small League from the third Point of Sumatra Poele Nancha that is The Isle Nancha for Poele is Island and Nancha the proper name of the place and signifies Round Island so call'd being indeed almost Circular and hath eight Leagues in Circumference very barren being onely Sandy Ground having on the Shore nothing but a few Turtles In the Evening about Sun-set they came up with the high Promontary Monapien on the North of the Island Banka and the Fore-Land of Sumatra lying West South-West about a League from them Banka an Island about a League from Sumatra is inhabited fruitful and full of Woods The thirteenth being Friday the Fleet was at Noon gotten into one Degree and twenty two Minutes South-Latitude and had Poele Toutyon that is seven Islands East and by North four Leagues from them in sixteen and seventeen Fathom Water These Isles though they lie close by one another yet are uninhabited Close by Poele Toutyon towards the East lies the Isle of Linge Inhabited on the Shore by Fishers and Rusticks but in the Countrey by a People who came thither from the Mountain Passarvan which is in Iova for these People opprest by the King of Passarvan with great Tributes and other Inconveniencies fled for their better accommodation to several places most of them being Licens'd by the King of Bantam to have setled behind the City on the Coast of Sunda at the foot of the Mountain Gomon Bezar where they have built the City Sura and several Villages Electing a King of their own which pays Tribute to the King of Bantam Others have setled themselves on this Isle and built Towns and Villages which they enjoy'd in Peace a long time but submitted themselves at last either out of kindness or force to the King of Sura These People live peaceably and friendly maintaining themselves with Husbandry or Tillage and observe the old Pythagorean Doctrine concerning the Transmigration of the Soul therefore they neither kill nor eat any animated Creature They go clothed in white Paper made of Trees of which they tie only one piece about their Head and another about their Middle for decency This Isle hath all manner of good Provisions though not in very great plenty but abundance of Birds which are from thence Transported to China for a great Dainty The first of Iuly about Noon the Fleet finding it self in twenty five Minutes South-Latitude spy'd the East Point of the Isle of Linge North-West from them and Poele Zay South-West and by
The thirteenth the Fleet being in seven Degrees and six Minutes had twenty nine thirty and thirty one Fathom Water But the Naerden sailing with his Squadron about the East had almost lost sight of the Zierikzee The fourteenth about Noon the Fleet was in eight Degrees and sixteen Minutes and had twenty two and twenty three Fathom Water fine sandy Ground mix'd with white Gravel At Night about the latter end of the first Watch appear'd the two Isles lying to the West of the Island Poele or Candor a League from the Fleet which had eighteen Fathom Water This Poele or Candor lies in the Bay of Siam near the Coast of Vancinaer Cambodia uninhabited and about three or four Leagues in Circumference surrounded with high Rocks and Mountains crown'd with shady Trees and abounding with good Provision to the great refreshment of those Ships that put in there The fifteenth in the Morning the Fleet came up with the North-East Point of Candor which bore South-East and by East about three or four Leagues distance from them in the depth of seventeen and eighteen Fathom Water white Sand mix'd with small Pebbles The sixteenth in the Morning they sail'd in fifteen and sixteen Fathom Water the Table-Mount being North-East about three Leagues from the Shore About Noon they found themselves by observation in ten Degrees and thirty one Minutes Northern Latitude and had fifteen Fathom Water about three Leagues from the Coast of Champa Champa so call'd according to Texeira from the Portuguese Pronunciation Champa by Martinius Changpa and by others Ciampa is a Kingdom which hath the Principality of Camboya on the West and according to Father Lerin that of Laos from which it is separated by the vast Desarts and Mountains of Samao the East respects Cochinchina and Tunking and reaches with its Coasts to the main Continent of China before you come to the Shore against the Island of Makou The chief City which lies up in the Countrey hath its denomination from the Kingdom The other Towns are Varella Penaria and Tauchonarella This Countrey abounds in all sorts of Provisions and the Hills with Elephants which are transported from thence to several Places There is also store of the best Calamback-Wood by some call'd Calampart by Linschot Calambu and Calambes or Lignum-Aloes by the Arabians Agalugen and Haut and by the Inhabitants of Zaratte and Dekan Ud which hath a most sweet and odoriferous smell said to proceed from its rotting under Ground for the sound Wood hath no smell at all The Tree saith Garzias resembles that of an Olive but somewhat bigger and the firm and sound Wood hath no kind of smell but with the putrifying of the Bark and Wood the fat and Oily Moisture may also communicate of its Sweetness to that likewise This Wood they prize so highly that they equally value it with Gold yet much us'd by the Chineses in their Offerings to their Gods The Countrey though badly stor'd with Gold and Silver yet is enrich'd with excellent Drugs costly Woods as the Sampan and Ebon-Wood Rice Lint and Cotton There is also plenty of a Fruit call'd Oaby which is very great weighing ten or twelve Pounds apiece and by the Chineses us'd for Bread and sometimes mingled with Meat like the Bottoms of Artichokes They also have a very large Fruit by the Inhabitants and other Indians call'd Nankussen and by some according to Garzias and Acosta Iaka The Countrey is Govern'd by a King that Rules neither acknowledging Subjection to the Emperor of China the Cham of Tartary or any other Superior The Vice-Admiral Van Campen spoke with the King himself who sate in a great Court in a very large Hall hung with rich Tapestry but was not permitted to enter the Presence till he pull'd off his Shoes and Stockings because none may appear before the King unless bare-footed such was their Custom of due Reverence The Grandees or Persons of Quality there are mounted on Steeds with Bells in their Ears like our Cart-Horses The seventeenth in the Night the Fleet doubled the South Point of the Bay of Pangerang which bore West and by South about three Leagues from them In the bottom of this Bay being a most convenient Harbor for Ships stands a great City whose Jurisdiction extends a vast way into the Countrey and Govern'd by a peculiar King The Vice-Admiral going ashore spake with him with his Shoes and Stockins on and was presented by the King with soms Fans and Stuffs The Countrey thereabouts abounds with Calamback-Wood The Fleet steering North and by East found her self about Noon to be in eleven Degrees and thirty five Minutes about three Leagues from the Champan Shore In the Morning they plied about the five Islands close by the foremention'd Coast the Southermost part of which appears like a round Hay-stack The eighteenth at Noon by Observation they found themselves in twelve Degrees and thirteen Minutes two Leagues from the Shore in seventy Fathom Water On Wednesday about Sun-rising the Fleet made St. Iohn de Fyks on the Coast of Champan North-East and by North about three Leagues from them and at Noon were in thirteen Degrees and five Minutes Northern Latitude and Coasted about Sun-set Cabo Avarelles which lay Northerly from them steering North and by East Cabo Avarelles being a very high Mountain appears a great distance off like a Man on Horse-back and serves for a Beacon The twentieth they found themselves in thirteen Degrees and forty nine Minutes and saw the Point of Poele Candor North and by East a good distance from them The one and twentieth in the Day-watch the Vice-Admiral Van Campen for the Admiral Bort going that Night with seven Ships about the East was by break of day gotten quite out of sight with the Ships belonging to his Squadron came opposite to the Northermost of the Box-Islands and spied four Sail bearing North-East and by East near the Coast of Champan or Quinan whether he and those that belong'd to the Ter-Boede row'd with their Sloops well Mann'd and Arm'd but three of them escaping they took only one which they carried aboard the Vice-Admiral and found him to be laden with Rice Honey and strong Arak Mann'd with seven Men and having also five proper Women aboard that coming from Poeyan intended to sail from Taywan not far from thence They judg'd it convenient to let them pass with their Vessel but the Women would rather have staid with the Netherlanders if they might have had their desires yet at their departure they were presented with three Pieces of course white Linnen which they receiv'd with great thankfulness The City Poeyan lying on the Coast of Quinan at the foot of a Mountain between two Rivers is surrounded with high thick Walls of Stone fit to plant Guns upon Their Fortresses are not fortified with Towers but here and there with some Galleries eighteen Foot high to which they ascend by a Ladder and from thence assail their
and on the one and twentieth in the Morning seeing Poele Tymon South-west and by South about three Leagues distant he made towards it and dropp'd Anchor at the South-Point eighteen Fathom Water and soon after the Admiral Bort with all his Ships coming also to an Anchor put their Pennon under their Vein except the Loenen Pink which after a little stay steer'd her Course for Batavia In the after noon the whole Fleet setting Sail again to proceed onward of their Voyage steer'd South South-east The next day about Sun-rising Panyang bare about four Leagues to the South South-East from them At Noon the Fleet found themselves to be in forty six Minutes Northern-Latitude and saw Panyang West and by North and about Sun-set they saw Pismires-Isle in the South-west about four Leagues distant and the Island Lingen South-west and South-west and by South about six or seven Leagues off and about Noon the next day Van Campen was with the Fleet in six Minutes Southern-Latitude and saw about Sun-set Poele or the Island Saya South and by West and the Cape of Lingen Nor-West and by West three or four Leagues from them The twenty fifth they discern'd the Seven Islands or Poele Toutyons in the South-east and by South and Poele Saya in the Nor-West and Nor-West and by West about Noon the Poele Toutyons were Eastwards four or five Leagues from the Zirickzee The twenty sixth they descry'd the Mountain Monapin about Sun-rising to lie South-east and by East about five Leagues distant and at Noon about three Leagues from thence they were in two Degrees and nine Minutes South-Latitude At Night about Sun-set they saw the third Point of the Island Sumatra South-South-east two Leagues from them and Poele Nanko East and by North about three Leagues from the Zirickzee and Monapin in the Nor-West and Nor-West and by North all lying along the Coast of Sumatra The twenty seventh at Sun-rising they descry'd the first Point of Sumatra South-east and South-East and by East about two Leagues and a half from the Zirickzee who at Noon was in three Degrees and five Minutes South Latitude and having the Island Lucipar South-east about three Leagues from him Sail'd close along the Coast. The next day about Noon the Zirickzee was in four Degrees and twelve Minutes Southern Latitude and on the twenty ninth in the Morning coming up with the Thousand Islands which lay Westward from him he espy'd the Admiral Bort with seven Sail in the Nor-East and by East and one lying at an Anchor near the Island Agnietes At two a Clock in the afternoon the Fleet came to an Anchor before Batavia where they found the following Frigat and Pinks viz. the Stadthouse Frigat of Amsterdam the Holland Remedy the Nightingale Pink the Arms of Batavia a Frigat the Griffin being the Reer-Admiral of the Harbor The thirtieth being Friday the following Ships arriv'd there from Holland the Kennemerland Orange Rhynland and the Kogge The next day the Flushing Frigat came also to an Anchor from the Coast of Malabar with News that Rykloff van Gouns had taken the City Coessien and likewise the Rising-Sun Frigat from Rekkam On Tuesday the third of April a Thanksgiving Day was kept for the Conquest of the City Coessien and in the Evening Bon-fires were made and all the Guns fir'd from the Fort and round about the Walls of the City Batavia and likewise from all the Ships The eleventh the Ter-Boede Pink came also to an Anchor before Batavia from Sian and the Agents related their Adventures to the Lord-General A CONTINUATION OF THE Second Embassy Being a Journal of the Adventures that happened to the two Fleets sent from Batavia to the Isles of Formosa Tayowan and the Coast of China under the Command of Balthazar Bort as Admiral and General of the Land-Forces since the Year 1663. Iune the 27. until Anno 1664. March the 21. THe great Damage which the Netherlanders suffer'd Anno 1661. by the loss of Tayowan and Formosa taken from them by the Pyrate Coxinga not only staining their Honor but also damnifying their Estates and prejudicial to their Trade was not satisfi'd by the Fleet and Land-Soldiers sent out the last Year as was expected because the Tartars were not only wanting to joyn their Forces for the Defeating of the common Enemy but also detain'd them most of the time idly at Hoksieu feeding the Admiral with fair Promises without any performance although a fit opportunity seem'd to be presented to the Hollanders because the Enemy by the death of their General Coxinga were all in confusion yet notwithstanding as our former Relation mentions the Hollanders Fleet at several times took thirty three Jonks besides many lesser Vessels which they burnt and also the strong Fort of Kitat leaving whole Towns and Villages in Flames whose Inhabitants fled to the Mountains whilst the Tartars took not the least Cognizance thereof although they knew that Coxinga's Party made Overtures of Peace and had to that purpose sent Ambassadors to their Emperor at Peking as it was reported at the departure of the Fleet though his Majesty having put them off with dilatory answers signifying altogether that they should shew the first Point of their Obedience by wearing short Hair as himself and all his Subjects did which as the Hollanders suppos'd might procrastinate the business and besides all this the Tartars did not perform what they promis'd concerning the inlargement of the Dutch Prisoners yet confin'd in the Isle Eymuy although they shew'd all outward Civilities in their Entertainments still Complementing their Ambassadors yet would not grant them a free Trade before they had full Orders from the Emperor with which they held so long in suspence so long that they would not any longer attend with their whole Fleet such continual delays but having done little or nothing set Sail from thence the first of March and came safe on the twenty ninth of the same Month before Batavia leaving the Ankeveen Frigat behind them which suffer'd Ship-wrack before the Channel of Hoksieu as before mention'd and the Merchant Constantine Nobel with eight Netherlanders which were kept by the Tartars and as their Governors pretended in kindness to them that they should not return until they carry'd from the Emperor what should give satisfaction to their General Maetzuiker all which cast up together amounted to more Jealousie than Hopes so that Ballancing their Actions they could not positively say that either they were Friends or Enemies whom they Treated with Yet howsoever let them be what they will whither against the General Maetzuiker and his Council in Batavia pitch'd resolutely upon that with all their Forces they would prosecute those that had done them their Injury viz. the Coxingans and would never hearken to any accommodation until by reprisal or otherwise they had fully satisfi'd themselves of the Damages sustain'd in Tayowan and Formosa Which Decree of theirs was luckily confirm'd by Letters from their Masters at Amsterdam bearing Date
the Hollanders continuing firm to their Resolution after many Messages toss'd too and fro at last it was brought so far that he not only excus'd them from going to Tangsoa and Lamoa but also consented that with all the Fleet they might go to Formosa promising likewise that he would send two Jonks Mann'd with two hundred Soldiers to Formosa under the Command of two Mandarins with Letters to demand that Countrey for the Hollanders But if the Enemies would not surrender to the Hollanders nor submit to the Tartars that then one of their Ships should come back with the two Jonks and Mandarins to inform him of it that he might send all his Navy and Forces to their assistance which according to the Admirals Request they should have confirm'd under his Sign Manual before they set Sail. In the Evening Admiral Bort advis'd the Vice-Admiral Lairesse in a Letter of all that had pass'd ashore The tenth he having resolv'd to go aboard the next Morning desir'd his Goods might be put into a Jonk and that he might be furnish'd with Coelyes for that purpose These Coelyes by others call'd Poelyes are a mean sort of Laboring People that for small Wages will serve any Person whatsoever in the Carriage of Burdens and Commodities from Place to Place as our Porters or Carriers They wear Shoes of Straw or Leather which they tie about their Ancles with a String made fast at their Toes and are so swift of Foot that they can match a Horse in his full speed In the Afternoon Captain Poleman was sent to Singlamong to thank him for the Kindnesses shewn to them while they had been on Shore and also to acquaint him that they would wait five or six days longer for the two Jonks and Mandarins with two hundred Soldiers and also the Letter to the Governors of Tayowan Lastly to present his Highness in the Admirals name a Pair of Pistols and Holsters and a Sword with a guilded Hilt At his Return Poleman related what he had receiv'd in answer That his Highness was sorry he could give no better Entertainment but he hoped they would excuse it as being in a Camp and not a City That he would send the two Jonks and Mandarins with the Soldiers and also the Letter to the Governor of Tayowan at the appointed day That he accepted the Presents because they consisted in Arms pretending to be asham'd because the Ong or King of Batavia had twice sent to him and he had not made one Return But he would not forget to present him by the Finch some of the Products of his own Countrey with a Letter and humble Thanks for his good Inclination towards him The eleventh the Admiral and all his Retinue took their leaves and soon after went to the Fleet and Singlamong with his Army to Soanchieuw The twelfth in the Afternoon the Admiral came near the low Point of Quemuy aboard of the Zierikzee Frigat The thirteenth several Jonks went from thence to Eymuy and Soanchieuw whither Tonganpek was gone four days before in which time he had written a Letter to the Admiral to this effect I Thank you for the Honor and Kindness which I have receiv'd from you since We joyn'd Our Fleets Now the Enemy is fled there is great hopes that you may easily regain your Countreys of Tayowan and Formosa The Pyrate is retir'd to Tangsoa whither We must pursue him to which purpose I will fit out eighty great and small Jonks under the Command of Choentsay and Goemtsin which shall Sail to Eymuy and there joyn with Sitetok's Fleet I would have gone my self in Person but that I am oblig'd to go to Soanchefoe to receive an Honor sent from the Court at Peking to be conferr'd upon Me which I thought good by these to acquaint your Honor with In the Evening two Mandarins brought a Letter to the Admiral from the General Lipovi at Soanchieuw and also five hundred Picols of Rice which he had formerly promis'd to the Seamen and Soldiers The fourteenth in the Morning the Admiral went ashore in the Island Quemuy where he view'd some ruin'd Villages and especially the Wall'd City Savja-Houpon being built in a pleasant Place and full of fair Houses but burnt by the Tartars before the Hollanders coming thither This Town according to the Relation of the Netherland Prisoner Maurice Iansz was first built by the foremention'd Savja in the time when old Coxinga went from thence to besiege Tayowan having before had his Residence in Eymuy from whence he went to Quemuy About six Months before Savja and his Brothers went thence and Embarqu'd themselves to go over to the Tartars because young Coxin continually oppress'd them by over-heavy Taxations Coxin having notice of this Flight of Savja sent Messengers to him with fair Promises not to molest him for the future and to make him Chief Governor of Eymuy and Quemuy which Bait taking he return'd but was soon dispatch'd out of the way and all his Goods seiz'd which being told to his Brothers which were not yet come back of which Tonganpek was one they went over to the Tartars In the Afternoon the Admiral return'd aboard whither in his way going into the Boat he found many dead Bodies which had been cruelly Butcher'd by the Tartars The seventeenth two Mandarins came from Soanchieuw to the Admiral with the seal'd Letters from Singlamong in which he advis'd the seventeen Chinese Commanders on Formosa and Tayowan to submit with their Soldiers and Countrey-men The Letter was this effect Lipovi's Letter sent to Tsiakoensin Wetingwan Toerlinpetensin Posinsojau Yogaukiloo Yoewetsji-kay Gautinong Soanchyong Nioetingli Chuenkicin Lioetsingoen Kiwintsiwan Suangi Gautinghtoe Yuensaugautingwan Sinkintingjang Ympincin Lioetsinang all Commanders in Tayowan THis is to let you understand That the Heavens Sun Moon and Stars nay all the Elements have hunted you from one Place to another till at last you came with Coxin into Tayowan Now I and Singlamong tell you by this Our Letter That on the tenth Moon the one and twentieth day with Ours and the Hollanders Forces We have conquer'd the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy and all the other adjacent Places of your Generals and drove them so long till they are fled to Tongsoa where Kimsia Coxinga's Son and all his Party do now sculk but cannot find Sustenance there for so many People Who knows not that in short time he will die of Hunger His Forces have already the last Month receiv'd a terrible blow for one of Our Generals call'd Wansumpin slew above ten thousand Men besides two hundred which he took Prisoners amongst which are three Mandarins Tsiausou Syancin and Rikkoe We have also taken from them in the Haven Yuntzauw a hundred and fifty Jonks and Vessels Yet since Singlamong and I know that you intend and resolve to come to Us and freely submit your selves to Our Government and Realm when a fair Opportunity is offer'd therefore We have sent these Agents and Letters with the Holland Forces to Tayowan
distribute it amongst his Soldiers and the other half being for him and his Officers should be paid him so soon as he came aboard their Ships alledging that those of Sakkam and Tayowan being about nine thousand Armed Men would immediately after his deserting them endeavor to agree with them that for a little Money they should surrender up the Castle and Forts with all the Countrey thereabouts and go to the Coast of China And further he desir'd to keep five hundred Acres of Land and two hundred Horses that were his own which he would lend the Hollanders till they were Masters of the Countrey Besides at the Secretaries Request he had undertaken to deliver the Netherland Prisoners and to that purpose advis'd him to send one or two Ships more from the Cape of Tankoya to Tayowan that those of the Castle might not send out Forces and prevent the Design Whilst they were driving this Bargain the Jonk Eymuy came to the Admiral at the Point of Tankoya sent by the Vice-Admiral Lairesse from Tayowan with News That the Enemy as he perceiv'd with his Perspective Glasses wrought very hard upon three Forts which he had now finish'd leading them cross from the Sea-shore to the In-land Water and also that the Enemy before with eight or nine great Jonks set Sail thence The two and twentieth being Tuesday the Interpreter Maurice went again to Siautongsiong with a Chinese Letter in which he was promis'd five thousand Tail of Iapan Silver so soon as he brought the Netherland Prisoners from Sakkam to their Camp and that then he should with all his Soldiers come to the Netherlanders and go over with them to the Main of China And the same day two Ships were according to his Request sent from the Fleet at Tankoya to Tayowan The three and twentieth in the afternoon the Interpreter Maurice return'd with tydings That the delivering of the Netherland Prisoners could not be effected because Siautongsiong before he would undertake it would first receive five thousand Tail of Silver But the Admiral and his Council no way approving of it sent them and the former Hostages to their Masters notwithstanding the Tartars endeavor'd to perswade the Admiral to pay the five thousand Tail alledging That the Chineses at their coming over must leave their Estates behind them therefore they ought to be perswaded thereto by Money But the Admiral answer'd That if they should have sent him the Money they could not have been assur'd of his coming to them by his leaving those two inconsiderable Hostages and thereupon resolutely declared That if Siautongsiong desir'd Money he should first deliver the Netherland Prisoners and come to them The four and twenteth in the Morning the Zierickzee and Tertolen Frigats sent two days before to Tayowan came again to the Fleet at Tankoya with Letters from the Vice-Admiral Lairesse and the Chinese Governors in Formosa and Tayowan in answer to the Admirals written to them on the nineteenth Whilst Lairesse lay with part of the Fleet before Tayowan they perceiv'd that those which they suppos'd to have been Battlements before the Castle of Zelandia as he had advis'd in his first Letter were onely Nets hung up there to dry The Chinese Letter was to this effect YOu Hollanders write to us to send two Men to Treat with you which we are not inclin'd to do before you send two Persons to Treat with us first neither do you understand our Language which made you send two Chinese Rusticks with Letters As to what concerns the Letter written to your Prisoners we have made them translate it in our Presence and thereby understand your kind Salutation to them all and also your inclination to agree with us and cut off the League with the Tartars with Requests moreover that the Prisoners should be set at liberty if your meaning be so we shall be very glad but the contrary hath appear'd to us by a Letter brought to us ashore by Assam and another Person viz. That the Hollanders are yet united with the Tartars as is manifested also by Singlamong and Lipovy's Letters written to us so that we know not what to think of this contradiction We believe what ever you do is meerly to deceive us and to draw away our People but we will prevent it with our greatest care Besides you have according to the information of your Holland Prisoners to us writ to them That you are cozen'd by the Tartars because you could not get a Place in possession to drive your Trade on and therefore forc'd to Cruise up and down the Seas with your Ships If this be truth we will agree with you If you are resolv'd and desirous to Treat with us send Assam and two other Persons of Quality to us whom we promise to entertain nobly and after having Treated with them let them go freely away and when we are agreed we will also send your Prisoners and give notice to the young Coxinga otherwise call'd Sepoan that we are agreed The Council of War in answer to this Letter writ to the Governors of Formosa and Tayowan the twenty fourth of Ianuary from Tankoya to this effect WE thought to have had a better Answer from you than your Letter which we receiv'd this instant makes mention of for thereby appears to us that you will not send any body to us neither of your own nor of our Prisoners When we lay before Quemuy before our coming hither a Letter came from Sepoan wherein you specifi'd your inclination to agree with us and do you now require Agents from us to Treat with you We positively declare that you shall first send one to us and hear our Answer to your Proffer to give us Quelang Tamsui Pehoe or Lamoa and then we will Treat further and perhaps make a good Agreement which if you will not do and send us no Answer hereupon we will in the space of two days put our Flag of Defiance and use Hostility against you every where Our gotten Victories before Eymuy and Quemuy with the ruine of both Cities as also of the Forts on Colongsoe and Goutsoe witness our Power therefore since we cannot do any thing to you by fair means we will try what we can do by force of Arms for we have that God who is Creator of Heaven and Earth on our sides neither are we at such difference with the Tartars as you suppose We drive a Trade again in Hoksieu and their whole Countrey is at our Service and stands open for us we may put into any of their Harbors with our Ships nay they promise to assist us with all their Ionks and Forces if you are stubborn and will not agree with us Therefore consider with your selves and do not refuse our good Proffers whilst you may have them Here inclos'd is a Letter to our Friends your Prisoners which pray deliver to them we observe that they have not well understood our meaning of which at present we have given them better
for Us Christians but strictly forbidden by Our Superior Magistrates Therefore We give every one knowledge and warning not to dispose of any of the Maids or Youths or other Chineses either here at Poele Timon or Batavia to Mahumetans or Idolaters neither to barter nor give them away to such on pain of those Punishments decreed for such Offences And that such Misdoers may be found out every one shall be oblig'd to give an Account of how many they have to Our appointed Officers that they may take their Names in Writing And this to be set up in all the Ships of the Fleet lying at an Anchor before Poele Timon Dated the eighth of March 1664. The tenth it was concluded in the Council That since there was not Provision enough to be had for the Fleet and that which was there very dear to go thence to the Isle of Laver in hopes to be better provided Towards which having weigh'd Anchor they set Sail in the Evening and about midnight arriv'd there On his departure the Admiral left a Letter with the Inhabitants of Poele Timon to deliver to the Rere-Admiral Verwei in which he advis'd him of all what had hapned since they parted The twelfth it was resolv'd in Council that Evening to proceed on their Voyage to Batavia according to which they weigh'd Anchor and set Sail. The thirteenth the Fleet sail'd by Poele Panjang and on the fourteenth pass'd Lingen and Poele Saya and in the Evening Poele Toesjouw The fifteenth towards Night they pass'd by the Rock Frederick Hendrick and towards Evening entred the Straights of Banka The twentieth the Fleet stemm'd the Thousand Islands and in the Evening Anchor'd in twenty eight Fathom and were about three Leagues distant from the Isle of Edam The next day being the one and twentieth the Fleet came to an Anchor at Batavia with ten Ships The Sea-hound Frigat sent thither with the Quemuy Jonk with Letters from the Piscadores were also arriv'd there and likewise two other Jonks Towards Evening the Admiral Balthazar Bort Vice-Admiral Huibert de Lairesse the Council of War and Commanders of all the Ships went ashore and were courteously receiv'd by his Excellency the Lord Maetzuiker who inviting them to Dinner the next day the Admiral related all his Adventures to him deliver'd him also his Papers and a List of the Prisoners and the Chinese Children which were in all two hundred forty three viz. fifty nine Men a hundred forty eight Male Children and thirty six Female Mean while the Rear-Admiral Bartholomew Verwei who on the twenty fourth of February set Sail with four Ships from the Piscadores to the Coast of China to transport the revolted Chineses and land them about Puthay or the River Chincheo the twenty sixth came to an Anchor at the Island Colongsoe where he desir'd the Tartar Agents that they would with one of their Vessels fetch away the Chineses to which purpose he put the Agents ashore at the City Eymuy The next day they brought a Jonk into which they were put with their Arms and likewise the Letters given to the Agents to be deliver'd the Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Lipovi with which the Agents went to the City Chincheo The twenty eighth a Tartar Vessel came aboard the Rere-Admiral in which was a shaven Chinese call'd Hionko which had formerly liv'd in Batavia and spoke Portuguese who told him That he was sent by Sitetok with Request to Verwei That he would please to come to him to Haytin a Place about a League and a half from thence to a Treat but Verwei being sickly put it off This Hionko also related That the Enemy with his Forces lay yet in Tangsoa and durst not go to Tayowan fearing the Dutch Ships that lay before it and that about fourteen days since five thousand Men came to them in sixty Jonks which then lay at Haytan that the Commanders which came in the said Jonks desir'd to inhabit the Isles of Eymuy and Quemuy which if it were permitted them the Prime of the Coxingans would come over to them But the Vice-Roy Singlamong had denied and would not hearken thereto alledging That when another Holland Fleet should come again on the Coast they would then without any further trouble submit The first of March the Overveen Cogge and Buiksloot Frigats came to an Anchor by the Rere-Admiral The third being Monday Verwei set Sail with his four Ships that according to Order he might proceed on his Voyage to Batavia and in the Afternoon found himself half a League beyond the Island with the Hole his Course South-South-West The fourth he descry'd Lammo an Isle in the North-West four Leagues from the Fleet in twenty two and twenty three Fathom Water and in the Evening the Sands Nor-West and by West within five Leagues The fifth being Wednesday Verwei came amongst a Company of Chinese Fishers of which he thought to overtake one or by firing of a Gun make him strike but in vain for they by their nimble sailing got clear away In the Forenoon they saw Pedro Branco and about Noon were in twenty two Degrees eleven Minutes Northern Latitude Towards Evening they descry'd the Isles Lemas Nor-West three Leagues from them The eighth being Saturday in the Morning they had Tinhosa in the West five Leagues distant and at Noon in the Nor-West his Course being South-South-West Munday the tenth about Sun-rising they saw Poele Canton West-South-West four Leagues from them and at Noon by Observation found themselves in fifteen Degrees and three Minutes Northern Latitude and at Sun-set descry'd the Box Horns in the South-West and by South The eleventh they discern'd the Cape Averello in the South and by West six Leagues from them and Poele Cambier de Terre in the Nor-West and by West at three Leagues distance The twelfth in the Morning they reach'd the Round Holm being three Leagues to the West and by North and the Bay of Pangerang in the Nor-West at the same distance The thirteenth early they saw Poele Cecier de Mare in the South-East and by East about six Leagues from them and the fourteenth at Noon the Point of Sinques Iagues about five Leagues to the Nor-West The fifteenth being Saturday they had still sight of the high Land of Cambodia On Monday they saw Poele Candor in the Nor-West about three Leagues distance The twentieth in the Morning they had the Isle of Timon in the South towards which Verwei steer'd his Course with the other Ships and in the Afternoon dropp'd Anchor on the West side of the great Sandy Bay in eighteen Fathom Water The Inhabitants of this Place inform'd Verwei That the Admiral Bort had been there ten days with the rest of the Fleet. The same day Verwei set Sail again about Noon from Poele Timon and was the next day in the South-West and by South four Leagues from Poele Panjang which lay Nor-Nor-West two Leagues from him The following Day the East Point of Lingen bore West-South-West from
River Min is no way inferior either in beauty or worth or bigness to the Metropolis Father Martin affirms this City to be Venetus his Quelingfu In this last Tartarick War this City suffer'd much damage for having revolted from the Tartars it was taken after a long Siege and laid in Ashes and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword The Fire consum'd here a Bridge over the swift River Min the Pillars whereof were of an exceeding heighth of Free-stone the other parts of Wood beautifi'd on the top with Houses and Shops on each side but since by re-building it hath re-gain'd somewhat of former lustre Beyond the Bridge on the opposite Shore stands a stately Pagode Most of the new Buildings fall short of their old beauty notwithstanding the Chinese Towns that are consum'd by Fire are much more easily re-built than those in Europe because most of them are nothing but Wood. Near the City Kienning is another fair Bridge with Shops and Houses on both sides This City Kienning is a Place of great Trade for all those Commodities that come either up or down the River must pass through it When they come to the City Pucing they are taken out of the Vessels and by Porters carry'd to a Village call'd Pinghu belonging to the City Kiangxan over high Mountains and deep Valleys four days Journey In like manner they are carry'd from Pinghu to Puching The whole Way as much as is possible to be done by the Art or Labor of Man is made even and Pav'd with square Stones along whose sides are built many Houses and Villages onely to entertain Travellers The Merchandises being first weighed are deliver'd to the Master of the Inn which send them for a certain Gratuity by Porters to other Places where the Merchant without any trouble receives them If any thing chance to be lost the Host is bound to make it good Here are always above ten thousand Porters ready which wait to receive the Goods and carry them over the Mountains Because of this Carriage of so many Goods a House stands erected for the receiving a small Custom or Duty towards the maintaining and reparation of the High-ways The fifth Tract of Land call'd Ienpingfu makes the Centre of this Territory and borders in the East at the chief County Focheufu in the South and South-West at Civencheufu and Kancheufu on the West and North at Tingcheufu Xaounfu and Kienningfu King Cyn was the first that call'd the chief City and the Countrey thereto belonging Ienping the Family Tang nam'd it Kiencheu that of Sung Nankien but Taiming restor'd its antient Name Ienping This Ienpingfu contains seven Towns and Cities of which Ienping is the chiefest next Cianglo Xa Yonki Xunchan Iungan and Tatien The City Ienping lieth on the Western Shore of the River Min from whence it rises with its Buildings up the Hills rendring a delightful Prospect to those that pass by and though none of the biggest yet it is beautifi'd with several fair Houses The Walls exceed in heighth the neighboring Ascents which on the out-sides are inaccessible making the City very strong and indeed the Key to the whole Territory On the East-side is a Lake made by the Rivers Min and Si. Almost every House is furnish'd with Water convey'd to them through Pipes from the Mountains which Convenience no other Place in China hath Not far distant lay over the Rivers Min and Si two fair Bridges near which are two Temples The Town of Xa lieth on the Northern Shore of the River Taisu though formerly on the Southern Shore but was by the Emperors Order pull'd down to the Ground and left desolate because in it a young Man had Murder'd his Father The sixth Division being Tingcheufu is the most Western of this Territory borders Easterly on Ienpingfu on the South-East at Quantung on the West at that of Kiangsi and on the North Xaounfu This Countrey belong'd also heretofore to the Princes Min King Cyn gave it the Name of Sinlo and the Tang Family that which it bears at present in which Tincheufu was only a small Town but the Taimingian Family made it a chief City This Countrey contains eight Towns and Cities viz. Tingcheu the chief Winghon Xanghang Vuping Cinglieu Lienching Queihon and Iungting The seventh County call'd Hinghaofu is a small yet fruitful Countrey and borders on the East and South-East with the Sea on the South at Civencheufu on the West at Ienpingfu on the North at the Tract of Land belonging to the Metropolis Focheu King Sui gave it first the Name of Putien the Family Sung that of Hinghoa which signifies A Budding Flower afterwards the same Family call'd it Hingan but by the Taimingian the antient Name of Hinghoa was restor'd This Shire hath onely two Cities whereof Hinghoa is the chief the other call'd Sienlieu is but small but the Countrey abounds with Villages and Hamlets All the Ways being sixty Stadia's long and a Rod in breadth are Pav'd with square Free-stone The City Hinghoa is very neatly built and adorn'd with many triumphal Arches and full of Colledges for the training up of Youth in Literature and encouragement of Learning At the Foot of the Mount Hocung South-Eastwards from Hinghoa lies a Village in splendor and bigness of Buildings like a great City but hath neither Walls nor any Priviledges belonging to it yet many rich Merchants reside there which Traffick through all China On the Shore of the Lake Ching lying at the Foot of the Mount Chiniven Northward from Hinghoa stands a great Palace with ten Gardens belonging to it in which before either Rain or tempestuous Weather happens as the Chineses say is a ringing noise heard like the sound of a Bell. The eighth County being Xaounfu borders Easterly at Kienningfu in the South at Ienpingfeu and Tingcheufeu in the West North-West and North at the Territory Kiangsia This Division reckons four Cities the chief of which is Xaouw the rest Quangce Taining and Kienning The City Xaouw the most Northern of this Territory was antiently a mean Place under the Princes of Mins Jurisdiction and was first fortifi'd with Walls and the Title of City given it by the Family call'd Tang yet hath ever preserv'd its Name of Xaouw It lies Westerly of the River Cu and is cut through by the River Ciao which poures its Streams into the Cu and from thence by several small Channels waters the City Because this County is a firm and profitable Soyl and on the Borders of Countreys whose Passage is troublesom it is fortifi'd with several Castles Garison'd with Soldiers The small Tract of Land belonging to the City Foning a Mountainous Countrey and the most Eastern of this Territory borders in the East and South-East at the Sea in the South and South-West at Fochenfu in the West at Kiennunfu in the North at the Territory of Chekiang It contains three Towns Foning Fogang and Mingte The Ways through the Mountains are very
accept of it they might keep it and return it in Peking Whereupon it was deliver'd to the Comptroller Ruwenoort to keep till they came thither The City Ienping or Ienpingfoe the next to the prime City or Metropolis of the Province of Fokien lies at the going up of the Stream on the right Hand or on the Westerly Shore of the River Min from whence it maketh a handsom Prospect on the side of a Hill the Edifices rising gently by degrees This Mountain is for the most part inaccessible making the City rather a Fortress and to be esteem'd as the Key of the whole Province The City is a League long but not above a Mile and a half broad full of fair and large Buildings Every House is furnish'd with Water convey'd from the Mountains in Cane Pipes the like not elsewhere to be seen in China All Provisions are to be had there in great abundance and at a cheap Rate the Streets and Houses also throng'd with Inhabitants On the East side of the City two great Rivers the Min and Zi uniting their Waters make a great Lake through which Ships come thither from all parts of the adjacent Countrey Each of these Rivers hath a fair Bridge and in the City are three beautiful Temples Most of the course China Paper is made here but the whitest and finest sort in a Village call'd Siege three Leagues beyond more Westerly which is all that is there of remark onely this City boasts that her Inhabitants speak the most elegant Phrase of all the Chineses and therefore it is call'd the Mandarins or Court Language That Night the Netherlanders lay a little from the City near the opposite Shore from whence they Row'd and set Sail the thirtieth in the Morning to Honjong a Village about a League from Ienping where all their Fleet Rendezvouz'd having had a narrow and dangerous Passage thither Hence they set Sail again about nine a Clock and in the Afternoon pass'd by Louquon Hoeyong Linkentome and Tafa the two first of which lie on the right and the two last on the left side of the River about half a League distant one from another In the Evening they anchor'd before Ongsoutow having that day gain'd three Leagues in a Northerly Course The one and thirtieth in the Morning setting Sail again they pass'd by a long Village call'd Bonsjouko about eight a Clock and at ten by the Village Liucuir Posjen and Ubaka the first and last on the right side and the second on the left In Ubaka much Paper is made which appear'd by several Vessels that lay Freighted onely with such Goods to go up the River About Noon they saw Konchian Sioeukke and Tayping the two first on the right and the third on the left side of the Stream close by one another In the Afternoon about three a Clock they came to Chiakiang where they Rode till the next day The next Morning being the first of February they set Sail again and in the Afternoon pass'd by five Villages viz. Siejokaun Itantauw Bayapo Siema and Filictauw the two first lying on the right and the two last on the left side of the River and about Noon they arriv'd at the City of Kienning or Kienningfoe where the Horses were immediately put ashore because the Barques in which they came were judg'd too big to carry them up any higher but not getting any smaller that day they were set up till the next Morning Here the Netherlanders had the Gates shut against them being not permitted to enter the City so that they were not able to get any fresh Provisions nay none were suffer'd to sell any thing to the Netherlanders without the Interpreters leave who acted as Comptrollers where-ever they came and especially Ienko as appear'd by a Soldier that belong'd to Sioubontok General of the City Ienping who having bought some Fruit for the Ambassador and bringing it to him was so soon as the Interpreters were inform'd of it taken by the Mandarins Order and ty'd Neck and Heels together and had not the Ambassador interceded for him they had sent him a Prisoner to Hoksieu where he would have been severely punish'd but the Ambassador at last prevail'd so much that he was set at liberty The second after the Vessels were prepar'd to carry the Horses they were immediately imbarqu'd again and all safely put Aboard the Tartars being highly pleas'd with them had dress'd them so neatly that they were slick as Glass In the Evening the Mandarins which were the Netherlanders Guides presented them with some boyl'd and roasted Meats Thus having gotten all things in a readiness they left the City Kienningfoe on the third the Governors thereof being so surly that they not once bid the Ambassador welcom or wish'd him a good Journey at his going from thence nor presented him with the least Provision which no way grieved them who by that means kept their Chests lock'd This Kienningfoe being the fourth and so one of the most eminent Cities in Fokien lying on the Eastern Shore of the River Min is something inferior in Beauty and Riches but not in bigness to the Metropolis Focheu and larger than Ienping but not so close built because several Corn-Fields are inclos'd within her Walls The Streets are all Pav'd with Pebble and very full of Inhabitants that drive no other Trade but making of course Paper They are Rul'd by two Governors which sway alternately the one not so much as once daring to contradict the other in his time China affords several sorts of Paper made of several Materials viz. of the Body and Leaves of Cane-tree Cotton Silk and Flaxen Clothes that which is made of Cotton is not altogether so white as our French Paper In the County of Vuchaufu belonging to the Countrey of Huquang They make also great quantities of Paper of the Canes and Leaves which grow there in great abundance In the Forenoon having left Kienningfoe they pass'd by Gaetchan Maschetany and Petchin Villages lying close together on the left side of the River the last lying about a League from Kienningfoe In the Afternoon they saw by the Village Kekau Vazoeo and Gautauw the two first on the right and the last on the left side of the River Towards Evening they came before and Landed at a ruin'd and decay'd Village call'd Chiaphong where they remain'd all Night Here they directed their Course almost North having a little of the West The next Morning being the fourth leaving Chiaphong they pass'd by Chincheuw seated on the right side of the River a League from Chiaphong and in the Afternoon by several Hamlets Houses and Pagodes that stood here and there apart from the rest along the Margents of the River In the Evening they arriv'd at a ruinous Town call'd Sjovova on the right side of the River having that day gain'd but two Leagues with great trouble The fifth in the Morning setting Sail again they left the Villages Tachoe and Pagou on their left
hand and in the Afternoon pass'd by Swinckin situate on their right hand and arriving at Suchiap about three a Clock they Landed having that day gain'd two Leagues and a 〈◊〉 The sixth in the Morning leaving Sichiap where they had chang'd their Coelies or Pugs for the Towing forward of their Vessels they pass'd by Tintenna Cholunga and Leantong three Villages seated on the right hand In the Afternoon they ran by the Villages Losjouwa and Sichem built on the same side and towards Evening anchor'd opposite to the Village Hochiechien having gain'd three Leagues that day The seventh proceeding on their Journey they pass'd Hoesuna and Nagan and at Noon arriv'd at Quiquan where they stay'd for the Vessels that brought the Horses which by reason of the shallow Water could not get up the River so fast but at last arriving the Masters of them complain'd that by drawing over the Sands they were grown very leaky and that it was impossible to go any further with them before they were mended and trimm'd up a new for which cause it was judg'd convenient to put the Horses ashore and send them by Land to Poutchin by others call'd Puchin a good Town not above five Leagues from Quiquan The Horses being got safe ashore were set up till next Morning The Comptroller Ruwenoort Interpreter Maurice and the four Grooms were order'd to Ride them thither and also twelve Chinese Soldiers by order of their Mandarins were sent to conduct them That Night the Vessels lay at Anchor before Quiquan The eighth they left Quiquan at Day-break and about Noon pass'd by the Village Souswenna standing on the left hand soon after they got sight of a great Town call'd Swipia near which appear'd several ruin'd Houses and also a large but broken and decay'd Stone Bridge and about four a Clock they came before Chintewa a Village lying on their left hand a Mile from Swipia and towards Evening dropt Anchor near a Watch-Tower about which were built a few Houses having that day with great danger gain'd three Leagues The ninth in the Morning weighing they pass'd by two Villages call'd Gotanga and Quotinha the first lying on the right and the second on the left hand at Noon they saw a Temple which being built over a Moat or Sluce like a Bridge under which at High-water Vessels might pass was round about adorn'd after the Chinese manner with Imagery to which they ascended by a pair of Stairs rais'd on one side of it After Noon they pass'd Saloekia and several other Places ruin'd in the last War onely some Pieces of Walls remaining The Night approaching they cast Anchor before a Sandy Plain about a League from Poutchinfoe having with much ado that day gain'd three Leagues The tenth in the Morning they set Sail about eight a Clock through a broken Bridge formerly laid cross the River and about Noon came to Poutchin the fourth eminentest City belonging to Kienningfoe Here the Comptroller Ruwenoort came to the Ambassador to tell him that the Horses came safely thither the last Night and were put into a Stable joyn'd to the House prepar'd for them to stay in till the Coelies were come to carry the Emperor's Presents The Ambassador commanded the Secretary to ask the Mandarins that were come with him because the Houses prepar'd for him and his Attendants were very old and rotten and scarce fit to Lodge in if he might stay so long in the Barques till such time as the Coelies were come up and they ready to go farther But the Mandarins said that it could not be because all the Goods must be taken an account of that they might see how many Coelies they should want to carry them Whereupon they found it convenient to Land all their Goods the next Morning and put the Oxen ashore that Afternoon In the Evening the Netherlanders were presented with some fresh Provisions by some Mandarins belonging to the Conbon of Hoksieu and likewise by their Mandarine Guides for which Van Hoorn they having presented him several times before gave them a small Piece of Plate The eleventh in the Morning all the Presents were unladen and carry'd to the House prepared for that purpose which was not onely very old but of no convenience the Rooms being so bad and so few seeming rather a Hog-stye than a Dwelling-house but they no way able to better themselves were forc'd to be contented In the Evening order was given to watch the Goods because they were constrain'd to lie in open Places incident to filching Pilferers Every Person was also strictly commanded not to stir abroad without the Ambassador's leave thereby to shew the Chineses who had forbid the Hollanders from going into the City that they did not value it there being nothing to do for them The thirteenth the chief of the Coelies as the Mandarins their Guides inform'd the Ambassador came to his Lodging to take an account of the number of the Chests and Packs and to see how many Coelies would be requisite to carry them after the weight and number were written down they found that they should want six hundred Coelies for the carrying of the Presents and other Goods The fourteenth in the Morning both the Mandarins came again with Ienko and Liu-lako the Interpreters to the Netherlanders in their Lodging to tell them that the number of the Coelies for the carrying of the Goods far exceeded the number express'd in their Warrant given them by the General because onely two Persons were allow'd for the carrying of a Pack or Case whereas now there were several amongst them which two Men were not able to carry and thereupon would want two hundred Porters and moreover that the Mandarins of the City durst not do contrary to the General 's Order in allowing them more Coelies than was express'd in their Warrant Whereupon Van Hoorn reply'd That if the Hopou and Pimpous in Peking had given such Order it was well Moreover he would pay for the Carriage of what was over and above that which was mention'd in the Pass and that it seem'd strange to him since in Hoksieu the number of the Cases and Packs that belong'd to the Embassy were deliver'd in Writing to the General 's Officers which had seen them and might well have discern'd that there were several Chests amongst them which could not be carry'd by two Men but it was no great matter for if they got no Coelies they were the less obliged Nay he knew the former Ambassadors never wanted Men to carry their Goods and had also much more honor and respect shewn them than was done to him never travelling through any Place but they were fetch'd in and nobly entertain'd by the Governors thereof whereas now on the contrary the Gates were shut up against him and he forbid to come into the City To which the Mandarins made no Reply Mean while the City Mandarin who commanded the Coelies came in Person to the Ambassador whereupon a Contest began between him
and the Mandarine Guides which being no way pleasing to the Ambassador he said that he would have no Quarrel about the Emperor's and his Goods for he would pay those Coelies which were wanting above the number express'd in the General 's Warrant Whereupon as many Coelies were provided as they wanted and the Ambassador wrote a Letter to the General in Hoksieu to this effect THat the Ambassador would never forget the many great Favors which he receiv'd from his Highness in Hoksieu and doth not doubt but that he will continue the same In return whereof he desires that Talavja might be assur'd that neither in the Court at Peking nor any other Place in the World he would seek or do any thing to his disliking or disparagement That himself hath well arriv'd at Chinkon in Pouchin and finds that he wants more Coelies than are express'd in the Pay or Warrant granted him whom if his Excellency think fit he will cause to be paid by the Hopou in Hoksieu This Letter deliver'd to the Mandarins the Ambassador ask'd when they should proceed on their Journey to which they answer'd Two days hence Then he enquir'd if the Horses and Oxen might not be sent away before because the Oxen travell'd but slowly which being granted they prepar'd all things accordingly But in the Evening a Chinese Secretary call'd Sinko said that the Mandarins caus'd Frames to be made to carry the Oxen because it would be impossible for them to go over the Mountains at which the Ambassador seem'd very well satisfi'd and accordingly put off their going In the Morning being the sixteenth Hiu-lavja one of the Netherlanders Mandarine Guides came with the Frames for the Oxen to the Ambassador's Lodgings who asking him when they should go from thence reply'd Two days hence Then he desir'd to know the reason why they must stay so long because the Mandarin had on the fourteenth Instant also told him That he should go two days hence Whereupon he said That it was because the Coelies which they wanted above the number mention'd in the Pass granted by Talavja was not yet allow'd by the City Mandarins who had promis'd that within two days all things should be ready himself wishing that the Hollanders were gone To which the Ambassador reply'd That he knew that the Lepous were somewhat displeas'd about their so long tarrying at Hoksieu being detain'd there by the Vice-Roy therefore it would be very inconvenient to lose more time there so that if the Lepous should chance to ask him about it in Peking he could freely declare that it was not his but the Mandarins fault who made him wait for Coelies Which Discourse prevail'd so much that Porters were immediately sent to carry the Sandal Wood with which they walk'd before it being very troublesom for its length and heaviness to be got over the Mountains The eighth in the Morning an hundred Coelies came to the Ambassador's Lodging to tie and pack up the Presents to be carry'd in Burthens and to go with their Loads before with the Horses and Oxen with which the Secretary Vander Does was also order'd to Travel before the Ambassador Nobel and the rest intending to follow them in the Afternoon but because one of the Horses had receiv'd a hurt on his Head above the left Eye the Ambassador thought it convenient to stay a day or two longer in Poutchin and to keep one Horse more besides the fore-mention'd to see in that time what could be done to him and then give order for his stay or taking along with him Whereupon the Secretary with two Horses the Oxen and the hundred Coelies with their Loads went before Nobel and Putmans being order'd to follow him in the Afternoon but because the tying up of the Goods spent too much time it was deferr'd till the next Morning The Horse being pretty well recover'd the Ambassador went from Poutchin the one and twentieth in the Morning and having travell'd half a League by the Village Olian and in the Afternoon by Sisanly and Singan and some Pagodes or Temples towards Evening came to Guliaen where they reposed that Night The next day being Snowy and Rainy they rested themselves in expectation of fair Weather The twenty third the Skye being pretty well clear'd notwithstanding the Mountains were still cover'd with Snow the Ambassador leaving Guliaen proceeded on his Journey and in the Morning pass'd over a high Hill and so through Huysjounton Hangsion Outangay Ontongne Kieumoe and Ousalinga from whence they saw divers Pagodes built on the Declivings of several Mountains In the Afternoon they travell'd in sight of the Villages Movana Loutiatona Golinga Longkia Kiekova and divers Hamlets and Temples of which very many stand all along this Road amongst whom they saw one on the top of the Mountain Liougtouw and call'd by the same Name Here are the utmost Limits of the Province of Fokien and Chekiang or Chetchiang between both which the foremention'd Temple stands so that now leaving Fokien they entred into that of Chekiang and going on came towards the Evening to a Village call'd Limathova having that day travell'd five Leagues four in the Territory of Fokien and one in that of Chekiang This Province though less than others yet exceeds all the rest in fertility of Soil delightfulness of Prospects and Riches beginning in the South under twenty seven Degrees and five Minutes Northern Latitude and extending Northerly to thirty one Degrees and twenty five Minutes a Tract of sixty five Leagues the greatest breadth from East to West being almost of the same length It borders Easterly on the Sea where the shortest Cut is to Iapan and not above a days Sailing as some say with a fresh Gale of Wind in the South and South-West upon Fokien in the West and North upon Nanking and likewise touches with a small part upon Kiangsi It is divided into eleven great Counties almost as large as some Provinces for one of them being Hancheufu and the chiefest of them is ample and powerful enough to be a Province or Kingdom viz. Hangcheufu Kiahingfu Hucheugfu Nienchufu Kinhoafu Kieucheufu Chucheufu Xaohiugfu Ningpofu Taicuheufu and Vencheufu having several great and small Towns to the number of eighty three belonging to them besides unwall'd Places and an incredible number of Castles and populous Villages The chief Tract of Land call'd Hangcheufu borders Northerly on Hucheufu and Kianhingfu in the East at the River Chee between Kianhingfu and Xaohingfu in the South at Nienchufu and in the West at Nanking In ancient times this County belong'd to the Vice-Roy of V. and was afterwards possess'd by the King of Cu and by the Family of Chin nam'd Cientang by the Emperor Sui it was first styl'd Hangcheu by the Family Tang Iuhang by Sung Lingan but the Taimingian Family restor'd this Country to its old Name This Division contains eight Cities of which Hancheu is the chiefest the rest are Huining Tiuquang Inlang Liugany Yuum Sinching and Changhoa
Villages In the afternoon they came to Lanqui where their Goods and Persons were again to be put aboard other Barques Soon after their arrival at this place the Governor came to welcome the Ambassador and present him with some fresh Provisions This being the first Town where the Hollanders had receiv'd so much civility from the Governors their Journey that day was three Leagues The Shipping of the Goods into other Vessels was referr'd till the fourth because of the Rainy Weather In the afternoon the Lord Ambassador entertain'd the Governor who in the mean while sent him in a Calf and a fat Weather and other Provisions besides four Vessels of their Beer This Mandarin shew'd himself very courteous to the Hollanders for which kindnesses he was presented with five Ells of fine Cloth The fifth in the Morning the adjacent Hills were all cover'd with Snow but the Weather growing fair their Goods were put aboard and all things made ready to go away the next day The sixth they left Lancqui before day This place though not large yet makes a handsome shew being well built and very populous occasion'd by the many Trading Vessels that come thither It is pleasantly seated all along the River side Hither abundance of Allom is brought from Humsie In the forenoon they pass'd by the City Sansjenne a League and a half from Lacqui On the left side as they went up the River the Shore near the Water rises very high and not inhabited but in the Valleys stand some few Houses and Villages In the Evening they came to Ponkousong where they staid all Night leaving the City Niencheufu on their left Hand a quarter of a League having that day gain'd five Leagues The next Morning two hours before day the Mandarin Guides caus'd the Drum to be beaten that all might be ready to be gone immediately which they did but the Vessel in which the Ambassador was struck upon a Sand so that the rest which were behind were ready to fall foul upon his Ship such was the force of the Current but day-light coming on they got off again and pass'd by divers Villages Temples and Hamlets and also by a Pagode in which stands the Image of a Philosopher call'd Nienchlin With the Dusk of the Evening they arriv'd at Tungh where they staid that Night having gotten seven Leagues that day by Steering several Courses The eighth in the Morning they set Sail again and in the forenoon saw on their left Hand the River Tu which glides towards the City Cinsung or Sinchung which having pass'd it divides into two Branches and at last discharges his Water into the Grand Che. This City being the seventh in order to the Metropolis Hancheu lies on the North side of the Tu pretty close built and surrounded with Plow'd Lands In the Evening they arriv'd at the City Fojang or Fujang scituate on the West side of the River Che and Northward from the Stream Fuchun which takes its Original a little Westward from the City Liengan and joyneth its Waters Southward from Fujang with those of the Che. The Ambassador having gotten five Leagues forwarder on his Journey that day lodg'd in Fujang that right The ninth in the Morning they left Fujang before day Here the River Che is about two English Miles broad yet hath but few Villages on its Banks most of them standing more up into the Countrey by reason of his overflowing in great Rains every where Manur'd and Planted with Fruit-Trees In the Evening they arriv'd at the South Suburb of Hangcheu or Hancsieuw call'd Chankeeuw half a Leagues distance from Hangcheu here all the Goods were forc'd to be Landed then carry'd to the North Suburb of Hangcheu where they were again Shipt so that they staid there the following Night The next Morning being the tenth Huilavja one of the Mandarin Guides went to acquaint the Governor of the City with the Netherlanders coming and to desire Barques for their further Voyage He returning again in the Evening told the Ambassador That the foremention'd Governor intended to invite his Excellency the next day to Dinner and that the Pinghtouw or third Person in Office would do the like the day after and give speedy Order for the preparing of the Barques The same day the Mandarin Guides for the trouble they had already had and to oblige them the more were by the Ambassador each of them presented with five Ells of Cloth Ten Ells of Red Cloth two Pieces of Perpetuanaes four Pieces of Linnen a Fowling-Piece a pair of Pistols two Sword Blades two Perspective Glasses and a String of Blood Coral But the Invitation came not that day because Huilavja said a grand Tartar was come from Peking with whom the Governor was in private consulting about State Affairs Some Mandarins coming to visit and welcome the Ambassadors were kindly entertain'd by him The same day above six hundred Horse were Ferry'd over the River Che. The twelfth in the Morning the Pinghtouw or third Person of State in Hancheu which had the Command over all the Vessels came aboard the Ambassador to bid him Welcome and also present him with a fat Weather a Porker some Poultery Rice and other fresh Provisions desiring to be excus'd for his delay in not coming to visit the Ambassador sooner being hinder'd by some grand Mandarins that were lately gone up from thence to Peking who had taken all the greatest Vessels with them yet he should be careful that the Ambassador should be well Accommodated and that he would willingly invite his Excellency to Dinner but durst not before he had been at the Governors but then he would be bold to desire him to come and be his Guest for which kind proffers he was civilly Entertain'd and having seen the Horses and Oxen he took his leave In the afternoon the Interpreter Genko came to tell the Netherlanders that the Governor of Hancheu had enquir'd of him how the Ambassador was plac'd at his Entertainment by the General in Hoksieu The next Morning being the thirteenth several Horses came to the Ambassadors Vessel to fetch Him and his Retinue to the Governor's Court whither he went in a stately Equipage taking those Presents with them which they resolv'd to give him two days before Coming to his Palace they were after a little stay brought to his Presence and the Ambassador Welcom'd by the Governor who said this Embassy would be very pleasing to the Emperor Then he ask'd where the Pepper and Sandal-Wood grew How big Holland was How far distant from China If there was any Silk in Holland and many more such Questions to which his Excellency answer'd him accordingly Then the Tables being spread they were desir'd to sit and plentifully entertain'd Thus having spent some time the Ambassador deliver'd him a Note of the foremention'd Presents and with a Complement desir'd him to accept them which having read over he excus'd himself that he could not accept the Presents
afterwards taught it her Subjects For though the breeding and ordering of the Silk Worms was not unknown to the Chineses before that time yet they were ignorant of that Art to make Silk Clothes of them as generally at the first Discovery of things we are unskilful in the proper use But however the Chineses may justly claim the honor that from them as the chief Fountain the Art of making Silk was carry'd to other remote Countreys in Europe BUt to return The Ambassador having pass'd many beautiful Stone Bridges in the Afternoon they came to the City of Kunghti or Cunghte the fifth substitute City of the second Metropolis Kiahing in the sixth Province lying on the left side of the River and in the Evening arriv'd at a Village call'd Summingsing where they stay'd that Night having that day gotten four Leagues further In the Morning leaving Summingsing they Sail'd as the day before by many Rusticks Houses and about the Evening arriv'd at Chiangfoe otherwise Kiahing the sixth City in this Province along which they ran Westerly to the North Suburb where they staid that Night to get other Coelies to Tow them having that day made four Leagues forward in a Northerly Course The two and twentieth in the Morning they proceeded and were Tow'd coming about a Cannon shot from the Suburb of Kiating between two Fortresses and so to the Village Iankanking seaving it on their Lar-board in the Afternoon by Pinghaw on the South side of which lies a small Lake call'd Fuen which separates the Province Chekiang from that of Nanking so that they enter'd the Province of Nanking After the Netherlanders were arriv'd about Noon in the Village Pingchwan they from thence past by Ukiam and leaving it about a Cannon shot from them on their left hand they went up to the Suburbs where they cast Anchor to stay that Night and provide themselves with other Men to Tow their Barques having that day pass'd four Leagues of which two in the Province of Nanking This great Province of Nanking by the Tartars at this day call'd Kiangnam being the chiefest of the nine Southern Verges in the East and South-East with the Sea in the South it borders upon Chekiang in the South-West upon that of Kiangsi in the West touches Huquang in the North-West Honan and the remainder the Territory of Quantung Although the Chineses reckon except the chief Province of Peking wherein the Court and Seat of the Emperor is kept that of Kiangnang the next in honor and order yet setting aside the Emperor's residence there it cannot be compar'd to this of Nanking either in Magnitude Fertility or ought else nay their Histories affirm that the ancient Chinese Emperors as V Cyn Sun Ci Leang Chin and the Family Tang first Planted the Seat of the Empire in this Province although afterwards Transported thence to Peking by the Taymingian Family the better and with the more ease to oppose the Tartars incursions being nearest to their Borders The whole Province is divided into fourteen great Territories viz. Kiangningsu or Nankingfu Fungyangfu Suchenfu Sunkiangfu Changcheufu Chingkiangfu Yancheufu Hoaiganfu Lucheufu Gankingfu Taipingfu Ningquefu Chicheufu Hoeicheufu besides four small Counties as Quangte Hocheu Chucheu Siuchtu every one having great and small Towns in them to the number of an hundred and ten The first County Kiangningfu hath for boundaries on the North-East Yancheufu in the East Changcheufu and Sucheufu in the South Ningquefu in the West Taipingfu and Hocheufu in the North and North-West Cheuchufu This County contains seven Towns viz. Nanking or Kiangning the chief and Metropolis of the whole Province Kucyung Lieyang Lieuxui Caoxun Kiangpu and Loho The first Builder of the City of Nanking was Guoi King of Cu who call'd her Kinling that is Gilded Tract of Land The first Raiser of the Family Cyn nam'd it afterwards Moling the Kings V. which kept their Court there Kienye the House of Tang Kiangning but the Taimingian Family chang'd the Name of Kiangning to that of Ingtien but at last the Tartars after having harrased the whole Empire of China restor'd it the ancient Name Kiangning This Kiangning lieth in thirty two Degrees and fifteen Minutes Northern Latitude about six Leagues from the Eastern Shore of the River Kiang in a pleasant and delightful Plain for the River Kiang flows through broad and deep digg'd Graffs not onely by the City Walls but also into it with several Navigable Channels In like manner the East side of the City lying in a pleasant Valley is interwoven with broad Graffs by which means they may as well come to this part of the City in Barges as to that side which verges with the River Kiang and may there likewise lade and unlade Vessels of ordinary Burthen Over all these Graffs lead several Stone Bridges supported on divers Arches Over the fore-mention'd Channel which runs from the River Kiang into the City is a Bridge with fourteen Arches According to the opinion of the Chinese Geographers this City doth not onely exceed all other Cities on the Earth in bigness but also in beauty and indeed she is inferior to few for as to what concerns her inward part is most plain except some pleasant and easie Ascents It stands surrounded with a double Wall the first and innermost of which is six German Miles in circumference or according to Trigaut and Martinius eighteen Italian Miles yet the City it self is not above six Leagues in circumference This Wall incloseth the Palace and most part of the City The second or outward Wall is much bigger but not continu'd round or joyn'd together in all places but stands onely as a Defence in those places where the City is weakest When two Troopers for so the Chineses describe this Wall are sent from one another in the Morning to Ride about the City they meet not again till Night by which may easily be judg'd the bigness of the Wall and City Notwithstanding within the circumference of this Wall there are great and spacious Gardens Lakes Mounts and Warrens yet the greatest part thereof is full of Inhabitants The first Wall which is above thirty Foot high whose under part consists of Free-Stone but the upper onely of bak'd Stones or Bricks is rais'd very even and hath Battlements round about strengthned with Redoubts and Watch-houses It reckons thirteen Gates some of which have four and others five Posterns whose Doors are cover'd with Iron Plates Every one of these Gates are continually Guarded by strong Parties of Soldiers The chiefest Streets are about twenty eight Paces broad and being as direct as a Line are in the middle Pav'd with broad blue Stones and on each side with Pebbles The common Citizens Houses are neither fair nor costly but mean and without Conveniences being but one Story high standing all with their Gable-ends towards the Streets with onely one Door The Front hath a square Hole in stead of a Window before which they have
would rather endure death than suffer their Honor to be blemish'd The thirteenth County Chicheufu borders in the East upon Ningquefu in the South-East touches Hoeicheufu in the South-West lies the Province Kiangsi the North-West hath the River Kiang and in the North a Promontory at the same River for Boundaries This Countrey was formerly under the Kingdom of V. soon after under Iue next under Cu. King Loang call'd it Nanling Siu Cieupu and the Family of Tang the present Name Chicheufu It comprehends six Towns viz. Chicheu the chief Cinyang Tungling Xetai Kiente Tunglieu and four stately Temples The City Chicheu stands seated on the Southern Shore of the River Kiang The fourteenth Division Hoeicheufu being the most Southern of all this Province conterminates in the East with the Province of Chekiang in the South with a Promontory in the South-West with that of Kiangsi in the North-West with Chicheufu and in the North with Ningquefu This Countrey in the time of the Kings suffer'd the same misfortune as the fore-mention'd The Name Hoeichu it receiv'd of the Family Sung and possesseth six Towns viz. Hoeichu the chiefest the rest are Hicuning Vuyveng Kimuen In Cieki This Hoeichu is a Place of great Trade especially famous for making the best Chinese Ink and wax'd Chests The four small Territories of this Province are Quangte Hochen Chucheu and Siucheu every one call'd by the Name of their principal City The first of them being Quangte borders Eastward upon the prime County Kiangningfu and Hangcheufu in the South upon Hoeicheufu in the West looks at Ningquefu and in the North runs with a Point to the River Kiang This County hath two Towns Quangte the chief and Kienping both situate at the Foot of a pleasant Mountain call'd Hong and Ling. The City Quangte is not onely fair but also abounds with Silk The second call'd Hocheu hath for Limits in the North the third small and twelfth great Territory Chucheu in the East and South Kiangningfu and in the West Lucheufu This Shire contains two Cities of which Hocheu is the chiefest and Hawxan The City of Hocheu is famous because heretofore the Residence of a great Robber Chu who Anno 1368. drove the Tartars out of China The third little County in which the great City Cheucheu stands whose Denomination it bears verges in the North and West with the second Territory Pungyangfu in the East with the Lake Piexe and the seventh great Shire Yangcheufu in the South with Kiangningfu and the two little Territories of the City Hocheu This County contains three Cities of which Chucheu is the chiefest and biggest and the other two much less are Civenciao and Laigan The fourth small County in which the great Siucheu is situate is the most Northern of this Province and borders in the East upon Hoaiganfu in the South upon Tunyangfu in the West upon Honan in the North at that of Xantung In the middle it is cut through by the Yellow River and is of great consequence because it conterminates with four Provinces and contains five Cities Sieuchu Siao Tangxang Fung and Poi On the North-West side of the City Siucheu lies a Bridge made of thirty five Ships linked together with Iron Chains Here also is another Bridge that runs athwart the River Pieu This City Sieucheu is also famous because the Emperor Lieupang promoter of the Family of Han after he had taken the City of Poi set forth from hence to conquer the Empire Thus much of the Province of Nanking now we will return to our Embassy AFter the Netherlanders had gotten fresh Men to Tow them they set forward again over the River Sung on the twenty fifth and Landed about ten a Clock at the City Sucheu where they chang'd their Barques No sooner they arriv'd at the West Gate of the City where they were to Embarque again but the Mandarin who had the Command of the Vessels came to bid them welcom and invited them to Dine with him the next day and moreover presented them with two Porkers as many Sheep four Hens two Pots of Drink several sorts of Fruit and twelve Pices of Silk-Stuffs which were all deliver'd to the Ambassador himself with request that he would please to accept them Van Hoorn thanking him for his good inclination and trouble which he had taken upon him and also for the Presents said That he would accept of the Provision because he would not seem to despise them but as for the Stuffs he could not do it because it was not customary therefore he desir'd them to excuse him Moreover that he could not possibly come to Dine with him the next Morning partly for his indisposition being tir'd with his Journey and partly fearing to displease the Conbon of the City if he went any where to a Feast before he went to him with which Excuses they seeming to be satisfi'd took their leave The next Morning being the twenty sixth the Horses being till that time prevented by Stormy Weather were Landed and put in Stables ashore The twenty seventh nothing hapned of note onely some Mandarins came from the Vice-Roy Singlamong who keeps in this City to the number of twenty five to Complement and Welcom the Ambassador whilst the Netherlanders waited for fresh Vessels to be gone again of which they then saw no likelihood notwithstanding the Mandarine Guides had told them the day before that without fail they should have them as that day They also saw little hopes of their going there being no convenient Vessels to be had to carry their Horses The Conbon having the day before sent to ask the Hollanders if they had no Pistols nor Sword-blades to dispose of it was judg'd fit on the twenty eighth observing what Courtesies the fore-mention'd Lord might do them in their coming thither to present him with a pair of Pistols two Sword-blades five Ells of Scarlet one String of Amber two Pieces of Linnen and a Quilt But the Conbon would not accept any thing of the Presents which were carry'd to him by the Secretary onely the Pistols and Sword-blades so that the rest he brought back again In the Evening a Mandarin sent from the Conbon came to Present the Ambassador in requital for his Pistols and Sword-blades with twelve Pieces of Silk-Stuffs four Porkers four Goats Geese Hens and other fresh Provisions which were accepted but the Silk-Stuffs sent back again The twenty ninth Genko the Interpreter inform'd the Ambassador that at his coming an Envoy had been there who just before was sent from the Emperor at Peking to bring the Chineses of Tayowan under his Obedience The same day more Presents and also the Oxen were put into new Barques and likewise the Horses were Embarqu'd again into the same Vessels which they came in there being no convenient Vessels to be got for them there Soon after they prepar'd all things to be gone the next day onely staying for Fodder for the Horses of
in the Morning going on farther and passing through the Village Laytschem they arriv'd at Luesinga in the Evening where dropping Anchor they stay'd all Night to get fresh Coelies to Tow their Vessels with which they came that day but three Leagues because of the slow progress of the Emperor's Barques The fourth leaving Luesinga they came after they had been Tow'd through the Village call'd Sucouw to the City Tanyang in the Afternoon Sailing along the Walls thereof to the East Suburb where they stay'd that Night to get new Coelies having that day Sail'd and been Tow'd in a Northerly Course three Leagues The fifth in the Morning they set forth again with fresh Coelies and leaving the City Tanyang pass'd by a Lake which by three Sluces empties her Waters into this Channel In the Afternoon they came to a little Village call'd Hongunpek where they spent some time in resting themselves being much tir'd by slippery Ways and the Wind being against the Vessels whose high building had the greater force of them So soon as they had eaten they went away again and in the Evening arriv'd at the Village Singfon where they were forced by tempestuous Weather to drop Anchor having that day by several Courses been Tow'd two Leagues and a half The sixth in the Morning leaving Singhfon they saw several Stone Ovens about Noon passing by the Walls of the City Sinkiang or Chinkiang they dropt Anchor at the North Suburb to make preparation for their going up the Nanking Stream or River Kiang and likewise as their Mandarine Guides said to exchange some Barques having this day been Tow'd about two Leagues The seventh in the Morning several Tartar Mandarins came to Complement the Ambassador and bid him welcom whilst he entertain'd them with a Glass of Wine One of them after his departure sent the the Ambassador a Porker a Goat and some Fruit which he thankfully receiv'd and in return sent him some counterfeit Pearls which he would else have bought The Ambassador was also by a Mandarin invited to Dinner with the Governor of that Place whither he went in the Afternoon another Mandarin coming from the foremention'd Governor with Horses to fetch him with Putmans the Secretary and all his Retinue except Nobel who could not go because of his indisposition and coming to the Governor they were courteously receiv'd and welcom'd This Lord gaz'd so exceedingly upon the Netherland Ambassador and his Retinue that he forgot his Eating and Drinking by which means also no Discourse hapned amongst them of any remark so that the Netherlanders after a civil Entertainment took their leave In the Evening the Interpreters Ienko and Liulako came to tell the Ambassador that they had a second time been sent for to the fore-mention'd Governor who ask'd them for the number and quality of the Emperor's Presents which as far as they knew they had given him an account of in Writing whereat he was exceedingly amaz'd saying That without doubt they would be very acceptable Moreover he ask'd them if the Ambassador had no Blood-Coral Pistols Sword-blades counterfeit Pearls and the like because he would willingly buy some of them and therefore desir'd that they would please to speak to the Ambassador Which being consider'd by the Netherlanders and observ'd that this was a Tartar and a Man of great Quality who in and about the City bore the Command over a great number of Soldiers and that he might do much for their advantage at Peking they judg'd it convenient in the Morning to send and present him with five Ells and a half of Stammel five of Sky-colour'd Cloth a Perspective Glass two Pieces of Linnen one String of Amber Beads and some counterfeit Pearls and with them were sent a Complementing Letter to this effect THe Ambassador is extreamly satisfi'd with and oblig'd for Talavja's or his Lordships Civilities and desires him to accept of these small Gifts as a token of Friendship and in so doing will farther oblige the Hollanders Captain Putmans was order'd to carry the Governor the fore-mention'd Presents and Letter that Morning but saw him come early Riding towards the Barques so that it was thought fit to stay till his Return Mean while the Ambassador's Son went with the Pilot and Interpreter Maurice a Fowling on the Banks of the River Kiang The Governor returning in the Afternoon came with four of his chiefest Lords to see the Oxen and Horses and also to visit the Ambassador protesting he could not avoid waiting on him being so much pleas'd with his Conversation Whereupon the Ambassador call'd for his Musick with the pleasure of which he seem'd even ravish'd After which being entertain'd with Spanish Wine and Sweet-meats he departed The Gifts design'd for the Governor were now ready to be presented but he modestly refus'd them saying He could not accept of them as yet giving him many thanks in the mean time Then asking Genko and Liulako the Interpreters who were there present if the Geueral of Hanksieu and Conbon of Seucheu had receiv'd any Presents of the Ambassador To which they answer'd That the General of Hanksieu had not but the Conbon of Sucheu was pleas'd to cull out a couple of Swords Whereupon he a second time refus'd the Gifts but adding That if any Swords had been mention'd in the Note he would have been glad of them Wherefore the Ambassador after his departure chose a Sword from a peculiar Parcel for they had but few and in stead of a Pistol of which also they had no great store for all the enquiring was for those two sorts of Arms added a Carbine to the Presents Which done Putmans went a second time to the Governor with them The Swords Carbine Sky-colour'd Cloth and counterfeit Pearl he receiv'd but the rest he sent back when several of the Generals Children coming to see the Ambassador in his Barque were in respect to their Parents presented with Amber Necklaces and other Trifles After the Netherlanders had stay'd till towards the Evening waiting for Vessels to Ferry them over the River Kiang for there were none but a great Boat which the Mandarin Guide Hiulavja kept for himself under pretence that that which he came in was grown leaky they went with all their Vessels to the Mouth of the Haven before a Pagode where they stay'd all that Night whilst the Guide Mandarins offer'd a Goat and a Swine to their Deity before which as they say they durst not Sail up the River The chiefest of them went into the Pagode or Temple carrying the slain Sacrifice to lay it on the Altar when the Priest at their approach fell devoutly upon his Knees and began to Mutter and Pray to himself In the Temple being Painted Red hung several Lamps which burnt Night and Day for the Deceas'd Souls On one side of the Altar stood a Trough wherein they laid the Victim and on the other a Rush Box with small pieces of Canes which were the Sortes or Lots cast by
thence to Peking When they come to this City they are all search'd and measur'd by the Vice Roy's Order who afterwards sends them to the Court. In this Suburb are also two Custom-houses one for Merchandises and the other for Ships but not for the Emperor's use The Money which is hereby rais'd is bestow'd on the repairing of Sluces Graffs and Banks near several Water-falls yet notwithstanding a great part thereof goes to the Emperor's Exchequer On the North side of the City in this Channel are three Water-falls of which the first and nearest to the River Hoai is the most troublesom because out of this River the Water comes with great force which is stopp'd by nine great Banks that it may not overflow the whole Countrey Not far from Haoigan the Netherlanders pass'd by Pantja and several other Villages and also by a great number of the Emperor's Jonks laden with Tributary Goods In the Evening they arriv'd at Zinkhiunzoe where they were to pass by a Sluce having by Noon been Tow'd almost three Leagues The twenty fifth about Noon leaving Namemio they cross'd the Yellow River which runs South-East and North-West by the foremention'd Village to the Western Shore on which the Coelies were Landed opposite to the Village Singho and then tow'd them North-North-West up the Yellow River till they came to the Village before-mention'd where they stay'd for fresh Men. Mean while a Siampan or Boat came aboard with a Priest and two Persons calling themselves Magicians or Cunning-men one of them having a Bodkin stuck through his Cheek and continually shaked their Bodies as if they had been possess'd which they made the poor People believe also telling the Men in the Ambassadors Vessel That they should have a fair Wind the next day and a successful Voyage whereupon the Master who stood quaking before them gave them some Silver which was all they desired and also some Gold and Silver Paper which he entreated them to offer to their Deity Van Hoorn also to be rid of them gave them some Money There are many of these sort of People in China which by strange Gestures and scourging of themselves after a peculiar manner so get Alms from the Charity of the People Some lay red-hot Cinders on their bald Heads where they let them burn so long till the stench of the Broyling offends the Spectators whilst they by crying wringing of their Hands and the like enduring so great Torment move all that are present to a charitable Benevolence There accustom also in the chiefest Cities and Places of greatest Commerce especially at Annual Fairs whole Companies of blind Beggars which at the uttering of some Words which they mutter strike themselves so violently with a sharp and cutting Stone on their Breasts that sometimes the Blood trickles down their Bellies Others knock their Foreheads one against another with such violence that they seem to crack one anothers Skulls which they continue till fainting they fall in a Swoon unless prevented by a considerable Alms. Some again lying along on the Ground beat their Heads against the Stones till they have great Swellings as big as Eggs upon their Foreheads Besides these there are many other Idle People in China who by several Cheats maintain themselves by the Gifts of Charitable Persons The Beggars amongst others go up and down in Companies as our Gipseys who for their debauch'd living are accounted as the most infamous of the Nation Most of them are deform'd either born so or else made so wilfully by their Parents in their Infancy with incredible Torture for there are some with wry Necks or Mouths crook Backs long hooked Noses or squint Eyes and lame Arms or Legs There are likewise many Mountebanks who use several wild Beasts especially Tygers made tame by Degrees on which to the admiration of the Beholders they sit and ride through many Cities and Villages which walk along the Streets very softly with a Branch in its Mouth which holding wide open is very fearful to look upon besides his Tail which he swings to and fro yet hurts none The Rider who knows without either Bit or Bridle to govern the Tyger onely by moving his Body and Feet hath a wide Coat over his under Clothes with Sleeves so large that they hang down half way to the Calfs of his Legs Over his right Shoulder comes a Girdle which is made fast under his left Arm in manner like a Scarf In his left Hand he grasps a Sword with which he cuts the Air and now waves it over his Head and then side-ways crying and extolling like our Stage-Doctors his Balsoms Unguents and Plaisters good against all Wounds and Distempers whatsoever This Mountebank is generally accompanied with many deform'd People some following him on Crutches others with Rattles most of them go naked others again wear wide Coats full of Patches of divers Colours and Stuffs others which is strange to behold have stiff Wings on their Temples on each side of their Heads IT was late in the Afternoon before fresh Toers came from the Village Singo nevertheless the Netherlanders going forward pass'd by Sinkiazuan and about Night arriv'd at another small Village containing about ten or twelve Houses call'd Ioupou where they dropp'd Anchor having that day been tow'd but two Leagues and a half The twenty sixth they went by break of day from Ioupou and came having pass'd Conghiveao Tsantzan and Govetchia the two first on the East and the last on the West side of a River about a Cannon-shot Southward from the City Taujenjeen where they were forc'd to stay for fresh Coelies having that day gain'd three Leagues and a quarter according to the Course of the Yellow River Taujenjeen otherwise call'd Taoyven scituate on the Western Shore of the Yellow River is surrounded with broad and strong Mud or Earthen Walls fortifi'd above with Stone Breast-works The twenty seventh they proceeded on their Journey with fresh Toers and leaving the City Taujenjeen went on Easterly and at Noon pass'd by Suytsien lying on the East side of the Yellow River and also by divers Rusticks Houses which stood on each side thereof At Noon they came to a nameless Hamlet of seven or eight Houses on the West side of the Stream where they stay'd all Night because the Mandarins it beginning to blow somewhat hard durst not venture further This day they were got about three Leagues onwards of their Journey The next Morning being the twenty eighth they reach'd the Villages Goesjan Pojancho and Gousuntu the one on the East and two last on the Western Shore of the Stream In the Afternoon they arriv'd at Tsinsing where they lay still expecting fresh Coelies being got three Leagues and a half that day on several Courses Somewhat Easterly from Tsinsing appears a fair Castle within a Wall which towards the North takes in a Mount The twenty ninth in the Morning weighing from Tsinsing they came having sail'd a League Westerly to Kousango a
the South Suburb Tzinningfoe or Cinning and Anchor'd before a Flood-gate through which they were to pass This day they had gain'd eight Leagues Here according to the Mandarin Guides Saying the Hoaigan Barques which were in the Fleet must be chang'd and therefore they must stay till the Governor of the City had provided others for them Here the Ambassador to oblige Hiulavja one of his Guides that he might make haste gave him a String of Blood-Coral The eighth in the Morning the Governor of the Militia of that Place being a Tartar came to Complement the Ambassador for which Civility he was entertain'd with a Glass of Wine and at his going away saw the Horses and Oxen which he much admir'd In the Afternoon the Mandarin Guide Hiulavja came with the two Vessels to shift and take in the Horses and Oxen but the Netherlanders searching them found them to be very old and crasie and therefore sent them back again The ninth in the Morning a Grand Mandarin a Native Chinese came with Hiulavja to visit the Ambassador who kindly entertain'd them amongst other Questions the Ambassador ask'd them when they should go forward on their Journey whereupon Hiulavja answer'd That the City had not yet provided Toers Rice Money and other Necessaries which should be gotten with all expedition that they might have the least hindrance possible But the Ambassador suspecting it to be onely delays judg'd it convenient to send the following Letter to the Conbon or Governor of that Place to this effect THe Ambassador is arriv'd here from a remote Ploce with the Chinkon and therefore hopes that his Lordship will forward the Iourney for they have been a long time on the Way and the Presents are subject to receive hurt and damage therefore the Ambassador desires Talavja that he would please to give order that there may be good Barques prepar'd for the Horses and Oxen and that the Ambassador may be dispatch'd to go with all speed to Peking This Letter being carry'd to the Conbon by the Secretary Vander Does and read over he reply'd That it was never known nor customary either going to or coming from Peking to change Vessels in that Place To which the Secretary rnswer'd That he hop'd he would excuse the Ambassador because he knew not the Custom as being a Stranger he had made this Request on the advice of his Mandarin Guides who made him believe that the Hoaigan Barges must be chang'd here The Conbon after this Discourse said That all the Emperor's Goods should remain in the same Barques in which they came thither and that he would give order that the Barques should be furnish'd with all Necessaries that the Hollanders might depart when they pleas'd He also in the Secretary's presence sent a Mandarin to the Touwatja or Master of the Vessels with Commands that he should immediately furnish the Barques with all manner of Necessaries and by no means detain the Hollanders The tenth in the Morning a Mandarin sent from the Conbon of that Place came to present the Ambassador with two Hogs two Sheep two Ducks six Hens two Pots of Chamzoe or Zamzou that is Liquor of Rice and some other fresh Provisions which were all kindly accepted of and the Bearers rewarded with three Tail of Silver About Noon they pass'd through the Water-gates before which they had lay'n with all their Vessels and lay still before another Sluce till the eleventh in the Evening then setting forward again they arriv'd at Cinning or Tzinning or Cuningsiu the fourteenth City of note under Yengcheâ—… This is a pleasant though an ancient City lying on the East Shore of the Channel Iun in a plain and Morassy Soil The Suburbs thereto belonging which spread themselves on each side of the Channel are very large and populous and hath on each side of the Trench two strong Water-gates In the dark they Sail'd by the Villages Oeling Siliphoe and Ghansu and in the Afternoon dropp'd Anchor at the Village Poetuen a League and three quarters from the City Tzinning The twelfth in the Morning weighing again they shot three Water-gates and also pass'd by and through two Villages Longhwanghmuao and Nangwangao lying close by one another near the Place where the River Onghoo runs into this Channel so that the Current which had hitherto in this Graff been against them was now somewhat with them by which means they reach'd the Village Poelcely that Evening and not long after arriv'd at Koygoeva where they Anchor'd before two Sluces having that day gain'd about four Leagues The thirteenth they pass'd the Sluces and so leaving Koygoeva they Sail'd through three Flood-gates and by the Villages Inlako Tsinti Kingkiacouw and Oesienno coming beyond the last the Wind began to blow very hard out of the North so that they were forc'd to Anchor near the Shore to expect fairer Weather having this day Sail'd four Leagues The fourteenth being calmer they weighed again and Sail'd about three quarters of a League when they came before a Flood-gate in the Village Oesienno where they lay till the Evening because the Mandarins said there was not Water enough to float the Vessels Towards Evening they weighed again and in the Dusk pass'd by Siliphoe Ulchelapoe and Oeliphoe and in the Afternoon arriving at Toukjamtuao they dropp'd Anchor before a Water-gate two Leagues and a quarter from Oesienno The fifteenth in the Morning about nine a Clock they pass'd the Sluces and leaving the Village Tunkjamtuao they came about Noon to Xantsuy a City where they stay'd a little while for fresh Coelies which when come to them they immediately went on The City of Xantsuy lies on each side of the Channel Iun which on the West side at the going up of the Trench and fortifi'd with strong Castles built square and about an hours walking in circumference the Walls of Stone strengthned with Stone Breast-works there are also many stately Buildings which for want of Inhabitants are faln to decay Amongst other Edifices appears a famous Pagode or Temple Teywan Miao inclos'd within a Wall rais'd half with Free-Stone and the other half with red and green Bricks The Temple it self consists all of Free-Stone the Roof on the in-side is of a Vermilion colour and on the top cover'd with yellow glaz'd Tyles without the Walls is a standing Water where according to the Relation of the Chineses some years since a stately Temple suddenly sunk with the whole Congregation Priests and People Towards the Evening they came to Kimonsa and dropp'd Anchor before a Water-gate having that day gain'd three Leagues and a half The sixteenth in the Morning they shot the Sluces with all their Vessels before which they had lay'n that Night and came to another about a Musquet Shot thence through which they could not get till the Afternoon because of the shallow Water From thence they arriv'd before another in the Village Oasting which they went through in the Evening and in the Dusk arriv'd at Tsaotsing
viz. Soucoulthung Koutche Tankoulthung Soutouwa Gehockia Chingsuan Likiathue Sinceatheen Canthea Suatheen and in the Evening to the City of Chinchay lying on the Eastern Shore of this River where they dropt Anchor to stay all Night having this day Sail'd eight Leagues and a half The eighth they set out again with fresh Coelies and a South Wind from the City of Chinchay and in the Forenoon as they had done the day before they past by many Villages lying on each side of the River as Oelifoang Loulysuang Thouliouw Taywansuang Oekiamiao Boatsaac t' Zongkiasuaan Sangjue Iangleotzing Liekiatwang Tzautsocauw and Piechie and in the Afternoon arriv'd at the City of Tjensinghway otherwise call'd Tiencin where they dropt Anchor having that day Sail'd six Leagues The General of the Militia in this place being a Tartar and a Man of great Quality whose Sister was one of the present Emperor's Fathers Concubines came to Complement and welcome the Ambassador and also to invite him the next day to a Treat for which civility the Ambassador returning Thanks said That he was tired and indispos'd and therefore durst not venture to go out but desir'd his Highness to excuse him Whereupon the General reply'd That he would prepare the Entertainment in one of his Barques and come and lie with it by the Ambassadors that he might not trouble himself to go ashore On which Van Hoorn seeing that it could not be otherwise provided to come The ninth in the Morning the General sent for the Ambassador whereon he with Nobel Putmans and the Secretary Vander Does went with some of the Retinue to his Barque lying a little behind the Ambassadors where they were courteously receiv'd and immediately plac'd at Tables which stood all ready before their coming soon after came also the Toya or Governor of the City who also seem'd to be invited there and was plac'd by the General at his own Table Then the word being given the Dishes were brought in fill'd with variety of Meats dress'd after the Chinese manner The General urging no Discourse nor asking the Netherlanders any Questions only us'd his endeavor to perswade them to be Merry and Eat and Drink freely After the Hollanders had well Feasted and Thank'd the General for his kind Entertainment they took their leave When the Ambassador judg'd it convenient in Requital of the General 's kindness to Present him with two Pieces of Linnen a String of Amber Beads five Ells of Stammel one Piece of Perpetuanaes a Perspective Glass and two Bottles of Rose-Water all which with a Letter Putmans was to carry the next Morning The Letter was written to this effect THe Ambassador returns humble Thanks for his kind Entertainment and lets his Lordship know that since that he is recover'd again and in good Health The Ambassador shall always remember his Honors Favors in Requital of which and as a sign of his good inclination he Requests that he will please to accept of these Presents which will highly oblige him Putmans returning brought word that the General would not accept of them but had desir'd him to refer it till they came back from Peking thanking the Ambassador with a Complementing Letter The City or Garrison of Tienein lies in a Triangular form at the Promontary of Xang where all the Rivers of the Province of Peking meet and after having pass'd her high Walls disembogue themselves into the Sea The Inhabitants of this City Trade much for which it stands very convenient all the Ships that come out of the Sea or from any In-land places which will go up to Peking must pass by it wherefore there is always an incredible many Vessels there is also generally the choice of all Merchandize because this City is free for any one to Trade in and pay no Custom The City it self is surrounded with high defensive Walls and defended by a strong Garrison Against Noon leaving Tiensingway after they had Sail'd a little way though still in the Suburb they left the River Guei which had help'd them very much by her Ebbing Water and went into another which came out of the North into that of Guei so that they had both Wind and Tyde against them and by that means went but very slowly yet by Toing they got past Quanfa Sijkoelda Iangsang and Peytsang lying on each side of this River and in the Evening dropt Anchor at P'Hoekoel having since their departure from Tiensingway Sail'd about a League and a half The eleventh in the Evening they left P'Hoekoel and went that day with Sailing and Towing by Thanquasue Poecue Ganchol P'Hoekhouw Hangchue and Mactiachoa The Country hereabouts is plain Manur'd and full of Houses In the afternoon they arriv'd at a great Village call'd Iangtzin where they waited for fresh Toers having this day gain'd three Leagues on several Courses twice or thrice surrounding the Compass The twelfth in the Morning the Mandarin Guide Hinlavja sent to acquaint the Netherlanders that there were no Coelies to be had there therefore ask'd the Ambassador if he would hire Men. But Van Hoorn answer'd That since he had not done it all this Journey he would not do it now so that they went away with a good Wind which at first prov'd successful to them but some turning by reason of the crooked Windings of the River they were forc'd by all the Coelies to be Tow'd one after another yet notwithstanding this they past that day by Zeetiatwangh Phinkoulutin t' Zatzuen and three other Villages In the Evening they dropt Anchor at Gosathun where they staid that Night having this Day Sail'd two Leagues and a half The next Morning being the thirteenth the Wind blowing fair they set Sail again yet the Barques often sticking fast on the Ground they made but little way yet having past Wankafan and Sitiafoe they came late in the Evening to the City of Gioechioe where they staid all Night having this day Sail'd but two Leagues and three quarters About nine a Clock in the Evening the Mandarin Guide Hanlavja and the Chinese Secretary Soukjen and the two Interpreters Ienko and Liulako came in a small Boat to the Ambassadors Barge telling him that they were going to meet the new General that came from Peking and was hard by as the Netherlanders could see by the Lights in his Boats going to Hoksieu to Depose the there present Tziangpovi This news was not very strange to the Hollanders having been often told by the Guide Mandarins and their Interpreters that the foremention'd General in Hoksieu was Depos'd and that the Vice-Roy Singlamong was condemned to pay two thousand Tail of Silver because he had let the Netherland Ships go away without the Emperors leave which the Hollanders look'd upon it being mixt with no true words to be only a Tale but that perhaps since they saw that another came to Depose him he might for some Misdemeanor or other be sent for to Peking At Midnight the foremention'd Hanlavja the Secretary and
Interpreters came aboard to tell the Ambassador That they could not speak with his Excellency that Evening he being gone to sleep before they came but they would go to him early the next Morning as accordingly they did desiring to know of the Ambassador what time he might wait upon him But returning they brought word That his Excellency durst not permit it because he had not yet had Audience from the Emperor Mean time his Highness Sail'd by the Netherlanders accompany'd with twenty great Barges The City Gioechioe is a Ruin'd place bury'd almost in heaps of Rubbish occasion'd by the last War After they had gotten Coelies they left that City though with slow advance because the River notwithstanding the Wind was good in many places as they had seen the day before was full of dry Sands yet at last passing by Sanghkiatwangh they could because of the Night coming on get no further than Wanghiapan where they came to an Anchor having notwithstanding they had a good Wind Sail'd but two Leagues and a little more The fifteenth in the Morning they Weigh'd again and with Sailing and Towing past by Ponsinghou and Googothien and in the Afternoon arriv'd at Goechin where they staid all Night having this day gain'd three Leagues About half a League from Goechin lies the City Goeycen North-West into the Countrey which appear'd but little to the Netherlanders for they did not put in to it but seem'd rather like a large Castle than a City A little before they arriv'd at Goechien a grand Mandarin a Tartar as it was said Nephew to the present Emperor came to Complement and Visit the Ambassador in his Barge where he was entertain'd with a Glass of Spanish Wine which having drank and seen the Horses he took his leave The sixteenth leaving Goechien they proceeded on their Journey and pass'd by many Houses built on both sides of the River and also by some Villages as Kongidieen t' Santan Nainaimeao Iaumeao and Xantiento the Suburb of Sangsinghwey and in the Evening arriv'd on the East side of the same City before a great Plain lying between the City Walls and the River having this day Sail'd three Leagues Here they were to lie because the River being in a manner dry they could get no higher till the Emperors Order came to unlade the Presents and go with them by Land to Peking which was four Leagues distance The seventeenth nothing happen'd of remark The eighteenth several Mandarins came to Visit and Welcom the Ambassador and likewise that Mandarin which was with him on the fifteenth which was said to be the Emperors Nephew who gave the Ambassador two Sheep for a Fire-Lock which he much desir'd Amongst other Discourses Van Hoorn ask'd this Lord If no other Ambassadors from any other place were in Peking To which he answer'd None but some from the Corean Isles which were shortly to return There happen'd little of note here only the Mandarin Guide came to acquaint the Ambassador that the next Morning Carts and Coelies would come to carry the Goods to Peking and that one of the Lipous would be at a Town call'd Tonghsieuw four Leagues from thence to receive the Ambassador in the Emperor's Name and conduct him to Peking The next Morning being the nineteenth many Carts Coelies and Horses came to fetch the Presents with all the Persons belonging to the Embassy and their Goods to Peking by Land whereupon the Ambassador gave immediate Order for the unlading of them in which they spent all the Morning The Ambassador gave the Barge-men though every one apart which came with him and his Retinue from Sucheu and Hoaigan eighty six Tail of Silver with which they were very well contented About Noon the Netherlanders set forward on their Journey to Tongsieuw with the Presents and their other Goods which were guarded by some Troopers and between a concourse of thousands of Townsmen Rusticks Women and Children About three a Clock coming to Tongsieuw all the Goods were put into an old decay'd House where the Netherlanders also Lodg'd but found small conveniencies The twentieth setting forth by Day-light and having Rid thorow Palikua Swango and Kapucheen they came within half a League of Peking where they were Welcom'd by one of the Lipous call'd Liu Lavja a Native Tartar who kindly receiv'd them and after some Complements conducted them to the City which they enter'd just about Noon in good order Coming within the Gates of Peking they thank'd God for his Mercy in bringing them so great a Journey all in good Health being a Way of many Leagues in which they had spent six Moneths Travelling both by Water and Land by and thorow thirty seven Cities three hundred thirty five Villages and thirty four Temples They were led by the Emperors Palace to the Tartars or Prime Chancellors Court standing behind the Emperors where all his Imperial Majesties Presents according to order were to be left and then the Hollanders to go to their Lodgings prepar'd for them The Streets through which they pass'd swarm'd with People thousands standing on each side of the way which made so great a Dust to which inconveniency the Streets in Peking are very subject that they could scarcely see wherefore they were bid to sit down under the Gate or entrance of the Court from amongst the croud of the People which by thousands stood before it there to stay for the Presents which were left somewhat behind in their Riding through the City Having staid about a quarter of an Hour under the Gate and drank a Cup of Tee the Goods came whereupon the Hollanders were led into a Chamber leaving Putmans and some of the Retinue to look to and separate the Emperors Presents from the other The Ambassador and Nobel with the rest coming into the Chamber they found some Secretaries sitting on a Table which pointed to Van Hoorn to sit on the Floor but he said he could better stand which they observing bid him sit on the same Table where they sat which he accordingly did Then the foremention'd Secretaries began to ask the Ambassador by Order of the Lipous the following Questions viz. Concerning his Quality From whence the Horses and Oxen came How old they were and how many Miles every Horse could go in a Day To all which Questions he gave them fitting answers They likewise ask'd who was the chief in Quality Whether the Ambassadors Son or Nobel because the General of Hoksieu had plac'd the Ambassadors Son first To which was answer'd That the Lord Van Hoorn's Son was according to the Lord Generals Order in Batavia to have the upper place besides many other frivolous Questions not worthy rehearsal Mean while the Lipou which had fetch'd in the Netherlanders came to bring them some Meat dress'd after the Chinese manner which they kindly accepted of having eaten nothing all that day before Putmans also came to tell the Ambassador that after the Netherlanders had taken nineteen Chests with
fetch'd him to the Court came and told the Ambassador That he and his Retinue must make themselves ready that they might go to Morrow Morning before Day-light to the Emperors Palace to receive his Imperial Majesty's Presents which the Ambassador promis'd to do This Mandarin said also That his Excellency should on the thirtieth of their Moon being the tenth of our Iuly come to the third Imperial Feast and three days after that go away which made the Ambassador long for the Emperor's resolution on his Request The seventeenth in the Morning two hours before Day he was fetch'd with his Retinue to the Court to receive the Imperial Presents and conduct them through three Gates into the Emperor's Court on a Plain before the fourth Gate which faces the Throne where on Iune the 23. they had seen the Coreans shew Reverence to the Emperor and their Presents lie on a Table Here the Netherlanders rested till Day-light about an hour after they saw some Lipous drest after a stately manner coming into the Court and soon after a Table was brought in cover'd with a Piece of Red Cloth which was set in the same place where the Corean Ambassadors stood only this stood before the Gate at the Tartars upper Hand when as that of the Coreans stood on the left A little while after some Stuffs and Money was laid upon it which done the Ambassador his Son Nobel Putmans and the Secretary were call'd and plac'd just before the midle Gate which was opposite to the Throne yet they could not there discern the least glimps of it for that the fifth Gate stands so high that although it be open yet they can see nothing belonging to the Throne After they had fac'd the Throne and upon the Order of a Herald kneel'd thrice and bow'd their Heads nine times they brought the Ambassador first those Presents that were for the Lord General which he receiv'd kneling and afterwards those which were for himself This done Nobel receiv'd his likewise next Putmans then the Secretary and the rest of the Retinue every one what was order'd for them Which finish'd the Mandarin Guide Hiu and Huilavja the Chinese Interpreters and Soldiers which came with them receiv'd theirs The Presents which they receiv'd from the Emperor were as followeth For the Lord General three hundred Guilders of fine Silver consisting in six Boats two Pieces of Chinese Cloth of Gold two more of the same with Dragons four Pieces of Flower'd Silk with Dragons two Pieces of Flannel twelve Pieces of divers Colour'd Sattin eight Pieces of Damask Silk ten Pieces of rich Flower'd Stuff ten Pieces of Pelangs and ten Pieces of Pansjes For the Ambassador an hundred Guilders of fine Silver four Pieces of Pelangs four Pieces of Pansjes four raw Pieces of Hokjens three Pieces of Blue single Sattin six Pieces of single Damask two Pieces of Cloth of Gold with Dragons For his Son one Piece of black Flannel fifteen Guilders of fine Silver two Pieces of Raw Gazen two Pieces of single Damask Silk For Nobel fifty Guilders of fine Silver one Piece of Chinese Cloth of Gold one Piece of Flannel three of Damask Silk one Piece of Sattin two of Gazen two of Pelangs and two of Pansjes For Putmans and Vander Does which had both alike were forty Guilders of fine Silver two Pieces of Damask Silk one of Flannel one of Sattin one of Pelangs one of Pansjes one of single sleight Damask and one Piece of White Goes The Interpreters Maurice Iansz Vish and Dirk de Hase had each two Pieces of Black Sattin two of White Goes two of Pansjes two of single sleight Damask For every one of the Retinue fifteen Guilders of fine Silver two Pieces of raw Gazen and two of single Damask For the Guide Mandarin Hiu Lavja one Horse without a Saddle For the Guide Mandarin Hanlavja and the two Chinese Interpreters one Silk Damask Coat Edg'd about with Gold which they were immediately to put on and for each of the Soldiers that came with the Ambassador one sleight Silk Damask Coat After every one had receiv'd what was laid out for them the Ambassador was with his Retinue led back to the place where he Kneel'd before and did it again as a sign of thankfulness after which he was by the Mandarin Song-Lavja and some other Mandarins conducted out of the Court whereat the Ambassador ask'd of the Lipou Song-Lavja when the Emperor's Letter to the Lord General and his answer on their Requests would be deliver'd To which he reply'd All in good time yet it should be three or four days before his departure Whereupon the Netherlanders return'd again to their Lodgings In the Afternoon a young Vice-Roy not above twenty years old and Nephew to the present Emperor came to visit the Ambassador and to hear his Musick which having delighted his Ears and tasted two or three Glasses of Sack he took his leave seeming very well satisfi'd The nineteenth in the afternoon another grand Lord who had the Command over the Nobility at the Court came to the same purpose which was accordingly granted him and entertain'd with a Banquet which ended he departed The fourth instant the Tatan told the Ambassador and Nobel expresly that none there might receive any Presents and those who told him otherwise did very ill Wherefore the Ambassador seeing them to be in earnest sent a Letter to the Lipous and Zoutaisins to desire that those Goods which he had brought with him to give away since they would not accept of them he might have leave to sell them but he could get no answer upon it The twentieth the Ambassador was fetch'd to the third Feast of the Emperor and again as before conducted to the third Tatans Court where he was entertain'd after the same manner as on the sixteenth The Ambassador after all this trouble and Expence both of time and otherwise gain'd no more but to be at last dismiss'd with a Seal'd Letter from the Emperor to the Lord Maetzuiker in Batavia So on the fifth of August he set forth from the Imperial City Peking to measure back his former tedious Journey and first reach'd a Temple about a League from the Town of Tonsjouw and two from Peking where they lay all that Night AS to what concerns the Metropolis Peking it shall be with its whole Province at large describ'd in our following Discourse of the Empire of China or Taising The great Citizens and other Prime Court-Ladies are here as also through all China seldom seen to walk in the Streets but are carry'd in close Sedans or Palakyns accompany'd by a great Train of Waiting-Women and other Servants In the Houses their Lodgings are apart from the Men where likewise they have Wildernesses Groves and pleasant Gardens where they delight themselves in Planting curious Flowers and keeping all manner of Singing-Birds The sixth they proceeded on their Journey from Tongsjouw and at Noon came to the Vessels lying at the City of Siensingway
where the same Boats receiv'd them that brought them thither The seventh leaving Siensingway and passing by many Hamlets and Villages they Anchor'd before some Houses about a League from Giochioe The ninth about Day-break Weighing again they arriv'd in the Forenoon at the foremention'd City from whence after they had gotten fresh Toers they set Sail at Noon and dropt Anchor that Night before the Village of Ianzin The eleventh they came to the City of Siensingway about Noon where they waited for more Toers because the Current was against them and the stronger by reason of the Rain lately faln The next Morning Putmans went to the Sienkin of that place to proffer him the Presents which were laid out for him on the tenth of Iune in their Journey up to Peking which he had then refus'd and put off the accepting of till their return From whence he sent the following Letter with the Goods THe Ambassador is safely arriv'd here The Civilities which he hath receiv'd of your Lordship shall not be forgotten The Lipous have Commanded the Ambassador to make what speed he could possible in this his Iourney for Fokien and Batavia there to deliver the Emperor's Letter therefore the Emperor desires Talavja that he would give speedy order and dispatch Putmans at his return inform'd That the Talavja had accepted of the five Ells of Stammel and two Flasks of Rose-Water but sent the rest back again and as to what concern'd their speedy departure he took no notice of because it did not concern him he having only the Command over the Soldiers Soon after the Sionkins Interpreter came to tell the Ambassador That his Master in requital for the Presents had sent him two Hogs two Sheep one Pikol of Rice and some Fruit with Request That his Excellency would please to accept of them Whereupon the Ambassador reply'd That he would receive it on condition his Highness would also take the rest of the Presents which the Interpreter promis'd to tell him and at his return acquaint the Ambassador with his answer Not long after coming back he said That Talavja was double satisfi'd with those Presents which he had already receiv'd yet however to please his Excellency he would accept of a Piece of Green Perpetuana if they had it which he gave immediate Order to lay out but was forgotten by the Interpreter Also the Interpreter was Presented by the Ambassador with two Pieces of Linnen and two Flasks of Rose-Water because he had ask'd to buy them The Netherlanders Weighing Anchor went with their Vessels to the South side of the City that they might proceed on their Journey the next Morning The Toya also sent them some Presents thither viz. Sheep Apples Pears and the like for which he return'd him the Piece of Perpetuana which Sionkins Interpreter had left behind him But his Servants soon after brought it back again saying that their Master judg'd it too much but if the Ambassador had any Sword-blades Pistols or such like things he would willingly accept of them Whereupon the Ambassador sent him by the Interpreter Maurice a Carbine a Sword and a handsom Knife which he receiv'd with many Thanks After Noon having been nobly entertain'd in one of the Sionkin's Barques they Weigh'd from the Suburb and the next Morning being the fourth set Sail from the City of Tiensingway and in the Evening Anchor'd at Sangjue The following day in the Afternoon they arriv'd at the City of Chinchay where having staid about an hour and half they set Sail again and at Night dropt Anchor before Sincoacheen The seventeenth they proceeded on their Journey and in the Evening arriv'd at Chiuche The eighteenth at Noon they past by the City of Siangsjouw without putting in but in the Evening Anchor'd at the Village Talodueen The nineteenth they rested at Poethouw The twentieth in the Afternoon they past by Tunquancheen and staid all Night near Lienulhoe where the Province of Peking and that of Xantung is separated The one and twentieth they Sail'd six Leagues in the Province of Xantung and dropt Anchor at a Village call'd Lonkuntang and next day after Noon staid for fresh Toers in Tuatchiouw which having gotten they set forward and on the three and twentieth arriv'd at Chinjeen The twenty fifth passing by Uchincheen they dropt Anchor that Night at Oepoeso The six and twentieth going on again about Day-light they came in the Evening to Linsing being got out of the River Guei in the Royal Channel Iun and that Evening past through the first Sluce as in the Morning they did the second made in Linsing and dropt Anchor before the Custom-house where a Chain was put cross the Channel that no Vessels might pass without paying The Governor of this place came in the forenoon to visit the Netherlanders in their Vessel and bid them Welcome who after having been well entertain'd took his leave After his departure sending the Ambassador some Presents Putmans was order'd to carry him a Pair of Pistols a Sword Blade a Piece of Perpetuana and a Piece of Say in return The foremention'd Lord receiv'd many Letters in Putmans presence advising him that the Emperor had Raign'd three days and that his own Chiap or Seal was abroad The Guide Mandarins inform'd the Netherlanders that all the Governors as well Povis Conbons Poutsensies or Farmers which were up and down in the Provinces were sent for and that Tartars were to be put in their places In the Afternoon the Governors of this place came to invite the Netherlanders to a Banquet which they would willingly have refus'd but that they being very importunate with them were forc'd to grant their Request so that the Ambassador told them that so soon as the Chain was unlock'd and his Vessels past through he would come and wait upon them To which they reply'd That they would give immediate Order for it as accordingly was done and the Vessels permitted to pass Against the Evening Messengers came to fetch the Ambassador to the Governors But he excusing himself said That he could not go out of his Barque in the Night wherefore the Governors sent him several Dishes with prepar'd Meats to his Vessel which was distributed amongst the Barge-men Mean while the chief Commander of this place sent the Ambassador some Silk Stuffs which he return'd again The twenty ninth in the Morning they set out from the City of Linsing In the Evening they Anchor'd at Linancotsue which leaving on the thirtieth they past by Tungsjaufoe and lay that Night before Gihautchie having past through five Water-gates that day The one and thirtieth Weighing Anchor they came to Xansui and in the Evening arriv'd at Gansjan through six Sluces which they all found open to their great advantage The first of September they left the Gansjan and shooting that day four Water-gates they dropt Anchor in the Evening at a Village call'd Kaygoeva The next Morning being the second setting Sail again they past that Forenoon by Namwang and a Pagode
thereto belonging call'd Longwangmiao where the River unites with this Channel so that they had the Tyde with them by which means they reach'd Sinning that Night having past through three Sluces when they Anchor'd before the fourth and last in the Western Suburb of the City Sinning expecting when it should be open'd that they might get through that also which being not before the Afternoon they went only a Canon shot from thence and lay still for that Night In the Morning the Toya of the City coming to Visit and Welcome the Ambassador Presented him with some fresh Provisions which he accepting sent Putmans after him with five Ells of Stammel in Requital of his Favor The fourth in the Morning leaving Sinning and having a fair Gale of Wind they got to a Village call'd Naogang that afternoon where they waited for fresh Toers having that day shot seven Sluces or Flood-Gates The fifth setting Sail again they arriv'd in the Evening at Iaxinho passing through seven Water-gates that day The next day they lay still wanting Toers The seventh in the Morning leaving Iaxinho they Anchor'd towards Evening at the Village Miliancho where the Province of Xantung is separated from that of Nanking The eighth they enter'd the Province of Nanking and lay the next Night before Kiakia which leaving on the ninth they arriv'd that Morning with a fair Wind at Maulovao three Leagues and three quarters from Kiakia where they chang'd their Toers which came not till the Evening because they were fetch'd from Singsing a League and a half distant from thence The tenth in the Afternoon setting Sail again they arriv'd in the Evening before the Mouth of the Lake Usantjouw into which the Yellow River disembogues The Bank in this place being broken they had made a Dam in the River Geu which takes its Original in a Village a League and a half from thence here the Ambassador dropt Anchor to stay for some of his Barques to come up with him which were a good way behind Towards Night they arriv'd at a little Village opposite to the City Taujenjeen which leaving again in the Morning they reach'd the Village Namemiao at Noon and withal got out of the Yellow River which has so swift a Current as creates much danger The thirteenth putting forward again they came to the great Village Sinkianpoe at Noon where the Conbon of Hoksieu according to the Information of the Guide Mandarins arriv'd the same day being on his own Request rid of his Office to come thither The Ambassador writing a Complemental Letter to him he sent to invite his Excellency to come to him Whereupon he immediately going thither was kindly receiv'd and entertain'd by his Highness who told the Ambassador that it was a great Honor that the Netherlanders had been with and seen the Emperor and that he had left some Presents in his Factors hands in Hoksieu for to be deliver'd to the Ambassador for the Lord General and himself which the Ambassador would find there at his coming The Conbon also commended himself for the good inclination which he had bore to the Hollanders in the time of his Governorship To which the Ambassador answer'd That he was very sensible of it and that they should ever be oblig'd to his Highness for it Lastly The Conbon said that he was desirous to make one small Present more to the Ambassador being only four Hogs some Geese and other Poultrey which he desir'd his Excellency would be pleas'd to accept whereon the Ambassador promis'd he would provided his Highness would again receive the like Present from him Which last the Interpreters durst not tell the Conbon because several other Lords stood about him so that there was no mention made of it So after a handsom Entertainment the Ambassador took his leave The fourteenth in the Morning the Ambassador in Requital of his Friendly Reception the day before sent a Letter to the Conbon and judg'd it convenient since he might do much by his Recommendation in Peking to the benefit of the Company to present him with ten Ells of Stammel ten of black Cloth ten of Blue one Piece of Saye one of Crown-Serge four Pieces of Linnen two of Guinny Linnen one fine Carpet one String of Blood Coral and two pair of Spectacles and the Ambassador to oblige his Interpreter and that he might put his Master in mind of the Hollanders gave him five Ells of Stammel one Sword-blade and a pair of Spectacles This done leaving the great Village Sinkianpoe they past by the Conbon's Barques which consisted of fifty six great and small In the Afternoon they came to the North-Suburb of Haoigan where they lay still before a Bridge till the Townsmen had furnish'd them with Provisions The sixteenth against Noon the Ambassador was presented with some Pieces of Stuffs by the Toya of that place who was Brother to the new General at Hoksieu which the Ambassador judg'd not convenient to accept but sent them back again and with them five Ells of Stammel partly because he might assist the Hollanders and do much for them by writing a Letter in their behalf to his Brother and secondly that they might be speedily dispatch'd from thence which prevail'd so much that the Netherlanders left the City Haòigan in the afternoon and arriv'd in the Evening at Paoing The next Morning going from thence again at Noon they met with a Factor belonging to the General call'd Tziang Povi Thesia who according to his Relation came from Hoksieu the fifth of August and was going for Peking who inform'd the Ambassador that three Ships were arriv'd from Batavia at Sothia and that four more were gone to Tamfui and Quelang Moreover that all things were well with the Hollanders in Hoksieu only none might go to the new arriv'd Ships nor any come ashore out of them neither was any Provision permitted to be sent to them The Vice-Roy Singlamong and General were coming to Peking being sent for because they let the Netherlands Ships go away and that the new General which was to Depose his Master met him near Lancquy The Ambassador asking him if he had brought any Letters from Harthouwer he answer'd No but that fourteen days before he came from thence two Letters were writ to the Ambassador by Harthouwer and sent with that which the General dispatch'd to Peking about the arrival of the foremention'd Ships After his departure the Netherlanders putting forward they arriv'd in the Evening at the City of Kayoven where they staid all Night The next Morning being the eighteenth they left the City and with Sailing and Toing reach'd the City of Ianchefoe about Noon where they lay before a Custom-house The following day the Ambassador judg'd it convenient to procure a speedy dispatch by Presenting the Toya of that place with five Ells of Stammel one Piece of Perpetuana two Adathys and a Book Looking-glass with these he sent a Complementing Letter by Putmans yet he accepted of nothing but the two Adathys
dies C A Mourning Stick for a Mother D A Mourning Cap or Bonnet of Hemp for the Death of Father or Mother E A Coif of the same F A Veil for Women for their Father or Mother G A Girdle of Towe for a Father H A Girdle of Towe for a Mother Mourning for Relations which are neither Fathers nor Mothers 1 A course Coif of white Linnen 2 Ordinary Mourning Stockins ravel'd out 3 A Bonnet like a Mitre of course Hemp. 4 An ordinary Mourning Girdle 5 Ravel'd Mourning Shoes 6 A wide Coat much ravel'd 7 An Apron much ravel'd After the Death of either Father or Mother amongst other Ceremonies which they observe especially at the Funeral they have a Custom not to sit on Stools for a certain time nor sleep on Beds nor eat Flesh nor drink Wine keep from their Wives speak not aloud go not out of their Houses except in Sedans cover'd with course Linnen and many other things more till time hath worn away Sorrow Except Militia Officers all Persons are oblig'd though the prime Colao's to forsake their Offices for three years for their Father or Mothers Death which time they are to spend in Mourning for them Thus far De las Cortes In this manner the Chineses perform their Funerals or Interr their Dead but the Tartars who at this day Govern the Realm of China observe quite another manner The Iesuit Adam Scall describes them both in the following words Both Tartars and Chineses saith he take a peculiar care for the burying of their Dead for they imagine that all the happiness of their Successors dedepends upon it wherefore they often lay by three four five hundred nay a thousand Crowns in their life-time to be bestowed on their Graves To which purpose they also gather Planks of Cedar and other like lasting Woods which they send for two or three hundred Leagues off to make them Coffins wherein they may for ever as they suppose lie secure which the Iesuit Martinius testifies in these words It is saith he by them accounted a great happiness for him who before his Death makes himself a Coffin of the best and strongest Wood some of which costs sometimes two thousand Crowns for they send for the most durable and best Wood out of remote Countreys so that there is no City but there are Coffins to be sold in it nay most People buy them before their Deaths and keep them in their Houses The upper Planks saith Scall of the Tartars Coffins are sloaping like a Roof and Painted on the out-side not regarding the thickness of the Planks because they put their Coffins to no other use than to hold the Body for a short time and carry them out in for coming to their Funeral Piles they burn the Coffins with the Corps But those of the Chineses are narrower at the Feet and broader and higher at the Head the upper Plank smooth and reaching over the sides that the thickness thereof may be seen which is chiefly observ'd and taken notice of They are very careful to chuse a Burying-place for if they have not Land of their own then they purchase it at a great Rate Those Places are principally made choice of in a dry Soyl where no Rivers nor High-ways are near nor any Temples or Towers but must be on a Plain which neither rises before nor behind Such a Place being chosen they surround it with a Bank of Earth lik a Half-Moon which rises in the Middle and runs sloaping down on both sides yet not smooth but scollope-like at the upper end of which they bury the eldest and below him on each side the Sons and Nephews not in one Grave but every one apart under a little Hillock and the chief of the Family under the highest Hill In the middle on a Stone Table are plac'd variety of Provisions Perfumes and other things in honor of the Deceased Any one that amongst a Family is rais'd to a higher degree of Honor than his Predecessors erects his own Tomb in his life-time whereon they Carve the Shapes of Men or Beasts according to every Mans Quality and Estate Planting the remaining part of the Ground with Cedar Trees and Wall'd round The Tartars differ herein for though they according to the conveniency and Place require the same things as the Chineses yet they observe not the same manner in their Burial for the old People are buried apart and the younger by themselves The Chineses also erect a Tomb-stone on which is Engraven the Age of the Deceased his Office and the Emperor's Favors to him and to prevent the Characters from being defaced and the remembrance of the Deceased's Exploits from being worn out besides the Tomb-stone they bury another square Stone in the Ground with the same Inscription that when the first is worn out that may appear perfect and serve as a Memorial of all his Atchievements When any one dies whoe're he be all the Friends and Relations come about the Corps crying and Mourning over it Persons of Quality send a piece of very thin white Linnen with a Letter to their Friends to acquaint them of the dead Corps who at an appointed day come thither bringing with them Perfumes Wax-Candles and Money coming into the House they go to a Table plac'd opposite to the Coffin in the midst of the Hall having set fire on the Perfumes that stand upon the Table they step a little backwardand shew Reverence to the Effigies of the Deceased Painted at the Head of the Coffin by kneeling four times and bowing their Heads to the Ground whilst they make a mournful Cry These Ceremonies being perform'd the nearest Relations appear also on one side of the Coffin between the Curtains and coming forth shew the same Reverence also kneeling and bowing their Heads four times to the Ground The time of Visiting ended the nearest Kindred come the next day into the House of Mourning from whence they convey the Corps to the Grave or at least to the City Gates for which Kindness the Children go from House to House in Sack-Cloth and with their Faces looking down on the Ground return Thanks by shewing Reverence to their Visitants who on purpose stand at their Doors But the Tartars observe quite another way of Interring their Dead viz. on the same day that any one dies the Corps being put in a Coffin and the Friends having Wept over it in the House they carry it away except the Deceas'd was a Vice-Roy or Governor The Relations accompany the Hearse and afterwards placing themselves in Rows on each side of the Funeral Pyre those of her Family set fire of the Wood and so burn the Body whose Ashes on the third day are gather'd and put into a Porcelane Urn to be bury'd Yet far greater Honor is shown to the Vice-Roys whether Tartars or Chineses for when a Tartar King dies his Servants after some formal Lamentations are plac'd on each side of the Court-Gate that they may be seen holding his
on the publick Account or else set the Multitude return home alledging that there were Women amongst them and that their weak Sex was not able to endure such Inconveniencies and likewise ancient People that worn out with sicknesses were not us'd to undergo such hardship No sooner was Schal's Petition deliver'd but the Governors looking upon his Request to be just let all the People go away with resolution that all the Mandarins should every Morning for the seven following days Weep half an hour in the Emperor's Chamber after which every one should retire and observe the establish'd Month of Fasting for the Emperor The fourteenth of the first new Moon they gave the new Emperor Konchi his Oath at the performance whereof every Bench were in particular led into a Hall The chief of the first and second Order went to the upper Hall where having with the rest lamented over the Deceas'd Emperor's Body the Oath was publickly read before them all to which they all shew'd Reverence by thrice Kneeling and bowing their Heads to the Ground and calling upon the Dead to witness the same Then going from the Court they went to an Idol-Temple where they gave him the Oath again and finish'd their began Work with the same Ceremonies When on the seventh day after the Emperor's Death the sleight Roofs made of Mats were taken away the chief Funeral-Priest seated himself in the open Court after which the chiefest being call'd into the Hall and the rest standing at the Door they began again to Cry which dured longer than ordinary because the Queen-Mother was there present and began first with all her Women Then many Silver and Gold Vessels were brought out of a Tent erected for the Corps and Tables being also set about the Coffin richly Garnish'd with Sweet-meats in Silver Chargers all which was thrown into the Fire The remaining time as from the first day when they went to lament the City Servants and petty Governors holding all that had belong'd to the Emperor as his Horses Atchievements Flags and other things of State stood in a Row at the Entrance of the Palace from whence they stirr'd not till the Mandarins went away On the first of the second Moon the Crying and fore-mention'd Ceremonies were again renew'd early in the Morning in the presence of the Queen-Mother and the Tables which four Men could scarce carry were again with Clothes Carpets and the like thrown into the Fire The last day they met to accompany the Corps which was plac'd behind the Palace in a Hall on a neighboring Mount which abounds with Deer Harts Stags and the like Beasts for the Emperor's Recreations till the Imperial Tomb should be made ready in some other Place First the Way which from the Palace runs to the Mount was Grabell'd and laid plain to prevent the rising of the Dust to which inconvenience the Streets in Peking are very subject Thither came all the Grandees Habited in white Mourning to accompany the Corps before went nine Elephants with Turrets on their Backs forty Camels caparison'd with red Cloths and Bridles plated with Gold and rich Symiters hanging down by their Necks were loaden with Tents and other Furniture then follow'd an hundred Horses led by yellow Bridles without Gold except the Buckles which were onely Gilded next in order were Drums Trumpets and others with Instrumental Musick to the number of a hundred behind which were carry'd fifty Gilded Hammers and above an hundred Flags of several colours with wild Beasts Birds and twenty eight Stars stitch'd with Thrâ—… of Gold then again fifty Hammers after which were led a hundred Saddled Horses the last thirty laden with rich Flannel and the Emperor's Clothes condemn'd to the Fire next these came twenty Youths every one holding an Imperial Quiver imboss'd with Pearls and Precious Stones besides Bowes and Arrows and just before them walk'd twelve Greyhounds behind these came the Emperor's Sedan born by sixteen Men in which when living he us'd to be carry'd richly Gilt and on the top adorn'd with a Golden Ball the Bearers were clad in a Livery of a Saffron colour Embroider'd with Roses of Gold next them were carry'd several Gold and Silver Chargers behind which follow'd the Bier with the Emperor's Corps cover'd with Cloth of Tissue Embroider'd with blue Clouds and Flowers supported by thirty two Bearers all in a Saffron-colour'd Livery and adorn'd with Golden Roses behind the Corps came Soldiers with Pikes and other Arms then the Emperor's Mother in a Sedan cover'd with Purple-Silk next hers seven more cover'd with white Cotton in every one of which was a Queen or Concubine of the Emperor's then follow'd many Grandees on Foot lastly all the Magistrates and those that shew'd Reverence by kneeling and bowing to the Corps as it pass'd by follow'd disorderly one among another to the Grave which was inviron'd with a Wall but the multitude pulling it down quickly made room for all comers The Governors of the first Degree going into the base Court before the Hall where the Bearers had set down the Corps stood and cry'd all together as likewise those that stood about them at length one of the chiefest Vice-Roys lifting up a Golden Cup with Wine three times they all bow'd their Heads down to the Ground then the Vice-Roy offer'd the fore-mention'd Cup as an Oblation Before the Corps stood a Table strow'd full of Silver and Gold Flowers and all sorts of Perfumes Then they began again to cry till they all went away leaving the rest of the Ceremonies to be perform'd the next Morning At every Gate the chief Vice-Roy Offer'd before the Coffin a Cup with Wine which he lifted up three times as before and then deliver'd it to a prime Councellor who put it aside to be Offer'd again at last with the rest The next Morning being the twenty seventh day after the Emperor's Death they all met again by the Corps and every one standing in their appointed Places began their general Lamentation Having perform'd all Ceremonies as on the day before the Letter given by the Emperor to his Son containing the Praise due to the Deceased was publickly read whereupon the Magistrates doubling their Shreeks and Cries return'd into the base Court whilst four of the chiefest Persons of Quality going to the Paper Mountain cover'd with yellow Silk carry'd in an open Cloth a Sable Sute of the deceased Emperor with his Hat rais'd on the Crown with Pearls and Diamonds and likewise a Sable Quilt whereon to lay his Head Others in ten Carpets bore ten several Sutes more of the Emperor's and Saddles and Caparisons for Horses were also laid on the Heap besides Flags Fans Gold Plates and the Emperor's Sedan all which being brought to the Heap of Paper cover'd with yellow Silk they set on fire and threw in the Tables full of Flannel Clothes many Gold and Silver Vessels which being melted stream'd down the Hill like a Rivulet Then the Governors unty'd their Girdles which being of
white Cloth they had fastned about their Middle and so throwing them into the Flame they were released of their Mourning Lastly they pull'd off all their Mourning Habit and leaving it there went home Three days after the prime Governors of the first Order came thither with the Tartars the Chineses being lockt out and prepar'd a new Funeral at which they us'd the same Ceremonies carrying Fans and leading Horses and Cammels The same four Grandees brought another Sute of the Emperor's and a Hat having onely one great Pearl on the Crown which they as before threw on Paper Heaps and likewise some Saddles beset with Pearls and Diamonds which done every one returned home All these Ceremonies are renew'd from day to day till the hundredth day during which time no Musick may be heard nor any Plays acted through all the City and they continue mourning after the hundredth for the Tartars watch by the Coffin continually After the expiration of two years when the time was come to carry the Corps to the appointed Grave twenty four Leagues from the City of Peking all the Mandarins conducted the Corps on Foot out of the City where they took leave of it on their bended Knees Zungte the Emperor of China and Tartary made some years since a very great Funeral for one of his Concubines which was after this manner He accompanied the Corps in Person out of his Palace Gates where the Body was laid in State till the expiration of a hundred days at the end of which to be burnt and by his Order to have Offerings made for it every fourth day the Materials for which besides the other Preparations cost the Emperor above ten thousand Ducats Amongst other wasteful Ceremonies he caus'd all the Tables with their Silken Cloths to be thrown into the Fire The Bier followd as we said before by the Emperor was cover'd with Velvet before it were carry'd three Sedans seeming to be all Gold though onely Gilt which being beset with Precious Stones made a glorious show before the Sedans went three Wains drawn by Horses which being cover'd on the top were also richly Gilded thousands of People made daily a great Cry and the rest of the Ceremonies were all like the fore-mention'd in which they say was spent eight hundred thousand Ducats With a peculiar magnificence and splendor was formerly solemniz'd the Funeral of a Chinese Emperor and Empress Semedo describes that of the Empress Mother to the Emperor Vanlie who deceased Anno 1614. on the last of May in the following words I. That all the Mandarins as well Military as Civil should on the following day appear in the Palace to Mourn for the Empresses Death which being done they should immediately go again to their Houses and Courts of Judicature and there spend three days in abstaining from Flesh Fish Eggs and Wine that the following three days they should attend at the Palace Gate and one by one come and visit the Corps with due Reverence and shews of great Sorrow after which every one might return home II. That all the Mandarins Wives of the four first Orders should for three days be there present in Mourning Apparel from Head to Foot and bewail the Empresses Death strictly forbidding to Dress themselves or wear Jewels in their Houses during twenty seven days III. That those of the Emperor's Council call'd Hanlim should make Epitaphs and Funeral Orations in praise of the Empress IV. That the Quanlosu which are the Overseers of the Emperor's Treasury should without delay pay all the Charge which would be requisite for the Offerings and Funeral V. That the Bonzies should Toll the Bells of their several Temples as a sign of Mourning and Sorrow VI. That no Meat should be sold in the Markets for seventeen days and every one Fast according to the Emperor's Example who for the three first days did eat onely a little Rice and Water and all his Retinue nothing but Roots VII The prime Councellor of their Laws was commanded to give Mourning to all Ambassadors and Agents then present at the Court and bring them to the Palace to shew Reverence to the Corps according to the Custom of the Countrey VIII That all the Mandarins which had Serv'd out the time of their Employments or those that aim'd at other Places should also come to the Palace and shew Reverence and perform their Duty in Mourning over the Corps three days IX That the Free-men of the City should come every Morning and Evening for the space of a whole Week to the chief Governor's Palace and there shew Reverence They also sent Letters to all the Mandarins distributed through all the Provinces and Cities of the Empire that after they had receiv'd tydings of the Empresses Decease they should use all means possible to make their Relations both Men Women and Children shew Reverence by three times kneeling and bowing of their Heads and besides other Ceremonies Mourn twenty seven days This Order is expresly given to all Mandarins as well those that are in Office as others whether Civil or Military It is likewise Order'd that the Burgesses shall wear a Mourning Hat for the space of thirty days They also forbid that any Instruments should be touch'd either in the Mandarins Palaces or Houses or in any Place wherein Travellers are Lodg'd upon the Emperor's Charge This was proclaim'd by certain Mandarins that follow no other Employment After all these Ceremonies before the Funeral the great Magician at the Court in Peking was commanded to chuse the Days wherein the remaining Funeral Pomp was to be solemniz'd After much study and care he pitch'd upon the ninth day of the sixth Moon being four Moneths after the Empresses Death for the Coffin to be carry'd out of the Palace and the fifteenth of the same Moneth to the Grave The time being come the following Order was publish'd to be observ'd at the Funeral I. That all the Mandarins of the Court should with the chief Councellors six days before go out of their Houses into their several Chambers at Court and there fast three days as is before mention'd II. That the Receivers of the Emperor's Revenues should prepare all Neçessaries as Torches Perfumes Images of Men Horses Lyons Elephants Silk Umbrella's and other Ornamentals to be burnt at the Grave The Charge whereof was said to amount to thirty thousand Escu's III. That the Lords of the Council Hanlim should make new Funeral Elegies IV. Because the Emperor intending to accompany the Corps to the Grave about seven Leagues from the Palace happen'd to be somewhat indispos'd he would send a Grand Courtier in his stead to perform that necessary Duty V. The Martial Officers must keep Watch in the City and by the Grave and also to guard the Corps thither At every Gate of the City which were nine stood a thousand Armed Men from the Place where the Corps lay to the Grave the way on both sides was Guarded by Soldiers Three thousand conducted the Body and
chang'd to true and lawful Succession by Birth Sometimes it hath happen'd though very seldom that the youngest Son contrary both to the Laws of Nature and the Realm was declar'd Emperor either for his extraordinary Valor or Prudence as Anno 209. before the Birth of Christ it happen'd to the Emperor Ulxi who after his Father Cin's Death was chosen Emperor in stead of his eldest Brother Fâ—…sa When the eldest Son hath taken Possession of the Throne the rest only boast of their Princely Allyance for they have not in the least any Authority yet the Emperor gives them each a City to reside in with a Magnificent Palace Attendants and Revenues where they keep Court in great State and are serv'd accordingly yet have no Command of the Citizens and that they might not have so much together as to enable them to raise a Commotion the Emperor's Allowance is paid them every three Moneths and on forfeiture of their Lives they may not stir out of the Limits of the City so design'd for their subsistance The Empire hath sometimes also been Govern'd by a Woman for Anno 490. before the Nativity of Christ the Emperor Lieupang's Consort after the Death of Hoci her Son Govern'd the Countrey eight years At the Election of a new Emperor thirteen Contingencies are to be observ'd The first is the alteration of annual Accounts for they begin to reckon from the Inauguration of their new Emperor which they use not only in common Discourses but in their Letters and all manner of Writings The Emperor also gives his Name to that Year in which he begins to Reign for we must observe that all the Years of any Emperor's Raign when soe're they die are reckon'd for whole Years and so make his Coronation the New-Years-Day that is the beginning of the Year and yet though the Chineses immediately and in the same Year have another yet they still shew Honor and Obedience to the late Emperor though Dead till the Years end doing all things in his Name and likewise all Edicts and Proclamations are Seal'd and Mark'd with the same Signets as if he were still living but the Successor gives his Name to the following Year The second they instantly Coyn new Money with the Letters of his Name which doth not abate any thing of the value of the old Coyn. The third his Lawful Wife is Crown'd Empress The fourth they give the Name of Queen to six of his Concubines The fifth they make Offerings to the Heavens Earth and Spirits The sixth they bestow great Alms on the Poor The seventh all Prisoners are set at liberty The eighth all the Magistrates are nobly Treated The ninth all the Women that were Concubines before are put out of the Palace The tenth the Seraglioes which are four in number are fill'd with fresh Beauties fetch'd from all parts of the Empire during which time there are many Marriages because every one seeks to free his Daughter from such a retired Life The eleventh Persons of Quality if not all at least those of Cities either come themselves or send Agents to shew Obedience and acknowledge the new Emperor The twelfth all Officers from the Vice-Roys to the inferior Governors of Cities go in Person to the Court to shew the same Obedience and take the Oath of Allegiance in behalf of their Towns and Provinces The thirteenth is that the Emperor changes his own Name as is before-mention'd The Reverence which the Chineses anciently shew'd to their Kings they perform'd in this manner They Prostrate themselves to him bowing down their Bodies and looking with their Faces to the North for they say that their Kings look always to the South for which reason all the Gates of their Palaces Doors of Chambers and all Draw-Bridges face the South from whence proceeds a Proverb That the Chineses though at great distance always honor their King when with usual Ceremonies they receive their Guests They say that the Tartar Prince who at this day possesseth the Countrey of China and resides in the Metropolis Peking is not the great Cham or Lord of all Tartary as hath hitherto been believ'd but a mean Prince of the Tartars whose Grand-father was the first King of his Family promoted to that Dignity by the Inhabitants of his Countrey which was only a small Province in Tartary call'd Muncheu The Father of this present Emperor call'd Zunchi was the fifth of his Family his Fortune seem'd to be so strange in the Eyes of other Princes of his Countrey that they compar'd him to Lightning when e're they spake of him for they usually said that the Gods and Heavens could only prevent him in any thing The present Emperor Zunchi's Son is call'd Konchi a Youth of about sixteen years The first Ruler of whom the Chineses make mention in their Histories was nam'd Puoncu and after him Tienhoang Ginhoang and Yonjui but in those times the Provinces were govern'd by the Heads of their Princical Families The first Emperors that before the Birth of our Saviour Govern'd China and were Elected and set on the Throne by most Voices were eight in number viz. from the Year before the Nativity of Christ 2952. to the Year 2207. before which the Chineses allow of none in their Histories which in that time are stuff'd with many strange and fabulous Relations as well concerning the Age of Men as Years of the Governors for if we will credit their Writers the World stood many Thousands of Years before the Deluge The first Emperor was Before Christs Birth Raign'd Years 2952 I. Fohi 115 2837 II. Xinnung 140 2697 III. Hoangti 100 2597 IV. Xaohau 84 2513 V. Chuenhio 78 2435 VI. Ko 70 2357 VII Ya 90 2258 VIII Xan 33 After Xun the Empire was Govern'd by Hereditary Succession and the first House or Family Hia was rais'd under the Emperor Yu which continu'd four hundred Years under seventeen Emperors viz. Before Christs Nativity Raign'd Years 2207 I. Yu 10 2197 II. Khi 9 2188 III. Taikang 29 2159 IV. Chumkang 13 2146 V. Siang 27 2058 VI. Xaokang 22 2057 VII Chu 17 2040 VIII Hoai 26 2014 IX Mang 18 1996 X Is 16 1980 XI Pukiang 59 1821 XII Kung 21 1800 XIII Kin 21 1769 XIV Cungkia 31 1848 XV. Ka 11 1838 XVI Fau 19 1818 XVII Kie 52 After the Family Hia the House of Xang succeeded being first rais'd by the Emperor Tang from whom sprung twenty eight Emperors viz. Before the Birth of Christ. Raign'd Years 1766 I. Tang 13  II. Taikia 33 1720 III. Voting 92 1691 IV. Taikeng 25 1666 V. Siaokia 17 1659 VI. Iungie 12 1641 VII Taiu 75 1562 VIII Chungting 13 1549 IX Vaigni 15 1534 X. Hotankia 9 1525 XI Zuie 19 1506 XII Zusini 16 1490 XIII Vokia 25 1464 XIV Zuting 32 1433 XV. Nankeng 25 1408 XVI Yangkia 7 1401 XVII Puonkeng 28 1373 XVIII Siaosini 21 3352 XIX Siaoye 18 1324 XX. Vuting 59 1265 XXI
a Dragon was like a costly nay that which is more a holy Relick and lock'd up in a golden Coffer and preserv'd till the Reign of the Emperor Siveni when afterward at his Command without knowing wherefore the Chest was open'd and this Slime leap'd forth as if it had been living and ran to and again through the Palace none being able to hold it and at last got into the Seraglio and there divirginated one of great Beauty kept for the Emperor from hence after the full time as the Chineses relate she was deliver'd of a fair Female The Mother fearing to gain an ill Name and the Emperor's displeasure laid down the Infant which two Marry'd People that accidentally walk'd by there hearing it cry took up and carrying it home brought it up as their own Child In the third Year of the Emperor Ie's Reign the fore-mention'd Infant being grown Marriagable her Foster-father was on some occasion accus'd of a certain Crime and put in Prison whereupon he proffering the Virgin who was endu'd with incomparable Beauty for his Ransom to the Emperor was not onely released but return'd home with great Riches But the Emperor was so strangely surpris'd with the exceeding Beauty of his new Mistris that he was in a manner distracted and forsook the lawful Empress and his Son born by her and took Paosua for so the Virgin was call'd for his Spouse and elected Pefo the Son of Paosua in stead of Ikie the lawful Son of the Empress to succeed him in the Throne against the consent of all his Substitute Governors Ikie the true Heir being enrag'd by the great wrong which he had suffer'd fled from his Father to his Uncle King Xin in the South part of the Province of Xensi at the place where the City Nanyang stands at this day Paosua during this time dwelt with the Emperor in all prosperity but one thing he observ'd that he never saw her Laugh which was very unpleasing to him therefore he try'd several ways to win a Smile from her At the same time a Difference arising and overtures and threatnings of War being betwixt him and the Tartars he put his Militia in a posture of Defence which done and to teach them Alarms he fir'd his Beacons when there was no need whereupon the Palaces and all places every where were throng'd with the gather'd Soldiers which too often repeating and no appearance of any Enemy gave her occasion to laugh heartily to the great joy of the fond Emperor Which false Alarms being so commonly when they came to be real and not being believ'd brought on that negligent carelesness in not obeying that it lost him his Life and Empire Amongst other things also Paosua took great delight in the noise which Silk makes when torn by force wherefore the Emperor to recreate her always spent his time in her Presence with tearing and rending of Silk Mean while the Emperor sent a Party to King Xin to fetch his fled Son again but Xin refus'd to deliver the Prince unless he should be declar'd Heir to the Empire The Emperor enrag'd thereat march'd with an Army against Xin who unequal to the Emperor yet of greater Policy joyn'd with the Tartars and in the Night falls suddenly on the Emperor's Quarters whereupon the Beacons being fir'd as before the Soldiers seeing the Flame suppos'd that the Emperor as formerly was onely caressing of his Empress neglected their Duties and therefore making no resistance most of them were taken sleeping by the Enemy and the Emperor himself slain by his Brother and Son But to return As Trigaut tells us several eminent Persons Study this My. stery of Dragon-Knowledge and are sent for from remote Places to advise withal when publick Buildings are to be erected that they may so lay their Platform suting with the benevolent Signatures from the posture of the Dragon that the Edifice may for ever after be more free from Casualties for these Astronomers as our Astrologers observe the good and evil Aspects of the Planets with the several Configurations of the fixed Stars so they take their Marks from the situation of Mountains and Rivers and whatever else makes a variety that signifies good success on which they say not onely the preservation of the House but the welfare and Honor of the Family depends Semedo calls these Surveyors Tili Others saith he which they call Tili endeavor to to observe not onely the Situation of the Earth but the Positions of the Planetary Aspects in the celestial Houses so to make more happy their terrestrial Habitations It is a very ancient Custom and us'd to this day to take their Observations of good or ill success from the Colour Spots Motions Legs and Shell of a Tortoise And likewise as the Augurs of old from the Notes of Birds and noise of Beasts and also whate're they meet with in the Morning the reflecting shadows of the Sun on peculiar Houses for if at their going out in the Morning they meet any one in Mourning Apparel at their Door Bonzies or the like they look upon it as an ill Omen In short whatsoever inconvenience happens to peculiar Houses Cities Provinces or the whole Empire they ascribe it to their miserable Fortune or something or other that is wrongly plac'd in the Houses Towns or the Emperors Palace They say that some of these Fortune-tellers reside on desolate and solitary Mountains between the Clefts of Rocks and barren Hills like Hermits whither also great numbers of People resort to know the Events of future things Some onely write strange Characters and Chinese Letters on Boards containing the future Condition of the Enquirers yet their promising oftentimes hath a double meaning These Wizards have many times horrible Toads that sit near them with a thick gray speckled Skin and opening their Jaws as they say with their poisonous Breath blast and wither the Grass round about them These generally sit bare-headed being close shaven and with their Feet naked picking their Ears whilst they mutter several words to themselves In the time of the Emperor Hiaou who Reigned Anno 142. before the Nativity of Christ many Women especially at the Emperor's Court Studied Magick and Charms by which making themselves to appear much fairer than they were they subjected the Male Sex according to their pleasures Of these some got into the Prince Guei's Court the Emperor's Son begotten by a lawful Wife but without his knowledge because he according to the Chinese Writings was of a good and pious Nature but attaining to years he betook himself being ensnar'd by the fore-mention'd Charms wholly to lasciviousness Amongst other things they say there are certain Drugs by the Chineses call'd Kuan which if the Powder thereof be given any Man to drink by a Woman it makes them mad after them like our Love-Powders But they had worse Ingredients with which they occasion'd Distempers nay Death on whomsoe're they pleas'd by which means Li the Emperor's Son begotten by one of
 Kiocing 13 48 25 35 Yaogan 15 50 26 3 Cioking 16 40 26 28 Vutin 14 59 25 27 Cintien 13 52 26 4 Likiang 16 58 26 54 Iuenkiang 15 33 23 54 Iungchang 17 42 24 58 Great Cities     Pexing 16 8 26 44 Lanking 15 55 27 3 The manner of the Building of the Cities in China MOst of the Cities in all China are of one Model and Fashion and exceed each other only in Bigness and Commerce for most of them are square with broad and high Walls of Brick or Free-stone Fortifi'd round about at an exact distance with high Watch-Towers not unlike those of the ancient Romans surrounded with broad Moats and within with Pallasadoes The Entrances into the City have always double Gates one before another with Portcullases between those two Gates is a large Court wherein the Soldiers are Exercis'd that belong to the Guard These Gates are not opposite but oblique so that they cannot see through them both at once The first hangs on a double Wall which appears like our Bulwarks Above the Gates on the Arch are high Towers which the Chineses call Muen Leu in which the Soldiers keep Guard and are Magazines where their Arms are kept Every Metropolis and almost all the small Cities have a little distance without the Walls in a pleasant and frequented place or near the Road a Tower by Peter Iarrik and others call'd Chimes which the Chineses look upon to be so auspicious that no Man goes about any business of consequence before he hath Saluted these Edifices from thence expecting their better Fortune One of these Towers by which we may judge all the rest is before discrib'd in the Province of Xantung They have at least seven nine or ten Galleries of Free-stone and very artificially built in manner like a Pyramid they are not onely Erected in or near the Cities but some of them on the highest Mountains These Towers are not much unlike other Structures from their quality call'd Culeu which here we should name Hourly Towers which are built at the Publick Charge one or two in every City according to the bigness thereof On every one of these Towers is a Water-Glass for in stead of Watches or Hour-Glasses the Chineses use Water Glasses which shew the Hour of the Day for the Water falling out of one Glass into the other lifts up a Board Carv'd with the Figures of the Hours and time of the Day There is also one who constantly observes the Hand which points and by the beating on a great Drum gives notice thereof to the People every Hour what the Clock is he also puts forth another Board out of the Steeple on which the Hour of the Day is Painted with Golden Figures of a Foot and a half long The same Person which Watches the Hours hath an Eye also because he looks over the whole City if any Fire should accidentally happen in one House or other and by beating on his Drum raises all the Citizens to the quenching of it He whose House is set a Fire through his own carelesness suffers Death without mercy because of the danger which threatens the neighboring Houses all built of Wood. On these Time-telling Towers the Governors often meet to keep their Festivals Pagodes or Temples NOt far from these Turrets stands generally a Pagan Chappel besides a Temple Consecrated to the Spirit or good Genious of the City In these all the Governors or Magistrates on the entring into their Offices take their Oaths of Allegiance and the like as if before the God or Protector of their City In former Ages the Chineses in these Temples honor'd only the fore-mention'd Spirits but at this day Worship other Idols Great numbers of these Pagodes are through all China and are likewise built in solitary places on the tops and declinings of Mountains Most of these Pagodes are inhabited by Priests who live there upon the ancient Revenues granted them of the place The Pagodes also afford good Lodgings and Entertainment for Travellers who there find plenty of all things The Pagodes or Temples are within furnish'd with Images to the number in some of above a thousand and hung round about with black Lamps which burn Night and Day in Commemoration of those as they conceive which liv'd Piously and dy'd Happily Some Images sit on Tables as if they liv'd and were consulting together At the entrance or behind the other Images stand horrible shapes Horn'd Fiends with open Mouths and Hands with grievous Claws In the middle commonly appears an Altar whereon sits an Image of some times thirty forty fifty nay a hundred Foot high to which the Temple is Consecrated besides several lesser Idols on each side thereof before the Image stands generally a thick but hollow Cane full of little Reeds or Pens inscrib'd with Chinese Characters which they believe foretel future events On each side are Perfuming-Pots which are continually supply'd and in the middle stands a Woodden Charger in which the Priest puts his Offerings when he Invokes the God on some exigent to grant him a favorable sign of good success The Altar is Colour'd Red with which no common Houses may be Painted A Pagode or Temple which was formerly the Hall of a Palace belonging to a grand Eunuch near the City of Peking and afterwards on the Emperor's Command given to the Iesuits for a Chappel Trigaut says was before set forth after this manner In the chief Isle stood a great Altar of Bak'd and Hewn Stone curiously Wrought and Painted Red after the manner of their Temples Upon the middle of the Altar sat a great and horrible Monster Bak'd of Clay Gilt from top to bottom The Chineses call'd this Image Tuan and suppose it Commands over the Earth and Riches thereof wherefore we with the ancient Poets should call it Pluto It had a Scepter in one Hand and a Crown on its Head both not unlike the Marks of our Kings On each side of the Isle stood two great Tables every one Guarded by five Infernal Judges which were also Painted on the Walls sitting on Seats of Justice and Condemn'd as they said the Sinners to Everlasting Torments every one according to his Condition Before them stood many Furies far more terrible with tormenting Scourges than those which we represent and in such manner those Devils seem'd to punish the Criminals that they struck a Terror to the Living for some lay broyl'd on Gridirons others boyl'd in Oil others again rent to Pieces some cut through in the middle torn to Pieces by Dogs bruis'd in Mortars and other such like cruel Punishments The first of the fore-mention'd Infernal Judges seem'd to examine the Malefactors which as the Chineses suppose he re-views in a Looking-Glass this done he sends them to the other Judges according to the several Punishments which they are to suffer Amongst them was one whose Office was to Punish by Transmigration sending the Souls of the Malefactor into worse Bodies
thus described On each side before the Gates stand two Marble Stones in a manner like Steps to get on Horseback from before the Entrance of the Palace runs a Wall about six Foot high behind which opens a small Entry or Alley in the middle whereof stands the prime Portico or chief Stone Gate to which they go mounted on Steps with two Chambers on the right and three on the left-hand which have their Entrances into the little Alley beyond this Gate opens a great Court where on the right-Hand stand three and on the left-Hand four Chambers At the end of this first Court is another Gate which they first ascend on Steps and having pass'd through it descend again on the other side into a second Court in the middle whereof on each side a Gate or Door with Steps leads to the Halls that are on both sides of this Court behind which is also a great Hall and beyond that a third Court of the same form as the second and at last appears a stately Garden surrounded with a Wall of twenty Hand high and cut through in the middle with a pav'd Way A Draught of the first Ground-plat of a House for Chineses of indifferent Quality 1 THe chief Door of the House under a small Gallery which serves in stead of a Penthouse 2 Prime Courts pav'd with Free-Stone 3 Chief Halls in the House 4 A wooden Partition with a little Room in the middle in manner like a Chappel in which stand Carv'd Images and before them perfuming Vessels and Lamps 5 A narrow Entry behind the Partition which hinders the sight into the chief Hall 6 Two inner Chambers 7 Two Halls or Dining-Rooms 8 A great House for Poultrey Cattel and the like A Draught of the second Ground-plat of a House for a Rich Chinese or Mandarin of ordinary Quality 1 A Portal before the Gate 2 The chief and onely Gate of the whole House 3 The Entry or Gallery 4 A Partition of Wood to prevent the sight from without into the House 5 An open Court pav'd neatly with Free-Stone 6 Cover'd Halls 7 The chiefest Hall 8 A Wooden Partition with a Chappel in the middle in which the Images stand as also Candles Lamps and Vessels to burn Perfume in before them 9 A narrow Entry behind the wooden Partition which hinders the Prospect into the Hall and open Court 10 Chambers in which the Master of the House Lodges 11 Narrow Entries through which they go into all the Chambers and inner 12 Apartments for Slavesses and other Female-Servants 13 Little Chambers for Slaves and Men-Servants 14 A Stable for Cattel A Draught of a third Ground-Plat of Royal Houses and the Houses of very rich Mandarins 1 THe Front Gate 2 The chief and onely Door of the House 3 The Entry or Gallery 4 A Partition of Wood which prevents the sight from without into the House 5 Open Courts cover'd neatly with square Free-Stone 6 7 Chief cover'd Halls 8 Little Entries through which they go into all the Courts and Chambers of the House 9 A Partition of Wood in the last Hall with a Chappel in the middle in which as before stand Carv'd Images Candles Lamps and perfuming Vessels 10 Narrow Entries behind the great wooden Partition which hinders those from being seen that walk in the Hall 11 A wooden Partition in the first Hall between the first chief Court which stops the prospect into the other open places 12 Pedestals of the Pillars which support the Roof of the first Hall which stands at the end of the first Court. 13 Handsom Chambers in which the Lord of the House resides 14 Lesser Rooms in which his Concubines Slavesses and other Women dwell 15 Small Apartments for Servants and Slaves 16 The Stable Thus much concerning their Houses Of their Shipping FRom the building of their Houses we may conjecture what their Shipping may be notwithstanding they are us'd in another Element and serve for other occasions The Chinese Vessels are several viz. Warlike Imperial Ships for the Governors others that carry the Fish sent to the Emperor's Court Longzons Snake-Vessels or rather Pleasure-Boats and the like besides floating Villages on Canes joyn'd together with a tough Twig call'd Rotang An incredible number of Vessels are continually found in China Sailing from one place to another for the Countrey is Navigable in most parts by convenience of the Rivers every where for the Way from the City Makao to the Metropolis Peking being a Tract of about three hundred German Miles may all be travell'd by Water along Rivers or artificial Channels except one days Journey which is over the Mountain of Mintin between the City Nanhang of the Province of Quantung and the City Nanking in the Province of Quangsi In like manner they can go from the Province of Chikiang in their Barges along the Rivers through that of Suchuen nay there is scarce any City either little or great in all China to which they cannot come by Water because the whole Countrey is not onely naturally full of Rivers but are also divided and subdivided by industry into several Channels and Rivulets But their Ships that lie in several Bays and Harbors resemble Woods Such an innumerable and vast number of Shipping are in the Province of Fokien that the Inhabitants thereof proffer'd the Emperor of China when on a time he resolv'd to War against the Iapanners to make him a Bridge or Cawsey of Ships that should reach from their Coast to Iapan and well it might have been done if they could have endur'd the turbulency of the Sea Amongst all other the Imperial Ships belonging to the Governors are the best and stoutest and indeed in curious Work and Ornamentals exceed ours in Europe they shew in the Water like Towers or Castles and are on both sides divided into several Apartments in the middle is a stately Room provided with all manner of Necessaries and Hung with Tapestry and furnish'd in State with whatever belongs to a Princes Palace in stead of Glass Windows they have Silk varnish'd and painted with Flowers Birds Trees and the like which is so close that no Wind penetrates Round about the Ship on the Deck are Galleries and Rails between which the Sea-men or Mariners can do their Business without any trouble or disturbance The whole Ship is varnish'd with the Wax by the Chineses call'd Cie which gives a great lustre being also mix'd with divers Colours the in-side is painted with Birds Beasts Cities and the like in Golden Colours the proper Livery of the Emperor which are worthy of observation and very delightful to the Eye They use no Nails in all their Ships because the Timber and Planks are pegg'd together with wooden Pins The Chinese Vessels are in length equal with our Mediterranean Galleys but are not so high and broad on a Ladder of Leather with twelve Steps they get into them The Prow where the Drummers beat and Trumpeters sound their Levets is made like a Castle Upon
of Caifungfu and the Mountains Iuling North from the City Iu runs East to the City Ienling then gliding Southward unites with the Stream Quei The River Iu takes Original out of the Lake Quanching lyeth West from the City Iu where it joyns it self with the River Scenal and from thence flows through the County Iu afterwards East through the North part of the County Nanyangfu and at last turning its course through the County Iunningfu towards the South it falls into the River Hoai near the City Quang The Xoleang whose Head is in the County Honanfu Southward from the Mountains Xeyang flows from thence Southerly to the West side of the County Caifungfu and unites its self at the entrance into the County Iuningfu with the River Iu. Through the County Queitefu flows the Streams Pien describ'd before the Cin and Hoang or Yellow River The River Ciu begins in the County Caifungfu Westward from the City Chinglieu and runs Southward through the County Queitefu by the South-side of the City Queite afterwards East and again South by the Mountain Tang and enters near the City Tangxan into the Province of Nanking and soon after into the Yellow River The Rivers Lo and Ganyang otherwise call'd Von pass by the City Liu where they loose themselves under-ground several Furlongs but soon after appear again The Ki which divides the County Hoaikingfu comes out of the Mountain Vanno where falling under-ground soon after makes the Lake Taye from whence gliding Eastward into the Yellow River is call'd the Ci. Through the County Honanfu the Rivers Chan Kien Ko or Lo and Y The River Y begins near the City Luxi in the Mountain Lu and gliding Eastward unites with the Co or Lo near the City Honan The Lo or Co an excellent River comes out of the County Siganfu from the Mountain Lo in the Province of Xensi from whence it passes North North-East by the East side of the City Iunning where it receives the River Hivenhu and unites it self at last near the City Hanan with the River Y with which it glides from thence into the Yellow River The Stream Kien which begins in Mount Pexe to the Southward of the Yellow River runs Eastward into the River Y and Eastward from the City Honan the River Chan glides to the North. The Rivers Yo or Pe Tan Pie and Hoai through the Territory Nanyangfu The Pe or Yo beginning in the North of this County in the Mountain Yu from whence it runs South and passes through the Territory Cingyangfu into the Province of Huquang gliding Eastward by the City Quanghoa and immediately after into the River Tunghan The Pie which begins Westward from the City Yu runs Southward and unites with the Stream Pe on the Borders of the Province of Huquang The Tan begins at the West side of the City Nuihiang and shoots from thence South-East by the South part of the Towns Checheuen and Sinye and at last falls into the Pe. The Palu which begins on the Northern Borders of the Province of Huquang glides North-East into the River Hoai East from the City Quang The Sienul springs out of the Mountain Ri near the City Tenfung in the County Honangfu from whence it glides South-West into the Territory Iu Eastward from the Lake Quangching The Chu which begins in the County Chintufu Southward from the City Ginxeu passes South through the same and towards the West by the City Ninkiang unites with the Stream Yoyung which coming out of the County Tungchuen receives another River near the Mountain Loking which hath its Original in the Territory Chintufu The Chu thus inrich'd with Water glides to the South and takes the Name of Chung and so passes on through the County Sincheufu and at last towards the East through the County of the City Lincheu and disembogues Southward of the City Hokiang into the River Kiang The Kiang which from North to South runs through the whole County of Chingtufu under the Name of Takiang runs Southward by the West side of the City Muen and receives on the East the River Yolung after which it divides near the City Sinfung into several Branches which about and near the City Chingtu joyn together and surrounding the City and adjacent Countrey make it an Isle One of these Branches which run to the Southward of the City is call'd Kin and generally also Damask River because its Water gives a great Gloss to Silk if it be wash'd therein Another more towards the West is call'd Chia or Hoanglang that is Yellow Dragon for it is said that in the time of the Family Han a Yellow Dragon was seen in the same but glides towards the South through the County of the City Muicheu and Kiating and falls at last near the City Muicheu into Kiang or Taking The Lungchoa running out of the County of the City Muicheu to the South-West and North by the City Gueiyven discharges its Water in the Che or Cin. The Cin which begins in the Mountains Cinsing in the Territory Yacheufu falls Southward through the same County by the East side of the City Yacheu afterward through that of Kiating and at last Westward by the City Kiating where it unites with the River To or Tatu The River Chocung which hath its Original in the Territory of Kiungchoa in the Mountain Gomui passes through the Southern parts thereof and through the County of Kiating into the Stream Takiang or Kiang This River is eminent amongst the Chineses for a wonderful accident that happen'd to a Woman who walking along its Bank saw a great Cane standing on the Water from which hearing a noise and pulling up the Cane found a Child inclos'd therein which she carry'd home with her who breeding it up not long after became a great Conqueror and was call'd Yelang and first on the West side of this River Planted the Kingdom of Yeleang The To or Tatu which runs towards the Kingdom of Sifan is a Branch led from the River Kiang cut by Command of the Emperor Yu to prevent the over-flowing of the River Kiang The Chexu washes the South-West side of the Province Suchuen from whence it glides North-East and falls on the West side into the Lake Mahu Somewhat Northerly the River Lu takes the same course and so ends The Pa taking Original in the Northern Mountains of the County Paoningfu moistens the same and runs Eastward by the City Pa to which it gives denomination and afterwards passes Southward through the County Xunkingfu and near the Mountain Iohoan receives the River Chai near the City Tacho the River Lin near the City Riu the Stream Yu and unites it self in the County Chungkingfu near the Mountain Tu with the River Sihan or Sung and Feu which all of them with their conjoyn'd Streams fall into the River Kiang Southward from the City Chungking The Pa a River which is so call'd because with its Meandring Reaches it represents the Chinese Character call'd Pa which
signifies Enough The Feu begins in the North part of the Province of Suchuen in the County Lungganfu on the South-West side of the City Lunggan passing from thence South through this and the Territory Chingtufu and Eastward by the City Tungchuen from whence it bends East and glides through the County Chunkingfu where near the Mountain Pu it mingles with the Ta. The Chuen which springs in the Mountains Northward from the City Quanggan in the County Xankingfu and gliding South by the West side of the City Quanggan more Southerly by the West side also of the City Gochi at the end of the County falls into the River Sung or Sihan In it are thirty six deep Water-falls where it descends violently with great noise The Sung by some call'd Sihan begins in the Province of Xensi in thirty Degrees and fifty Minutes Northern-Latitude at the East side of the Garrison Mincheu from whence it passes Southward and in thirty three Degrees and forty Minutes North-Latitude enters the Province of Suchuen then running through the County Paoningfu by the West side of the City Zangki receives the Tung falling out of the Mountain Xeyen so gliding by the City Paoning enters at last into the Territory of Chungkingfu and near the Mountain Fu joyns with the Rivers Pa and Feu which all loose themselves near the City Chungking in the River Kiang The Xe which rises in the Mountains Westward from the City Kien passes Southward through the Mountain Tapa and with several Windings glides Eastward by the City Lenting and Xehung then passing on South-East makes way through the County of Xunkingfu and mixes at the South-end thereof with the River Sihan or Sung The Xemuen or Heng runs through the South part of the Territory Siucheufu by the South-West side of the City Siucheu with great force and Precipices call'd the Bell because it makes a noise like a Bell re-sounding with Ecchoes Lastly the River Xemuen falls in the Kiang The Stream Cingy also passing on the East side of the same Territory fills the River Kiang The Cing and Tosiang cut through the Territory Queicheufu the first which takes Original in the Lake Cingyven and falls joyn'd with the Tosiang which glides out of the Lake Cienking into the Kiang Eastward from the City Queicheu Cing signifies Clear because its water is clearer than any other Rivers in this Province The Tahoa which passes through the South side of the County Chunkingfu glides Northward by the West side of the City Vulung and falls on the West side also of the City Changxu into the River Kiang The Kiu or Kiukiang begins with two Branches the one call'd Piniao in the South part of the Province of Queicheu Westward from the City Luken and with the other in the Province of Suchuen Southward of the Mountain Fuyung from whence it glides North-East along the South-East side of the Province of Suchuen afterwards running Northerly into the County Chunkingfu falls Eastward of the City Changxeu into the River Kiang By the way the Ciu receives on the North side of the Garrison Pingchai the Nanyang and in the County Vunkingfu the Stream U Northward from the City Pengxui THe Han which runs through the North part of the Countrey Vuchanfu falls Westward of the little City Vuchan into the Kiang The water of the Han is exceeding cold insomuch that it makes the Air about the same temperate in the dog-Dog-Days for which cause the Kings in times past built a Palace over the same to reside in the Summer The Io springs in the Mountains Southward from the City Vuchan and runs Northerly through the middle of the City into the Kiang The Sui takes Original in the Mountains Eastward from the City Tangzan and glides North-West into the Kiang through the South part of this County passes another Branch which also discharges in the Kiang The Cha divides the whole County Teganfu and takes Original in the Mountain Tahaung from whence it passes Southward by the East side of the City Sui and inlarg'd with the Stream Tuen on the West side and with others on the East side out of the Lake Tuigmung by the West part of the City Tegan at last mixt near the City Iungmuug with the River Hoan which comes out of the Lake Tungmung it falls by the Name of Hoan into the River Han. The Ki which glides through the County of Hoangcheufu out of the Lake Uheu Westward by the City Ki falls into the River Kiang The same Territory is also cut through by two other Streams viz. Hi and Lungsiang which both coming out of the North mingles with the Kiang The Mie which glides through the County Yocheufu springs from the Mountain Tienho from whence it shoots North-West into the River Siang and with that into the Kiang The Lieu begins in the Lake Pexa which produces four Rivers and gliding North-West through the Territory Chanxafu empties it self into the County Iocheufu in the River Siang The Mielo proceeds from the joyning of two Streams viz. Lieu and Chao originally springing out of the County Paokingfu and passing Westward by the City Siangiin at last falls into the River Taohao or Siang The Mielo receives by the way another Stream call'd Can which comes out of the Lake Pexa This River is eminent because it was the occasion of a great Feast by the Chineses call'd Tuonu which with all Solemnity is kept on the fifth day of the fifth Moon through all parts of China in Commemoration of a Loyal Governor who not able to serve his Master the Emperor any longer Drown'd himself in this River The Siang rises at the conjoyning Borders of the Province Huquang and that of Quangsi in the Mountain Siung from whence it passes North through the County Iungcheufu where on the West it receives the River Yu and out of this Territory entering into that of Hengcheufu glides afterwards through that of Changxafu where it also receives the Names of Mielo by the West part of the City Siangyan where it unites with the River Tahoa but retains the Name of Siang and at last falls through the Territory Yocheufu into the Kiang Its water may compare with Crystal for clearness and though it be very deep yet the Stones that lie in the bottom may plainly be discern'd The Siao which begins in the Mountain Kieny at the South-West side of the City Ningyven passes from thence close by the East side of the City Iungcheu and towards the North mixes with the Siang receives by the way Northward from the City Ningyven on the West the River Cin and Rivulet Xu on the East the Hoang The Chinghiang and Ciencieu glide from the South to the North through the County Ciencheufu afterwards mixing their Waves together pass along one Channel North-West through the Territory Hengcheufu thence pour their waters into the Siang The Lofeu which comes out of the Northern Mountains in the County of Changxafu runs to the South by the City
Hills and above four hundred seventy two Holes or Caverns The Chinese Mountain-Gazers look upon it as one of the chief Mountains for Divination By the City Lungchuen near the City Kieyang lies the Mountain Cangpu which extends to the Sea where on the Shore it ends in a most dreadful Precepice They say that Flowers and Birds grow and breed on the same of so strange a kind as are found in no other places By this City Kieyang lies a Mountain of the same denomination divided as it were into Arms or Branches one of which extends to the City Hinning of the County Hoeicheufu and the other towards the City Haifung By the City Hoeilay lies the Mountain Pehoa so call'd from the Flowers which continually grow upon it for it produces several Flowers according to the season of the Year By the City Chinkiang are also many great Hills which lie close together and wherein there are many deep Caverns but not pry'd into by the Chineses for that as it is said many going to dig in them never came out alive none knowing what became of them or whither they went In the County Chaokingfu at the North side of the City Chaoking lies the Mountain Ting on which according to the Writings of the Chineses stands a Stone two hundred Rods high In the Jurisdiction of the City Suhoci lies the Mountain Sin that is The Mountain of Chastity so call'd from a Maid who vowing Solitude and Chastity Liv'd and Dy'd there a Virgin in pure Devotion to the memory of one who having been her Lover and Bethroth'd to her was accidentally devour'd by a Tyger her Parents in vain endeavoring to force her to Marry some other Person to avoid which constraint she fled to this Mountain on which are two Temples built and Consecrated to her By the City Teking lies the Mountain Koleang eminent for its producing a sort of Trees which because of the exceeding hardness of their Wood are call'd Iron Trees In the County Kaocheufu on the East side of the City Kaocheu is the Mountain Feu which is of such a heighth that this onely as the Chineses say appear'd with its Crown above the Water in the time of their general Deluge and that some were preserv'd alive on the same Near the City Tienpe lies the Mountain Koleang which is said to be of that quality that its Inhabitants neither feel excess of heat in the Summer nor cold in the Winter but enjoy all the Year long continual Spring By the City Hoa lies a brave and pleasant Mountain nam'd Pao that is Precious to which the Inhabitants resort in great companies to Recreate themselves In the Territory Liencheufu near the North side of the City Liencheu lies in a private place the great Mountain Uhoang famous amongst the Chineses upon a supposition they have that the Fruit which grows there is found no where else and that if any one should presume to carry any away with him having liberty to Eat as much as he pleases there he would never find his way out of the Mountain From the City King towards the West the way through the Mountains is so troublesome to find that Mayven a General of the Chineses marching with an Army against the Emperor of Tungking caus'd Copper Columes to be set up in the same that thereby he might find that way out again at his return to this day one of them may be seen standing on a steep ascent call'd Fuenmoa where the Boundaries are between the Kingdom of Tungkin and China In the County Luicheufu Southward from the City Luicheu is the Mountain Kingliu on which from a flash of Lightning sprung a Fountain Another Hill nam'd Tatunglai near the City Cuiki on an Isle in the Sea near the Shore hath seventy Furlongs in Circumference and eight Populous Villages which maintain themselves with fishing for Pearls There are moreover in this Province in the County Quancheufu near the City Tunguen the Mountain Heufu making an Isle in the Sea Near the same City the Mountain Tahi on the Sea-shore In the County Hoeucheufu the Mountain Lofeu extending from the City Changing to the City Polo In the County Xaocheu near the City Lochang the Mountain Chang North of the City Nanking the high and far-spreading Mountain Tecafung By the City Xihing the fair and pleasant Mountain Sicung Near the Moat of the City King the Mountain Heng About the City Linxan the high Hill Loyang THe Province of Quangsi possesses an endless Ridge of barren and unaccessible Mountains In the County Queilufu towards the North-East of the chief City Queilin appears the Quei a Mountain so call'd from the abundance of Trees nam'd Quei these Trees suffer no other to grow near them nor in the same places where they have stood formerly The Mountain Tosieu lies also near the City Queilin and hath a very fine Colledge More Northward in the same Tract of Land lies the Mountain Xin with three high Precipices on the top of one of them stands a Palace so high that the Chineses affirm it to be in the third or purest Region of the Air above all the Clouds By the City Hingquan lies the Mountain Haiyang which reaches to the City Lingchuen upon it is a Pool which breeds four Footed Beasts and Horn'd Fish which Monsters the Chineses believe are to Recreate the Dragon therefore dare not offer to kill any of them The Mountain Hoa that is Flower so call'd from its pleasant Prospect lies on the Shore of the River Quei near the City Yangso By the City Iungfo lies the Mountain Fungcao that is Phenix Nest the Chineses affirm that the Bird Phenix bred and made his Nest on the same and that under the Phenix Nest a very Precious and unvaluable Stone hath been found About the City Cyven lies the Mountain Siang Crown'd with a fair Temple and Cloyster Northward beyond the City Queilin a Ridge of steep Hills runs along with seven rising tops which exactly represent the shape of The great Bear wherefore it is call'd Chiesing that is Hill of the seven Stars In the County Lieucheufu lies Southward from the City Lieucheu the Mountain Sienie from whose several observable things as its deep Caverns Spiry Point which like a Pillar of one intire Stone shoots up in a straight and Perpendicular Line its Stone Image of a Horse c. the Chineses Draw in their Fancy many lucky Omens Northward of the City Siang rises the Mountain Xintang which is so high and steep that it is almost inaccessible yet on its top hath a pleasant Lake full of Fish and surrounded with Trees whereupon the Chineses who are very curious to see such things climbe up this Mountain with great labor and trouble reporting that for its pleasant Situation it was formerly frequented by a People which they say never Die and are call'd Xincien In the County Kingyvenfu Northward from the City Kingyven appears the Mountain Y onely remarkable for its standing alone for whereas
Drum all of one piece yet every Representation of a particular colour but by whom erected is not known In the County Vutingfu on the East side of the City Vuting is the large Mountain Umong rising with twelve Spiry Heads About the City Lokiven Northward lies the Mountain Hinkieu which is barren and craggy yet plain on the top and ascended onely by a long and narrow Path just broad enough for one Man so that it affords a safe refuge for the Inhabitants in the time of War By the City Hokio lies the Mountain Sokien which is commonly call'd The continual Spring because it feels none of the alterations which usually attend the several Seasons of the year On its West side is a great Cavern like a deep Pit in which stand two Images one of a Man the other of some kind of Beast The Chineses write That if any one chancing to come near these Images speaks aloud there follows immediately Thunder and tempestuous Weather In the County Cintienfu on the North side of the City Cintien is the Mountain Iuecu fifty Furlongs in circumference and on the North-West side the Mountain Into the Air whereof is so very pure and wholsom that those who inhabit there live very long and free from all Diseases nor are ever troubled with that excessive Heat with which in the dog-Dog-days other places are infested By the City Kiucin is the Mountain Kiusna so call'd from the divers-colour'd Stones thereon being in the form of a Horse In the Territory Likiangfu on the North-West side of the City Likiang which looks towards the Kingdom of Tibet lies the Mountain Sieu so call'd from the Snow which never melting is always found upon it In the County Iuenkiangfu on the North-East side of the City Iuenkiang is the pleasant Mountain Lecekia signifying Fair Tower On the East side the great Mountain Iotai with twenty five Spiry Tops In the County Iunchangfu on the East side of the City Iungchiang is the Mountain Gailo or Ganlo upon which is a deep Pond from which the Husbandmen take Observations whether the approaching Year will be fruitful or not by taking notice in the Spring-time whether its Water falls or rises There is also a Stone which representing a Mans Nose sends forth out of the Nostrils two Fountains one with cold and the other with warm Water Near the City Laye lies the Kaoli a great and high Mountain By the City Iunping lies the Mountain Ponan very troublesom and dangerous to ascend Near Xintien is the Mountain Mocang one of whose Tops seems to kiss the Skies The Mountain Funko which lies Westward from the City Ienping hath a Fort of the same Denomination These are the most remarkable Mountains of this Province besides which there are North of the City Caoming the high Mountain Sieucao By the City Synning the Golden Mountain Kiuma South of Queniang the Pecio North of the same City the Mountains Yleang and Kocing South of the City Lyngan the high Mountain Puonchang North of the chief City of the County Kingtungfu the high and far stretching Mountain Munglo And not far from thence the Garrison'd Mountain Pingtai North of Quangsi in the County Quangsifu the Mountain Fiaco Within the Walls of the same City the Mountain Chungfien About the City Mile the Mountain Siaolung By the City Cheneye the Woody Mountain Xingan By the City Loleang the Mountain Xemuon through which runs a Road ten Furlongs broad By the City Yeco the Mountain Yceng Near the City Malnug the high topt Mountain Quenfo West of the chief City in the County Yaoganfu the Mountain Kienlien On the East of the same City the Mountain Tung o'respread with pleasant Groves On the North of the Mountain Lolo and by the City Zayao the Mountain Luki South of the City Pexing the high Mountain Rieulung On the East side the Mountain Tung on the West the Utung On the North-West side of the City Sinhon the Mountain Talung On the North side the Checung on which is a warm Spring By the Garrison Chelo the Mountain Munglo By the Garrison Taheu the steep Mountain Olun By the Garrison'd City Mangxi the high Stony and Cavernous Mountain Singxe By the Garrison Mengyang the high Mountain Queikive so full of Holes that it is said to have been Undermin'd by Evil Spirits As to what concerns the Temperature of the Air and Quality of the Soil in the several Countries of China in particular having heretofore spoken of it in general we find in the Chinese Books of Geography this account given The Temperature of the Air and Quality of the Soil IN the first little County wherein stands the City Chin in the Province of Xensi the Air in regard of the Countrey lies very high and is much colder than in other places but in most parts of the Province of Xensi the Air is pleasant and temperate It Rains very seldom in the Province of Xantung In divers places of rhe Province of Honan the Air is very Temperate and consequently Healthful as likewise in the County Houiking The Air of the Province of Fokien is generally hot but clear and Healthful except in the County Tincheufu The Southern part of the Province of Quangsi is under a warm Climate The Air of the Province of Iunnan is much hotter than that of the other Provinces as being nearer to the Line and for the most part agreeing with that of India The Soil of the Province of Peking is in most places Barren and Sandy though Champain but in the second County Paotingfu very pleasant and Fruitful of all things and so likewise in the seventh Territory Tamingfu In the eighth County of this Province grows the Root Gingten In the Jurisdiction of the City Yenking the first of the three Cities without the bounds of the Province of Peking are store of Vines yet the Inhabitants know not how or rather which is most probable will not make Wine of Grapes but content themselves with Liquors made of Rice which are exceeding good and so well approv'd of by the Jesuits who went thither from Europe that they us'd no Liquor else except at Mass. The Province of Xansi produces Vineyards and Grapes much sweeter than in other parts in China so that the Chineses if they would might make excellent Wine in great abundance but in stead thereof they have a way of drying their Grapes like Raisins which when so order'd are Vended in all parts of China The Fathers which Promulgated the Gospel in this Province took a convenient course to Press their Wine themselves which they use at Mass and furnish'd others of their Fraternity in the Neighboring Provinces therewith whereas formerly with great trouble and charge they sent for their Wine from the City Makao The second County Pingyangfu of the Province of Xansi is partly Champain and partly Mountainous but of the Champain which is very Fruitful not an Acre lies Untill'd The fourth County Luganfu of the same Province is very Pleasant and
is call'd Munghao that is Flower of Sleep The County Nanchangfu the first of the Province of Kiangfi having every where a fruitful and fat Soil is Till'd in most places In like manner the second Territory Iaocheufu is made very pregnant by several Rivers that run through it The Chineses also esteem the fourth County Nankangfu for its affording them all kind of Necessaries the low Grounds yielding plenty of Rice Corn and Shell-Fruit the Mountains store of Wood for Fuel The sixth County Kienchangfu is though Mountainous a Pleasant and Fertile Countrey as likewise the seventh Vuchenfu through which run many Rivers it yields store of Gold-colour'd Apples nor is it wanting in all sorts of Fruit and other Provisions No less Pleasant and Fruitful is the eighth County Lingkiangfu esteem'd by the Chineses as also the ninth Kieganfu though Hilly and Mountainous But above all the tenth Territory Xuicheufu abounds in Rice-Fields as appears by its paying three thousand Bags of Rice for Custom Yearly when as it contains onely three Cities of which the chief at this day call'd Xuicheu was in the time of the Family Tang nam'd Micheu that is City of Rice Not much short of this in plenty is the eleventh County Iuencheufu The fourth County Sunkiangfu of the Province of Kiangnan though small is not to be left out of the Fruitful Countries The fifth Changcheufu being a plain Countrey and Water'd by several Rivers exceeds many other Territories in the goodness of its Soil producing an excellent kind of Grain The seventh Yancheufu hath also a delightful and fertile Soyl. The ninth County Lucheufu being water'd by the Lake Cao possesses in most parts thereof very luxuriant Plains In like manner doth the eleventh Taipingfu The Province of Chekiang by reason of the many Brooks Rivers and Lakes which wash the same is a rich Magazine of Plenty And though Chokiang hath many Mountains on its South and West parts yet they are all Till'd except those which are stony and they also afford Timber fit for the building of Ships or Houses In most parts are store of Mulberry Trees which are Prun'd yearly like our Vines thereby the better to provide Food for the Silk-Worms for the Chineses suffer them not to grow too high having by the experience of many years learn'd that the Leaves of the Orange-Trees and those that are most kept down yield the best Silk In the County Hucheufu the third of the Province of Chekiang grows Cha which is call'd Riaicha In the fifth Territory Kinhaofu grows a sort of great Plumbs which being dry'd are sent from thence to most parts of China The whole County of Ningpofu in the Province of Chekiang hath a fertile Soil except where it is full of Rocks and Mountains The eleventh County Vencheufu flourishes all along till you come to the Mountains in the Province of Fokien which extend themselves a vast way The Province of Fokien is for the most part over spread with Mountains which in many places are cover'd with pleasant Woods especially on steep Ascents The Timber is good for the building of Ships Houses and the like That part also which is plain is for the most part Sandy and unfit for Tillage but to supply that defect the Water is led thither in little Channels whereby those places that are barren by Nature are rendred productive by the Art and Industry of Man The sixth County Tingcheufu hath abundance of all things requisite for the subsistance of Mankind notwithstanding it is very Mountainous The seventh Territory Hinghoafu in the Province of Fokien is the fertilest and pleasantest in the whole Countrey and especially abounding in Rice as appears by its paying seventy two thousand Bags of Tribute whereas it onely contains two Cities The little Territory of the City Foning hath also plenty of Provision notwithstanding it is every where full of Mountains The Province of Quantung is a rich Store-house of Plenty The Fields are so bountiful in the production of Rice and Wheat that they are Sown twice a year each Harvest yielding the Husband-man a most plentiful Crop by reason the whole Province feels neither Frost nor Snow insomuch that the Chineses have a Proverb concerning it viz. That in the Province of Quantung are three unusual things The Skie without Snow The Trees always green and The Inhabitants continually spitting Blood that is to say a red-colour'd Spittle occasion'd by the continual chewing the Leaves of Betel with Faufel or Araka a Composition made of burnt Oyster-shells In the same Province also are every where many excellent Fruits as Pomegranates Grapes Pears Chesnuts Indian Figs Indian Nuts Anana's Lichin Lunggon Ieucu or Muskmelons Apples and all sorts of Citrons The fifth Territory Iaocheufu in the Province of Quantung hath a fertile Soyl except in some places where it is oppress'd with Rocks The sixth Chaokingfu yields store of sweet Wood and amongst the rest that which the Portuguese name Pao de Rosa that is Rose-Wood The ninth County Luicheufu exceeds in many things all the other Territories in the Province of Quantung In most parts of this Countrey grows a Twig which the Chineses call Teng and the Portuguese Rosa. The Province of Quangsi is not altogether so delightful as that of Quantung yet in some measure is supply'd with Provisions The whole Province is full of Hills except the South part which reaches to the Shore where it is all Till'd and Manur'd The third County Kingyvenfu is a Craggy and Mountainous Countrey yet produces Araka little Indian Nuts and the Fruit Lichias The sixth Territory Cincheufu is a pleasant Place and not so barren as the former The Province of Queicheu is the craggiest and unfertilest Place in all China being nothing but a continu'd and inaccessible Ridge of Mountains In the fourth Territory Chinyvenfu grow a sort of Flowers highly esteem'd by the Chineses Granates and Golden Apples The first County Iunnanfu in the Province of Iunnan is a very pleasant Countrey having plenty of all things and rises in some places in Hills and high Mountains and in others extends a vast way on plain and Champain Grounds It produces Rose-Wood In the second County Talifu in the Province of Iunnan grow European Figs which the Chineses call Vuhoaquo that is Fruit without Flowers because they grow without ever having any Blossoms for Vu signifies Without Hoa Flower and Quo A Blossom There likewise grows Cha or Tee The third County Langanfu yields Rice Wheat Honey and Wax and also all sorts of Fruits which grow in India It is partly Champain and partly Mountainous The fourth Territory Cuihungfu is a plain Countrey flourishing with Corn-Fields brave Meadows and Pastures for Cattel The whole County Kingtungfu produces chiefly and therefore in great abundance Rice The Territory Quangnangfu is by the Chineses for its excellent fertility call'd The Golden Land In the fifth Territory Iunnanfu where stands the Garrison'd City Cioking are store of Pine-Apples as likewise in the sixth The seventh
Receivers of the Emperors Revenue in the Province of Junnan There are also in this Province Mines of Tin Iron and Lead The Province of Fokien hath Copper Tin and Iron Mines and in some places Gold and Siver Mines also Particularly in the sixth County Tingcheufu in the same Province the Mountain Kin that is Gold is so call'd from its Golden Mines which were open'd by the Family Sung The Mountains in the Province of Queicheu inclose as the Chineses write Gold Silver Quicksilver and the like rich Mettals all which might easily be gotten if the Mountaineers or Inhabitants of the Mountains could be subdu'd and brought to Obedience but now the Chineses have no more benefit than the fore-mention'd People will give them out of their free Wills in Barter for Salt or any other Necessaries The County Hengcheufu in the Province of Huquang hath many rich Silver Mines which may not be open'd All over the Province of Suchuen great store of Iron Lead and Tin is Digg'd out of the Mountains China hath also divers sorts of Precious and ordinary Stones In the Province of Suchuen are the best sort of Load-stones to be found as also in the Provinces of Huquang and Honan In the little County Lincheufu in the Province of Suchuen is a sort of Green Stone call'd Lapis Lazuli and likewise in the seventh County Nanganfu in the Province of Honan and in the Territory Honanfu of the Province of Iunnan In the seventh County Kaocheufu in the Province of Quantung and out of the Mountain Tiniang in the second Talifu in the Province of Iunnan they Dig very excellent Marble which the Chineses cut in thin Squares to make Tables Walls and the like Ornaments for their Houses for this Marble is naturally streak'd with several Colours in such a manner that it represents Mountains Rivers Trees Landskips and the like as if done by a great Artist with a Pencil This Marble is call'd Tienciang from the Mountain out of which it is Digg'd There is also very good Marble in the County Iunnanfu Out of the Mountains near the Garrison'd City Siven in the Province of Peking they Dig white and red Marble or Porphyre-stones and also exceeding good Crystal which is also found on the Mountain Ting in the County Quanglingfu in the Province of Quangsi In the same Province are Agats for their colour and hardness highly esteem'd By the little City Queiyang in the County Hengchufu in the Province of Huquang on the Mountain Xeyen are Stones found after Rainy Weather exactly resembling Swallows which we have already mention'd among the Mountains On the Mountain Queiyu in the County Taicheufu in the Province of Chekiang all the Stones as well great as small grow naturally square In the County Cunchangfu in the Province of Xensi they gather little blue Stones with white Veins or Streaks which are highly esteem'd by Persons of Quality for the common Opinion is that being burnt to Chalk and pounded very small they are good to prolong Life On the Mountain Pao in the fifth County Hoangcheufu in the Province of Huquang they find Stones of which some if laid in the Sun turn Red others Yellow and retain that Colour for a considerable time Out of the almost inaccessible Mountain Io by the City Pa in the County Paoningfu in the Province of Suchuen they Dig Precious Stones Out of the Mountains Vutu in the third County Hangchungfu in the Province of Xensi and in the fourth Cungchangfu and also in the Province of Suchuen by the Garrison'd City Po they Dig a Mineral by the Chineses call'd Hiunghoang It is of a deep yellow or sometimes Vermillion distinguish'd with black Spots it is like a Chalky Stone or hard Earth and is accounted an excellent Medicine against many Malignant Feavers and Agues dangerous Heats in the dog-Dog-Days if laid to steep in Wine and drunk up Out of the Mountain Tape by the City Lungkieu in the County Taitungfu of the Province of Xansi they Dig Earth so Red that it is us'd in stead of Vermillion to Print the Red Chinese Characters with Out of the Mountain Nieuxeu in the County Siganfu in the Province of Xensi is Digg'd a certain White Earth which is us'd by the Women in stead of White Lead to make them Beautiful by taking away all Spots and Freckles in the Face The Chineses call it Queiki that is Fair Woman The Mountain Io in the Province of Xensi produces a certain Blue Earth or Mineral with which they make a kind of Starch for their Linnen Through all the Province of Xansi they Dig a sort of Coal firm and slick like Jet or black Marble such as those of Luker-land or like our Cannel-Coal in Derby-shire The Chineses especially the Common people burn these Coals call'd Mui on their Hearths in their Kitchins or Chambers but first break them very small they being Digg'd in great Pieces and then mixt with Water make them into Balls they are a long while a kindling but once lighted they cast a great heat and keep in a great while The Northern Chineses burn also Wood Cane and other Fuel In the same Province are wonderful Fire-pits like our Water-pits they are in most places and serve in stead of other Fires for the poor people to boyl their Meat over which they do after this manner the Mouth of the Pit is shut very close except a little hole just big enough for the Pot to stand in and so the Inhabitants Boyl their Meat without trouble They say that this Fire burns dull and not bright and though it be very hot yet sets not the least Stick of Wood a fire if thrown into the same nay that which is more it may by being put into a great hollow Cane be carry'd from one place to the other so that every man may use it when he pleaseth and by opening the Mouth of the Cane out of which the heat strikes Boyl a Pot with Meat yet never hurt the Cane in which the Fire is Inclos'd Out of the Mountains Kie and Siuvu in the Province of Peking by the City Pingeo they Dig another sort of Coal which they burn for ordinary Fuel On the Mountain Io in the Province of Xensi by the little City Chinyven are very bright Stones found not unlike Diamonds The Province of Iunnan produces Rubies Saphyrs Agats and the like Precious Stones call'd by a general Name Iemin In the County Kincheufu of the Province of Huquang and in the County Queilingfu in the Province of Quangsi are very excellent Stones found with which the Chineses temper their Ink as the European Painters their Colours In the County Nanhingfu is a black Stone very like the Chinese Ink with which they write on Boards as we do with Chalk There is also a Stone which is so hard that the Inhabitants make Stone Axes and Knives thereof Out of the Mountain Tiexe lying in the Province of Suchuen by the Garrison'd City Kienchang they Dig
scarce observe the same insomuch that one might say this Language was rather Artificially invented than Naturally proceeding from the necessity of Discourse therefore they that will rightly understand the sense of the words had need be as attentive to the Tone in Speaking as the Accent in Writing To make the Chinese Tongue the easier for it is very hard to learn the Iesuits have from the Method of Musical Notes as Ut Re Mi Fa Sol taught to know the high and low Sounds which the Chineses observe in their Speaking To this purpose Iacob Pantoja first found out these five Signs which written over the Chinese words after the European manner are thus express'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And by these five Marks of Sound Foraigners learn the Language though not without great Pains and Study partly because of the manifold Characters of the words and partly by reason of the difficulty of hitting upon the several Tones or Sounds The first Sign of the five Sounds or Tones mark'd thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agrees with Ut in Musick and the Sound or Pronounciation is in the Chinese Tongue call'd Cho Pim as if they would say The first agreeable Tone The second Sign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agrees with Re in Chinese call'd Pim Xim that is A clear and even Voice The third Sign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agrees with Mi this Sound in Chinese is call'd Xam Xim that is High Voice The fourth Sign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agrees with Fa and is by the Chineses nam'd Kiu Xim that is High Voice of the Goer The fifth U agrees with Sol and is by the Chineses call'd Ge Xim that is Proper Voice of the Enterer According as any word written in European Letters is mark'd with these Signs it must be utter'd in a different Voice or Sound as it is written by the Chineses with several Characters and hath also there its several significations As for example the word Ia written with European Letters according as it is mark'd with any ' of the five Signs signifies several things and must also be utter'd with a difference of Sounds for the Word or Syllable Iâ with this Sign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies A Tooth IaÌ„ with a strait Stroke A Voice Ià with a sloaping Stroke towards the Left Excellent Iá with a sloaping Stroke towards the Right A Deafness Iă with a Semi-Circle He Goes In like manner the Syllable Ko is by the Chineses Ton'd ten several ways and each Tone hath a peculiar signification as also each signification a peculiar Mark whereby it is distinguish'd from the other so that no Language in the whole world is so Univocal or containing so many several meanings under one word as the Chinese and the Marks that distinguish the significations of a word by the Accent are so many that the difference of Sound can scarce be discern'd in all insomuch that not any one Book can be understood from a Reader by the Auditor an Ocular Inspection being absolutely necessary to distinguish by the Marks the difference of the Sound and by consequence the double sense of the words which cannot be distinguish'd by the Ear nay that which is more it often happens in their Speaking that when one cannot understand the others sense notwithstanding he speaks plain and distinctly he is not only necessitated to repeat his Discourse but also to write it and if they chance not to have Pen or Paper they do it with Water on a Table or with their Fingers in the Air or express the meaning with the Hand of the Auditor This happens most amongst the Learned and Eloquent part of the People who study to speak more exact and quaiâ—…t than ordinary according as they write in their Books The reason of the Univocalness of this Language seems to proceed from nothing else but that these People from â—…ll Ages have endeavour'd more to write well than speak well because their best Language to this day consists in Writing and not in Speaking therefore it also happens that Messages are not deliver'd by word of Mouth but in Writing though it be in one and the same City for though this Language be very scanty of words nevertheless it is the pleasingest and most ingenious of all others for whereas in any action we cannot express the manner of doing but in several words the Chineses often comprehend it in one word As for example the word Nien among them signifies Taking hold with two Fingers Tzo Taking hold with all the Fingers In like manner we make several uses of the word Are when we say They are a Bed are at Table are at the Tavern but the Chineses express the being and manner of being in one word we also say The Foot of a Man the Foot of a Bird the Foot of a Beast never omitting to add the word Foot But the Chineses to express the Foot of a Man say Kio that of a Bird Cua that of a four footed Beast Thi. The Chineses considering they have no Alphabet are accustom'd from their Infancy to express themselves by this way of sign'd Sounds and very much wonder how we of Europe can write down their Words in Latin Letters and pronounce theâ—… so plainly They use not the Sound of the Letter R. which they cannot Pronounce nor ever put two Consonants together without a Vowel between so that to this day they call the Franks Falankes by whom perhaps they as well as the Moors understand all the People of Europe except the Greeks Aâ—… for the Language of the Tartars it is much easier to learn seeming in some measure to agree with the Persian and having some Characters or Letters like the Arabick The Alphabet of this Language is said to consist of sixty several Letters which may the rather be because some of them have the force of Consonant and Vowel joyn'd in one as La Le Li Lo Lu Pa Pe Pi Po Pu. In Reading they descend down-wards like the Chineses and proceed from the Right to the Left side as anciently the Hebrews and other Easterly Nations and at this day the Arabians and Chineses FINIS CHINA AIMOEY QUEMOEY On these Islands which are now becom a Kingdom used the famous Pyrates Yquen Kocksinga to Resort IMPERIUM SINICUM Quindicupartitum Imperium Sinicum in XV Regna seu Provincias distributum una cum genuino situ Vrbium Metropolitanarum Montium Fluminum Lacum caeterarumque rerum consideratione dignarum Histor. Sinic 65. Stilo vet 6. Aug. Stilo novo 16. Aug. Description of the Island Formosa The Inhabitants of Tefurang are very salvage Their Customs Inhabitants of Soulang How they order their Rice Strange Liquor in Eormesa The Women Fish and Till Several ways of Hunting Strange manner of Hunting in Firando Venison how eaten The Formosan Mens Exercises and their manner of Fighting Their Arms. Formosans have great Churches Keep great Feasts when they are Conquerors Have no supreme Governor Strange Councellors