THE Present State OF ENGLAND PART III. and PART IV. CONTAINING I. An Account of the Riches Strength Magnificence Natural Production Manufactures of this Island with an exact Catalogue of the Nobility and their Seats c. II. The Trade and Commerce within it self and with all Countries traded to by the English as at this day established and all other Matters relating to Inland and Marine Affairs Supplying what is omitted in the two former Parts useful for Natives and Foreiners London Printed for William Whitwood near the George Inn in Little Britain 1683. THE THIRD PART OF THE Present State OF ENGLAND WHEREIN Is set forth the Riches Strength Magnificence Natural Production Manufactures Wonders and Rarities Progress of Learning Arts and Ingenuities c. WITH A more perfect and Methodical Catalogue of the Nobility with their Seats than any hitherto extant LONDON Printed for William Whitwood next the George Inn in Little Britain 1683. THE PREFACE IT is commonly said among Gamesters that the Standers by oft-times see more than the persons themselves that play The like may be said as to the Writing of Books That the Critical Reader soon discovers the Errors and Defects of the Writer Withall it is a common Observation even of the Vulgar and Inferior sort of the People of France that when any Stranger chanceth to trip or falter either in the Pronunciation or Idiom of their Language they instead of laughing at their failings are still ready to help them out and inform them better In our present Affair therefore there is no more to do than to wish the good fortune of falling into the hands of the most courteous and best natured of Readers and indeed there is a kind of necessity for it for in treating of the Productions Manufactures Inventions and other things herein contained there is if not more at least as much need of Converse as of Books of consulting the Living as the Dead Whatever then through haste Inadvertency or want of convenient Assistance either of Mistake or Omission of what is most Curious or Remarkable I say most Curious or Remarkable since a too particular and Minute Account would swell each Head into a distinct Volume may have escaped in this present Work those Gentlemen who shall think it worth their while and will give themselves the trouble are humbly desired against the next Impression if the VVork shall be thought worthy of it to impart their Advice and Informations Small Beginnings oft times grow up to considerable Improvements and a little Cottage may be inlarged to a Commodious if not stately Habitation ERRATA OMISSA PAge 13. line II. after King read Edward the Fourth ibid. after to r. Alphonso p. 19. l. 6. after from r. Bamba l. 7. after from r. Guinea p. 21. l. 25. In the Blank after in r. Herefordshire p. 22. l. 10. r. Vulpanser What other Mistakes or Omissions have escaped the Press by reason some Sheets were wrought off before the Author's Perusal are submitted to the Courteous and Judicious Reader 's Emendation THE Present State OF ENGLAND PART III. THE Island of Great Britain the largest of the European Islands and to very few Islands of the World inferiour in bigness to none in Fertility Power Good Government and the Glory of its great Actions lies between 52 and 58 degrees of Northern Latitude England the noblest and largest part thereof and a distinct Kingdom of it self though at present united under one Monarch hath undergone four several grand Revolutions Not to mention the Samotheans Albionists and Brutus his Trojan Dynastie whose credit depends rather upon fabulous Tradition than real History the ancient Inhabitants of this Island are scarce taken notice of by any Author of account but by the name of Britains and the first certainly known Attaque that ever was made upon them was by the Romans under Julius Caesar and after that several others by the Lieutenants of several succeeding Emperors not without a World of Bloodshed The Natives no less stoutly resisting than the Romans furious assaulting till at length they gain'd a no less quiet than perhaps advantageous Possession among us I mean advantageous to this Island so that the Losers may be said to have been the greatest Gainers the Conquered the greatest Triumphers For if we consider from the several Descriptions that have been written thereof what barbarous and absurd Customs the Ancient Britains had among them we may conclude that Civility and Arts were so much the earlier introduced by the coming in of the Romans who also by their long Habitation here and Familiar Converse with the Old Inhabitants were of Foreigners become as it were Natives of Enemies Protectors insomuch that when they were call'd away for the Defence of their Provinces Abroad their Departure was no less regretted than their Arrival was oppos'd The next Attempters upon this part of the Island were the Saxons who being at first Invited in for their Assistance against the Invading Picts and other Borderers became at length themselves the greatest Invaders and playing upon the Easie and Luxurious Temper of the Prince that first Incourag'd their coming over they got a Footing which by continued fresh Supplies sent over from time to time they made so sure that all the Force the Britains were able to make against them for several Ages was not able to unfix it For notwithstanding this great Opposition in which several of the British Kings Signaliz'd themselves even to the Fame of Heroes especially the Great King Arthur whose Glory nothing hath so much Eclips'd as that his Actions great enough in their Truth are blown up into Storys so Romantick and and Surpassing all Credit maugre I say all the Force could be Mustered against them They still Increased in Number and Strength till in the end the Britains quite tir'd out were glad to retire into the Mountainous and remote parts of the Land by which they kept themselves for many Ages a people intirely distinct and their Language to this very day unmixt the Root of ours being evidently the Saxon so that the other must needs be the Ancient British and leave all the rest to be shar'd among the new Possessors who there being so many Proprietors in the Conquest dealt out the British Monarchy into seven Parcels which sevenfold Partition it may well be wondred how it could keep up so long considering the Confusions and as it were Civil Wars that arose as how could they but arise among so many Petty Monarchs upon one Continent that is as to the bounds of each Kingdom till at length one swallowing up the other the stronger the weaker this Seven-headed Hydra of Government came to a Period and one bright face of Monarchy shot up again and spread its Lustre over all this better part of Britain which hath ever since been called the Kingdom of England and hath so continued with little or no Interruption from the Raign of the Great Egbert He it was who first reduc'd this
the Indians the latter being obliged to work for the former 3. days in the Week And thus much for America in particular and indeed in general for this new World as it is Termed yields little more then here I have set down and indeed in Riches may Compare with any of the other three Parts did the Inhabitants know how to improve the growth of the Islands and Continent accordingly but indeed the Spaniards possessing the greatest part use their utmost diligence to keep out other Nations and will instruct the Natives in nothing that is Curious lest they should leave off to Labour in the Mines but thus much concerning America The Customs Situation and Manners thereof in the exactest Method CHAP. XVII A view of Africa and of the Manners Customs Trade Weights Measures Coyns and Commodity thereof AFrica one of the quarters of the World is bounded on the North with the Mediterranean Sea on the West with the Atlantick Ocean on the South with the South Ocean and on the East with the Red-Sea and is in a manner an Island being tyed only to Asia with a Neck of Land of 20 Leagues over and contains these Provinces viz. Barbery Numidia Lybia Negrita Ethiopia Interior and Ethiopia Exterior Egypt and the Islands of the Sea The Account of the Trade and Commerce of the Principal Cities and Towns but especially from whence any Commodities are brought and Traded for by the English Merchants I shall lay down as foloweth CHAP. XVIII A view of Tunis the Trade Manners and Customs thereof BArbary being divided into four Kingdoms viz. Tunis Argier Fess and Morocco I shall take them in order and first of Tunis Tunis is Situate near unto the great Lake which Extends almost to the Port of Goletta and is founded on the ruins of Carthage being in compass within the Walls 4 Miles and accounting the Suburbs 7 Miles in circuit and is very Populous owning for Supream Lord the Grand-Signeour who governs it by a Bassaw the Inhabitants being Mahumetans the Houses are Builded of Square Stone and for the most part flat A Port it has large and Commodious for Shipping Their Money in Gold is mostly the Spanish Doller or Royal the Venice Chiqeen the Spanish Pistolet which they pass from one to another at full value unless diminished or light Weight in Silver they have the Spanish Royal and the Asper Their Accounts are for the most part kept in Dollers and Aspers Their Weights are the Cantar of 100. pounds yet in Weight are found to exceed our 112 two pounds each of their pounds being divided into 16 Ounces and so into less by division viz. Each Ounce into 8 Tamins and by this Weight are all their Merchandise Weighed except Silver Gold Pearl c. which are Weighed by a Cariot Weight which is half an Ounce Troy or Mittagals much of the same Proportion In Weight of Cloves and Nutmegs they allow 5 pounds per cent Tret or over-plus besides the Weight of the Bags Their Measures for Silk Cloath and the like are the Pike there being 3 sorts of them the first called the Cloath Pike is 26 Inches and a half English the second the Gray which is a 16th part less by which they Measure Silks Sattins Velvets c. The third is the Linnen Pike and is ¼ part less then the Silk Pike Their dry Measures are the Coffice containing about 10 of our Bushels The Weab 18 of which make a Coffice and the Saw of which 12 make a Weab Their Liquid Measures are the Wine Meeter and Oyl Meeter the former being near 2 English Gallons and a half and the latter near 5. The chief Commodities are Hides Wax Oyl Honey Wool Corn Raisons Dates Anniseeds Estrich Feathers Sponges Lemons Oranges Almonds and Olives For which they receive of such Merchants as Trade thither English and Venice Cloath Lead Deal-Boards Shot Perpetuanos Spanish Wool Tartar Allum Iron Madder Safaparilla Pepper Ginger Safforn Cinamon Nutmegs Cocheneel Gold Thread Sea-Horse-teeth Cotton Yarn Venice-Pepper French-Canvas Gulmak Damask Sattain and the like Their Customs upon Goods imported unless Lead Shot and Iron are 9 per cent on the Real Value and before any Goods can be delivered an exact Account must be taken thereof by Officers appointed for that purpose other charges of Goods imported besides fraight of which no certainty is 8 per cent more viz. 2 per cent consolage 5 per cent provision and Broakage and one per cent for petty Charges the Customs on Goods that are exported Honey Wax and Wool liable to no Customs excepted is 5 per cent The Counterban or Goods prohibited to be exported are Pease Corn Oyl Beans Butter Hony Dates c. tho often a Licence for Exporting the same is secretly procured And thus much for Tunis in the Description of which I have described the Trade of all the Cities of that Kingdom as centering in this CHAP. XIX A view of Argier and of the Trade Manners Customs Weights Measures thereof and their way of dividing Prizes and selling Slaves in the Publick Market ARgier that Piratical Kingdom so dangerous to Merchants Trading in the Mediterranean contains as her Principal Cities Argier and Tremesin the former giving name to the Kingdom which is but small in compass The City of Argier the common Receptacle of Turkish and Moorish Pirates is imagined to contain 90000 Souls in which there are several that protest against the Thieving Trade and hold some Commerce with Merchants of divers Nations Their chief Commodities are Oyls Almonds Rasins Figs Dates Castile-Sope Brass Copper Barbary Horses Estrich Feathers Hony Wax and Drugs Their Coyn is the Double accounted of equal Value with our 12 pence or 2 single Spanish Ryals 4 Doubles are accounted a Ryal and 8 8 called by them the Olian 5 Doubles and 35 Aspers is a Pistol Spanish 7 Doubles are accounted a Sultany or Cheeque of Barbary Gold and 50 Aspers make a Double And these are the currant Monies of the Kingdom of Argier The Weights are the Rotolos or 100 pound which makes 120 pound English the 10 pound of the small making 6 in gross some Commodities they likewise weigh by the Cantar as Iron Lead Yarn Wool which Cantar is 150 Rotolos Figs Dates Sope Butter c. are weighed by a Cantar of 166 Rotolos Almonds Cheese Cottons c. they weigh by a Cantar of 110 Rotolos Brass Copper Wax and Drugs by a Cantar of 100 Rotolos Flax by a Cantar of 200 Rotolos Gold Silver Pearl and precious Stones are weighed by the Mittigal which is 72 Grains English and is worth 9 Doubles The Sultanie Cheeque or Hunger Weighs 52 Grains English being equally Valued with Angel Gold and by the Ounce Troy in England is worth 3 pound 11 Shillings Their Measures of Length are two Picos viz. the Turkish and the Morisco Picos The former is divided into 16 parts and every â…› part is called a Robe and is 131 1â—2 part of the English Yard and the Custom
in abundance as likewise some Diamonds of great value also Nutmegs Mace and other Spices The Coyns currant in this Tract are the Tail valued at 4 Ticals or 18 Shillings Sterling a Tical is Accounted 4 Mals or 4 Shillings 6 pence Sterling c. Malacca is Situate between Siam and Pegu and is Subject to the Portugals as Conquered by them Anno 1511. and has it's Walls saluted by the River Gasa 10 Miles broad and abounds with the Commodities of China Mulâ—oco's Java Sumatra Banda Siam Pegu Bengala and the Coasts of Chormandel brought thither by Ships that carry back the Commodities of the growth of this Tract as likewise Ships from Lisbone come yearly hither and lade rich Merchandise Here it is observed that the Trade-Winds continue West and North-West from the end of August to the end of October and in November the Northen and North-Eastterly Winds begin to blow which continue so to do till the beginning of April and from May to the beginning of August the South and South-West Wines Blow The Weights on this Coast are the Cattee Babar and the Pecul but in Malacca only the former which is divided into 2 parts viz. the great and the small making the first 200. Cattees reckoning each Cattee at 21 pound Averdupois and the last 100. Cattees which make 295 pound English The Pecul is 100. Cattees of China and is accounted 132 pound English The Cattee as aforesaid used in this Tract is Accounted 21 pound Averdupois but sometimes varies By the great Babar they commonly weigh Cloves Nutmegs Pepper Saunders Indico Allum Sanguis-Draconis Palo-Dangula and Comphora and by the lesser Quick-Silver Copper Vermillion Ivory Silk Musk Amber Lignum Aloes Tinn Lead Verdet and Benjamin As for Measures they are rarely used and indeed so uncertain that I shall pass them over The Coyns are those for the most part common in India as Mahomoodies Portugal-Rees c. CHAP. XLVIII A View of the Kingdom of China the Trade and Commodities thereof CHina is a large Kingdom bounded on the West with India on the North with the Wall of China extending in Length 1000. Miles to keep out the Tartars on the South with the Ocean and on the East with Mare del Zur and is a very Fertile Country Temperate and Healthful which renders it Populous it has great Commerce within it self by the advantage of the many Navigable Rivers tho their Goods are carryed for the most part in Boats made of Cane The Commodities it yieldeth are Wool Rice Barly Oyl Wine Flax Cottons and Raw Silk which they work into many curious Textures here are wrought likewise many rare Stuffs are found all sorts of Mettals to be brought from Japan as Gold Silver Copper c. Fruits Wax Sugar Honey Ruhbarb China-Roots Purslaine-Dishes commonly called China-Dishes Champhir Ginger Musk Civit Amber and all manner of Spices and Salt which last is said in one City only viz. Cantor to yield Custom to the Prince yearly 180000. Ducats This Kingdom is divided into 15 Provinces each Province containing 2 Kingdoms in all which as Writers affirm are contained 1597 Cities and great Walled Towns 1154. Castles and 4200. Burroughs without Walls Garrisoned with Souldiers besides Villages Innumerable The chief City being Quinsay-Pequin walled about 100. Miles and has in the midst of it a Lake of 30. Miles compass in which are 2 Islands and in them Pallaces and other fair Buildings for the King and his Nobles the said King Stiling himself the Child of the Sun And upon the Rivers which Issue from this Lake are found 12000. Bridges it being reckoned that the King can make 10000. Sail of Ships and Barks of his own which he keeps on the Rivers to Transport his Armies in time of War the Natives for the most part Trade up and down the Rivers and are so cautious that they will not suffer any Stranger to inspect their Affairs so that their Weights Measures and manner of Traffick are not effectually known tho the Portugals Dutch and Neighbouring Islanders have of late obtained the favour of some small Commerce at Canton Meccan and Nanquin but upon such strict conditions that in some places it is Death for them to abide a Night either in the Town or Suburbs but must at aset Hour retire to their Ships and the better to discover it they have Notaries to take the Names of all that enter the Gates in the Morning the which if the Persons owning them do not come to see them Blotted out at the time prefixed and afterwards be found tho not in the City it is present Death except the Factor for the Portugals who is permitted to live in the Suburbs And to Maccan the Portuguese have a Ship of 1500. Tuns that comes yearly from the Indies bringing Oyl Drinking-Glasses Looking-Glasses and Velvet for which they receive of the Chinois the growth and Manufacture of their Country The Weights Measures and Coyns that are used in the Places where Trade is permitted are known to be these The Weights for fine Goods are the Valls and Tay 99 Valls making a Tay of Maccan and a Tay or Tayle is 1 Ounce and 11 16 Averdupois Their Weights for Gold Silver Musk Amber-Greece c. are the Tays or Tayels by some called Tans Mass Condreens Cash Avons which are usually marked with Ciphers for distinction sake 10. Avos is one Cash 10. Cash one Condreen 10. Condreens to one Mass 10. Mass to one Tay and 16. Tays or Tayles to on Cattee the Tay being as aforesaid All Gross Goods are weighed by Cattees Peculs and Rotolos 10. Cattees making 1. Pecul 1. Pecul 128 Rotolos of Portugal which Pecul is Accounted 131 pound ¼ Averdupois tho here as in other Places the Weights vary The Coyns currant for the most part are Spanish Rotolos of â— â— which they cut into several parts and so pass them away by Estimate The Measures in use are the Covid of Maccan used by the Portugals in the Measure of Stuffs and Silks and is Accounted 3. Quarters of a Yard and 2 1 â— Inches and a Covid used by the Chinois called the Covid of Chinchoses which consists of 12 Inches also an other Covid they have of 14 6 5 Inches And thus much for China and the Trade thereof CHAP. XLIX A View of the Islands found in the Asian Seas and of their Trade and growth THe Asian Islands of note are Japan Zeilan Moluccos Java's Summatra Borneo Celebs and Cyprus all abounding in rich Commodities Of the Trade of which in brief Japan is Situate a small distance from the main Land of China and is in length 600. miles but not above 90. over in the broadest yet obeys many Soveraigns every King or Lord having Power and Authority over the lives and Estates of his Subjects the chief Towns on this Island are Osacaia Bunguin and Meaco being Havens or Ports for the reception of such Vessels as come to Trade thither The chief Commodities consisting in Silver and Rice
Wretch or Ill-natur'd Churl will deny Relief to a person that through real and remediless want makes application to him So likewise among Nations that People that refuseth the Accomodation of their Country to their supplicant Neighbours who unjustly Banished their own Native Land or driven out by Persecution and Tyranny fly to them for Refuge must needs be the Inhabitants of a Beggarly and Unhospitable Soyl or be themselves a sort of Inhumane and Savage-Bores Our Kingdom God be thanked is sufficiently Fertile our Natives not accounted Ill-natured and for Room we have not only to spare but within the whole Circuit of England enough as we have said before to contain a far greater power of People twice if not thrice the number So that an accession of peaceable Strangers can be no injury may be a considerable benefit to us so that in being Charitable to others we shall be no losers our selves and never was there so important and seasonable an occasion offered as now for the receiving of Foraigners among us since never did any persecuted people so want our Entertainmen and Succour as at this time these our Protestant Neighbours who in their own Native Country and among the Professors of Christianity are denyed that Protection which living peaceably they could not doubt of among the severest of Turks or Ethnicks and all this for no other reason then denying to fall down before the obtruded Idol as the Israelites were dealt with in the days of the Tyrant Nebuchadnezzar But by Divine Providence it falls out happily to be at a time that England is govern'd by the most Just and Benevolent of Princes who out of his Concernment for the Protestant Religion and that innate Generosity and Clemency wherewith he delights to oblige all mankind hath by an Order of Councel of the _____ of September this present year 1681. promised all those that shall come over such ample Priviledges and Immunities as will much soften and allay their present Afflictions and in a great measure compensate for their being forc'd to abandon their Native habitations The last cannot be reasonably judg'd unfeasible and is certainly the most absolutely necessary since those many thousands of Unimployed persons burthens of the earth who presume they were only born to Eat and Drink are no better than so many Ciphers being perfectly lost to their Country Nay which is worse they may justly be reckoned as so many Vermine and Noxious Animals for Idleness it self cannot always subsist in its own station but oftentimes is forc'd upon Action but 't is the worst part of Action Mischief As admit a Nation never so thinly Inhabited and yet a Million of those Inhabitants prove utterly useless and unprofitable that Nation may well be said to be too Populous by that Million Insomuch as Cut-purse Pick-pocket House-breaker Highway-man and whatever besides can be imagin'd mischievous are but the several Metamorphoses of an Idle Liver and thus Idleness tends to a more fatal kind of Depopulation The unworking person indeed who in some sence may be said to be no person but dead to the service of his Country yet is capable of being quickned and inspir'd with the life of Action but the worker of Iniquity who is commonly the result of the unworking Person takes courses which tend to an irrevivable Destruction The first is but that Malefactor in Posse which the Thief and Robber is in Esse and doubtless were the Potential Maleficence which is Idleness severely inquired into and regulated by the Discipline of Law and Government so many of the Kings Subjects would not yearly at every Session and Assize as Essential Malefactors be made sad Examples of Justice and cut off from the Land of the Living to which in this World there is no return But what hath been said all this while of the unworking Person whom to compel to work that he may be kept from Starving and restrain from Stealing that he may be restrained from the Gallows is no Injurious but Charitable part of a Magistrate it is to be understood only of those narrow Soul'd Loiterers who being not worth a Groat in the World choose rather to go squandring up and down Beg Filch and be Lowsy than Honestly to get their Bread by cleanly Industry and wholesome Labour Whereas for him that hath enough to Live on who shall hinder him if he please and have the Conscience to be Idle and good for nothing at his own Charges As for those who are great in Money Lands or High Offices great also are their Priviledges for the World hath generally a very great favour and respect for such as flourish and are prosperous in it as well as contempt for the Poor and Unfortunate and except they shall unfortunately happen to become Envy'd-Favourites will be apt to have a favourable excuse for whatsoever is either omitted or committed by them However there is a real merit that cannot be denyed them which is that they have wherewithal to be serviceable to their King and Country A Rich man meerly as a Rich man must needs be acknowledged a useful person in his Generation especially if his Heart be answerable to his Purse or however where something is to be had there is a possibility of obtaining On the other side though it be just and rational to give Law to those who will not give Law to themselves to compel men to their own as well as the publick good to work that they may not Starve to do well that they may not suffer for doing ill It is not yet so consonant to reason that any one should be forc'd to performance though of things never so just above Ability or to make satisfactions out of nothing That the Idle and Industrious alike to satisfie the rigorous Justice of a Self-loving Creditor should for being Idle or Unfortunate be condemned to perpetual Idleness and Misfortune and for no other cause than not working Impossibilities be constrain'd to lie starving and stinking to death in a loathsom Gaol is a piece of Judiciality I do not understand and I verily believe that it is no less unjust for any one to be Cruel and Rigorous in the exacting of his Own from him that Hath not than for him that Hath to forbear the payment of what he Owes who also if not willing of himself may and ought to be made so by force and rigour Which may be inflicted otherwise than by Confinement for a Prison is least a punishment to those that most deserve it To conclude a too rigorous procedure either to Death or Imprisonment seems an over-acting in Justice and as it were tending much alike towards a kind of Depopulation there being no great difference between not to be at all and not to be at Liberty the first totally the second after a manner depriving the World of those whose Lives and Liberties might happily have been usefully enough spar'd for the Commonwealth Of the Manufactures of England MAnufacture is to the Body
hundred and eight pounds Averdupois and one hundred pound London Suttle Weight makes ninety two of theirs or one hundred and twelve English one hundred and three and a half of Scotch their Measures for Linnen Stuffs Cloath or Silk is the Ell which is wanting of ours insomuch that it differs from our Yard four per cent that is four Yards in a hundred Ells so that seventy five Yards or sixty Ells English make seventy two Scotch but in Tale to every hundred they Reckon six-score In Measure for Corn Coals Salt Wine Beer Ale Oyl and the like they come near at one with ours Their Navigation is but small for the most part Trading with England and Ireland yet are they a People frugal and much bent to improve the growth of their Country And thus having taken a view of Scotland and the Trade thereof I must pass over into Ireland the third Diamond in the British Diadem CHAP. IX A view of Ireland and of the Trade Manners and Present State of that Kingdom IReland is divided into four Provinces viz. Lempster Munster Connought Vlster and Meath and is four hundred Miles in Length and two hundred in Breadth the chief Cities and Towns are Dublin Kinnsail London Derry Limrick Cork Waterford Armah Dungannon Marleburg Phillips-Town Kildare and Tradah This Kingdom abounds in Navigable Rivers store of Fish Cattle and Hides which are Transported into Spain France and Italy Salmon are caught in such abundance in July and August that many Servants in the places of that Fishery Covenant with their Master upon their being hired that they will not feed upon Salmon but only so many days in a Week These they Salt and Barrel up sending them into all the Neighbouring Countries where they are received as good Merchandise the Herring Fishery is likewise used and improved by them as likewise Pilchards which are taken in August September and October and Transported into Spain France and the Streights of Gibraltar they have store likewise of Butter Cheese Calves-Skins and other necessary Commodities Their Corn for the most part is the same with ours yet in value not the same for a pound Sterling Irish is worth according to the Intrinsick value no more then fifteen Shillings English and the Shilling consequently but nine pence Sterling six pence Irish but four pence half penny Sterling The Exchange is practised in the City of Dublin but of little use as to any Transmarine Places unless England and there Principally London and Bristol commonly running at eight pence upon the pound or at most but one Shilling which is but five pound per cent The Weights and Measures are or for the most part consistent to those of England and in fine it is a Country exceeding fertil abounding in all things necessary for the use of man which would turn to great advantage were the Inhabitants but Industrious especially in fitting out Ships for Navigation but they for the most part roave abroad improving other Countries and neglecting their own Their chief Merchandise are in Fish which they send into France Spain England Scotland and other parts of Europe And thus I shall leave this Kingdom and return or rather Sail round Brittain to take a View of the Islands of the Sea or Ocean Islands CHAP. X. A view of the Ocean Islands and of their Trade viz. such as are Subject to his Majesty of great Britain THe Ocean Islands are scattered in the British Sea like so many Pearls to adorn the Imperial Diadem and are first the Orcades or Isles of Orkney thirty two in number The chief of which is Pomonia which abounds in Mines of Tinn and Lead The next Hethy and the other there being only three of them of note Shethland bearing Fruit-Trees of strange kinds Especially those whose Blossoms dropping into the Warter become Flying Birds The next are the Islands of the Hebrides in number forty four the chief whereof is Illa abounding with store of Venison And Jona famous for the Sepulchers of the Scottish Kings as likewise Mulla where the Redshanks inhabit once so fearful to England the rest are of little note The Islands called the Sorlings are one hundred forty five The Principal are Armath Agnes Samson and Scilly after which name all the rest are called The Inhabitants thereof Trade in Fishery sow Corn and addict themselves to Manufacture The Isle of Man is a square Island being ten Miles in Length and as many in Breadth the growth of it is Flax Hemp Oats Barly and Wheat having store of Cattle and other Merchandise brought in thither by Shipping the chief Towns are Ballacury Russin or Chasteltown The Isle of Anglesey is accounted a Shire of Wales and by some called the Mother of Wales being twenty four Miles in Length and seventeen Miles over Fruitful it is even beyond report in Corn Fruits Cattle Fowl and Fish improved by several Profitable Manufactures The Inhabitants making great store of Butter and Cheese and send out of it yearly three thousand Head of Cattle It 's chief Town is Beaumaris very Commodious for Shipping Jersey is a fair Island in Compass twenty Miles peopled with Industrious Inhabitants yearly improving their Commodidities and vending them to good advantage Trading with England and France especially famous for the many fine Orchards and Gardens the chief Towns and places of Traffick being St. Mallo and St. Hillary the former being nightly Guarded without the Walls From this Island twenty Miles distant is Guernsey Surrounded with spacious Harbours and in every part Fertile stored with Cattle and lying Commodious for Shipping Facing the Coast of France and hath for it's chief Town St. Peters The last of the Isles Surrounding Britain is the famous Isle of Wight which is twenty Miles long and twelve over and abounds with all things wherewith England is stored divided from Portsmouth but by an Arm of the Sea lying most Commodious for the Reception of Shipping and for it 's chief Towns has Yarmouth New-Port and Bradring And thus much for the Islands of the Sea surrounding Britain And now I shall only take a short Survey of some things further appertaining to the Trade of Britain and so Lanch into the Ocean and take a view of the remotest Parts of the World especially such as are Traded to by the English What more remains is an account of such Commodities of English-growth and Manufacture as are Exported being Staple Commodities and the common Cargo of outward bound Vessels CHAP. XI A further Account of the Measures of England with a true Proportion of the Weight of English Cloths FIrst for the Breadth Measure and Weight of English-Cloath that chief of Staple-Commodities Kent York and Redding Cloaths are six quarters and a half broad and ought to weigh eighty six pounds the Cloath in the Peice are in length thirty and thirty four Yards Suffolk Norfolk and Essex Cloaths of seven quarters wide are eighty pounds Weight twenty nine and thirty two Yards in Length Worcester Coventry
Length 3000 Miles and when it over-flows not it portenteth some fatal disaster to the King or Kingdom and by this means the Land is Fertilized for as for Rain there is none The chief Places of Traffick are Alexandria a famous Sea-Port founded by Alexander the great and Cairo commonly called Grand Cairo and in these Center the Trade of the whole Country Therefore omitting Places of lesser note I shall only take a View of these two Cities and their Commerce with such as Trade in those parts and first of Alexandria Alexandria first founded by Alexander the Great in Expedition to Conquer the World is the chief Maritim City of Egypt and from all parts of the Kingdom are thither brought Flax Hemp Hony Wax Rice Balsoms Dates Drugs and Spices and the Country in general produceth abundance of Palm Trees besides hither are brought the Plenty of Arabia India and Persia as Spices Drugs Silks c. so that the Custom-House is accountable yearly for great Summs of Gold The nature of the Palm Trees that grow in that Country is this they always grow in Cupples twisted or twined viz. Male and Female the Female Palm only bears Fruit and that not without the Male for if the Male Palm be cut away the Female will not bear the Fruit is Cods with Seed and pleasant Juice the Pith of these Trees is excellent in tast and very nourishing of the Leaves they make Fans Mats and Baskets of the outward Husks of the Cod Cordage and of the inward Brushes the Fruit they bear is like a Fig which serves the Inhabitants for Meat green and dryed for Bread The Weights used here are four sorts first the Quintar of Zera second the Quintar of Forfor third the Quintar of Zaidin the fourth the Quintar of Mina the first is found to be English 112 pounds the second 93 pounds English the third 134 pounds English the fourth the 167 pounds English Averdupois Weight The Measures are two-fold viz. the Pico Barbaresco which is used for the Measuring of Cloath both Linnen and Woollen and is in Length 25 â…ž English Inches and the Pico Turchesco with which is Measured Silks fine Stuffs Cloath of Gold c. and is found to be 22 ¼ English Inches as for wet and dry Measures they are of little use the Customs being to sell by Weight for the most part CHAP. XXVII A View of Cairo and the Trade Weights Measures and Customs thereof CAiro is a famous City Situate in the vast Plain beneath the Mountains of Mucatun and not above 2 Miles from the Bank of Nilus adorned with many stately Buildings as Pallaces Colledges Temples and the like and has in it a large Burse or Exchange of 3 Story high the first of which consists of Ware-Houses for Gross Goods in the second is laid up Musk Amber Silks Spices and the like and in the third the Merchants who have Ware-Houses there lodg with their Retinues which Merchants are of 6 sorts first the Native Egyptians secondly the Arabians or Moors thirdly the Merchants of Europe Christians fourthly the Turks fifthly the Jews and sixthly the Christians of Affrica as Greeks Armenians c. The Lord of this City and Country is the grand Signeour who governs by his Bashaw or Vice-King The Commodities Traded for by the Europian Merchants are Flax Rice Balsoms Puls Fruits Cottons Sugars Hemp and the like which according to the overflowing of Nilus the Soil yields in plenty or Scarcity so that when they have a plentiful Year they make a Feast to Nilus or the River God as they Term him and exceedingly Rejoyce thereto The yearly Revenue of this Kingdom accrueing by Customs and other ways amount to 3 Millions of Sheraffes each valued at 8 Shillings Sterling one Million of which is sent to the grand Signeur one for maintaining the forces of the Kingdom and the other to enable the Bashaw to keep his Court. The Customs are either payed in Species or compounded for at 10 per cent only Money entred pays but one and a half per cent but outward all Commodities pay 11 per cent which is accounted the Soldan's Custom The Customs of Alexandria are farmed by the Jews at 20000 Medins per diem which according to computation amounts to 55000 pounds per Annum Sterling Their Weights and Measures are the same with those of Alexandria The Currant Coyns in Egypt are Spanish Royals of 8 which they call Piastre and Dollers the Meden the Asper the Soltana Xeriffe and Cheqeen the value of each as before recited Their Accounts are variously kept some in one sort of Coyn and some in another The chief Trade driven here by the European Christians is by the French and Venetians the English having of late declined it as having the growth of the Country or the same Commodities at cheaper Rates in India and Aleppo And thus much for the Continent of Egypt CHAP. XXVIII A View of the Isles of the Sea appertaining to Africa with their Commodities Trade Weight Measures c. THe Isles are these viz. Madagascar Zocotara St. Thomas the Canary Islands the Islands of Assores or Tarceras The first abounds in Ginger Cloves and Silver Mines and was discovered by the Portugals Anno 1506. The money in use amongst the Natives are Glass Beads of Cambaia which passes currant amongst them their Weights and Measures are few and those uncertain The second lyeth in the Mouth of the Red Sea 10 Degrees Northward from the Equator and yieldeth Cattle and Corn but the chief thing Traded for is Aloes which are sold by the Quintar which Averdupois English is 93 pound The third lies under the Equinoctial in which is a Colony of Portugals the chief Commodity it yieldeth is Sugar of which so much is made as ladeth yearly 50 Vessels of good Burthen their Weights and Measures being the same with those used at Lisbone as indeed wherever the Portugals Plant themselves they impose their own Weights and Measures on the Inhabitants Fourthly the Canary Islands which are 7 in number under the Protection of the King of Spain are very Fruitful abounding in Sugar-Canes and those Birds we call Caâ—â—ry Birds and in Canary Wine which takes it's name from the Islands of which 4 or 500 Tuns are yearly exported and dispersed over Europe There is likewise Wood of Excellent use for Dyers Hither the English trade and for the growth of the Island Exchange Says Serge Bays Linnen c. Their Weights Measures and Coyns are the same with those of Sevil of which in order I shall speak Fifthly the Islands of Assores or Tarceras directly under the Meridian were first discovered by the Flemings and abound in Cattle Corn Wood and the like but are of little use some for Harbouring and re-victualling of Ships in their Voyage to the East-Indies as are many other small Islands lying in that vast Ocean And thus much shall suffice for Africa and the Trade thereof CHAP. XXIX A View of Asia and of the Trade
some Spices Casbin is now accounted the chief City of Persia and lately the residency of the Sophies and is adorned with many stately Edifices but chiefly Beautifyed with the Bussars or Exchanges which are many and stored with Rich Commodities as Jewels Drugs Spices Silks either in Damasks Velvets or Raw where likewise the Merchants of several Nations Trading thither meet in the same manner as at London Their Weights Measures and Coyns agree with those of Hisphan of which in order I shall Treat and therefore refer the Reader to View them there Balsara is Seated on the Persian Gulph upon the mouth of Euphrates and contains the Commodities of Arabia Turky India and Persia by Reason of it's commodious Situation and is in Subjection to the Grand Signeour as reduced to his Obedience by force of Armes Anno 1550. And pays Customs to his Intendant or Vizar Bashaw 5 per cent upon Cloaths Silks and the like but to every 100 a Tare or allowance of 3 pound is Customary and their Weights is generally the Wesun accounted 16 of them to the Cantar of Aleppo Casan is frequented by the Merchants of India and the Commodities for the most part consist of the Manufacture of the Citizens as Shashes Turbants Girdles Velvets Sattins Dammask Ormustus Carpets c. and thither are brought Diamonds Pearles Rubies Turquoisies Spices c. and a Law there is that all Persons above the Age of 6 Years shall give up their Names to the Magistrate and with a Satisfactory account by what means he or she get their Livings and if they be found in a false Tale they are either Battooned or put to some Publick slavery for a time Caramania is a Fertile Province as to necessary Provisions and other ways only worthy of note for the Cloath of Gold made there as for Gedrosia Drangiana Arica Arachosia Parapomisis Saccha and Hircania they are of little note as to Trade and therefore I shall pass them over Ormus the last Province of Persia is exceedingly in request abounding in Commodities of Value and is divided by an Arm of the Sea of 12 Miles over from the Continent and is much frequented by Merchants Trading in those parts The Commodities are chiefly Carpets Tapestry Shashes Grograms Mohairs Turky Camlets Arabian Drugs Indian Gems and Spices it being the Principal Mart or Magazine of all the Eastern Commodities for in April and September the Carravans come thither strongly Guarded from Aleppo Syria and other Countries taking Ship at Balsara and bring all manner of Rich Commodities that are to be found in the Traffick of the Mediterranean The most advantagious Sea-ports in those parts are Jasques and Gombroue where the English Ships Trade for this Kingdom as likewise the Camels and Drommidaries of the Indian and other Merchants that Travel by Land Their Weight is the Dram 96 of which make a pound Averdupois Their Measures are the Coveda short and long the former is accounted 27 and the latter 37 Inches and are used in measuring the proper Manufacture of Persia The Monies currant are the Bessee of Copper which is 4 Cosbags the Shahee of Silver which is 2 ½ Bessees 29 Cosbegs or 4 pence Sterling the Abashee of Silver which is 2 Mamothis 40 Cosbegs or 16 pence Sterling the Mamothis which is 2 Shahees 29 Cosbegs or 8 pence Sterling The Asar of Gold which is 20 Shahees or 6 Shillings 6 pence Sterling The Toman of Gold which is 10 Asars or 3 pound 6 Shillings 8 pence Sterling as also the Larrees which are reckoned at 10 pence Sterling CHAP. XXXIX A View of Hispahan and of the Trade thereof HIspahan formerly called Hecatompolis from it 's 100 Gates is one of the Principal Cities of the Persian Dominions Beautifyed with Red Marble-Walls of prodigious height stately Buildings as Palaces Seraglio's and the like adorned with Ivory Ebony Alabaster and Carpets of Silk and Gold The Inhabitants do all their business on Horseback unless such as are Slaves and the City abounds in the stores of India Arabia Turky Russia and China which for the most part are brought thither upon Dromidaries and again disposed of to such Merchants as Trade thither The price of Carriage is thus 100 Maunds of Wares from Sciras to Hispahan cost 70 Sehids and from Hispahan to Casan 60 Sehids from Hispahan to Ormus by Sciras 120 Sehids and lastly from Hispahan to Tauris 40 Sehids The Weights are the Dram the Mittigal and the Maund or Maundshaw 100 of the first make 66 â…” of the Second and of the second 1200 maketh the third the Measures are the Cavedo long and short and are as in the foregoing Chapter as also the Coyns currant here agree with those of Ormus Silks are found here in abundance both wrought and Raw. And thus much for Persia and the Trade thereof CHAP. XL. A View of Tartaria of the Trade Weights Measures Currant Coyns and Customs thereof TArtary the next division of Asia is bounded on the West with Muscovia on the South with the Caspian Sea and Hill Taurus on the East with the main Ocean and on the North with the Frozen Sea and is divided into 5 Kingdoms or Provinces under the Subjection of the great Cham viz. Precopensis Asiatica Antiqua Zagathai and Cathaia but for as much as the last Province is only abounding in known Trade and yields the Commodities of all the rest I shall only insist upon it and in the Description of the Trade of Cambalu lay down what ever is to be found in that vast Country Cambalu is the Metropolitan of Cathai through which Runs the River Poâ—â—sanga and is in circuit accounted 28 Miles adorned with stately Pallaces and other Edifices being the Seat of the great Cham who maintains 5000 Astrologers or Wizards and 12 or 14000 Horse for his ordinary Guard The Merchants that Trade thither have their Caves or Store-Houses in the Suburbs which are in great number The Commodities of the Country are Rice Grain Ruhbarb Coral Silk Wool Hemp and the like they have likewise Silver Mines and some yielding Gold Ore yet their Coyn for the most part is made of the inmost Bark of a Mulbery Tree cut round stamped with the Princes Seal and upon pain of Death none dare Coyn any other or refuse to take it tho in some places they have pieces of Coral twigs of Gold and Salt Loaves which go at certain rates in Exchange but the money is as aforesaid and those Merchants are obliged to take it for their Richest Commodities and put it away again for such as the Country affords they have Spices Gems and Drugs but not of natural growth but are beholden to the Arabians and Indians for them their Country by Reason of the long continuing cold not being capable of producing them Their Weights are those used generally throughout the Provinces viz. the gross Cantar and the small Cantar the former of which is only used in weighing Gross Goods and is accounted 268 pound English the small
Cantar is 103 pound English All their Grain and other such like Commodities they vend by a Measure called the Chistetto which makes 8 ½ Staios Venice The Measure for Silks Stuffs and Cloath is the Pico 100 of which make 126 Braces Venice And thus much for Tartary which is mostly Inhabited by Thieves and Rovers who rather live by Spoil then Trade being morose Savage people fit for so cold and Barren a Country as for the most part Therefore leaving this Frozen Clime I shall pass into India far more Fruitful and Commodious CHAP. XLI A View of India intra extra Gangem of the Provinces Trade Customs and valuable Commodities thereof INdia is bounded on the West with the River Indus on the East with China on the North Tartary and on the South with the Ocean and is divided into 2 parts viz. India Intra Gangem and India Extra Gangem the first contains nine Principal Kingdoms viz. Narsinga Malavar Ballasia Cambaia Mandao Bengala Aristan Canora and Dellia and the second 7 Kingdoms viz. Macin Aracan Chambaia Couchin-china Barma Siam and Pegu. The whole Country taking its Name from the River Indus which runs 1000. Miles ere it meets the Sea As for the Trade of the Indies I shall briefly lay it down in the Description of the Principal Scales of Traffick and first of Diu. Diu is an Island lying about 20 Leagues distant from the River Indus and is under the protection of the King of Portugal the Portugals indeed being the first Discoverers of those Tracts and have a very good Haven for Shipping whither resort the Merchants of Arabia Turky Persia Armenia c. bringing the Richest Commodities of the growth of those Nations as likwise all the Banians Gusrates and Rumos that Trade in Cambaia and from thence to the Red-Sea and Meca bring thither their Merchandise The Commodities this place affordeth are Cotton of Linnen of sundry sorts which there are called Jorims Sluyers and Lamparads and are in England called Callico's also there are abundance of Cocus-Oyl Indian-Nuts Butter Pitch Tar Sugar-Candia Iron excellent Leather Artificially wrought with Silks of all Colours Chests Cupboards Boxes of curious work inlay'd with Mother Pearl and other rare divices As for the Weights and Measures of this place I refer the Reader to the Description of Goa and the Trade thoreof and thus much for the Town and Island of Diu. CHAP. XLII A View of Cambaia of the Trade Weights Measures Coyns Commodities and Customs thereof CAmbaia giveth a Kingdom its Name being the Metropolis of Cambaia and is vast in circuit adjudged to contain no less then 800000. Inhabitants Seated upon the River Indus being a City of the greatest Trade in those Parts and thither resort Christians Persians and Arabians and there both the English and Dutch have Factories But the Natives who are called the Gensurates and Banians are the Richest Merchants and greatest Traders as likewise of late grown so Politick that they have an insight into-most Commodities The Commodities this City and Country afford are Callico's of all sorts Corn Rice Butter Oyl rich Carpets fine Chests Cupboards Carved and Imbellished with Mother Pearl Plates of Silver Ivory and the like there are found in this Country many precious Stones of great value as Rubies Jacinths Chrisolites Amber Jaspar Spinals Granads and Agats as likewise several Rich Drugs as Opium Camphora Bangue and Sandal-Wood as also Sugars and Indico in abundance The like Commodities are likewise found in Bianny Fetterbarre Shersky and Labore In this Tract is the famous Port of Surrat which at this day the Dutch make their chief Scale of Trade and whither all the Commodities of these Countries are brought especially those Subject to the Scepter of the great Mogul The currant Coyns are Mahomodies tho very Scarce and are each accounted 12 pence Sterling the Casanna Ruppy Esteemed worth 3 Shillings 3 pence Sterling the Jaquire Ruppe 5 of which make 6 Casanna Ruppies the Saway Ruppy valued at 11 Shillings 3 pence Sterling the Honde Ruppy valued at 2 Shillings 3 pence In which and the Casanna Ruppy the Merchants of Gusurat keep their Accounts They have likewise smaller pieces which are accounted 34 to the Mahmudy and the Sahhee which is accounted 10 Cosbegs tho in some places they differ in value tho the difference is inconsiderable The Weights used throughout the Mogul's Dominions are 3 one proper for Silk and the other for all other Merchandise viz. the pice which in Silk is accounted 5 ½ Mittigals a Mittigal being about 13 Troy penny Weights and the Sear small and great which vary much viz. the Sear of Surrat is 18 Pices Weight of Copper-money and accounted 13 ½ Ounces Averdupois the Sear of Agra called the Sear Acoberg is 30 Pices and 22 Ounces Averdupois The Sear of Agra called the Sear Janquery 36 Pices and 26 ⅔ Ounces Averdupois and so in several other places vary according to the Custom of the place They have in use likewise 2 Maunds a Maund small of Surrat being 40 small Sears of that place and 33 pound Averdupois the other is 40 great Sears which makes 54 ⅜ pound English and these are Multiplyed into a Candil of Surrat and Cambaia which contains 20 Maunds The Measures at Cambaia Surrat are two viz. the Cavado long short the last of which is used in Measuring of Silks and is 27 Inches English the first is used in Measuring of Woollen Cloath and is 35 English Inches but in Agra Labore Dilli and Brampore the short Cavado is found to be 32 Inches as for Concave Measures none are found in the Moguls Country their Liquids as well as Grain and other dry Commodities being sold by Weight And thus much for Cambaia and the Trade thereof CHAP. XLIII A View of Goa the Trade Commodities Weights Measures Coyns and Customs thereof and of the Pearl Fishery GOa is a famous City at present the Seat of the Portiguize Vice-Roy and Arch-Bishop and is Seated in an Island to which it gives Name and is the chief Mart or Scale of Trade on that part of India for hither resort Merchants who bring the Commodities of Persia Arabia Armenia Cambaia Pegu Siam Bengalia Malacca Java Molucco and China a Port it has Capacious for the Reception of Shipping but those of great Burthen are obliged to Anchor at Bardes some Miles short of Goa by Reason of the Shallowness of the Water where are purposely Built Sore-Houses for the reception of such Merchandise as are brought thither which are set to Sail in the chief Street every day from 7 to nine in the Morning in the nature of our Fairs in England during which time a great concourse of Merchants and others buy up what Commodities they like best or can agree for and in this place all the Natives of one Craft live in distinct Streets being injoyned under severe Penalties not to Marry out of their own Trade nor put their Children to any other Trade Their Winter which
divided into 150 Carots and from thence into 480 Grains each Ounce of Silver fine being according accounted worth 5 Shillings 2 pence of our money and so more or less according to the addition or diminution of allay The pound Troy of fine Gold is Accounted worth 36 pound the Ounce 3 pound or if very fine something more or again less as the Allay is as thus The Ounce of fine Gold is valued at 3 pound 33 Kes fine at 2 pound 17 Shillings 6 pence 22 Kes fine at 2 pound 15 Shillings 21 Kes 2 pound 12 Shillings 6 pence the Ounce of 20 Kes fine is worth but 2 pound 10 Shillings and so losing value 2 Shillings 6 pence per Ounce as it wants a Carot in fineness in 24 or the Troy pound Now to know the goodness or fineness of Gold and Silver upon the Touch-Stone by way of Essay is to procure Needles of Gold and Silver and Copper Allay sutable to any sort of Gold and Silver in Allay and to be of 4 sorts viz. the first of fine Gold and Silver the second of Gold and Copper the third of Gold Silver and Copper and the fourth of Silver and Copper only the first for the tryal of Gold and the latter for Silver and of these Mixtures make 24 Needles differing in fineness from each as thus The first must be all fine Gold without any Allay viz. 24 Carots the second 23 Carots of fine Gold and one of Silver the third 22 Carots of Gold and 2 of Silver and so one Carot worse till there remains but one Carot of fine Gold in Mixture with 23 Carots of Silver And by this Rule the Gold and Copper and Silver and Copper must be Allayed and each Needle marked of what fineness it is And by this means you may know the fineness of any Ingot or Piece of Gold or Silver as thus touch the said Ingot or Piece of Gold or Silver upon your Touch-Stone and by it the Needle you think is nearest it in fineness and if that suit not with it try another till it suits with it which when wet will appear and so by the mark of your Needle you may be assured of the fineness of the Silver or Gold so touched which is a better easier safer and surer way then to try it by Fire And thus much for Gold and Silver as to their Tryal of fineness CHAP. LV. A Treatise of Precious-Stones how to know them and their true value viz. Diamonds Rubies Saphyrs c. as also the goodness and worth of Pearles in General THe Weight usual in India for Diamonds and Precious Stones were brought thither by the Portugals called the Mangear or Fanan which differs not much from the Carot whereof 150 Carots make an Ounce Troy and is divided into 64.33.16.8.4.2.1 ½ ¼ ⅛ 1 16 Parts The Mangelue or Mangear is near or altogether 5 Grains Weight or 2 Tars ⅔ Accounted the ⅔ of 1 Carot so that 4 Grains and 4 Tars weigh a Fanan the Fanan being somewhat above 2 of our Carots for 11 ¼ Fanans are 1 Mittigal and 6 Mittiglas and ½ make the Ounce Troy this Fanan in many parts of India goes currant for a Coyn being Equally valued with a Spanish Ryal and thus having laid down the proportion of the Weights I shall first begin with the Dimonds the chief of Precious Stones then to know a good and true Diamond take this rule A good and right Diamond is fast and no ways porous so that it will resist the Fire and after several hours continuance therein come out bright as at first and in choice of such a one it must be neither Brown Yellowish Blewish nor a Dullish-Black but of a good Water-Christaline not wanting any corner when Polished on a Mill nor be too thick nor too thinn but so as it may be set firm and to good advantage in a Ring or Collet without being upholden by Velvet and such a Diamond weighing 1 Carot is worth 35 pounds Sterling or upwards Note when you have found out the true value of a perfect Diamond or Diamonds this Rule is to be observed Suppose a Diamond weighing a Carot Weight be worth 40 Ducats more or less then the 4th part being ten Ducats is the price of a Diamond weighing half a Carot so the Diamond weighing a Carot is worth but the 4th part of the value of one weighing 2 Carots viz. 40 Ducats and that weighing 2 Carots worth 160 Ducats and so if there be over Weight by Grains you must divide all into Grains and then a Diamond weighing 3 Grains is worth but the 4th part of that weighing 6. And this is a General Rule not only for Diamonds but all manner of precious Stones according to Equality in goodness as for Example a thick Table Diamond of the goodness aforesaid weighing 1 Grain is worth 1 pound 17 Shillings 6 pence weighing 2 Grains is worth 7 pound 10 Shillings weighing 3 Grains is worth 16 pound 17 Shillings 6 pence weighing 1 Carot is worth 30 pound and so proportionably to 8 Carots yet there are some Diamonds imperfect and not of any Extraordinary value which are called Brut Diamonds Naifs Rocks and flat-Stones which are bought and sold at uncertain rates The Ruby is found in Zeilam in India and called commonly the Carbuncle tryed in the Fire to know its perfection the which if it abide and come out Burning like a Cole and of a high Colour it is Accounted perfect a Stone of which perfection weighing but one Carot or ½ a Fanan is valued at 30 Fanans in Callicut and increase in value as the Dimonds according to their Weight there is another sort only called a Ruby found in a River in the Kingdom of Pegu but it will not indure the Fire but looseth it's Colour when put to the Tryal there are likewise several sorts of Rubies as the Carbuncle Ballas Spinal Garnat and Rubas but this Ruby of Pegu is accounted the next in value to the Carbuncle and a Ruby square table-wise perfect and of high Colour of 16.18.20 or 24. Carots in Colour weighing a Fanan is worth sometimes in the India's 100. Ducats and in England weighing 11 ½ Carots and of 20 Carots in Colour perfect and without Blemish is worth 350 pound Sterling or rather more Saphyrs are found in Zeilam Calucut Basinger Canoner and Pegu and those are accounted best that are of a pure Azure or Sky-Colour and in that hardness excelleth all other Stones the Diamond excepted and according to their Colour are held in Estimation as for example Saphyr weighing one Carot is worth 2 Fanans one weighing 2 Carots is worth 5 Fanans one weighing 3 worth 10 Fanans and one weighing 4 Carots worth 15 Fanans and so Proportionably each Fanan being Accounted 2 Carots after this manner Turquoise Topaze Berrils Crysolites Jacynths Amathists and other precious Stones are known and valued every one according to their goodness and Weight as for Pearls how they are taken I have
3 chief Scales of Europe CHAP. LXI A View of Lisbon the Metropolis of Portugal of the Trade Growth Weights Measues Coyns and Customs thereof LIsbon is the Metropolis of the Kingdom of Portugal commodiously Seated upon the Banks of the River Tagus the City and Suburbs being 10 Miles in compass and not imagined to contain less then 38000. Families Beautifyed with 67 Towers placed upon the Walls and 22 Gates all the Houses being Built Magnificent and indeed the People given to great Industry but especially to Navigation as appears by the many Discoveries they have made they being the first that Discovered the Eastern Tract even to the Indias and there by Trade and force got Footing and shewed the way to England and Holland who have now brought it to perfection even to the great Inriching either Nation and of all the Commodities brought from India and other parts of the World by the Portugals this City is the Scale for hither come yearly the Spices of Arabia the Silks of Persia the rich Commodities of China and the Gold Silver precious Stones and Spices of India and especially Pearls the Fishery thereof remaining for the most part in the right of the King of Portugal which being brought to Lisbon and afterwards dispersed throughout Europe To this City Flows the Trade of the whole Kingdom and also that of Spain from which Kingdom it is now separated as formerly The Weights of this City and consequently of the whole Kingdom are Principally the small and the great Cantars the Latter of which is divided into 4 Roves and each Rove contains 32 Reals which is 128 pounds at 14 Ounces per pound and of Florence Weight is computed 149 pound their small Quintar for Pepper and Ginger is between 110 and 112 pound English the Rove or Quartern being 27 ½ and sometimes 27 ◠4 pound but the great Quintal is 15 or 16 per cent more than our 112 pound The Quintar commonly called the King 's Quintar used in his Contractation House for weighing the Spices and Drugs of India is 114 pound English and the great Cantar of Lisbon is mostly computed 130 pound English c. The Measures of length used in this City are the Coueda which is the third part of an English Yard and the Ware which wants but a Nale of an English Ell by the former they Measure Woollen Cloaths c. and by the latter Linnen c. The Concave Measures of Lisbon is the Alquire 3 of which are found to make an English Bushel and 5 a Spanish Hannep They have an other Measure by which they meet their Salt called Muy which is 60 Alquires and 2 Muys and 15 Alquires are a Tunn Bristol Water Measure The Custom inward is 23 per cent that is to the Dechima 10 to the Sisa 10 and to the Consolado 3 and outward Merchants pay only 3. The Coyns are the Croisado of Gold computed to be worth 400 Reas. The Ducat of Portugal which is ten Reals and accounted 5 Shillings Sterling or the Croisado The Ryal which is 40 Reas and accounted 6 pence Sterling The Golden Mirle which is worth 1000. Reas and accounted 2 5 2 Ducats the Ducat is 2 ½ Ryals or 15 pence Sterling The Vintin which is 20 Reas or 3 pence Sterling the single Ryal of Spain which is 2 Vintines there are likewise the Coyns of Spain passable in this City but seeing they are not the proper Coyns of Portugal I shall pass them over as having already mentioned them in the Description of the Trade of that Kingdom And now leaving Portugal I shall pass into the Kingdom of France and in viewing the Trade of some Cities thereof give a Summary account of the whole Kingdoms Commerce both Inland and by Navigation CHAP. LXII A View of France the Provinces Trade Customs Weights Measures and Currant Coyns reduced into the view of the Principal Trading Cities of that Kingdom FRance is a large and Fertile part of Europe bounded on the North with the Brittish Ocean on the West with the Aquitanian Sea on the South with the Mediterranian and on the East with the Pirenaean Hills and River Rhine and is divided into several Provinces the Trade of which I shall instance in these following Cities viz. Burdeaux Rouen Paris Lyons and Marselia of these in order Burdeaux is Situate on the Banks of Geronde being the Principal City of the Province of Aquitain and is placed in a very Fruitful Soil especially for Wines The Principal Vineyards of France being accounted in its Neighbourhood of the Grapes therein growing are made Whitewines and Claret in abundance and of late all Palled Wines and such as otherwise are foul not Merchantable they Lmibeck off into Brandies which for the most part is vended in England and Holland They have likewise several Vineyards yielding Grapes that make Sweet-Wines commonly called high Country Wines the which lest it should hinder the Sail of the other they prohibit to be sold in their City till Christmass day when the high Country Merchants bring it in and sell it to Strangers there resident and such is the Custom of the place that that Vessel or Lighter that first sets her Head on Shoar is accounted free from Impost or Custom yet must in lieu thereof for that day give Wine on Free-cost to such as come on Board to Drink it To this City it is that our English Merchants Trade and from whence they yearly bring 20000 Tuns of Whitewine Claret Sweet and Brandy Wines in times when no prohibition is layed this City formerly for many Years having been English there are found great quantities of Prunes of the Neighbouring growth and some other Commodities tho these are the chief and to this place monies are remitted for which mostly the Inhabitants Trade not as in other places ef Traffick freely bartering Goods for Goods Their Accounts are kept for the most part in Livers Sold's and Denies as indeed throughout the Kingdom Their Weight is the pound 100 of which are reckoned a Quintar or 110 English 90 ¾ pound being 100 pound English Their Measure of length is an Auln accounted 42 English Inches their Wines are computed by Hogs-Heads and Tearces viz. Claret and White-wines and their Brandy by Punchings of no certain Gauge CHAP. LXIII A View of Rouen and the Trade thereof ROuen is the Principal City of Normandy being the Parliamentary Seat of that Province and is Seated on the Banks of the River Sein all its Territories being Fertile and it abounding with rich Merchandise as well of other Nations as the Growth of the Kingdom of France and is visited by most of the Merchants of all the Northern Kingdoms Trading in the Growth of France the place affording of natural Growth and Native Manufactury fine and coarse Linnens Buckrams Paper Cards Wine Stuffs Combs c. for which the Inhabitants or such French Merchants as send their Commodities thither to be vended receive of the English Kersies of Devonshire and
Yorkshire Bays of Coxal Cottons of Wales Pepper Gauls Yarn Tinn Lead Fish c. but of late they have got a Custom to Trade for Sterling many Commodities being allowed at no other Exchange Their Accounts are kept in Solds Livers and Deniers As for Weights here is principally found the Kings Beam called the Viconte which exceeds our long hundred viz. 112 pound 14 per cent so that it makes English 126 pound tho sometimes less Their Measure of length is the Auln accounted 46 Inches or somewhat more by which they Measure Woollen and Linnen Cloath and in this Measure they allow 24 for 20 called the Merchants Auln this City affords great store of Canvas for the Sails of Ships and such like uses which is likewise Measured by the Auln and has allowance as aforesaid tho not unless great quantities are bought In this City 3 Fairs are yearly held at 2 whereof Liberty for 15 days is granted to buy and Transport all Commodities of the growth Custom-free provided the Commodities be laden and fallen down the River to a Place limited within 15 days after or else to pay Custom as at other times the first of which begins the 3d. day of February and ends the 18th the second begins on Whit-Monday and lasteth 15 days the third begins on the 23 day of October and continues 8 days only and is not Custom-free as the former As for the Concave Measures they are few and such as are common throughout France and of which I shall hereafter speak Therefore in this Chapter I willingly Omit them CHAP. LXIV A View of Paris the Metropolis of France and of the Trade Weights Measures Coyns Customs exchanges and Commodities there Vended PAris is the Principal city of France and is accounted 10 Miles in Circumference being Situate on either side the River Sein that River Gliding smoothly through it thereby rendering it more Commodious for Traffick tho through the Sloath of the Inhabitants it is not improved to the advantage it might be yet here are found Commodities of the growth of the whole Kingdom as likewise of most Nations tho in no abundance The Commodities exported hence are Linnens Paper Cards Combs Stuffs Thread Plushes c. for which they receive English Cloath Stockings Lead Tinn Bays old Shooes Silks of Italy and some Indian Commodities The Inhabitants are for the most part Gentry and therefore not addicted to Manufacture The Weights of Paris are the Quintal which is accounted 100 pound Gross but found to make 100 pound of London Suttle 2 per cent more or less and is of Lyons Weight of 16 Ounces 116 pound and Venetian Sottle 144 pound 100 Sottle in Venice making Sottle of Paris Weight but 62 ◠2 pound of 15 Ounces to the pound the Cargo or great Quintal of Paris is 300 pound of Troy Weight yet makes in Florence 487 pound The Concave Measures for Wine is the Cistern which contains 8 Pints or a French Gallon 96 of which are accounted a Tun. The Measures of length are two one for Linnen and the other for Silks and are much about the length of the vantaged and unvantaged Aulns but seldom used in Gross by Reason in this City Silks Stuffs c. are sold by Weight which to the buyer is advantageous by Reason he cannot be imposed on with slight Silks and Stuffs but that what it wants in goodness will be made out in Measure This City is the chief Standard of Coyn for the whole Kingdom therefore in this I shall give a particular account of most French Coyns currant first the Denire 2 of which make a Double and twelve a Sold and 20 Solds a Liver by some called a Frank and in these three viz. Solds Deniers and Livers the accounts of that Kingdom are for the most part kept There are Peices of 8 Solds each Piece being the 1 ◠part of a Silver French Crown 64 Sold's being accounted a French Crown and 4 Sold's which is of 3 Livors Turnois Pieces of 21 Solds 4 Deniers being the 1 8 part of the said Crown commonly called Testons and the ½ and ¼ thereof and as the Quarter Crowns were at first raised from 15 Solds to 16 and thereby the 60 Solds to 64 so in the like proportion were the Testons raised the Golden Coyns are the Crown of 3 Livers or 60 Solds the Crown of the Sun being 3 Livers 16 Sold or 76 Solds and the Pistol each Liver being accounted 12 pence Sterling there are likewise Crowns of 6 Shillings Sterling but these monies as indeed most Forrain Coyns do rise and fall according to the Plenty and Scarcity of Silver and Gold or more properly at the pleasure of the Prince whose proper Coyns they are As for the Exchanges I shall refer them till I come to Treat in General of the nature of Exchanges CHAP. LXV A View of Lyons and the Trade thereof c. LYons was once the famousest Mart of France and a great Scale of Trade but by Reason of its Incommodious Situation in wanting a Port or Navigable River for great Ships it has given place to the Haven Towns yet continues some Trade especially Inland being Seated on a Fruitful Soil Fertilized by the Branches of the Rivers Rhoan and Soame the chief Manufactory of Silks in the Kingdom of France being setled in it which when wrought is sent through Europe the Inhabitants having Commerce with Marselia the chief Port for the residence of Shipping Here Exchanges are practised the Bankers or Merchants of Venetia Florence and Naples having Factors resident in Lyons for that purpose and hither it is that the English Merchants bring Lead Tinn Bays Cony-Skins c. to Exchange for the growth of the Province the Accounts are kept as in other parts of the Kingdom The Coyns currant being the same with those of Paris The Fairs are 4 in which all payments either by Exchange or Merchandise are made and all payments run from 3 Months to 3 Months if agreed to in a Publick place or Burse appointed for that purpose the first of these Fairs begins immediately after the Octaves of Easter the second the first Monday after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin the third the day after All Souls the fourth the day after Epiphany each continuing 15 days all Exchange business is done and all Bills of Exchange are made and dated in one day and within 2 days following they settle the rate of Exchange and by these Fairs they limit their payments and the time allowed in their Bills from hence to Venice Florence and Rome is commonly 30 days to Naples and Valentia 25 days and so consequently according to the distance of the place it is payable at tho agreement be made for longer time it is often granted The Weights most in use is the Kings Beam of the Custom-House and the 2 Town Beams the King's Beam is found to be 100 pound the Quintal and is greater then the largest of the Town Beams by 8 per
the Crown Revenues besides The Commodities vended here are for the most part Fish Cattle Corn Oyl Beer Cordage Masts Sails and the like for fitting out and revictualling Ships for which they receive the Growth of England Holland Germany and France the Monies currant here are the same with those of Copenhagen The Weights are as in Copenhagen and in most parts of the Kingdom the great and shall 100 the former being accounted 120 pound to the 100 and the latter 112 pound being accounted 12 Stone of 10 pound to the Stone they have likewise a Skip-pound of 32 Stone of 10 pound the Stone or 20 Lispound of 16 Mark pound is a Skip-pound and 20 times pounds 16 are 320 pound The Measures of the Kingdom in General are for Length are the Ells for Woollen Linnen and Silks 160 of which are accounted to make the 100 Ells English As for Concave Measures they are little in use unless for Corn. The Trade of this Kingdom by Navigation is but small they seldom Sailing out of their own Seas or at most no further then the German British and Mediterranean Seas or Oceans Therefore I shall desist from any further Survey thereof and pass over the Staight to take a View of the Kingdom of Norway now Subject to the Danish Scepter CHAP. LXXXVI A View of the Kingdom of Norway and the Trade thereof NOrway is bounded on the West and South with the Ocean and on the East and North with Lappia and the Dofrine Mountains and abounds in Firr-Trees which are brought into England in abundance and serve for Masts Boards and Building Houses the other Commodities are Stock-Fish Furs Train Oyl Cordage some Rossen and Sail-Cloaths The Towns by Reason of the coldness of the Clime and Dampness caused by the Sea are but few the chief being Nidrosia and Bergen once a famous Mart but now reduced to nothing in respect of Trade the Trade that it had having passed through several Cities is at last setled in Amsterdam and what Trade does remain is from the Ships that pass this way to Moscovia The Weight most in use is the pound 100 of which renders 92 London Averdupois Weight tho of late they have got a Custom to Weigh in a String which is very uncertain rendering sometimes more sometimes less Their Measure of Length and Concave Measures the latter of which is for the most part used in Measuring of Salt are agreeable to our Yard and Bushel The Commodities vended here are Bays Says Linnen Wine Spices Sugars Gunpowder Lead Tinn Iron and such like And thus much may suffice for Norway leaving which I shall proceed in this Northern Tract and take a View of Sweedland the Trade of which I shall reduce into the Principal City of that Kingdom viz Stockholm CHAP. LXXXVII A View of Sweedland of its Provinces and Trade reduced into the Trade of the City of Stockholm SWeedland has on the East Muscovia on the West the Dofrine Hills on the North the Frozen Ocean and on the South the Baltick and contains 5 Provinces viz. Gothland Sweeden Lappia Bodia and Finland in the former of which is found Stockholm the Metropolis of the Kingdom and Seated in a Watery Marsh in the nature of Venice and is much frequented with Merchants being for the most part the Regal Seat so that to it Flow all the Commodities of the Kingdom which are chiefly Buck-Skins Goats-Skins Ox Hides Barly Tallow Malt Tar Pitch Rosin Furs Lead Copper Silver Iron Wax Honey and the like and for its advantageous Situation it is much Traded to having a Channel capable of receiving Ships of any Burthen and so well guarded with Castles of Extraordinary Strength that no Ship can pass in nor out without lieve first obtained the Buildings are pleasant to behold for their Antiquity and fine Devices a place being purposely erected in the Principal Street for the conveniency of Merchants and the laying up such Commodities as they either have to vend or have purchased so that in this City are found the Growths and Manufactures of almost all Nations The currant Coyn of this Kingdom is the Dollar which is divided into 8 Marks and each Mark into 2 Clippings each Clipping being accounted 9 ½ Stivers Flemish and in exchange the Dollar is only used The Weight is the pound 116 of which is found to make the 100 pound of London they have likewise 2 Skip-pounds the one the proper Skip-pound of Stockholm which is 320 pound of the before mentioned pound the other is 340 pound and proper to Dantzick Of which in order I shall come to Treat The Measure of Length is the Ell 166 of which are 100 Yards of London Measure sometimes more sometimes less for this is the Rule they take a Piece of Rope and Measure it by the bigness of a mans Head which they call their Ell so that according to the largeness or smallness of the Head by which they take their Measure the Measure is found to consist Their Concave Measures are of little use unless for Corn and Mault and those are Measured by a Loop 23 of which make a Last in Amsterdam and in London 10 Quarters And thus much shall Suffice for Sweeden and the Trade thereof CHAP. LXXXVIII A View of Moscovia and the Trade thereof reduced into the Trade of Mosco the Principal City of that large Dominion MOscovia is bounded on the West with Lituania and Livonia on the East with Tartary on the North with the Frozen Ocean and on the South with the Caspian Sea the Ottoman Empire and Palus Maeotis and is Branched with many large and Navigable Rivers as Tanais Duino Boristhenes Onega and Volga and is divided into 9 Provinces as Novogradia Valadomira Plescovia Rhesen Servia Parmia Candoria Petrosa and Moscovia from whence all the Country takes its Name These Provinces abound in Corn Cattle Furs Hides Flax Hemp Whales Grease Canvas Ropes Cavier Tallow Honey Wax Venison Flax Hemp and Fish The Trade being begun by the English about the Year 1575 in general tho before some Vessels of Private Merchants had Traded thither and found out the Commodities since so much sought after and upon the increase of Trade in these parts a Society of Merchants in London are incorporated by the Name of Muscovia Merchants having setled a Factory at Archangel Mosco the Metropolis of Moscovia is Seated on the River Mosca which falls in to Tanais this City is reckoned 6 Miles in compass and is for the most part the imperial Seat being much Beautifyed since it was Burnt by the Tartars upon their invading the Moscovite Empire and here the English Merchants find kind entertainment unless in Troublesome times as of late it happened upon the murther of the Czar in which general Calamity many suffered in their Goods but now things are again reduced to a quiet and setled condition so that Trade again begins to Florish the Country affording great store of Furs as Beaver Otter Sables White Black Red and
the 20 part of all Goods imported or exported viz. 1 Shilling in the pound according as they are Rated in the said Book and for Goods not found Rated in the aforesaid Book according to the value Sworn to by the Merchant as it is mentioned in the foregoing Chapter As likewise a Subsidy of Woollen Cloaths or old Drapery agreed on by the Commons-House in Parliament assembled and Signed by the Hand of their Speaker an account of which take as followeth Every Native shall pay for each short Cloath containing in Length not above 28 Yards and in Weight not exceeding 64 pound White or Coloured by him to be Shipped or carryed out of the Kingdom 3 Shillings 4 pence being after the Rate of 2 Farthings ½ Farthing the pound Weight and after the same Rate for all other sorts of Cloath of greater Length and Weight not allowing above 28 Yards and 60 pound to a short Cloath viz. for every pound Weight over and above 64. pound 2 Farthings and ½ Farthings and for all other lesser Cloaths to be allowed to the short Cloath but note if a Stranger do export any short Cloath containing 28 Yards and in Weight not exceeding 64 pound either White or Coloured he shall pay 6 Shillings 8 pence besides the old Duty of one Shilling 2 pence and after the same Rate for all short Cloaths and Cloaths of greater Length and Weight for a description of the several sorts of which I refer you to my Observations upon Woolen Manufactory in the 11 and 12 Chapters of this Treatise Salt out of Scotland into England pays a ½ penny the Gallon all Logwood imported pays 5 pound the Tun. The Parliament taking care that Ships of force should be imployed by Merchants have imposed on all Merchandise imported or exported from and to the Mediterranean Sea beyond Malaga in any Ship not having 2 Decks and 16 Guns allowing two men to each Gun for such default one per cent on all Merchandise that contrary to the express words of the Act shall be imported or exported Ships laden or half laden with Fish only excepted There are likewise divers Duties payable Aliens for Goods imported in Aliens Ships commonly called Navigation Duties by the Act of Navigation made in the 12 of Car. 2. And note that in all cases where Petty Custom inwards is payable it is understood of the fourth part of a Subsidy according to the Book of Rates of 5 pound per cent and is called Parva Customa granted to King Edward the first the Merchants Strangers agreeing to pay to him and his Heirs 3 pence in the pound for every pounds worth of Goods imported or exported There is another Custom called the Aliens Custom for all Fish Oyl Blubber Whale-Bone or Whale-Fins not being caught in Vessels of which the English are Proprietors they are to pay double Custom There is likewise an Impost to be payed for several sorts of Salt-Fish or dryed Fish not imported in English Vessels belonging to English Proprietors or not having been taken in such as appears at large in the Statute of the 15 of Car. 2 intitled an Act of Trade Likewise all sorts of Forrain Coyn or Bullion of Gold or Silver may be exported without paying any Duty or Fee for the same entry being first made at the Custom-House as also Precious Stones and Pearls of all sorts Any Person may import from any part beyond the Sea in English Ships Cinnamon Cloves Nutmegs Mace c. into England Wales Guernsey Jersey c. paying the Customs always provided they before the lading thereof give notice to the Commissioners or Farmers of the Customs how much they intend to lade and the name of the Vessel in which they design to import it and procure a Licence under their Hands or any 3 of them if Goods are Wrecked and the Lord Seises them yet they ought not to pay Custom unless in some Extraordinary cases Upon the exporting and importing of most Commodities Fees are claimed over and above Custom In the Port of London the Members and Creeks thereunto belonging viz. to the Officers of the Petty Custom outwards of the Subsidy outwards Petty Customs inwards Subsidies inward great Customs Clarks Fees inwards and outwards the Kings Waiters being 18 in number The Register of the Kings Warrants The Usher of the Custom-House The Saugers of French Vessels chief Searcher and the Kings 5 under-Searchers in the Port of London and his 2 Searchers in the Port of Graves-End were likewise entered in a Table which was setled and allowed of by the Commons Assembled in Parliament and signed by their Speaker at which time the Question being put that for all such Goods as payed not one pound Custom inwards or outwards there should be but half Fees taken for Cocquets Debentures Warrants Fransieres Certificates c. and it was resolved Affirmatively Societies or Companies that Trade in one Joynt-Stock and make but one Single-Entery tho the Adventurers are many yet the Fees do not hinder but the Officers and Weighers may receive such Gratuities as the Master or Merchants will allow them out of their free Will All Goods valued in the Book of Rates at 5 pounds and paying Subsidy but 5 Shillings or under shall pay no Fees If any English Merchant shall Land Goods out of one Ship into another altho the Receipt of the Subsidies be distributed into several Offices yet he shall pay but for a Single-Entry The Goods appertaining to Partners are to pass as if they appertained to one single Person Fish taken by the English men in English Bottoms whether inward or outward pay no Fees Post-Entries under 5 Shillings inward pass without Fees but if above 5 Shillings and 40 Shillings then pay 6 pence but exceeding 40 Shillings then full Fees The Merchant for all Goods that are opened and not entered above 10 Shillings Custom shall pay Fees he shall likewise pay for weighing all Goods short entered above 20 Shillings Custom but if duly entered then he is to be at no charge Note that the Merchant is to be allowed for Tare viz. abated in the Customs which Tare upon all Commodities to which it is allowable is setled by the Customers and fixed in a Table not to be any ways altered without the consent and appointment of the Commissioners-Farmers such under-Officers as they shall impower as the General Surveyers of the Ware-House c. And thus much shall Suffice as to Customs and order of Fees upon the Subsidy of Poundage untill I come to speak somewhat more of the Priviledges and Customs of the City of London and now I shall proceed to give the Reader an insight into the nature of Policies of Assurance now greatly in Request amongst Merchants CHAP. CXIV Of Policies of assurance their Original their Legality Nature Quality and of the great Incouragement they give to Navigation c. MOst are of opinion that this way of insuring was first invented by the Romans and Suetonius will have it that Claudius
given their Attendance by way of Prevention not out of Duty or Right and are not accounted lawful places to Land or Lade any Goods without Licence or sufference from the Port or Members under which any such Creek or Creeks is placed all which as they be at present accounted at the Custom-House are as aforesaid being respectively in the Body of the Counties and consequently out of the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty in case any thing more then ordinary is done or sustained in any of them And now I shall only inform the Reader that Commodities of English Growth and Manufacture may be exported when sold in England at certain rates according to the Statute made in the 12 of Car. 2. and so put an end to this Work Gunpowder when it exceedeth not the price of five pound per Barrel may be exported Wheat Rye Pease Beans Barly Malt Oats Pork Beef Bacon Butter Cheese and Candles when they do not exceed the Prizes following at the Ports where they are Laded at the time of their Lading viz. Wheat the quarter forty Shillings Rye Beans and Pease the quarter twenty four Shillings Barly and Malt the quarter twenty Shillings Oats the quarter sixteen Shillings Bief the Barrel fifty pound Pork the Barrel six pound ten Shillings Bacon the pound six Pence Butter the Barrel four pound ten Shillings Cheese the pound thirty Shillings Candles the dozen pounds five Shillings paying the respective rates according as they are set down in the Book of rates always provided that his Majesty may when he sees occasion prohibit the Exportation of Gunpowder and other Ammunition And thus Reader have I with much Labour Sailing through many Tempestuous Seas once again cast Anchor in safe Harbour hoping this Work may be advantageous unto many and useful unto all who are any ways concerned in Trade or Commerce whether by Navigation or otherwise the which if it does I have obtained the end of my Design FINIS ENGLAND'S GUIDE TO INDUSTRY OR Improvement of Trade for the good of all People in general LONDON Printed by R. Holt for T. Passinger at the three Bibles on London-Bridge and B. Took at the Ship in St. Pauls-Church-Yard 1683. THE PREFACE FOrasmuch as men who are in a decaying condition or who have but an ill opinion of their own concernments instead of being as some think the more industrious to resist the evil they apprehended do contrarywise become the more Languid and ineffectual to all in all their endeavoures neither caring to attempt or prosecute even the probable means of their relief I as a member of the Common-Wealth next to the knowing the precise truth in what Condition the common interest stands would all in doubtful cases thinkthe best and consequently not dispair without strong and manifest Reasons carefully examining what ever tends to lessen my hopes of the Publick Wellfair I have therefore thought fit to examine the following perswasions which I find too currant in the World and too much to have affected the minds of some to the prejudice of all viz. That the Rents of Lands are Generally fallen that therefore and for many other Reasons the whole Kingdom growes poorer and poorer that formerly it abounded with Gold but now there is a great Scarcity both of Gold and Silver That there is no Trade nor imployment for the people and yet that the Land is underpeopled that Taxes have been many and great That Ireland and the Plantations in America and other additions to the Crown are a Burthen to England that Scotland is of no advantage that Trade in General doth lamentably decay that the Hollanders are at our Heels in the Race of Naval power the French grow too fatt upon both and appear so Rich and Potent that it is but their Clemency that they do not devour their Neighbours and finally that the Church and State of England are in the same danger with the Trade of England with many other dismal Suggestions which I do rather Stifle then repeat 'T is true the Expence of Forraign Commodities have of late been too great Much of our Plate had it remained money would have better served Trade too many matters have been regulated by Laws with natures long Custom and general consent ought only to have Govern'd the Slaughter and Destruction of men by the late Civil Wars and Plague have been great the Fire of London and disaster at Chattham have begotten opinions in the Vulgar of the World to our prejudice the Nonconformists increase the people of Ireland think long of their settlement The English there apprehend themselves to be Aliens and are forced to seek a Trade with Forraigners which they might maintain with their own Relations in England but notwithstanding all this the like whereof was always in all places the Buildings in London grow great and Glorious the American Plantations employ 400 Sail of Ships Auctions in the East-India Company are above double the principal money Those who can give good Security may have money under the Statute interest materials for Building oven Oaken Timber are little the dearer some cheaper for the rebuilding of London the Exchange seems as full of Merchants as formerly no more Beggers in the Streets nor executed for thieves as heretofore the number of Coaches and Splendor of Equipage exceeding former times the publick Theatres very magnificent the King has a greater Navy and stronger Guards then before our Calamities the Clergy rich the Cathedrâ—ls in repair much Land have been improved and the price of Food Reasonable and in Brief no man needs to want that will take moderate pains that some are poorer then others ever was and will be and that many are Querulous and Envious is an Evil as old as the World These general Observations and that men Eat and Drink and Laugh as they use to do have incouraged me to try if I could comfort others being satisfied my self that the Interest and Affairs in England are in no deplorable condition the Method I take to do this is not yet very usual for instead of using only Comparative and Superlative words and Intellectual Arguments I have taken the course as a Specimen of the Political Arithmetick I have long aimed at to express my self in Number Weight and Measure A Discourse of Trade Being a Comparison between England and other parts of Europe wherein the Incouragement of Industry is promoted in these Islands of Great Britain and Ireland CHAP. I. That a small Country and few People by Situation Trade and Policy may be equivalent in Wealth and Strength to a far greater People and Territories and particularly that conveniencies for Shipping and Water-Carriage do most eminently and fundamentally conduce thereto THe first principal Conclusion by reason of it's Length I consider in three parts whereof the first that a small Country and few People may be equivalent in Wealth and Strength to a far greater People and Territories This part of the first principal Conclusion needs little proof forasmuch
from Forraign parts where the State of Husbandry was not changed And thus I have done with the first Principal Conclusion That a small Territory and even a few people may by Situation Trade and Policy be made Equivalent to a far greater and that conveniences for Shipping and Water-Carriage do most Eminently and Fundamentally conduce thereunto CHAP. II. That some kind of Taxes and Publick Levies may rather increase then diminish the Wealth of the Kingdom IF the money or other Effects levied from the people by way of Tax were destroyed and annihilated then it is clear that such levies would diminish the Common-Wealth or if the same were exported out of the Kingdom without any return at all then the case would be also the same but if what is levied as aforesaid be only Transferred from one Hand to another then we are only to consider whether the said money or Commodities are taken from an improving Hand and given to an ill Husband or vice versa as for Example suppose money by way of Tax be taken from one who spendeth in Superfluous Eating and Drinking and delivered to another who imploys the same in improving of Lands in Fishing in working of Mines and Manufacture c. it is manifest that such Tax is an advantage to the State whereof the said different Persons are members nay if money be taken from him who spendeth the same as aforesaid upon Eating and Drinking or any other Perishing Commodities and Transferred to one who bestowed it on Cloaths I say that even in this case the Common-Wealth has some little advantage because Cloaths do not perish altogether so soon as Drinks but if spent in Furniture of Houses the advantage is yet little more if in Building of Houses yet more if in improving of Lands working of Mines and Fishing yet more but most of all in bringing Gold and Silver into the Country because those things are not only perishable but are esteemable for Wealth at all times and every where whereas other Commodities which are Perishable or whose value depends upon the Fashion or which are Contingently scarce and plentiful are Wealth pro hic nunc as has been elsewhere said in the next Place if the People of any Country who have not already a full imployment should be injoyned or Taxed to work upon such Commodities as are imported from abroad I say such a Tax does also improve the Common-Wealth moreover if Persons who live by Begging Cheating Stealing Gaming Borrowing without intention of Restoring who by these ways do get from the Credulous and careless more then is Sufficient for the Subsistance of such Persons I say that tho the State should have no present imployment for such Persons and consequently should be forced to clear the whole charge of their lively-hood yet it were more for the Publick Profit to give all such Persons a regular and Competent allowance by a Publick Tax then to suffer them to spend extravagantly at the only charge of careless and credulous and good natured People and to expose the Common-Wealth to the loss of so many other men whose lives are taken away for the crimes which ill Discipline does occasion on the contrary if the Stocks of Laborious and ingenious men who are not only Beautifying the Country where they live by Elegant Diet Apparel Furniture Housing Pleasant Gardens and Orchards and Publick Edifices c. but also are increasing the Gold and Silver and Jewels thereof by Trade and Armes I say if the Stock of these men should be Diminished by a Tax and Transferred to such as do nothing at all but to Eat Drink Sing Play Dance nay to such as Study the Metaphysicks or other needless Speculations or else imploy themselves in any other way which produceth no material thing or things of real use and value in the common Wealth in this case the Wealth of the Publick will be diminished otherwise then as such exercises are Recreations and Refreshments of the minds and which being moderately used do qualify and dispose men to what in it self is more considerable Wherefore upon the whole matter to know whether a Tax will do good or harm the State of the People and of their Imployments must be well known that is to say what part of the People are unfit for Labour by their impotency and infancy and also what part are exempt from the same by reason of their Wealths Function or Dignities by reason of their charge and imployments otherwise Governing Directing and Preferring those who are appointed to Labour and Arts. In the next place Computations must be made what part of those who are fit for Labour and Arts as aforesaid are able to perform the Work of the Nation in it's present State and Measure 3. It is to be considered whether the remainder can make all or any part of these Commodities which are imported from abroad which of them and how much in particular the remainder of such Sort of People if any be may safely and without possible prejudice to the Common-Wealth be imployed in Arts and Exercises of Pleasure and Ornament the greatest whereof is the improvement of Natural Knowledge Having in general illustrated this Point which I think needs no other Proof but illustration I come next to intimate that no part of Europe has paid so much by way of Tax as Holland and Zealand for these last Forty years and yet no Country has in the same time increased comparably to them and it is manifest they have followed the general rates above-mentioned for they Tax Meats and Drinks most heavily of all to restrain the excessive expence of those things which twenty four hours do's as to the use of man wholly annihilate and they are more Favourable to Commodities to the greater duration nor do they tax according to what men gain but in extraordinary cases but alwaies according to what men spend and most of all to what they spend needlesly and without Prospect of return upon which Grounds their Customs upon Goods imported and exported are generally low as if they intended by them only to keep an Account of what Forreign Trade and to retaliate upon their Neighbours States the prejudices done them by their Prohibition and Imposition It is farther to be observed that since thâ— year 1636 the Taxes and Publick Levies made in England Scotland and Ireland have been Prodigiously greater then at any time heretofore and yet the said Kingdoms have increased in their Wealth and Strength for these last Forty years as shall hereafter be shewn it is said that the French King doth at present levy the Fifth part of his peoples Wealth and yet great Obstructions is made of the present Riches and Strength of that Kingdom altho great care must be had in distinguishing between the Wealth of the people and that of an absolute Monarch who taketh from the people where when and in what Proportion he pleaseth the Subjects of two Monarchs may be equally Rich and yet one
Reader not thinking his Arguments of any Weight at all in the present case nor indeed does he make his comparison with English or Hollanders but with the Spaniards who nor the Grand Senior the latter of whom has greater advantages to be Powerful at Sea then the French King could never attain to any illustrious greatness in Naval Power having after attempted but never succeeded in the same nor is it easie to believe that the King of England should for so many Years have continued in his Title to the Soveraignty of the narrow Seas against his Neighbours ambitious enough to have gotten it from him had not their impediments been natural and perpetual and such as we say do obstruct the most Christian King CHAP. IV. That the People and Territories of the King of England are naturaly as considerable for Wealth and Strength as those of France THe Author of the State of England among the many useful truths and observations he has sets down the proportion between the Territories of England and France to be as thirty to eighty two the which if it be true then England Scotland and Ireland with the Islands unto them belonging will altogether be near as big as France tho I ought to take all advantages for proving the Paradox in hand I had rather grant that England Scotland and Ireland with the Islands before mentioned together with planted parts of new Found-Land new England new Netherland Virginy Mary-Land Caulin Jamaica Barmuda's Barbado's and all the rest of the Carib Islands do not contain more Territory then France and what planted Land the French King has also in America a. And if any man will be Heterodox in behalf of the French Interest I could be contented against my Judgment to allow the French King's Territories to be a seventh sixth or fifth part greater then those of the King of England believing that both Princes have more Land then they do imploy to its utmost use And here I beg leave among the several matters I intend for serious to interpose a jocular and perhaps a Ridiculous digression and which I indeed desire men to look upon rather as a Dream then a rational Proposition Which is if that all the moveables and People of Ireland and the High-lands of Scotland were transported into the Kingdom of Great Brittain that then the King and his Subjects would thereby become more Rich and Strong both offensively and defensively then now they are It s true I have heard many wise men say when they were bewailing the vast Losses of the English in preventing and suppressing Rebellions in Ireland and considering how little profit has returned either to the King or Subjects of England for these five hundred Years doing and suffering in that Countrey I say I have heard Wise men in such their Melancholies wish that the People of Ireland being saved that that Island were sunk under Water Now it troubles me that the Distempers of my Mind in this point carry me to Dream that the Benefits of these Wishes may Practically be obtained without sinking that vast Mountainous Island under Water which I take to be somewhat difficult for altho Dutch Engineers may drein its Bogs yet I know no Artists that could sink its Mountains If ingenious and Learned men amongst whom I reckon Sr. Thomas Moore and Des Cartes have disputed that we who think our selves awake are or may be really in a Dream And if the greatest absurdity of Dreams is but a Preposterous and Tumultuary Contexture of Reallities I will crave the umbrage of these great Men to say something too of this wild Conception with Submission to the better Judgments of all those that can prove themselves awake If there were but one man Living in England then the benefit of the whole Territories could be but the third Lively-hood of that one Man But if another man were added the Rent or Benefit of the same would be double if three triple and so forewards until so many were Planted in it as the whole Territory could afford Food unto for if a man would know what any piece of Land is worth the true natural question must be how many Men will it feed and how many Men are there to be fed But to speak more Practically Land of the same quantity and quality in England is generally worth three or four times as much as in Ireland And but one quarter and a third of what it is in Holland because England is four times so well Peopled as Ireland and be a quarter so well as Holland And moreover where the Rent of Land is advanced by reason of the multitude of People there the number of years purchase for which the Inheritance may be sold is also advanced tho perhaps not in the very same Proportion for twenty Shillings per Annum in Ireland may be worth but eight pound and in England where Tithes are very sure about twenty pound in Holland about thirty pound I suppose that in Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland there may be above 1800,000 People or about ⅕ part of what is in all the three Kingdoms Wherefore the first question will be whether England Wales or the Lowland of Scotland can't afford Food that is to say Corn Flesh Fish and Fowl to a ⅕ more People then are at present planted upon it with the same Labour that the said ⅕ part does now take where they are for if so then what is propounded is naturally possible Secondly it is to be inquired into what the moveables which upon such removable must be left behind are worth for if they are worth less than the advancement of the price of Land in England will amount unto then the Proposal is to be considered 3. If the relict Land and the immovables left behind upon them may be sold for money or if no other Nation shall dare to meddle with them without paying well for them and if the Nation who shall be admitted shall be less able to prejudice and annoy the Transplanters into England then before then I conceive the whole proposal will be a pleasant Dream indeed As to the first part whether England and the Lowlands of Scotland will mantain one fifth more then they now do that is to say nine Millions of Souls in all I say first that the said Territories of England c. contain about thirty six Millions of Acres that is four Acres for every Head Man Woman and Child but the united Provinces do not allow ½ Acre and England it self rescinding Wales has but three Acres to ever Head according to the present State of Tillage and Husbandry Now if so considered that England having but three Acres to a Head do so abound in Victuals as that it makes Laws against the importation of Cattle Flesh and Fish from abroad and that the Dreining of the Fens improving of Forrests inclosing of Commons Sowing of cinque-Foyl and Clover-Grass be grumbled against by Landlords are the way to depress the
price of Victuals then it plainly follows that till then three Acres improved as it may be will serve the turn and consequently that four will Suffice abundantly I could here set down the very number of Acres that would bear Bread and Drink Corn together with Flesh Butter and Cheese sufficient to Victual nine Millions of Persons as they are Victualled in Ships and regular Families but I shall only say in general that 12,000,00 will do it with supposing that Roots Fruits Fish and Fowl and the ordinary profit of Lead Tin Iron-Mines and Woods would piece up any defect that may be found As to the second I say that the Land and Housing of Ireland and Highlands of Scotland at the present Merchant-Rates are not worth ten Millions of money nor would the actual charge of making the Transplantation amount to two Millions more so then the question will be whether the benefit expected from this Transplantation will exceed two Millions To which I say that the advantage will probably be six times the last mentioned Summ or about seventy two Millions For if the rent of England and Wales and the low Land of Scotland be above nine Millions per Annum and if this fifth part of the people be Superadded unto the present inhabitants of these Countries then the rent will amount to 10,800,000 and the number of Years purchase will rise from seventeen ½ to ⅕ more which is twenty one so that the Land which is worth but nine Millions at seventeen ½ Years purchase making an hundred fifty seven Millions and a half will then be worth 10,800,000 at one and twenty Years purchase viz. 226,800,000 that is 69,300,000 more then was before and if any Prince willing to enlarge his Territories will give three Millions for the said relinquished Land and Housing which were estimated to be worth ten Millions then the whole profit will be above 72,000,000 or six times the value as the same was above computed but if any man should object that will be dangerous unto England to be put into the Lands of any other Nations I answer in short that that Nation who ever shall purchase it being divided by means of the said purchase shall not be more able to enjoy England then now in it's united condition Now if any man shall desire a more clear explanation how and by what means the Rents of Lands shall rise by this closer cohabitation of people above described I answer that the advantage will arise in Transplanting about eighteen thousand people from the Poor and Miserable Trade of Husbandry to more Beneficial Handicraft for which the Superaddition is to be made a very little addition of Husbandry to the same Lands will produce a fifth part more Food consequently the additional Hands earning but forty Shillings per Annum more as they may very well to eight pound per Annum at some other Trade the superlucration will be above 3,600,000 pound which at twenty Years purchase is seventy two Millions Moreover as the Inhabitants of Cities and Towns spend more Commodities and make greater consumption then those who live in wild thin Peopled Countries so when England shall be thicker Peopled in manner before described the very same people shall then spend more then when they lived more sordidly inurbantly and further asunder and more out of the sight observation and Emulation of each other every man desiring to put on better Apparel when he appears in company then when he has no occasion to be seen I further add to the charge of the government Civil Military and Ecclesiastical would be more cheap safe and effectual in this condition of close habitation then otherwise as not only Reason but the example of the united Provinces do demonstrate But let this whole digression pass from a meer Dream I suppose will serve to prove that in case the King of Englands Territories should be a little less then those of the French King that forasmuch as neither of them are over Peopled that the difference is not material to the question in Hand wherefore supposing the French Kings advantages to be little or nothing in point of Territory we come next to examine and compare the number of Subjects which each of those Monarchs do govern The Book called the State of France makes the Kingdom consist of twenty seven Parishes and another Book written by a Substantial Author who profoundly enquires into the State of the Church and Church-men of France sets down as an extraordinary case that a Parish in France should have six hundred Souls where I suppose the said Author who has so well examined the matter is not of opinion that every Parish one with another has above five hundred by which reckoning the whole people of France are about thirteen Millions 500,000 Now the people of England Scotland and Ireland with the Islands adjoyning by computation from the number of Parishes which commonly have more people in Protestant Churches then in Popish Countries as also from the Hearth-money Post-money and Excise do amount to above nine Millions there are in new England about fifty thousand men mustered in Arms about eighty thousand able to bear Arms and consequently about five hundred thousand in all but this last I leave to every man's conjecture and I see no Reason why in all the rest of the Plantations there should not be five hundred thousand more and consequently I suppose the King of England hath above ten Millions of Subjests ubivis terrarum orbis Altho it be very material to know the number of Subjects belonging to each Prince yet when the question is concerning their Wealth and Strength it is also material to examine how many of 'em do get more then they spend and how many less in order whereunto it is to be considered that in the King of Englands dominions there are twenty thousand Church-men but in France as the aforementioned Author of theirs does aver who sets down the particular number of each Religious order there are about 270000. viz. 250000. more then we think are necessary that is to say two hundred and fifty thousand with-drawn out of the World now the said number of adult and able-Bodyed Persons are equivalent to about double the same number of the Promiscuous Mass of Mankind and the same Author affirms that the said Religious Persons do spend one with another above eighteen pence per diem which is Triple to what a Labouring man requires Wherefore the said two hundred fifty thousand Church-men living as they do make the French King 13,500 thousand to be really no better then twelve Millions or thereabouts In the next place it is to be considered that the inhabitants of the inner parts of France remote from the Sea can't be probably Superlucrators Now if there be two Millions in the King of England's Dominions more then in the French Kings who earn more then they spend or if ten men in England earn more then twelve in France then the
eight hundred thousand pound The value of Coals Salt Linnen Yarn Herrings Pilchers Salmon brought out of Scotland and Ireland five hundred thousand pound The value of Salt-Peter Pepper Callicots Diamonds Drugs and Silks brought out of the East-Indies above what was spent in England eight hundred thousand pound The value of Slaves brought out of Africa to serve in the American Plantation twenty thousand which with the freight of the English Shipping Trading into forreign parts being above fifteen hundred thousand makes in all Ten Millions and a hundred and eighty thousand Which computation is sufficiently justified by the Customs of three Kingdoms whose intrinsick value are thought to be near about one Million per Annum viz. Six hundred thousand Payable to the King one hundred thousand for the charge of collecting c. two hundred thousand Smackled by the Merchants and one hundred thousand gained by the Farmers according to the common opinion and men saying and this agrees also with that proportion or part of the Trade of the whole World which I have estimated the Subjects of the King of England to be possessed of viz. for about Ten of forty five Millions but the value of the French commodities brought into England notwithstanding Mr. Fortree's estimates are not above twelve hundred thousand per Annum and the value of all the export into all the World besides not above three or four times as much which computation also agrees well enough with the accompt we have of the Customs of France so as France not exporting above half the value of what England does and for the commodities of France except Wines Brandy Paper and the first Patterns and Fashions for Cloths and furniture of which France is the mint are imitable by the English and having withal more people then England it follows that the people of England c. have Head for Head near thrice as much forreign Trade as the people of France and above two parts of nine of the Trade of the whole commercial World and 2 7 of all the Shipping notwithstanding all which is not to be denied that the King and some great men of France appear more Rich and splendid then those or the like quality in England all which arises rather from the nature of their Government then from the intrinsick and natural cause of Wealth and Power CHAP. V. That the Impediments of England's Greatness are contingent and removable THe first impediment of Englands Greatness is the Territories thereunto belonging are too far asunder and divided by the Sea into so many several Islands and Countries and I may say into so many Kingdoms and different Governments viz. There be three distinct Legislative Powers in England Scotland and Ireland the which of instead of uniting together do often cross one and others Interest putting Bars and Impediments upon one and others Trades not only as they were forraigners to each other but sometimes as Enemies The Islands of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man are under jurisdictions different from those either of England Scotland and Ireland The Government of New-England both civil and Ecclesiastical do so differ from that of his Majesties other Dominions that it is hard to say what may be the Consequence of it And the Government of the other Plantations do also differ very much from any of the West altho there be naturally substantial Reasons for the Situation Trade and Condition of the People why there should be such differences from all which it comes to pass the small divided remote Governments being seldom able to defend themselves the Burthen of the Protecting them all must lye upon the chiefest Kingdom of England and all the small Kingdoms and Dominions instead of being additions are really diminutions The Wealth of a King is three-Fold one is the Wealth of Subjects the second is the quota parts of his Subjects Wealth given him for the Publick Defence Honour and Ornaments of the people and to manage such undertakings for the common good as no one or a few private men are sufficient for The third sort are the quota of the last mentioned quota parts which the King may dispose of as his own Personal inclination and discretion shall direct now it is most manifest that the aforementioned distance and differences of Kingdoms and jurisdictions are great impediments to all the said several sorts of Wealth as may be seen in the following particulars 1. In case of War with forraign Nations England commonly beareth the whole Burthen and charge whereby many in England are utterly undone 2. England sometimes prohibiting the Commodities of Ireland and Scotland as of late it did the Cattle Flesh and Fish of Ireland did not only make Food and consequently Labour dearer in England but also has forced the People of Ireland to fetch these commodities from France Holland and other places which before was sold them from England to the great Prejudice of both Nations 3. It occasions an unnecessary trouble and charge in collecting of Customs upon Commodities passing between the several Nations 4. It is a dammage to our Barbadoes and other American Trades that the Goods which might pass thence immediately to several parts of the World and be sold at moderate Rates must first come into England and there pay Duties and afterwards if at all passing to those Countries whither they might have gone immediately 5. The Islands of Jersey and Guernsey are protected at the charge of England nevertheless the Labour and Industry of that People which is very great redound most to the profit of the French 6. In New-England there are vast numbers of able Bodied English-men imployed chiefly in Husbandry and in the meanest part of it which is breeding of Cattle whereas Ireland would have contained all those Persons at the worst would have afforded them Lands in better Terms then they have them in America if not some other better Trade withal then now they can have 7. The Inhabitants of the other Plantations altho they do indeed Plant commodities which will not grow so well in England it grasping at more Land then it will suffice to produce the said exotics in a sufficient quantity to serve the whole World they do therein but distract and confound the effects of their own Indeavours 8. There is no doubt that the same people far and wide dispersed must spend more upon their Government and Protection then the same living compactly and when they have no occasion to depend upon the Wind Weather and all the Accidents of the Sea A second impediment to the greatness of England is the different understanding of several material points viz. The Kings Prerogative Priviledges of Parliament the obscure differences between Law and Equity as also between Civil and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction doubts whether the Kingdom of England has Power over the Kingdom of Ireland besides the wonderful Paradox that the English-men lawfully sent to suppress Rebells in Ireland should after having effected the same be
Heptarchy into a Perfect Monarchy though it was tending toward it sometime before even to this day and from him the Aera of our English Monarchies by Historians and Chronologers are reputed to commence So that from the said Egbert his present Majesty that now Happily Reigns is reckon'd the fourty sixth sole Monarch of England But scarce was this Government well setled when the expected Tranquility thereof was disturbed by a new Generation of Invaders more Barbarous and Mischievous than ever any either before or since Committers of far greater Outrages and Cruelties Yet so often either driven out or totally extirpated so often bravely Conquered in the Field by the high Valour and Conduct of several of our English Saxon Monarchs whose Fame stands great in History to this day for their Vertue and Gallantry both in Peace and War that it may well be wondred how any one Country could spare such Multitudes of People as continually pour'd in upon us for several Ages together and how such numerous Forces could make such frequent Landings with so little Opposition But then it must be considered that we had no Summer Guards Abroad no Squadrons of First Second and Third Rate Frigats to Cruise about and Guard the English Coasts what kind of Ships there were in those either for War or Trade cannot be collected from any Account or Description we find recorded or publish'd but thus much may well be concluded that the best Man of War of those times was far Inferior to the meanest Merchant-Man now adays For the space of about 174 years viz. from 833 to 1017. was this poor Kingdom harrass'd by the continual Invasions of these Northern Pirates yet could they not in all this space catch hold of the Crown of England till the said year 1017. and then they held it no longer than during the Reign of three Kings after which it reverted again to the Saxon Line The Fourth and last Invasion was that of the Normans if he can properly be call'd an Invader who seems to have come in with the Consent at least if not Invitation of several of the Nobility and Prelacy for else doubtless his claim could not have been so easily decided by the dint of one Battle and he so readily have had the Crown put on his Head by Aldred Archbishop of York who with several other Bishops and Noblemen met him upon the way and pay'd him their Allegiance and from this Norman Conqueror the Monarchy of England hath been kept up in a continued though not Lineal Succession to this day Among the Prae-eminences which this Kingdom hath above all the other Kingdoms of Europe the chiefest and which most redounds to its Glory is that it was first Enlightned with the Knowledge of True Religion so that whatsoever place it may claim in Europe it deserves at least to be esteemed the first Kingdom of Christendom And admit that Joseph of Arimathea were not the first that Preached the Gospel here though there are not wanting Testimonies to make it out not altogether contemptible However it is most certain that the Christian Religion here is of a much elder date than the coming over of Austin the Monk that is even in the very Apostles time by the Testimony of Gildas and as it appears by the mention of a Noble British Lady Claudia Rufina in one of St. Paul's Epistles and it was not much above 100 years after e're it was own'd by publick Authority For the first Christian King mention'd in History is our British King Lucius who was Contemporary with the Emperor Commodus also the first Christian Emperor at least the first that publickly Profess'd Protected and Maintain'd the Christian Faith for before him Philippus Arabs is said to have been a a Christian and Baptiz'd was Constantine Surnamed the Great a Britain Born the Son of Constantius Chlorus who also was a Favourer of the Christians and died at York by the Daughter of King Coilus Helena a Princess most renowned for her Christian Piety and for being the Inventress of the Cross And as this Nation boasts Antiquity equal with Rome it self for the Dawning of the Gospel's Light among us so it claims a Prerogative of Lighting the first Lamp of Reformation to the Christian World and highly glories in this that there is no where to be found so excellent and moderate an Establishment of Church-Government among all the Reformed Churches The Riches of the English Nation And first of the Arable Pasture and Fruitage THe Riches of any Nation I mean the Native and Inland Riches for by Imported Commodities the Barrenest Nation in the World may be Rich consist chiefly in the Arable the Pasturage the Fruits and other Plants of peculiar Use and Advantage The Rich Veins of Earth for Mettals and other sorts of Minerals and the Plenty of Fish and Fowl all which things are both profitable in themselves and for the Manufactures they produce and though common to this Nation with the greatest part of the Earth in general yet it will not be from the purpose to discover how far the English Nation excels in each of them and what parts of the Nation are most peculiarly fam'd and commended for this or that Production As to the Arable it would be in vain to particularize any one part of England more than another since so great Plenty of all sorts of Corn and Grain is produced in all parts of this Nation Nevertheless it is worth the observing how some Counties are more peculiarly celebrated for this or that Grain I have heard it affirm'd that the very best Wheat in England is from a Vale near Hessen in Middlesex lying Southward of Harrow on the Hill however among the four W's of Herefordshire Wheat is one the other three being Wool Wood and Water Moreover for Oates if there be any where one sort better than another the best Oats are said to be in Lancashire and in greater abundance than any other County and for Barly and Malt Bedfordshire hath among some a particular mention Moreover for what is said in general of some places above others It is sufficiently considerable which is reported of the Town of Godmanchester in Huntingtonshire in reference to the great Name that Town hath for Tillage and its Prae-eminence above all the Towns of England besides for number of Stout and Able Husbandmen namely that the Inhabitans of this Place us'd in former times to meet the Kings of England as they pass'd this way in their Progress in a kind of Rural Pomp and Pageantry of show with no fewer than 180 Ploughs and in this manner King James at his first coming to the Crown of England was received in his Journey from Scotland with 70 Team of Horses fitted with all their Furniture to as many New Ploughs the King expressing much Delight and Satisfaction at so Brave and Happy a Sight and highly applauded the Industry and well deserved Prosperity of the people of that Place Remarkable also is
three Miles of London And within the City several but the most noted that at the Postern-gate by Tower-hill and that called Crowders-Well hard by Cripple-gate Aleyceston in Huntingtonshire where there are two small Springs one whereof being fresh is accounted good for the Eyes the other a little Brackish for Scabs and Leprosy Buxton in Derbyshire where within the compass of 24 Foot there arise out of a Rock from under a Square Structure of Free-stone 9 Springs whereof one only is cold all the rest very warm But among all these it would be an unpardonable oversight to pass by unmention'd that famous Well of St. Winifrid commonly called the Holy-Well in Flintshire formerly much frequented partly by way of Pilgrimage partly for the great Virtue it was reputed to have in the Cure of many Maladies through the easie Faith no doubt and fond Credulity of the deluded Vulgar who are always apt to pay high Adoration and ascribe miraculous Cures to the Bodies â—elicks or any Memorials of persons recommended to them for Saints for here the Tradition goes that the Virgin Saint Vinifrid being here Beheaded a Fountain immediatly sprung up as if the Earth bewailing her Martyrdom burst forth into a â—ood of Tears and the Pebble-stones at the bottom of the said Fountain being observed to be of a Reddish colour we are to suppose that they retain to this day the tincture of the Virgins Blood Those Springs and Waters that are on the top of high Hills must be allowed to have something of Rarity in them in regard to those that are not sufficiently vers'd in the knowledge of natural Causes and Productions it may seem wonderful that the Water should rise so high above the common Surface of the Earth Particularly on the high Hills of Carnarvanshire are two Meers Also a Spring on the top of MoilenlyHills in Denbyshire Likewise among the Wonders or Rarities of England may be reckoned those Ditches which stand yet as Monuments of the Art and Industry of our Forefathers First That on Newmarket-heath which is commonly called the Devils-Ditch Secondly Wansdike in Wiltshire a work of many Miles extent cast up in memory of a Battle between the Mercians and West-Saxons Thirdly Clough d'Offa or Offa's ditch a work not inferior to the former mention'd and much upon the same occasion made Of the Populacy of the English Nation THe Populacy of a Nation is best estimated from the number of its Towns and Cities The Kingdom of England proportionably to its circumference is scarce inferior to any Kingdom or Country of Europe which is also accounted the the most Populous of all the four parts of the World except France and the Low-Countries which last being accounted no bigger in compass than York-shire is judged to contain as many Towns and Inhabited places as ten times the Circuit thereof in most other Countries and to some much superior particularly Spain late esteem'd the most considerable Monarchy of Christendom and that it continues not so to this day we may in a great measure imâ—â—te to the paucity of people in that kingdom for doubtless there is nothing that conduceth more to the Strength Grandure Prosperity and Riches of a Nation than the Populousness thereof especially where Industry is in the least incourag'd and Idleness discountenanc'd Wherefore that Nation that will ever hope to flourish ought to use all means and endeavours possible for the increasing of its People and to avoid as much as may be all occasions of Depopulation The principal causes of the Dispeopleing of Spain which according to the Testimony of several Creditable Authors hath been Anciently much better Peopled than at present have been first the multitude of Monasteries and Religious Prisons those Receptacles of forc'd Chastity and as they are ordered Impediments of the Worlds Lawful Increase Next the Violent Expulsion of the Moors out of Spain after that by a long establish'd settlement and being habituated to the same Customs Manners and Religion they were become as it were one Body with the rest of the People Lastly Those vast Colonies sent out of Spain to maintain and possess the ample Conquests or rather Ambitious and Bloody Invasions and Depopulations made by the the Spaniards there The Cities and Market-Towns of England are in number 607. to which the rest of the Burrough Towns that is such as send Burgesses to Parliament and all the Inhabited Villages whereof some are conderable being added make above 10 times the number so that all the Parishes of England and Wales are reckon'd 9285. and doubtless within the said circumference which is generally computed to be about 1352 Miles might be very well comprehended five times as many Towns or Places of Habitation if all the Forrests Chaces and unimproved vast Heaths and Commons were taken in and improved to the best advantage It is not to be wondred at that next to being born under a Happy Climate the living under a Happy Government the greatest advantage and Strength of a People is to be numerous proportionably to the extent of Territory they possess Since in the first place it is apparent enough that in a well Inhabited City the People must needs be so much the better able to defend themselves from any Force or Opposition Next if it be a place of any Trade take any particular number of what Trade soever and it is not to be imagin'd that they should be e're a whit the poorer but rather the richer than if the Inhabitants had been fewer For admit them of the same Trade or Imployment a profitable and corresponsible Trade is the more lively and vigorously carried on by many hands and suppose them of several Occupations the circulation of Money from the one to other helps all in general Though 't is true that in a straggling Town or City whose parts lye disjoyn'd and far asunder the people however considerable in number cannot be so assistant to each other in mutual Aid Society or Commerce as in a regular and well compacted City So likewise in a Kingdom that Prince who hath never so large an Empire yet if thinly Peopled or divided into several parts remotely distant and interrupted from mutual intercourse by long Voyages of Land and Sea cannot be look'd upon as so powerful a Prince as he that hath the like number of People in one intire and united Dominion Certainly no Monarch of the World much less of Christendom whoever he be that hath added most to his Empire by never so many new made Conquests can pretend to so large a share or portion of the Earth as the King of Spain who nevertheless as the transactions of a few late past years have made appear hath born but his fourth part with other Princes and States in opposition to a Prince far inferior to him in Jurisdiction and what should be the reason of this but that his Dominions lye so remote from each other and his Kingdom of Spain which his Residence there chiefly enables
is the least Peopled of all the rest and his Viceroys of Peru and Mexico the possession whereof hath been main occasion of Impoverishing Spain of its people are in effect setting aside the Title as great Kings as himself nor much less are those of Naples Sicily Millain and what remains of Flanders so that he seems in reality King of Spain alone and of the rest of his Dominions but in Title only And to come a little nearer the matter if all the Kings Subjects in New-England Virginia Maryland c. were planted in those unpeopled Regions of this Island their Native Soyl which are more than large enough to receive them there is no doubt to be made but that they would be more capable of serving their King than they can possibly be at such a distance thus transplanted to the other end of the World To be short no Rational man will deny but that that Prince who from a Territory no larger than the County of Kent is able to bring 100000 men into the field is no less Potent than he who from a Territory 20 times as large is able to raise a not much greater number and so much the more by how much he levies them with less Trouble and Charge That Soveraign Conquers best who wins the hearts of his people by Moderation Justice good Government and wholsome Laws He best plants Colonies who maintains a flourishing Trade to Forraign parts he best inlarges his Territory who husbands his People to the best advantage and consults best for their Preservation and Increase hereby approving himself all this while a true Christian Prince not in Name only but in reality no less and upon this score let the World judge whether our Defensor Fidei have not a just Title to that of Christianissimus also When as for any Potentate or Grandee of the World Pontifical or otherwise to grasp at Power and Empire by War Bloodshed and Rapine though under never so spacious a pretence even propogating the Faith it self and at the same time to take upon him the Name of Christian must needs be the highest affront to Heaven and shame to Religion imaginable The Stile of Christian Cut-throat for that must necessarily follow implying a cnntradiction not to be reconcil'd by all the art of Sopistry and Jesuitism since he that hath but heard of the Christian Religion cannot be ignorant that Peace and Charity are the very root and foundation of Christianity and that Religion under what Title soever which is otherwise grounded is to be abhorr'd by all sober men The Creator said to the Earth at the beginning Increase and be Replenish'd The Destroyer hath been saying to the same Earth from the beginning from Age to Age be ruin'd laid wast and Dispeopled by humane Slaughter Now how far the parallel will hold between the greater and Man the lesser World as to the necessity of Purging and Bleeding and whether it be so wholsom as some would have us think that the superfluous blood of the World should be let out by the Phlebotomy of War we shall wave the inquiry at this present only I am of opinion that it would be better to leave the Physicking of the World to the great Physitian thereof than that man upon man should so often practice his Fatal Chyrurgery There is sufficient reason to believe that those frequent Inundations of People those numerous swarms of Cimbrians Teutones Longobards Huns Goths and Vandals which Scythia in former times pour'd out into the milder Regions of Europe were not so much the Luxuriance and off-scouring of an over-peopled Nation since not any one denomination of Country besides takes up so large a part of the earth or hath so many vast unhabited Vacancies but a kind of agreement among certain numbers of men to carve themselves out better Commons than their own Country afforded and throw off the Scythian Frost and roughness by the Warm Sun-shine of Gallia Spain and Italy Now to come closer to the design of our Discourse Three things are to be considered First Whether this Nation have not been in former Ages more Populous than at present Next what the occasion of this Dispopulation hath been Lastly The means of restoration to pristine Populacy or at least of Replenishment in some degree The first consideration is answered by the second There is no question to be made but that the complicated Invasions of Romans Saxons and Danes especially the last so dreadfully Barbarous was the Destruction of a World of People and the Demolishment of many Towns and Cities and after the Norman Conquest the Bloody Civil Wars amongst us first of the Barons next of the two Roses As for the Norman Invasion it self it occasion'd indeed no great matter of Devastation since except a few inconsiderable Insurrections that happen'd afterwards the business was decided by the dint of one Battle and happily the Conqueror had not been sorry had more of the English fallen in that quarrel since like a true Stepfather and Foraign Invader more than like a Native Father of the Country he could find in his heart to lay waste 28 Towns and Villages to make a large habitation for wild Beasts The last and main consideration is how to repair this loss of People shall we call the English of America back to their Native Soyl or shall we invite the Industrious or the Distressed of other Nations to come over and live among us or shall we indeavour to People the Nation better with those People if I may so call them we have already that is turn Drones into Bees and two Legg'd Cattle into Men The first I take altogether to be Impracticable and Irrational to go about for it would be an endless thing for such multitudes of People to unfix themselves from their setled Imploys and Habitations and to be put to remove their Effects back to a Country now grown as strange and uncouth to them as any other Foraign Nation The second according to my poor judgment cannot be disadvantageous to this Kingdom could it be well compas'd and well manag'd so as to give no distaste to the present Inhabitants for it hath been a general and frequent Complaint in my hearing among some Tradesmen of London that Foraigners especially these French Dogs as they stile them come over settle themselves among us and eat the Bread out of our Mouths Nevertheless it is certain that in many Towns of England as Canterbury Norwich c. many Families of Foraigners are well setled exercise the Epidemick Trade of those Places peaceably and prosperously enough and without envy or disturbance Hospitality is a certain evidence of a good Nature and Generous Inclination and it hath been formerly and doubtless still is in a great measure the particular Credit of the English Gentry to keep Plentiful Houses on purpose to Entertain Strangers give Shelter to benighted Travellers and Succour all persons in Distress And as among particular persons no man but an Indigent
is an Inch allowance to every Yard and by these they Measure Silks Woollen Cloath and Stuffs The dry Measure is a Tarry which being well heaped makes 5 Gallons English and by this they Measure Salt Corn and other Commodities They make their Accounts in Doubles Aspers Osians and Sultanies Their Customs are 10 per cent and so in all other cases as at Tunis when any Ship enters and cast Anchors her Sails or Rudder is demanded to prevent the passing off without paying such Customs and then not to Sail without leave from the Duan which is the Bashaw and his Assembly who Regulate all affairs which were usually these To the Kiffa 28 Doubles to his Chiouse 4 Doubles to his Almia 8 Doubles to the Bashaw Sorman 2 Doubles to the Draggerman 8 Doubles to the Sackagy 8 Doubles and for the Consuls Duty 24 Doubles The Piratical Trade is thus 2 or more set out a Vessel of Prizage or Free booty to Prey upon Merchants Ships the which when they have taken and brought into the Port the Owners divide the Spoil by Lot making the Partitions or Dividends as even as possible as for the Captives they do the like and if there happen to be an odd man they either cast Lots for him or sell him in the Market and divide the Money the manner of selling of them is to carry them into the Market and place them in Stalls like Beasts where the buyer Views and handles them but especially their Hands by which he is satisfyed whether they have been Inured to Labour or not as likewise in their Mouths to see if they have good Teeth to bite Biskets as hard as deal Boards and according to their Youth Healthy Complexion and Ability of Body they go off to the Buyer he being ever after acknowledged for their Patron And thus much for this Piratical Government too well known to Merchants and Saylors who Trade in the Mediterranean CHAP. XX. A view of the Kingdom of Fess and of the Trade Customs Weights Measures and currant Coyns thereof THis Kingdom takes it's name from the Metropolitan City viz. the City Fess being the Goodliest City in Barbary adorned with 700. Moschs or Temples of which 50 are Beautifyed with Pillars Jasper and Alabaster the chief of which called Carucen and Seated in the Heart of the City contains a Mile in compass consisting of 190 Arches and is born up by 2500 Marble Pillars hung all about with Silver Lamps and hath 31 Gates and all things else porportionable and the City computed to contain 8600 Families The Commodities in General are Dates Almonds Figs Rasins Hony Olives Wax Gold Hides Furs and a sort of Cordivant Skins Cotton and Wool very fine which is dispersed into Spain Italy France and England and of late the Inhabitants have found out the Art of making Cloath The Principal Money of this Kingdom is the Xerif or Gold Ducate and accounted worth 10 Shillings Sterling and is divided into 8 equal parts The Weights are two one used for weighing Gross Commodities called the Rotolos 64 of which are computed to Ballance our 100 Averdupois and 100 Rottolos go to the Cantar The other is the Mittigal used in weighing Gold Pearl Silver Musk and the like and agrees with those of Tunis and Argier The long Measure is the Cavado of which 12 are Accounted to a Cane and 181 or 182 Cavados to make 100 Yards English The Customs are 10 per cent to all Strangers but to the Natives 2 per cent and for what soever they hand they must pay whether sold or not which makes Merchants sell their Wares on Shipboard for the most part where Customs are Payed only for what is sold And thus much for Fess and the Trade thereof CHAP. XXI A view of the Kingdom of Morocco the Trade Currant Coyns Weights Measures and Customs thereof THis Kingdom as the former takes it's Name from the chief City and Center of it's Trade and is very Beautiful tho Inferious to Fess in it is found a Burse and Exchange formerly much frequented by Merchants but now for the most part taken up by Artizans The Commodities vended there are the same with those of Fess except Sugar in which it more abounds The Coyns are the Xerif and Ducate of Gold valued as those of Fess The Weights are 2 several Quintals the one agreeing with the Canter of Fese and the other with the Quintal of Sevil and indeed in all things according with Fess as being now reduced under one Government Their Religion if so it may be Termed is Mahumetisme and of late they have not any considerable Trade with the English Merchants tho 't is not doubted but the effects of the League between his Majesty of great Britain and that Emperour may be a means to revive it as likewise to inrich our Garrison of Tangier by rendering it a Publick Mart it being the Key of Barbary CHAP. XXII A view of Numidia and Lybia and their Provinces with the Trade Currant Coyns Manners and Customs NVmidia is bounded on the West with the Atlantick Ocean on the East with Egypt on the North with the Mountain Atlas and on the South with Lybia The Country on the North part abounds with plenty but the South by Reason of the Excessive heat is most desert the Inhabitants build but few Houses but in great Companies pass from one place to another living sometimes in Woods sometimes in Caves according as Heat and Cold affects them The chief Trade is among themselves for Dates Hides Furs and Fruits of all sorts Cattle they have but have not the Art of improving them their Coyns are few but those they have are of Brass and Silver their Weights and Measures for the most part Equallizing those of Fess and Morocco tho they are little in use few Merchants Trading with them Lybia is bounded on the East with Nilus on the West with the Atlantick Ocean on the South with Negrita and on the North with Numidia and is Barren for the most part by Reason the heat is Excessive their Trade Coyn Weights and Measures are not worth mentioning by Reason their Commerce is little no Merchants caring to deal with the Natives they being in a manner Savages CHAP. IX A View of Negrita or the Land of Negroes with the Trade Currant Coyn Weights Measures and Customs THis Province is Inhabited with Negroes or Blackamoors Bounded on the West with the Atlantick Ocean on the East with Ethiopia Superior on the South with Manicongo and on the North with Lybia containing a large Tract of Land and is fertilized by the overflowing of the River Niger or Sanaga and is under the Regency of 3 Kings who have of late made 3 Kingdoms of 5 as Tombutue Berneo and Gouga Each having many famous Havens Commodious for Shipping The City Tombutue from whence that Kingdom has it's Name is Situate beyond the River Niger and is Traded to by the English French and Dutch and within four Miles of it is
the City Gouga which is likewise a place of great Trade but as for Berneo the Inhabitants thereof are for the most part Breeders of Cattle and Hunters of Wild-Beasts The Commodities of these Countries are Corn Sugar Cattle Rice Fruits Gold Sands and Ingots which they expose to Sail for Cloath Callicoes Copper Basons Iron-work Guns Shot Glass Beads and the like but Principally Salt of which Commodity that Country is deficient but the chief Maritim parts are Guinny and Benin first discovered by the Portugals and for the abundance of Gold the Country affoards called the Golden Coast the Rumour of which spreading wide in Europe the English soon found it out and after them the Dutch and now the French have some Trade there The manner of Trading thus The Ships coming into the Road cast Anchor and the Merchants or Factors going on Shoar declare what Wares they have on Board to the Persons called Tolkens or Brokers which live in little Huts along the Coast and when the Moors come down with their Gold they are informed by them that such and such Commodities are to be had upon which taking Boat together they come on Board and laying by such things as they like propose what Gold they will give for them which if accepted the Bargain is made and they return with their Goods on Shoar The Customs are various Particular Officers being set in every Port to take an Account of what is bought and sold and every one that comes to buy tho he buy nothing must pay a small Stipend for his Person upon his returning from on Shipboard and to prevent defraud there is still a Son Brother or Kinsman of the Kings to whom the Port belongeth to see the Toll be duly taken and he that buyes Commodities under the value of 2 Ounces of Gold makes his price for Customs as he can but he that buy 's above which they call a Benda pays to the Value of an Angel in Gold for every Benda As for Coyns they have none the Trade among themselves being for Gold-Sands or Ingot by Weight the fineness of which they try with Artificial Needles in number 24 in some Places they melt their Gold and draw it into Wire and so cut into small pieces the better to divide it as occasion requires and in other places they have pieces of Iron which goes Currant instead of Mony Their Weights consist of Copper the greatest of which is a Benda containing 2 Ounces Troy a Benda offa or half a Benda The Asseva which is two Pesoes and a half the Egebba or 2 Pesos which is half an Ounce and so lesser tell they come to Drams and Scruples of Troy Weight but their pound is found the ¾ part of an Ounce heavier than ours Their Measures for Cloath is a Jactam accounted 12 Foot English which they divide into two parts as for their Woollen Cloath they cut it into long Slips and make Girdles of it Formerly the Trade in those parts was very advantagious but of late one Nations striving to outvye each other have given them an insight into the true value of Gold and of such Commodities as they receive for it The Sugar Trade which is considerable is ingrossed by the Portugals at a certain Annual rate and no other Nation suffered to deal therein the Sugar made there being Transported to Lisbon is from thence dispercsd throughout Europe And thus much for Negrita and the Guinny Trade CHAP. XXIV A View of Aethiopia Superior and Inferior But of the last especially and of the Trade thereof c. THe Superior Ethiopia otherwise called Abasine is a Plentiful Country Governed by Prester John and the Inhabitants for the most part Christians it abounds in Cattle Fruits and Minnerals but being an Inland Province yields little Trade to Merchants The Inferior Ethiopia is bounded on the West with the Ethiopian Ocean on the East with the Red-Sea and contains Provinces or divisions Ajan Zanbiar Monomotapa Caffaria and Monicongo Ajan is chiefly Traded to by the Portugals and yields store of Cattle Wax Hony Corn Gold Ivory c. Zanibra contains 15 Towns from which 15 Petty Kingdoms take their Names and was first discovered by the Portugals abounding in Ivory and Gold the chief Town being Mosambique where they have a Castle and ingross the Trade for the most part Monomotapa is almost invironed round with Water And is stored with Gold Mines and Elephants of which 5 or 6000 are yearly killed for their Teeth Manicongo was discovered by the Portugals Anno 1486. And for a long time yielded them 30000 Slaves yearly which they carryed to Brasile to dig in their Silver Mines The Principal Port and Center of all their Trade being at Mosambique I shall not instance the Trade thereof because that in View of that all the Trade of the Provinces is Comprehended CHAP. XXV A View of Mosambique and of the Trade thereof MOsambique is for the most part inhabited by Portugals and has in it a strong Castle wherein lives the Portugal Captain who has a grant of free Trade for himself either in the Country or in the Indies which is not above 16 days Sail from thence but when there they must stay near 5 Months ' er they can return or lose their Season by Reason of the Mouson as they call it or Trading-Wind Blows all one way for so long As for his Place it is very advantagious yet of but 3 Years Continuance at the Expiration of which he is obliged to go into India and serve under the Vice-Roy The Commodities are chiefly Ingot and dust Gold or Sand Gold which is found in abundance there being severâ—â— Rich Mines adjacent as well in the Islands as on the Continent where the King of Portugal keeps Factors to manage the trade who barters and sends Merchandise from one place to another and so increase in the growth of each Province nor is it less commodious for the reception of the Portugal Fleet either in their way to or from the Indies There is found likewise Elephants Teeth Ebony Ambergrease c. and from thence they carry Slaves to India Their Coyns of which there are but few are the same with those of Portugal as also are their Weights and Measures a description of which I shall give when I come to take a View of the Trade of the Kingdom of Portugal CHAP. XXVI A View of Aegypt and the Provinces thereof as also of the Trade Commodities Coyns Weights Measures and Customs ON the East Egypt is bounded by the Red Sea on the South with Aasia on the West with Cyrene and on the North with the Mediterranean Sea and Watered with the Fruitful River Nilus which dividing it self into 7 Channels and about the middle of June Annually overfloweth it's Banks and continues so to do for 4 days laying all under Water by Reason of which the Towns are seated upon Hills and during the Inundation their Commerce is by Skiffs and Boats This River is in