A New Description of the World, Section 1 · Account of region 4

A New Description of the World · Section 1 · Account of region 4

p. 17A Description of Italy, In its Kingdoms and Dominions, &c.

ITaly is a very Fruitful Country, and held for its Pleasantness to be the Mistriss of all Countries, as it once was Empress of the World, and is incompassed with the Adriatick, Jonian, and Tyrrian Seas: Except, towards France and Germany, from which it is parted by the Alps, which renders it in a manner p. 18a Penjusula, but more peculiarly, it has on the East the lower part of the Adriatick, and the Jonian Sea, deviding it from Greece; on the West, it has the River Varus, and some part of the Alps, parting it from France; on the North, a part of the Alps divides it from Germany, and on the other parts, the Adriatique Sea devides it from Dalmatia, being held by the Antients to be in form like an Oak-Leaf.

This Country branched out into sundry principalities and Provinces, is scituate in a most Fruitful and temperate Air, under the fifth climate of the North temperate Zone, which is totally taken up; so that the Longest day is 15 hours, and three fifth parts of an hour, Northward and Southward, not much above 14 hours, and the parts mentioned; and is reckoned in length, from Augusta Praetoria, now called Aost, unto Otranto the most Easternly part of Naples 1020 miles, and in bredth from the River Varo, which parts it from that Province to the Mouth of the River Arsa in Friuli; where it is the broadest 410 miles, and where the narrowest, which is about Otranto, exceeds not 23. so that the whole compass by Sea, reckoning windings and turnings, is held to be 3448 miles, but reckoned in a straight line upon the coast, it falls much short as not above 2550.

As for the first Inhabiters of this Country, they remaine doubtful, for as soon as Historians make any considerable mention of it, we find it Inhabited by divers Nations, held to be Greek Colonies, who transported themselves at sundry times; the people of the Sea Coast being said to come thither under Janus, Anno Mundi, 1925. After them Saturn out of Creet; then Evander or Oenotrus out of Arcadia, and then Aeneas with his Trojans, with many others; but after the Romans grew powerful, they brought the whole Country into subjection, and, held it in spite of the frequent Invasions of Phyrus p. 19Hanibal, the Gauls, Cimbri, and others, till the time of Honorius the Emperor, at what time the Goths Vandals, Herulies, Huns, and other Barbarous Nations, passing the Alps, rent it from the Empire, and devided it amongst themselves establishing many Kingdoms and Principalities; and when these were in a manner subdued by the Valour and Conduct of Narses, Bellarius, and other Imperial Generals. Albonius King of the Lumbards, seized upon the greatest part of it calling it Longobardia, vulgarly Lumbardy; but they a considerable time after were brought under by Pepin King of France, called in by the Bishop of Rome, who reduced their Kingdom to a straight compass; after which the seat of the Roman Empire was fixed in Germany, and Italy, parcell'd out amongst sundry Princes, and the usual Division is into six parts viz. Lumbardy, the Land of the Church, Nap…ls, …ascany, Genoa, the Signory of Venice; but more particularly into five greater and six lesser; as for the first, the Kingdom of Naples, the Papacy, the Signory of Venice, the Dukedom of Florence, and the Dukedom of Millain, the lesser are the Dukedoms of Mantoua, Vrbine, Modena, Parma, with the States of Genoa and Luca; and of these in their Order.

The Kingdom of Naples Described, &c.

AS for the Kingdom of Naples it is Governed at this day by a Vice-Roy, under the King of Spain; and is scituate in the most pleasant part of Italy, devided from the Territories of the Church, by the River Axofenus, being on the other parts Inviornd with the Seas; making many commodious Havens, and contains the Provinces of Lavaro, Calabria Inferior and Superior, Otranto, Apulia, Puglia, Abruzzo.

p. 20In Lavaro is founded the City of Naples, from whence the Kingdom takes its Name, and many others of lesser note; but that which is most noted, is the Mountain Vesuvius lately called Somma, being exceeding high, and casting Flames out at the top of it, in a dreadful manner; though all the borders or parts of it are otherways very pleasant and fruitful, abounding in Vines, Flower-Gardens, Olive-Yards and rich Pastures; many of the Houses of the Gentry, and Country Villages; the City it self being seated at the foot of the Mountain, and other Hills that branch from it, extending from the South-West to the North-East, in a manner Triangular; and so Fruitful is the Country in Corn, that the Importation of Bread is forbidden upon great penalties.

As for the Buildings, they are of free Stone; many of them four Stories in height, and the Tops flat, the Windows are generally covered with fine Linnen or Tiffany in stead of Glass, which gives an equal Light and keeps out the heat of the Sun: Nor consists the City of Naples of any more than three considerable broad Streets, called La Vicaria, La Lapuan, and La Toletano; the rest being inconsiderable Lanes, and places of less note; having 8 Gates towards the Sea, and as many towards the Land, strongly walled and defended with three Castles. The Women here, are very beautiful, and through the abundance of Silks found in these parts, the meanest Citizens Wives go clad in it; the people are very thrifty and industruous, especially about their Gardens, from whence they derive a great part of their Food, in Fruits, Herbs, Roots, &c. as living very spare and temperate, though the Country abounds in plenty. The Estates of the Kingdom of Naples, as we may properly call them, under the Spanish Vice-Roy, are held to be 14 Princes, 25 Dukes, 30 Marquesses, 54 Earls, and 400 Barons p. 21and Gentlemen; having 4 publick Houses, called the Segij, in which they meet to consult Affairs of Importance; as also places are appointed for the meeting of Merchants in the way of Trade.

Calabria is another Province of the Kingdom of Naples, bounded with the Jonian and Tyrrenean Seas, and with the River Jano, said to be 500 miles in compass, divided into the higher and lower Calabria: The chief Cities of the former being Consentia and Salernum, the chief resort of Italian Physitians, pleasantly scituated and well inhabited; the Buildings agreeing with those of Naples, though not in the General so sumptuous, and all the Neighbouring Countries are full of Villages, and very Fruitful; and in the latter Calabria, Cuterzary, is seated as principal, being a strong City well Walled, and Fortified; and formerly this Country was called Magna Graecia, from the many Greek Collonies that seated themselves in it.

Otranto is on three parts bound with the Sea, and on the other with Puglia, having Tarentum and Brundusum for its chief places; formerly boasting it self one of the best Havens in Europe; but for some years past choaked up, or much obstructed by shoales of Sand carry'd in by the Sea; so that a Ship cannot without some difficulty enter, by which means the places are much reduced: Here are found likewise the Towns of Otranto and Gallipolis, very plentious in Oyls, Wines, and Manufacturies of Silks, and other matters of value; there are found great store of Corn, Mellions, Citron, Saffron, &c. and what is one thing observable, no Partridges pass the Limits of this Country.

Apulia another Province of Naples, extends it self from the confines of Brundusium, to the River Fortore, and is properly devided into two Provinces, and has for its principal City that of Manfredo; Scituate beneath the Hill of St. Angello, accommodated p. 22with many stately Buildings, and is the Seat of the Arch-Bishop of Siponto; and that which adds more to its advantage, is that it has a capacious Harbour, capable of receiving Ships and Galleys of great burthen, and is defended with a very stong Castle, the Country all about it being very Fruitful.

Puglia is bounded with the Rivers Tronto and Fortore, and has for its chief Cities Barlet, which has a good Haven belonging to it, and held to be one of the 4 strong holds of Italy; and Cannae the Country though somewhat Hilly, or Mountainous; abounds with Cattle, Saffron, and many other Commodities incident to Italy.

Abruzzo is in like manner a part of the Kingdom of Naples, having for its chiefest Cities or Towns Aquino, giving Birth of Thomas Aquinas, and Sulmo Famous for the Birth of Ovid the Poet, both pleasantly seated and well inhabited.

The Papacy Described, &c.

AS for the Papacy, commonly called the Estate of the Pope, Inherent to the See of Rome; it consists of two Natures or Jurisdictions, as Spiritual and Temporal principalities, as touching the latter of which it has under its Jurisdiction many large Terretories lying between the River Fiore and Cajetta, between Prenestae and the Truentian Straights, the Dukedom of Vrbin excepted, containing the Provinces of Romandiola, Murchia, Spolletto, and that usually called St. Peters Patrimony is accounted Spiritual.

The first of these extends to the Venetian Terretories on the West, and to Rubicon on the East, a little River so called from the Redness of the Waters, over which in the flourishing time of the Romans; the Consuls were forbiden to come armed homewards, least the fear of any designed might bring p. 23a terror upon the City of Rome. As for the chief Cities in this part, they are Bononia, the prime University of Italy, and where the Civil Law is very much studyed: This City is Round of form Built with Brick and Free-stone, commodiously scituate, and has towards the Streets, Arched Cloysters to secure such as pass them from Rain, &c. Here is likewise found the City Ferrara, scituate on the banks of the River Po, and fortified on all other parts, with a strong Wall… in which the former Dukes held the stately Pallace of Beluedevere, so named from its pleasant scituation; as also Ravenna of great antiquity, renowned in Antient History; accommodated about two miles distant with a famous Port or Haven. This Province or Country, produces Corn, Wine, Oyl, some Drugs, plenty of Cattle, and especially good Horses.

Marchia extendeth from Puglia to Otranto between the Appenine and the Sea, commodiously divided into little rising Hills, and fertile Plaines, by which means it is very Fruitful, greatly abounding with Corn, Wine, and Oyl: Its principal Empori is Ancona, by reason of the commodiousness of its Haven, and is a fair City incompassed with three Mountains, and hath the form of a half Moon, the Streets are narrow and paved with Flint; the Haven is Triangular, where are curious Walks, and a place called la Loggia, where the Merchants that resort thither for Trade, do meet and is very healthy: the other considerable Cities are Firmo, and Ascoli, aud in this Province stands Loretto, so Famous for our Ladies Miracles.

Spolletto, anciently Vmbria, has for its chief Cities Spolletto, from whence it takes its name Onietto, scituate on a high Rock and Asis, where St. Francis was born: and though this Province is not large, yet it abounds with Wine, Corn, Oyl, Saffron, Cattle, Figs, &c.

p. 24St. Peters Patrimony, so called, and accouned the Spiritual Jurisdiction, contains all the ancient Latium, or Campaigna di Roma, and the chief City is Rome, formerly the Capital of the most cousiderable Empire in the World, Mistriss of the fairest part of the Universe, and said thro' the excess of her many Conquests to extend by Degrees, from 2 Miles in compass to 50, and had on her Walls 740 Towers, spreading over, or taking in her circumference 7 Mountains or Hills, viz. Pallatinus, Capitolinus, Vnivalis, Aventinus, Esquiliuus, Caelius, and Querinalis; and is scituate on the banks of the Famous River Tiber; though at this day it is not accounted above 11 Miles in Circuit, however containing many stately Structures and Monuments of its ancient Greatness: But what renders it most Eminent is the Popes Pallace on the Vatican Hill, the Famous Church Dedicated to St. Peter, one of the goodliest Structures in the World, accounted 520 Feet in Length, aad 385 in Bredth, adorned with Paintings, Tombs, and other choice Pieces of Antiquity, almost Innumerable; the Vatican Library, and many Monuments of the Roman Emperors; and not far from this City is Pont Mill, where Constantine the great was shewed the Cross in the Clouds, with this Motto, viz. In hoc Vincis, in this you shall overcome; which made him take the Insign of the Cross for his Banner; and accordingly prevailing over his Enemies he not only Imbraced the Christian Religion himself, but commanded it should be observed throughout his Empire: And indeed in Rome centers the Plenty and Glory of Italy, the Inhabitants being accounted two Hundred Thousand, most Clergy-men.

p. 25The Seignorie or Common-wealth of Venice Described, &c:

NOrth of the Alps from Roman-di-ola, are the Italian Provinces, appertaining to the State of Venice, bounded on the South with the Territories of Ferarra, and the rest of Roman di-ola; on the West with the Dukedom of Millain; on the North with the main Body of the Alps; and on the East with the Adriatick Sea, and the River Arsia which, parts them from Liburnia: besides it commands a great part of Greece, especially by the late successful Acquisitions and Victories, as well as divers Islands in the Sea, and has all along been the Bulwark of Christendom against the Turks.

As for the chief City upon which the rest depend, it gives a Name to the People, and is wonderfully situate, or seated at the bottom of the Adriatick Sea, or Gulf of Venice, upon 72 Islands, five Miles distant from the main Land, defended from the rage of Sea and Storms by a prodigeous work; being a bank of (some say 60 other) 35 miles in length; open in 7 places for passage, with Boats and Gallys, &c. of small burthen, of which they have commonly 1300, but for great Vessels the only passage is at Malamacco, and Castle Lido, strongly fortified and yet this City is Computed no more than 8 miles in circuit; having for its better conveniency 4000 bridges, one of which is very famous, passing over the Great Chanel; and the rest, pass waters of lesser note, which in divers places refresh this Maritime City.

The Arsmal is the most beautiful, bigest, and best furnished in Europe; being about 2 miles in circuit▪ and has a Magazine of all sorts of Arms, Engines and Amunition for Sea or Land Service, amongst which p. 26are 1000 Coats of plate Garnished with Gold, and covered with Velvet; but what is most admirable is the Church of St Mark, their Titular Saint; wrought with Mosaick work, supported with Pillars of Marble and Prophery; adorn'd with Images, Tombs, &c. that for the abundance of Jewels, Pearls, Gold, and Silver, that cover and adorn them, and their Altars it may be thought that the whole Treasury of the State might be Imployed to that purpose; and besides there are found 200 Pallaces built of Marble, and adorned with Collumnes, Statues, Pictures, and other things of great Value; that for their grandure, they are capable of entertaining any Prince; They have likewise 73 rich Hospitals; 56 Tribunals, or Courts of Justice; 67 parish Churches, 26 Monasteries of Nuns 54 Convents of Friars, 18 Chappels and 6 Free-Schools; and so powerful once they were that they held War with all the Prince of Europe, &c. England excepted, for the space of seven years, and wanted neither men nor money; and if we consider▪ what Wars they have had for near 200 years (at times) with the Turks; we must needs proceed to wonder how they should support themselves under that expence of Treasure, and loss of men; but their Income is mostly by Navigation, and the fruitfulness of their Islands; so that according to a Modern account, it has amounted in the Treasury, (not reckoning the Effects of particular men,) to five millions and 320000 Duckets yearly: as for the City it is Governed by a Duke, and the Sennate; and so consequently all the Countries and Cities under its Jurisdiction, many of which we shall have occasion to mention hereafter, and therefore purposely omit them in this description: only by the way take notice, that the Terretories of this Signorie, are divided into Land and Sea; and in Lombardy, Marca, Trevigiana, Friuli and Istri, part of Dalmatia, Sclavoniae, Albania, and the Morea; p. 27and in their Jurisdiction are the famous Cities of Padua, Brescia, Bergamo, Vicenza and others; as for their Islands the principal are Corfu, Cephalonia, Zant, Ithaca, and others lately regained.

The Discription of the Dukedom of Florence, or Tuscany.

THis Dukedom now under the Grand Duke of Tuscany, is divided from St. Peter's Patrimony, on the East, by the River Pisco, on the West by the River Macra, from the Common-wealth of Genoa; on the North from Romandiola, and Marca Anconitana, by the Apennine Hills; and on the South, has for its boundar… the Tyrrean and Tuscan Seas.

This Country formerly had its name from the City of Florence, Scituate nigh the confluence of the River Arno, round in form and strongly fortified with a Wall, &c. and 8 Forts, whereof the greatest lyes towards the South; the buildings are very stately, errected with Free-stone and Marble, flat on the roofs, except the Pallaces which are adorned with Towers and Pinacles; the Pavements of the Streets being likewise for the most part broad Free-stone, a River running through the chief of them, which greatly cools and refreshes the City in the heat of Summer; and over it is a stately Bridge allmost in the middle of the City, and towards the North East it is Encompassed with pleasant Hills, gently rising and planted with choice Fruits, and sheltered from storms by the Apennine Mountains that lye behind them; nor does the South side want the like advantage, whilest the West Exposes it to the Flowry Valleys of Arno; and without the Wall are the Garden houses and Pallaces of the Nobility and Gentry, which likewise scatter over all the pleasant p. 28Fields; insomuch that it is accounted the Glory of Italy, frequently stiled its Garden, and takes its name from the Flowry Plains, and Gardens that inclose, or expend themselves about it. The next City of note is Pisa, through which the River Arno runs, from East to West, its Scituation being in a plain; and towards the North-west by North is a Gate, and a fair Cathederal Church, most curiously wrought and Paved with Marble; and here the Duke of Florence or Tuscany has a Pallace, seated on the bank of the River Sienna; another City is scituate on a rising Hill, indifferently ascending above the Valleys; the streets of which, a thing unusual, are paved with Brick, wherefore no Carts nor Coaches are allowed to pass through them, but the burthens are carry'd by men Mules and Asses; and has in it several stately Towers and Fountains, the Women of this place being likewise reckoned the fairest of all Italy. Massa is a Town most noted for the Quarries of Marble in its neighbourhood.

In this Dukedom is the famous Legorne, so much traded to by Merchants of most Nations in Europe; opening to the Sea a spacious Port or Haven, and is a Mart or Emporis for all the principal commodities of Italy, and many that are brought over-land out of remote Countries; and here our Merchants have frequently settled a Factory, the people being generally fair dealers, and wonderfully obliging to strangers; so that the Custom of this place is the greatest part of the Dukes Revenues, being very considerable▪

As for this City it is seated in a fruitful Plain, with commodious Avenews, being somewhat long in form from North to South, and is defended with two Towers that stand inward to the Sea, for the guard of the Haven, that for great Ships lying farther into the Sea, than that for Gallies and lesser Vessels, which is sheltered by a Wall drawn almost p. 29round it; and here it is the English Merchants trading to Italy have their Lading.

The Dukedom of Milain Described, &c.

THE Dutchy of Milaine, is very pleasantly seated, in the Country of Lumbardy, amongst fruitful Plains, and little rising Hills; and held the most desirable Place of these Countrys.

Its chief City is Milain, Anciently Mediolanum, which though so often ruined, as having been taken no less than Twenty times, and besiged Forty, has still rise out of its Ashes, more fair and splendid than at first, being now accounted the greatest City of Lombardy; seated in a large Plain, and incompassed with Rivers, strongly guarded with a spacious and well fortified Castle, and other extraordinary Fortifications. As for the Building, it is very stately and magnificent; but the most remarkable are Castles or Cittadels, the Hospital or Lazarette; the Cathedral or Dome: besides there are 36 Monastries, 30 Convents of Fryers of sundry Orders, 96 Parochial, and 11 Collegate Churches, mos… of which are beautified and adorned with Images▪ Paintings, Sculptures; there is moreover, a Cabinet of exceeding Rarieties, not to be paralelled, as report goes, in any place. The City in circuit is accounted Ten miles, very populous, imagined to contain 300000 Souls; the Inhabitants mostly Rich, as very much Trading in Merchandice, especially Silks, Gloves, Ribbons, &c. from whence our Millinary Ware-men derive the Denomination of their Trade; The City being much Traded to from France, Spain, and all parts of Italy.

As for other places of note in this Jurisdiction, they are principally Pavia, Papia, made a University by Charles the IV. guarded by a strong Castle, and has in it a fair Cathedral Church, supposed the p. 30richest of Revenue in Italy, viz. 300000 Crowns per. Ann. And near this place, King Francis the first of France, was overthrown in a great Battle, and taken Prisoner by Lanoy the Duke of Burbone and others, commanding for Charles the V. Alexandria or Alessandris, the strongest work in the whole Dutchey; Cremona seated on the Banks of the River Poe, accommodated with a good Trade, stately muildings, large Streets, and pleasant Gardens, noted for its Tower and Cathedral Church. And here it was that Vitellus his Souldiers were defeated by those of Vespatian, and the Town fired by them.

The Lakes found here are Lago, Magiore, in length 56 miles, and 6 in breadth, having in it 2 Islands, called the Boremeans, fruitful and pleasant, even to a wonder, Lago Delcoma and Lugani Lacus, and the Rivers are Olgio Adde Lambro, Tesine, &c. As for the Hills they are of no remark.

The Ancient Inhabitants of this Country were the Insubres, Conquered by the Romans, then by the Gauls, and next by the Lombards, but now the Country is under the protection of the King of Spain, who appoints a Governour to reside in Millain, where St. Ambrose once was Bishop.

The Dutchy of Modena described.

THIS Part, or Province of Italy, contains the City of Modena, and Reggio, with the adjoyning Territories: As for the Capital City of Modena, it was known, and is so still in Roman History, by the Name of Mutina, famous for the first bloody battle between Marcus Antonius, and Augustus Caesar; and is at this day the Residence of the Duke, whose Pallace, though not appearing very large outwardly, is nevertheless very Famous and Magnificent, by the rich Adornments within; his Cabin or Museum being p. 31furnished with the choice of Natural Rarities, as Jewels, &c. to an extraordinary Value: And here Otho the Emperor slew himself, upon his Army being defeated by Vitellus.

As for the Country, though it is not large, it nevertheless is very fruitful, and abounds with great store of curious Fruits, Corn, Cattle, and other things fit mans for Subsistance, watered with many small Streams, and mostly plain, but that which renders it more Famous, is its being the Native Country of our present Queen Mary, Consort to his Most Sacred Majesty, King James the Second.

The People of this Dukedom are said to be better natur'd than most of Italy; quick in their Resolution, easie to be pacified when wronged, and Friendly in their Entertainment of Strangers.

A Description of the Dukedom or Principality of Parma.

THIS Country hath on the North Mantua on the South the Appennine Hills, on the West Milan, and on the East the Country of Modena. The chief City is Parma, seated on the River Pirma, in a Fruitful Plain, being about 4 miles in compass; adorned with many Rich and Stately Structures, well Peopled, and much frequented by Gentry, greatly Addicted to Learning, Arts and Arms; the adjoyning Plains produce excellent Pasturage, which feed abundance of Sheep, of whose Milk is made the Parmasan Cheese, so much in esteem in all Countries; and here the Duke's Pallace is seated, where he holds a Court in great State: as for the Churches they are beautified, and rarely imbellished with Pictures and Images.

Piacenza or Placentia is the second City, famous for the Resistance it made against Hannibal, and h…s p. 32Brother Asdrubal, upon their cutting their way through the Alps, and Invading Italy; and now as much esteemed for the Fairs and Marts kept here, to which the Merchants and others resort from the Neighbouring Country to make their Exchanges: The Principal River is Trebia, where the Romans in a Fatal Battle were overthrown by the Carthagenians, and 40000 of them computed to be slain; and near to Placentia are many Salt-pits and Mines of Iron.

A description of the Dukedom of Mantoua.

THE Dukedom of Mantoua is a very fair Country, very plentiful in Corn, Wine, Cattle, and rich Pastures, and Fruits of sundry Kinds: As for the chief City that gives it the Name, it is Seated in a Lake of 20 Miles compass, by Nature very strong and fencible, there being no Land access to it but by Cause-ways, and in it stands the Dukes Pallace, very fair and stately, though he has another Pallace for Pleasure and Delight exceeding this, at Marmirolla, five Miles from this City; As for Mantoua it is in a manner round, save that the Lake on the North-East sides, enters it like a half Moon: The Buildings are partly of Brick, and partly of Free Stone, and the Streets large and clean: In the midst is a large Market-place, where all manner of Strangers are admitted to vend their Ware, though the greatest Traffick is in the hands of the Jews, who grow Rich by the Impoverishment of the Citizens, and is in compass 4 Miles, having 8 Gates, and strengthened by a good Wall. This City is of antient standing, and contains about 50000 People, and has often been brought into Distress by the Germans, especially in the Year 1619▪ and 1630. As for the Dukes Revenue, it is counted p. 33400000 Crowns per Annum, though many will not credit it, seeing some few Years since, he made over part of his Dutchy to the French King▪ for a considerable Sum of Money; and here it is held unlawful to wear a Sword, or any other Weapon without Lisence; and in this City the Famous Virgil had his Birth, as by his Ecclogus appears, &c. and to this Dukedom partly appertains the Dukedom of Montferrat, in the South-East of Piemont, and other Territories.

The Dukedom of Urbin described:

THE Dukedom of Vrbin may be said to lie within the Territories of the Church, bounded on the North with the Adriatick, on the South with the Apennine Hills, on the West with Romagna, or Roma-di-ola, and on the East with Marca Aconitania, being in length Sixty, and in breadth Thirty five Miles, and is accounted to contain Two hundred Castles, and Seven Principal Towns, the chief is Vrbin seated at the bottom of the Apennine Hills, and built in the fashion of a Miter. The next to it Pisauro, containing an excellent Haven, for the Reception of considerable Vesels; and a Third is Belforto, more inward, and supposed to be in the middle of the Country: The chief of the Castles are, the Rocks of St. Leo, and Marivolo; and at Vrbin, Polidorus Virgil was born, who being a Collector of Peter Pence in England for the Pope, wrote a History of the many remarkable Transactions of our Country, and is quoted by most of our modern Historians

p. 34The Estate or Common Wealth of Genoa Described.

THE Estate of Genoa, formerly contained a large part of Italy, and were accounted the most expert in Navigation of all Europe, but of late, through the many Wars they have maintained against the Venetians, and other neighbouring Princes, their own Intestine Broils, and their neglect of Navigation and Traffick, they are greatly reduced, holding little more than Liguria and Corsica: The first of these has on the East the River Varus, on the West parted from Tuscany by the Magura, on the North the Apennine Hills, and on the South the Ligurian or Tyrrenian Seas.

As for the City of Genoa, it is seated on the sides of small rising Hills, tho' behind it are those of greater height, lying open on the South side to the Sea, where it has a goodly Haven, in the form of a Cresant or half Moon, upon the Horn whereof, towards the East, is the Sea Bank Lamola, about 600 paces in length, keeping off the Waves that beat upon the City on the East side; and in the middle of this Bank is a Fort built to defend the Navy that may Anchor there, so that the circuit of this City is accounted Eight miles, and though the Streets are narrow, yet the Palaces of the Dey, and Houses of the Senators, are very stately; nor are their Walls less strengthned with Bull-warks, and other Fortifications. The Houses in the High-streets are Four Stories, and many Five, the Windows being Glazed, which is not usual in Italy, many of them built of Marble, but all of Freestone: The Streets paved with Flint, and the Suburbs full of Gardens and Houses of the Nobility and Gentry. As for the People, they are Masters of other Cities, as Noli, p. 35Sarazena, and Savon, being noble minded and generous in all their Actions, formerly much inclined to War and search of Adventures; insomuch that they assisted, with a great Fleet in the Holy War, and taking of Jerusalem by the Christian Army, and aided Phillip the French King with 10000 Men, against Edward the Third of England, where in one Battle they were most of them slain. They Aided likewise the Spaniards in 1588 to Invade England, with several great Carracts and Galleys; which were either lost upon the Coast, or cast away in their Flight homeward, which loss they have never since fully recovered; yet they lately made a stout Defence against the Naval Power of France, which could effect no more, than beating down some part of their City, by Bombing it at a distance, as being well assured they had no Fleet capable of Engaging.

The Country abounds in all the Plenties of Italy, and here only the Women have the greatest Freedom, without the Jelosie or Suspition of their Husbands of any Italians; and as a further Honour to this place, it gave Birth to Christopher Columbus, the first Discoverer of the New World or Country of America.

The State of Lucca Described.

THe State of Lucca is held to be scituate within the Dukedom of Tuscany or Florence, comprehending the Town and Terretory of Lucca.

As for Lucca, it is seated in a fruitful Plain, strongly fortified with a good Wall, and incompassed with pleasant Trees, so that at a distance it seems to stand in a Wood, and the Plain wherein it is seated, is invironed with Mountains or large Hills, except towards Pistola, where it opens to the Sea, and is three miles in compass; as for the Streets, p. 36they are narrow and paved with broad Freestone, and in it are many Palaces, and Merchants Houses, curious built of Free-stone, according to other Building in Italy, and was formerly a place of great Trade for Silks, Stuffs, Carpets, Cloth of Gold, and the like; there being a great concourse of Merchants, call'd Luccois Merchants, that were wont to meet there at several Fairs or Marts, held for that purpose, but of late the Trade is declined: however the Inhabitants inrich themselves by their Manufacture, which they send to other places of greater Trade. And here there is a strict Law, that no Person shall wear any Weapon, no not a Knife, unless it be blunted; the People being generally very courteous to Strangers. And thus much for what may be properly call'd Italy, which taken in general, is one of the most fruitful and pleasant Countrys of the World, of which Europe being call'd the Head, this is accounted the Face. But for brevity sake I must desist any further Comment, and proceed to other parts adjoyning.

The Dukedom of Lorrain Described.

THIS Country is Invironed with a part of Belgium, Alsatia, the Country of Burgundy and Campaign, and is about 180 Miles in compass, exceeding Fruitful in Corn, Wine, store of Cattle, but especially Horses of an Excellent Breed; the Rivers and Lakes abounding with Fish, and the Soil with rich Mines: The chief Town is Nancy, seated upon the River Meuse, and in it the Ducal Pallace, much resorted to for Wines, Brandies, and other Commodities; the Buildings are very stately and commodious, most of them of Stone, and well fortified with a Wall of great Strength: The next to this are St. Nicholas, and p. 37Vancoleus very strong and well Garisoned by the French into whose hands the Country fell, in the Reign of King Lewis the 13. though the present Duke of Lorain now warring in Hungary, is on all hands concluded to be the rightful Prince. As for the manners and Customs of the people they are a mixture of Germany and France, as being seated between those Countries, &c.

The Dukedom of Savoy, and Country of Peimont Described, &c.

AS for Savoy, it is a very Mountainous Country bounded by the Dauphenet, Bress, Switzerland, Peimont and the Alps; the Antient Inhabitants were the Allobroges, who submitted to Hanibal, when he entered Italy with his Carthagenians to War against the Romans; at what time Bruncius and his Brother being at variance about the Succession to the Kingdom, he reconciled them; afterward it was made a Roman Province, and was called from one of the Kings that then Reigned being a Favorite to Augustus Caesar, Alpes Coctiae; but in the declining of the Roman Empire, it became a part of the Kingdom of Burgundy, and passed with other rights of the Empire to Germany; but now is independent under a Duke, who is soveraign Lord of the Country.

The Chief Towns of Savoy are Chambiers, Scituate in a pleasant Valley amongst Mountains, and is graced with a Ducal Pallace and many stately buildings of the Nobles, who are for the most part very Gentile, Active and Airy, though the Country people on the contrary are very Imbicil and Slugish. Tarantaise, an Arch-Episcopal See, Scituate amongst Mountains as the former, full of pleasant buildings: p. 38Aquabelle, Mauridune another Arch-Episcopal See.

Under the power and Jursdiction of the Savonian D…ke, it is Peimont unless a small part of it claimed by the Duke of Mantoua, seated at the Foot of the Mountains, and bounded on the East with Milain, on the West with Savoy, on the North with Switzer-land, and on the South with the Mediterranean, being more fertile than the other; containing 52 Earldoms, and 15 Marquesats, besides Barronies and Lordships; and here dwell the progeny of the Albigenses, who about the year 1100 stood, for the Liberty and Doctrine of the Church of their Predecessors and about the year 1250, were near all destroyed and ruined by the Popes and French Kings; when the remainder prefering their Concience before their Country, retired up into the Mountains, and by their Industry and Indefatigable Husbandry, made the very Rocks bring forth Grass and Herbage for themselves and their Cattle, &c. and here they worshiped God, according to the Worship of rhe reformed Churches; greatly increasing in number, as being followed with blessings, untill the latter end of the Reign of Francis the first, at what time happened the Massacre of Merinianum, or Mariguan Gallis and Chabriers, and in the year 1662 and 1663, they were again persecuted by the Savoiard, and since that in the year 1684 we had a Mellancholy account of their treatment: and although there are many good Towns under the Government of Savoy; yet the Duke chiefly resides at the City Turin Scituate on the River Po and is the seat of an Arch-Bishop and a University, where Erasmus took his degree, and for Scituation is accounted one of the plesantest in Europe.

p. 39The Seignory of Geneva, and the Alps Described.

GENEVA is within the Limits of the Dukedom of Savoy, the whole Seignory not exceeding Eight Leagues in compass, Scituate on the Lake Lemanus, and devided into two parts by the River Rosne. The City strongly walled and fortified, as being the head of a Free state; containing a flourishing University, Governed by a Common Council, or 200 of the chief Burghers, four of which are called Sindiques: As for the Church Government it is composed of Lay-men, Elders, and Ministers founded by John Calvin 1541. and although this City has been beseiged by the Duke of Savoy, and others who have undertaken to reduce it, yet it has manfully defended it self against all Invasions; and as for the revenue it is reckoned 60000 Crowns per annum. The building is generally of Free-stone, and the North side of the City lies close to the South side of the Lake, where is a little Haven for Gallies, built to keep free passage on the Lake, defended by a strong Fort; a River Issuing from the Lake runs through the lower part of the City, and is passed by two commodious Bridges. And although it is a Receptacle for all manner of Religions, and people that fly from Persecution, yet such is the Law, that even a Malefactor is Condemned there for a Crime committed in his own Country, if proved against him, and Adultry punishable with death; Fornication the first time with 9 days fasting or living with Bread and Water in Prison; the second time with Whipping, and the third with banishment; notwithstanding which and although the Women be more reserved here than in p. 40any other place, those Affairs go forward in private.

This Signory abounds with all manner of Fruits, great store of Fish; and is much Traded to especially by the Italian Merchants for Velvets, Taffatas, Musquet Barrels, and Calevers, &c.

The Alps are the greatest Ridge of Mountains in Europe, parting Germany, France, and Italy, and in some places require five days to ascend them. There being five passages through them into Italy, viz. 3 out of France and 2 out of Germany. The 1 from France is through Provence, close upon the Tyrrenian Seas, through Liguria, being the Easiest; the 2 through the Hill Geneara, into the Marquesat of Zaluzzes, and so into Lumbardy: The third is over the Mount Cenis, and through the Country of Turin. As sor those out of Germany, the first is through the Country of the Grissons, by the Province of Valtoline; the last through the County of Tirol, near to the Towns of Juspurk and Trent; and as for these Mountains, they are in many parts very fruitful; divers Villages and Towns, being Scituate on them, though mostly barren, and in many places the Snow and Frost continues all the year, without the Suns having power to dissolve it, by reason the assent is so near the cold Region; and through part of them Hanibal cut, dissolving, or loosening the Rocks with Fire and Vinegar, when he broke unexpectedly into Italy and defeated the Roman Army; and indeed in some places they are dreadfull even to look on.

p. 41The Description of the County of Roussillon and Catalonia.

ROussillon by the French Included between the branches of the Pyreenean Mountains if we begin at Mount Cavo, the one extending to Colibre and C. de Creux a Promontary, that is the furthest point East of Cattalonia; as for the other it passes unto Salsas, and as for the places of note, they are Perpignan, Pupirianum; and Perpinianum built out of the ruins of Ruscinum, by Guinard Earl of Roussillon, Scituate upon the banks of the River Thelis or Thetis, in a pleasant fruitful plain, &c. A rich and flourishing Emporie, and a strong hold against the French, till the year 1644; and of such esteem was this little Country in former times, that it was pawned by John King of Aragon in 1462, to Lewis the 11th. of France for 300000 Crowns, and restored to Ferdenand the Catholick, by Charles the Eight, that he might not be diverted from the Conquest of Naples. and abounds with plenty, &c.

Catalonia or as the French call it. Cattalogne, joyns to the Country of Roussillon, is accounted 170 Italian Miles in length, and in breadth 130, and held to contain the Dukedom of Cardona, 3 Marquesates, 11 Earldoms, divers Barronies and Lordships, and 45 Cities or walled Towns, and 600000 Inhabitants; amongst which (in the time of Boterius) were 10000 French Shepherds and Husbandmen. As for the Country, some Authors inform us, that it is generally Hilly, and full of Woods, yielding but small store of Corn, Wine, and Fruits; though others speak more favourably of it, and affirm it affords plenty of Corn, Wine, and Oyl, though indeed it is mostly inriched by its Maritime Scituation.

p. 42The chief Town is Bracelonia seated upon the Mediterranian Sea, between the Rivers Besons and Rubricat or Lobrecat, and is a rich noted Port much Traded to: The buildings are very stately, and contain a Bishops See; an Academy, and sundry other advantages of Gardens and pleasant places that render it delightful and well Inhabited.