A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF UNIVERSAL MAPS AND CARDS, AND OF THEIR USE: AND ALSO THE USE OF PTHOLEMEY his Tables. Necessary for those that DELIGHT IN READING OF Histories: and also for travelers by Land or Sea.  
Newly set forth by THOMAS BLUNDEVILLE, of Newton Flotman in the County of Norfolk. Gent.  
LONDON ¶ Printed by Roger Ward, for Thomas Cadman. Anno. 1589.   

¶ TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL M. Francis Windam, one of the judges her majesties Court of Common Pleas.  
GOOD Sir, vouchsafe to receive this poor little Pamphlet, partly as in am of a richer Newyears gift, and partly as a token of my thankful mind, which is more willing than able to deserve any one jot of the great favour, friendship, and divers benefits that I have from time to time received at your hands: for want of which ability I neither can, nor will loosen myself from any of those bonds, wherewith you have most straightly bound me, but rather to increase the same, humbly praying you to continue in your good love and favour towards me, until I shall willingly deserve the contrary: In the mean time I pray God to prosper you in all your doings, and long to preserve you.  
From my poor Swans nest. 17. Decembris. 1588. Your old well-willer, bound to be always at your commandment. Thomas Blundeville.   

To the Reader.  
I Daily see many that delight to look on Maps, and can point to England, France, Germany, and to the East and West Indies, and to divers other places therein described: but yet for want of skill in Geography, they know not with what manner of lines they are traced, nor what those lines do signify, nor yet the true use of Maps in deed: Wherefore, somewhat to instruct those that have not studied geography (without the knowledge whereof me thinks that the necessary reading of Histories is half lame, and is neither so pleasant, nor so profitable as otherwise it would be) I thought good to write this little Treatise: in reading whereof, if you reap any profit thereby, I pray you be thankful to the Right Worshipful, and my especial good friend, M. Francis Windam, one of the judges of her majesties Court of Common Pleas, who first motioned me thereunto, and by whose persuasion I have the more willingly put the same in Print. Vale.   

CERTAIN TERMS OF COSMOGRAgraphie, briefly expounded, for those that are not learned in that science, to the intent they may the better understand this Treatise.  
THe Axle tree of the World is a right line, 
The Axle trre of the world.  imagined to pass through the Centre or midst of the earth, from the one end of heaven to the other: the upper end of which Axle tree is called the Pole Arctic, that is to say, the North Pole: 
The two Poles.  & the neither end, the Pole Antarctic, that is, the South Pole: upon which two Poles, otherwise called the hooks or hengils of the world, the heavens do turn round about the earth. Moreover the Cosmographers do divide the world into divers parts by certain Circles, whereof some are called greater, and some lesser.  
The greater are those which do divide the world into 2 equal parts: 
The greater Circle.  whereof there be 6: that is, the Equinoctial, the Zodiac, the Meridian, the Horizon, and the 2 Colours.  
The Equinoctial is a great Circle, 
The Equinoctial.  girding the world in the very midst betwixt the 2 Poles, by reason whereof there are two latitudes, the one Northern, & the other Southern.  
The Northern latitude is that space, 
The north latitude.  which is contained betwixt the Equinoctial and the North Pole.  
The Southern latitude is that space, 
The South latitud.  which is contained betwixt the Equinoctial & the South Pole: and either of these two spaces containeth in breadth 90 degrees.  

A Degree.  A Degree is one part of a Circle, being divided into 360 parts called degrees.  

Longitude.  Again, the circuit of the Equinoctial, containing 360 degrees, is the very longtitude of the Earth: the first degree of which longitude beginneth at the the first Meridian, placed in the West, and so proceedeth Eastward unto the 180 degree of the Equinoctial, and from thence returneth by the West until you come again to the 360 degree, which is the last degree of longitude. And note by the way that every degree of the Equinoctial containeth 60 English miles, so as the longitude of the whole Earth is 21600 miles.  

The Zodiac,  The Zodiac is a great, broad, and slope or shoring Circle, carrying the 12 Signs: in the midst whereof is a line called the Ecliptic line, from which the Sun never swerveth.  

The Meridian  The Meridian is a great Circle, passing over our heads, in what part of the World soever we be, and also through both the Poles: which line when the Sun toucheth it above the Horizon, it is noontide or midday to those that dwell under the same.  

The Horizon.  The Horizon is a great Circle, dividing the upper half of the World which we see, from the neither half which we see not: in the the very midst or Centre of which Circle, if in a plain field you look round about you, you shall always find yourself to be.  

The 2 Colours  Now as touching the two Colours, because they differ not in effect, though in name, from two Meridian's, I leave to speak of them, aswell for that I have spoken of them at large in my Sphere, as also for that they are not mentioned in this Treatise.  

4 lesser circles  Of the lesser Circles there be four: that is, the two Polar Circles, 
The Circles Arctic and Antarctic.  and the two Tropikes. Of the two Polar Circles, the one environeth the North Pole, & therefore is called the Circle Arctic, & the other environeth the South Pole, and is called the Circle Antarctic, because it is opposite to the other.  
Again, of the two Tropiques, the one is placed betwixt the Equinoctial and the Circle Arctic, 
The tropic of Cancer.  and is called the tropic of Cancer: and the other is placed betwixt the Equinoctial and the Circle Antarctic, and is called the tropic of Capricorn: 
The tropic of Capricorn.  and each of these Tropikes is distant from the Equinoctial 23 degrees and a half, which is the greatest declination of the Sun from the Equinoctial, 
The greatest declination of the Sun.  for he never mounteth higher than the Tropic of Cancer, nor descendeth lower than the tropic of Capricorn, and these two Circles are Parallels to the Equinoctial.  
Parallels are 2 lines or Circles, 
Parallels.  equally distant in all places one from another. And by these four lesser Circles the Earth is divided into 5 Zones or broad spaces, 
Zones.  whereof there be two cold. 2 temperate, and one hot described both in my Sphere and also in this treatise.  
A Parallel of the longest day, 
A Parallel of the longest day.  is a space of the Earth, wherein the day increaseth by one quarter of an hour, proceeding from Equinoctial towards any of the Poles. 
A Clime.   
A Clime is a space of the Earth, containing two such Parallels wherein the day increaseth by half an hour, of which climes according to the old Writers, there be 7 declared at the full in my Sphere, and also somewhat touched in this Treatise.   

A Brief Description of universal Maps and Cards, and of their use, and also the use of Ptholomey his Tables.  
THis word Mappa in latin signifieth a Table cloth of linen to cover a board: of the shape and likeness whereof universal tables, containing the description of the earth, are commonly called Maps. And first you have to understand, that every such Map is chief traced with ij. sorts of lines or circles, that is Meridian's and parallels. The Meridian's are either right or circular lines passing through both the Poles of the world, and are imagined to be drawn right up and down from the head to the foot of the Map, and are called Meridian's, of this Latin word meridies, which is as much to say as midday or noontide. Because that when the Sun cometh to touch any of those lines, it is midday to those that dwell right under the same. Again, Parallels are either right or circular lines imagined to be equally distant one from another, which do cross the foresaid Meridian's with right angles. Now in the very midst of the Map is most commonly drawn from head to foot a right line which signifieth not only the first Meridian, but also the Axle tree of the world, the upper end of which line is called the pool Arctic, that is to say the North Pole, and the neither end the Pole Antartique, that is the South Poole, and this line is crossed in the very midst betwixt the ij. Pools with another great circle or right line called the Equinoctial, because that when the Sun cometh to touch this line or circle, the day and night is equal throughout the world. The one half of which line toward the right hand showeth the east part, and tother half towards the left hand showeth the west part of the world: so as these ij. lines, the first Meridian and the Equinoctial do point out the iiij. quarters of the world, North, South, East, and West, from whence the four principal winds do blow betwixt: which winds are set down in most Maps together with their Latin or Italian names in the outermost skirt or border thereof viii. other winds, so as in all there be xii. winds, whereby the ancient Greeks and Romans were wont to sail. The names whereof both Greek, Latin and English are heretofore set down in the latter end of our Sphere.  
But now to return to our first two lines, that is the first Meridian and the Equinoctial, you have to note that both these lines or circles are divided each of them into 360. degrees, so as every quarter of them containeth 90. degrees. And in the Equinoctial are set down the degrees of longitude, which is the length of the world, round about from West to East, and again from East by West home again: The first degree whereof beginneth, whereas the first aforesaid Meridian crosseth the Equinoctial in the very midst of the Map, and so proceedeth Eastward unto the number of 90 degrees, which is as far as you can go Eastward, sith from thence by reason of the roundness of the Earth, you must needs turn back again by the back side of the Sphere, or ball Westward, until you come to the 270 degree, which is the farther point westward you can go, from whence you must return Eastward until you come to the 360 degree, which is the last degree of longitude, and endeth where the first degree beginneth.  
Moreover in the said first Meridian, or in some other Meridian hard by it, are set down the degrees of latitude, that is to say, the breadth of the world, both Northern and Southern: for from the Equinoctial to the North Pole are contained in the foresaid Meridian 90. degrees, and that is called the North latitude, and from the Equinoctial to the South Pole, are contained in the said Meridian, other 90 degrees, which is called the South latitude: and in most Maps the Equinoctial line is divided and crossed with 18 Meridian's on each side of the first Meridian, dividing the Equinoctial into 36 several spaces or distances, every space containing 10 degrees, and every degree containeth 60 Italian miles of length.  
Moreover betwixt the Equinoctial and each of the Poles are drawn certain Circles or lines, called (as I said before) Parallels: of which most commonly 4 are painted with red ink, signifying the 4 lesser Circles before described in our Sphere, whereof the highest towards the North Pole, is called the Circle Arctic, being distant from the Pole 23 degrees and a half, and the lowest towards the South Pole is called the Circle Antartique, being also distant from the Pole 23 degrees and a half.  
Now as touching the other two red Circles, the one lying betwixt the Circle Arctic, and the Equinoctial is called the Tropic of Cancer, and the other lying betwixt the Equinoctial and the Circle Antartique is called the Tropic of Capricorn, and each of these two Tropiques is distant from the Equinoctial 23 degrees and a half, which is the greatest declination of the Sun, for betwixt these ij. Tropiques the Sun continually maketh his course and return, as this word Tropic signifieth, mounting never higher than the Tropic of Cancer: nor descending lower than the Tropic of Capricorn: for which cause some do set down in their Maps betwixt the said two Tropiques an overthwart line, signifying the ecliptic line, under which the Sun continually walketh. Now by help of the foresaid 4 circles, the earth is divided into 5 zones, that is, one hot, 2 temperate, and 2 cold. The hot is contained betwixt the 2 Tropiques, in the midst of which hot zone, is the Equinoctial line, and of the 2 temperate zones, the one lieth betwixt the Tropic of Cancer and the circle Arctic, and the other betwixt the Tropic of Capricorn and the circle Antartique.  
Again, of the 2 cold zones, the one lieth betwixt the North Pole and the circle Arctic, and the other betwixt the South Pole, and the circle Antartique▪ Now besides these four special Parallels, there be divers other Parallels drawn on each side of the Equinoctial, both Northward and Southward, which crossing in certain points the first Meridian marked with degrees, do show the true latitude of every place, and under what Clime or Parallel it is, and also how many hours the longest day of any place under every Parallel is, beginning to account the same, either from the Equinoctial upward towards the North Pole, alongst the first Meridian marked with degrees of Northern latitudes, or else from the said Equinoctial downward towards the South Pole, marked with degrees of Southern latitude.  
Notwithstanding, they use most commonly to set down the number and just distances of the climes, Parallels, and hours in the North latitude only, willing the like numbers of climes, Parallels, and hours to be accounted in the South latitude, even as they are in the North latitude and with like distances. And note that in proceeding towards the Pole from the Parallel, whereas the longest day is 24. hours, they account the Parallel of the longest day no longer by hours, but by months, that is to say, from one month to six months, whereof we have spoken before in our sphere. The numbers of the aforesaid climes, Parallels and hours you shall find set forth in Vopellius Map alongst the first Meridian on the left hand. But he setteth down the numbers of the longest days increasing by months in the uttermost border of his Map on the right hand betwixt the North Pole, and the circle Arctic. And in that border he setteth down the number of leagues and miles answerable to every Parallel, whereas also he showeth the three differences of Inhabitants according to their shadows, that is to say. the Periscij, Heteroscij, and Amphiscij.  
Periscij are those that dwell in any of the two cold zones, whose shadow goeth round about them.  
Heteroscij be those that dwell in any of the two temperate zones whose shadow tendeth at noontide but one way, that is either North or South.  
Amphiscij be those that inhabit the hot zone, whose shadow tendeth both ways, that is sometime North and sometime South, as is before declared at large in our sphere.  
But in the Map of Gemma Frizius, you shall find all these things set forth on the left hand of his Map amongst the uttermost circles, whereas upon the circle Arctic, he setteth down the twelve signs, having certain compassed lines, running down to the Equinoctial, meeting and concurring all in one point: at the end whereof upon the Equinoctial, you shall find the number of hours, at which the sun riseth in every degree of latitude.  
Also at the neither end of his Map on the left hand, he placeth a half quadrant, which he calleth Directorium nauticum, whereof we shall speak hereafter.  
And because he would have his Map to serve both sea and land, he setteth down a certain number of mariners compasses divided with 32 lines signifying the 32. winds, which do show how every place beareth one from the other, and by what wind a Ship is to be directed from one part to another, which thing is also observed in Mercators' Map and others that have written more lately, and yet nothing serviceable for the Sea, because (as M Borowgh, Controller of her majesties Navy, a man most skilful in the Art of sailing saith) no consideration is had in the said Maps or Cards touching the variation of the Compass, without the which they can never set down any true or just direction.  
Now as touching the division and order of the parts of the Earth, most commonly described in universal Maps, you shall understand that the ancient Cosmographers, not knowing then the West Indies, nor many other places situated both Northward and Southward (which have been since discovered) divided the whole Earth only into three parts, that is, Europe, afric and Asia, in the description whereof, their Maps never extended in latitude Northwards further then to 63 degrees, as I have said before in my Sphere, and Southward no further then to 20 degrees of the Northern latitude, or there about, but in longitude from West to East, beginning the same at the Islands called Insulae Canariae or Fortunatae, which are situated at the West end of afric, in the Sea called Mare Atlanticum: their descriptions do extend to 180 degrees. But because a whole world almost hath been found out since those times, our modern Cosmographers do divide the whole Earth into 4 parts: that is Europe, afric, Asia and America, which we now call the West Indies. And because men of divers Nations have sailed round about the world, East and West, their late descriptions do extend in longitude the whole content of the Equinoctial, which is 360 degrees: and in latitude Northwards, the same descriptions do extend to 80 degrees: and Southwards to 66. ½ as you may see in the universal Maps lately set forth by Mercator, and by Barnardus Puteanus and others.  
But the ancient and modern do greatly differ in the division of the parts of latitude, as well Northern as Southern, and also in longitude: for, whereas the ancient Cosmographers do divide each latitude into 90. degrees by certain Parallels making 9 equal spaces, every space containing 10. equal degrees: in the latter Maps last mentioned, you shall find those spaces and the degrees thereof altogether unequal, the first 3 spaces next the Equinoctial only excepted, for those differ not above one half degree at the most: but from thence Northward, every space is greater than other, and every degree in every such space is greater than other, insomuch as the fourth space containeth 11 degrees and a half of those degrees which are set down in the first space, and the fift space containeth of such degrees 13 degrees ¾, the 6 space containeth of the said degrees 16 degrees ¼: the 7 containeth of the same degrees 20 degrees ½, so as the space is is twice so broad as the first space and one half degree more: the eight space containeth of the said first degrees 36: further than which 8 spaces containing 80 degrees of latitude, their Maps extend not Northward: and they observe the like proportion in the Southern latitude, saving that they extend no farther Southward than to 66 degrees and a half.  
Again, they differ in longitude thus: for the modern Cosmographers do make the first Meridian to pass through the Isles called Azores, which do stand 5 degrees more Westward then the Fortunate Islands do: through which Fortunate Islands, Ptolomey and his followers do appoint the first Meridian to pass.  
The cause of which transposing the said first Meridian is, because that the mariners Compass doth never show the right North and South, in any other place, but only under that Meridian. Yea M. Borowgh thinketh that it would show it more truly, if the said Meridian were placed somewhat more Westward. But in those Cards and maps that are made according to the rules of Ptolomey: the spaces of Parallels containing the 90. degrees of latitude, both Northward and Southward, are equal, and all the degrees of every such space, are also equal. And yet the spaces of Parallels that show the longest day in any place, are towards the Pole, every one more narrow than other: for as I have said before in my sphere, there are 3 kinds of parallels, that is Parallels of the Sun, Parallels of the latitude, & Parallels of the longest day. The causes why in these latter Maps, the degrees of latitude are made greater and greater towards the Poles, are set down by Barnardus in his universal Map, who saith there, that in making the said Map, he had 3. special cares: First, that the places might be so situated, as they may have both true direction and distance, and also due longitude and latitude, and as nigh as may be, the same very shape which they have in the sphere or globe, to which end he hath invented a new proportion or habitude of the Meridian's to the parallels, affirming that the Maps before made, are not fit for Navigation, by reason of the crookedness and bowing of the meridians, which by their obliqne & overthwart falling into the Parallels, do so much disfigure in the uttermost parts, the true shape of the Regions as they can scant be known. And as for the mariners Cards, because their Parallels of latitude are also of equal distance from the Equinoctial to the very Pole; he saith that they must needs misfashion the Regions and make the directions, distances, longitudes, and latitudes to be untrue, and thereby cause great errors. Which to avoid, he maketh the spaces of his Parallels and degrees of latitude to increase by little and little towards the Pole, affirming that thereby all places shall have their true shape, and also their true directions, distances, longitudes, and latitudes.  
His second care was, that the Regions and places, might have their true quantity and greatness, and also true distance one from another, wherein he hath taken as he saith, greatest pains whilst he did confer the Tables of the Castilians and Portugals aswell amongst themselves, as with divers other Navigations both printed and written. His third care was to show what parts of the world were known to the ancient men, that the limits and bounds of their Geography might not be unknown, to the intent they might have their due honour and praise. And having showed what places they did in their time describe both East, West, North, and South, in the end of his speech, he affirmeth, that ancient Cosmographers have set down in the East Indians more places, than ever the Portugals have as yet discovered or attained unto.  
This Barnardus Puteanus borne in Bruges, is by his own confession a Cutter or Graver in brass, and also a Cosmographer, whose Map set forth in the year of our Lord 1579. doth not differ in any one point that I can find from the last universal Map of Mercator that famous Cosmographer, who as I understand was himself also sometime a Cutter & Graver of such Maps and Globes as Gemma Frizius did cause to be printed in his time, from whom Mercator learned great part of his most excellent skill in cosmography. But of one thing I am sure, the Ptolomey was first Master to them all, who hath set down so good and perfect rules of describing the Earth, be it whole or part, as in the opinion of most learned men, no better can be invented.  
Truly when I did first behold these latter Maps, and saw that the Parallels towards the Pole were as long as the very Equinoctial itself, it seemed to me somewhat strange, for than I said that a Ship in sailing about the world under the Parallel of 60 degrees, should by this means make as long a voyage as that which saileth about the world right under the Equinoctial, which voyage is twice as long. For this containeth in longitude 21600 miles, which is the whole compass of the Earth, and the other containeth in longitude 10800 miles, which is just half so much and no more. But after that I had taken better advisement thereof, I found by measuring with my compass, that one degree of the Meridian next to the 60 degree of latitude, did comprehend two of such degrees, as are set down in the Equinoctial, and that one degree of the Meridian, crossing the the Parallel that hath 70 degrees of latitude, did comprehend 3 degrees of the Equinoctial line, and so I found the degrees towards the Pole; to wax greater and greater, by which degrees I perceived their meaning was to have the longitude of their parallels to be measured, & not by the degrees of the Equinoctial. And by the means their parallels should have each one as nigh as might be his due longitude proporcionally, even as they have in the globe.  
Moreover the shape, quantities, and distances of such Countries as have been found out of late days must needs be more perfectly set forth in these Maps, then in those that have been made heretofore, because the true longitudes & latitudes of those places were not so well known then as they are now. Albeit I fear me that of many places in the Indies, there are as yet but few true longitudes known. For it is not so easy a thing to get the true longitude of every place, as the true latitude thereof. And had not the late makers of Maps been greatly helped by the Maps and Cards of such learned Pilots as have travailed those Countries. I doubt not, but that they should have committed as great errors as those that wrote before them. And of one thing I do assure myself, that in these latter Maps, more places are described, then ever were known or discovered: as for example, the North-parts of Groyneland, Crockland, & America, all which they make Islands, and yet never sailed about them, and specially on the North side, as it may well be gathered by the vain attempting of divers Nations, to find out new ways in the North seas to the Molucas both by East and West. For being a little entered into those seas, they are quickly driven back, either by extreme cold, by great Yses, or by the raging floods bred of snow, and falling from the mountains of the next continent, and making in some places such Whirlpools in the Sea, as if any Ship chance to come nigh them, it is soon swallowed upppe. Neither do I think, that King Arthur in his time, ever sent (as it is reported) any of his people to inhabit those Islands, being places in mine opinion, more meet for Whales and monstrous fishes to dwell in, then for men: and specially for English men, which are not able to suffer the cold winter at Wardhouse: to which place some of our Mariners do sail in Summer season every year. And yet Wardhouse hath scant in latitude 71 degrees, much less than are they able to winter in those places that have 77 degrees of latitude, as the North side of Groynland and Crockland hath. Moreover the North side of the promontory Tabin hath 76 degrees of latitude, which place, whatsoever Pliny saith thereof in his fourth book of Histories, yet I believe that no Roman came ever there to describe the Promontory. Neither do I believe that the Friar of Oxford, by virtue of his Art Magic ever came so nigh the Pole to measure with his Astrolabe those cold parts together with the four floods, which Mercator & Barnardus do describe both in the front, and also in the neither end of their Maps, unless he had some cold devil out of the middle Region of the air to be his guide. And therefore I take them in mine opinion to be mere fables. Truly if any men should discover those parts, me thinketh that the people of Finmarke & of Wardhouse or such like people bordering upon the North seas, should best do it, having bodies used to extreme cold. But then being bred in so gross an air, their wits perhaps are too gross for such a purpose.  
I remember that William Boorne in his book called the Regiment of the Sea, secteth down five sundry ways to sail into Cathay, whereof the first way is by the Cape of good hope in the outermost south part of Africa: The second by the Sea called Mare Magellanicum. The third way is to sail betwixt the North part of America and the Isles of Groynland and Crockland. The fourth is by Nova Zemla, whereas Sir Hugh Willoughby in seeking that way was frozen to death. The first way is to sail right under the Pole, that is first from South to North, until you be right under the Pole, and then from North to South, alleging there certain reasons to prove the three last ways possibly to be as passable, as the first ij. ways well▪ known in these days and usually haunted.  
The strongest reason that Boorne useth to make the foresaid Seas Navigable, is, for that the Sun by his long tarriing above the horizon, so warmeth both land and Sea, as it cannot be over soon cold again. But I pray you what heat can the Sun yield to that place above whose Horizon he is never elevated more than 23. degrees and a half, a very cold winterlie heat GOD wot. And though the cold were not so extreme as I take it to be indeed, yet in desert places, where is there any safe harborough, fresh water, or any other necessary succour to be had? For in taking such a journey, let no man think to go through without a bait, unless he sail in Pegasus, and hath both wind and tide at will.  
Notwithstanding, I can greatly commend those valiant minds that do attempt such desperate voyages, and the rather when they do it for knowledge sake, and to profit their Country, and not altogether for private gain and lucre.  
But truly for mine own part, I think it unpossible that any man bred in any of the temperate zones or in the hot zone is ever able to continue the whole journey in any of those 3 ways: no, though they were much more passable than I take them to be indeed. But if they were passable in all respects, saving for cold, than I think no Nation or people so meet to attempt those ways as those which I have already named, or such like, borne and bred nigh unto the North Seas. But leaving these matters, let us now show how every one of the 4 foresaid parts of the Earth, that is, Europe, Africa, Asia, and America is bounded, and how many miles each part containeth aswell in longitude as in latitude, according to such longitude and latitude as Mercator and Puteanus do set down in their Maps.  
Europe is bounded on the North with the North Ocean Sea, 
Europa.  and on the South with the Sea called Mare Mediterraneum, on the East with the flood Tanais, and on the west with the West Ocean Sea. Europe in measuring with a right line from the furthest part of Ireland on the West unto the flood Tanais, on the East both places having 52 degrees of latitude, hath in longitude. 2166. miles, and in measuring with a right line from the furthest part of Morea on the South, whose latitude is 35 degrees, unto the North Sea side having 72 degrees of latitude, hath in latitude 2220. miles.  
Africa is bounded on the North with the strait Sea Gibraltar and with the Sea called Mare Mediterraneum, 
Africa.  on the South with a sea which divideth Africa from the south land not yet fully known, and on the east with the red sea or gulf of Arabia, and on the west with the great Ocean Atlantic. Africa in measuring with a right line from Gambra on the west unto the Cape de Gardasa on the East, both places having 10 degrees of North latitude, or there about hath in longitude 4155. miles.  
And in measuring with a right line from the 50 degree of the Equinoctial unto the sea called Mare mediterraneum, it hath in north latiude 32 degrees, which being multiplied by 60 maketh 1920 miles. In South latitude measuring with a right line, from th' 50 degree of the Equinoctial unto the Cape of good hope, it hath 35 degrees, which being multiplied by 60 maketh 2100 miles.  

Asia.  Asia is bounded on the North, with the North Ocean sea, and on the South partly with the red sea, which Sea according to Pomponius Mela, extendeth to the Isle sometime called Taprobana now Sumatra: which is a famous market place of all manner of spices. Also Asia is bounded on the South with divers other gulfs & seas, as you may see in the Map: Again on the East it is bounded with the East Indian Ocean, and with the strait sea of Anian, & on the West, it hath the flood Tanais and the Fen of Meotis, & divers seas, as Bosphorus Cimmerius the sea called Mare Euxinum, the sea Bosphorus Thracius & Propontis, and part of the sea Mediterraneum, & part of the red sea or gulf of Arabia, which divideth Africa from Arabia Felix. Asia in measuring with a right line from the flood Tanais to the promontory Tamos, both places having 50 degrees of latitude, hath in longitude 4284 miles, and in measuring with a right line from the 150 degree of the Equinoctial unto the promontory Tabin, Asia hath in North latitude 76 degrees, which being multiplied by 60 maketh 4560 miles.  

America.  America is bounded on the North, with the North Ocean sea, and on the south, with the sea called Mare Magellanicum, on the East with the great Ocean Atlantic, & on the west with the West Indian Ocean, & the straight sea of Anian▪ America in measuring with a right line from the strait of Anian to the furthest part of Estotilant upon the 64 degree of latitude, hath in longitude 4342 miles, & in measuring with a right line from the 270 degree of the Equinoctial unto the North sea, it hath in North latitude 76 degrees, which maketh 4560 miles, and yet the quantity of the ground described in the Map, is not so great as the other by a seventh part: wherein I can very well excuse the Mappe-makers, not having perhaps as yet the true longitude of that part of America.  
Finally, in measuring with a right line from the 310 degree of the Equinoctial unto the sea called Mare Magellanicum, it hath in the South latitude 52 degrees, which maketh 3120 miles.  
Now if you would know what kingdoms, Regions, Cities, Mountains, Floods, Lakes, also what seas together with their Islands, Ports, Capes, Points, & bay do belong to every one of the foresaid four parts, then study well these modern Maps: and with your eye you shall behold, not only the whole world at one view, but also every particular place contained therein. Which to describe at the full, in writing would require a long time Wherefore leaving that to your own Industry, I will show you how to find out the longitude and latitude of any place in the Map.  
Also to know how one place lieth from another, and with what wind you have to sail from one place to another. And finally how to find out the true distance betwixt place and place, in which things the chief use of Maps doth consist.  
And first you have to understand, that the Meridian's which you see in the Map, do serve for divers purposes. For you learn thereby that it is noontide or midday sooner to one place then to another, by marking what Meridian is more towards the East, which the Sun always toucheth sooner than that Meridian which is more towards the West. Also by the Meridian's you know how the Eclipse of the Moon appeareth sooner to one place then to another, & with what variety of time.  
For they whose Meridian is towards the West, do seem to see the Eclipse of the Moon sooner than they whose Meridian is more towards the East, whereas in very truth the Eclipse of the moon is seen to all places (where it can be seen) at one very instant of like greatness, & yet seemeth to be seen later or sooner, by reason of the diversity of the time of the day, in places standing one East or West from another. And if the distance betwixt those two Meridian's do contain 15 degrees of the Equinoctial, than the Eclipse appeareth to be sooner to the one then to the other by one whole hour. For every 15 degrees maketh an hour, and therefore look how many 15 degrees you find betwixt the two Meridian's, so many hours are to be accounted. And if you find fewer degrees, than the time of the Eclipse is to be shortened accordingly, and by attributing 4 minutes of an hour to one degree, (for four times 15 maketh 60 minutes, which is also one hour) you may make your account so small or great as you will. And note also that you may conceive to be in the Map as many Meridian's as there are degrees in the Equinoctial.  
As for the Eclipse of the Sun, it is seen, neither generally, nor fully at the self same time, nor yet of the same greatness in all places. Indeed it appeareth sooner to the Western Countries, then to the Eastern. But the diversity of the time of appearance doth depend not only of the number of Meridian's betwixt the two places, but also of the swift or slow motion of the Moon, which coming betwixt us and the Sun, taketh the sight of the Sun from us.  
Moreover, by the Meridian's you shall know what longitude any place in the Map hath, by doing thus. First set the one foot of your compass in the place itself, and the other in some Meridian that is next unto it, whether it be on the left or right hand, it maketh no matter: and from thence draw down your compass following still that Meridian until you come to the Equinoctial line, and there mark upon what degree of the Equinoctial that foot of your compass which you did first put in the place, doth rest & there make a prick. That done, count how many degrees that is distant from the first Meridian, and that is the true longitude of the place: and that longitude serveth to all the places that be under that Merian, though they be never so far distant one from another North and South.  
Now if you would know the latitude of any place in the Map, that is to say, how far it is distant from the Equinoctial, either Northward or southward, either of which latitudes containeth 90 degrees. then do thus: set the one foot of your Compass upon the very place, and the other upon that Parallel which is next it, whether the Parallel be above it or beneath, it maketh no matter, and draw your Compass from that place following still that Parallel until you come to that Meridian, which is marked with the degrees of latitude, which Meridian in the latter Maps, standeth somewhat more West than the first Meridian doth. And mark upon what degree that foot of your Compass which you did draw from the place doth rest, and there make a prick. That done, count how many degrees that prick is distant from the Equinoctial, and that is the true latitude of that place. And the like latitude have all they that dwell under that Parallel, how far so ever they dwell asunder, East and West. And by knowing the latitude of any place, you may quickly find also in some Maps under what Clime or Parallel such place is situated, and of how many hours the longest day is there, as in the Map of Vopellius, of Gemma Frizius and divers others. But in these latter Maps such things are not set forth, wherefore not having the other maps, you may resort to the tables set down in my sphere, which do show all such things at the full.  
Now to know how one place beareth from another, & with what a ship is to be directed from one port to another, & also what distance is betwixt 2 places, that is, how many miles one place is distant from another, the latter Cosmographers, as Mercator, Barnardus, Puteanus, and divers others have invented a new instrument called Organum directorium, which they set down in their Maps together with the use thereof. 
Organum directorium  But in mine opinion not plainly enough for most men's capacity. This Instrument containeth 2 Quadrants of a Circle, having the names of the winds written therein: And they call the upper Quadrant Organum Superius, & the neither Quadrant Organum Inferius. Which 2 Quadrants have 2 lines marked with degrees, and are joined together with a right angle, of which 2 lines the standing or hanging line on the left hand doth signify the first Meridian, & is marked with 75 unequal degrees of latitude, in such proportion as the middle Meridian of the Map hath. The other line which lieth overthwart, signifieth the Equinoctial, and is marked with 90 equal degrees of longitude. But the spaces of the Parallels of latitude are in number 7 and a half, every whole space containing 10 degrees, and the half space but 5 degrees. Which spaces are wider and wider towards the Pole, and of like proportion to those of the Map.  
And note by the way that the highest right line that goeth from the first Meridian towards your right hand, is the East line, and the nethermost line signifying the Equinoctial is the West line. For the upper Quadrant cometh towards you from East to South, and the neither Quadrant goeth from you towards the left hand from west to south, & in the centre of each Quadrant must be put a long thread to show the direction from place to place. The use of this Instrument is thus: first having found out in the Map the several longitudes, & latitudes of 2 places in such order as is before taught, seek the latitude of the first place in the first Meridian, & there make a mark. I call here the first place, that from whence you go, and the second that to which you go. That done, seek out in the said Meridian the latitude of the second place, & there make another mark. And from that mark of the second place draw a right line towards your right hand, so as it may be a Parallel to the Equinoctial line. Then take the difference of the 2 longitudes by substracting the lesser out of the greater, & seek out the degrees of that difference in the Equinoctial line, and there make a mark from which mark draw a right line that may be a Parallel to the first Meridian. And whereas this line crosseth the first line there set down a mark, then draw a right line from the mark of the first place, so as it may pass through the crossing point. That done, if the latitude of the first place be greater than that of the second place, make a Parallel to that line with the thread of the upper quadrant, but if the latitude of the first be lesser than the second, then make a Parallel unto the said line with the thread of the neither Quadrant, which with the help of your Compass you shall easily do. And that thread being stretched out amongst the winds, will show by what wind the second place beareth from the first. And the opposite wind is the director whereby you have to sail: yet neither Mercator nor Barnardus do plainly show how to find out the true distance of 2 places by this instrument, nor yet do set down in their Maps, either scale or trunk to take the distance betwixt 2 places with the compass, as most commonly all other Maps & Mariners Cards have, but do refer the plain declaration thereof to other their books and tables which I have not yet seen, & therefore in the mean time I thought good to set down according to barnard's rule, this brief way of finding out the distance of any 2 places whatsoever is set down in their Maps. First with your Compass, take the just distance of the two latitudes upon the first Meridian, which is otherwise called the difference of the latitude. And having laid a ruler or thread to the places, look how many times the foresaid distance, or difference taken with your Compass, is comprehended in the space that lieth betwixt the two places, and by so many times multiply the said difference, the product whereof being multiplied again by 60, will show how many miles the one place is distant from the other. As for example, the distance or difference betwixt the two latitudes of London and Jerusalem, is 19 degrees or there abouts, which being taken with your compass you find to be two times contained in the space betwixt Jerusalem and London. Wherefore in multiplying 19 degrees by 2 you find the product to be 38 which being multiplied by sixty, maketh 2280 miles, and so far is Jerusalem from London by a right line. But if in measuring the distance betwixt 2 places with your Compass there remain any odd space not fully answering the first wideness of your Compass, then take that odd space with your Compass being straightened and made fit thereunto, and look how many degrees the said odd space comprehendeth in the first Meridian, about the midst of the degrees of the foresaid difference of latitude, add those degrees also to the rest which you have already measured and multiplied, and by multiplying the whole sum by 60 you shall have the true distance.  
Again, it may be that the two places do not differ at all in latitude but only in longitude, for as I have said in my sphere, 2 places may differ three manner of ways, that is in latitude only, in longitude only, or in both. And there I do show how every one is to be measured.  
But because that order of measuring is somewhat busy to such as are not very well exercised in Arethmeticke, and also do know the use of the tables of sins called in Latin Tabulae Sinuum, I thought good to set down here a more easy way of measuring, though perhaps not altogether so justly, and yet without any great error. Wherefore if the two places do differ both in longitude and latitude, than you must do as before is taught. But if they differ only in latitude, than you have no more to do but to multiply the difference of the two latitudes by 60 miles, and if there be any odd minutes, then to allow for every minute one mile. As for example, Compostella and Lisbon, two towns, the one in Spain, the other in Portugal have one self same longitude differing only in latitude, which difference is four degrees, and 20 minutes.  
Here if you multiple 4 by 60 it amounteth to 240 miles, whereunto by adding 20 miles for the 20 minutes, you shall find the whole sum to be 260 miles, which is the distance by a right line betwixt Compostella and Lisbona.  
But if the two places having one self latitude, do differ only in longitude, then look how many such degrees as are of equal quantity to the last degree of the same latitude are contained betwixt the two places by a right line, and by allowing for every degree 60 miles, you shall have the true distance, or at the least not much differing from the truth. And if you see that the two places in the map do stand far a sunder, then for the more speediness, take with your compass five such degrees at once, being first pricked upon a piece of paper which is just 300 miles, and at the wideness measure the said space, and if there remain at the last any odd space, then straighten your Compass and fit them to that odd space, and look how many of the foresaid degrees that comprehendeth, and having multiplied the same by 60 add the product thereof to the former sum. As for example, Compostella and Constantinople, having one self same latitude, that is 43 degrees of North latitude do differ only in longitude: Hear with my Compass I prick upon a piece of paper 5 degrees like in quantity to the last and uppermost degree of the foresaid 43 degrees, and measuring with the wideness of my compass the space betwixt the two places by a ruler or right line I find that space to comprehend the foresaid wideness of my compass 6 times, which maketh 1800 miles, and that there remaineth an odd space containing 3 of the foresaid degrees, that is, 180 miles, which being added to the former sum, maketh in all 1980 miles, which is the distance betwixt Compostella and Constantinople. Also if you would know the distance betwixt two towns in Africa, the one called Budonell standing upon Capo viride, & the other called Ercoco, standing hard by the red sea, both places having one self same latitude, that is to say 14 degrees of North latitude, or there abouts, and do differ only in longitude. Then prick with your Compass upon a piece of paper 5 degrees, every one equal to the last degree of the foresaid latitude. And in measuring the space betwixt those two places with that wideness of your Compass, you shall find the same to be comprehended in the said space 12 times, which by allowing 300 miles to every wideness amounteth to 3600 miles, and the overplus of the odd space being 2 degrees, is 120 miles, which being added to the former sum, maketh in all 3720 miles: and that is the distance betwixt Budonell and Ercoco.  
And if this way like you not, then multiply the difference of the 2 longitudes, by the miles answerable to the latitude of the said places, which you shall find in a special table made for that purpose, & is set down in my sphere, together with the rule and order that is to be observed therein. The hardest of which 2 ways in mine opinion, is much more easy than that which is to be done by the former Instrument called Organum directorium. Which instrument Mercator and Barnardus did borrow as it seemeth to me from that which Gemma Frizius calleth his Quadratum Nauticum, invented by him many years since: the shape, description and use whereof, I thought it not amiss to set down here and the rather for that in mine opinion it showeth both the true course and direction to any place more speedily, and with more facility than the other.  
Here followeth the Mariner's Quadrant.   

A DESCRIPTION OF GEMMA FRIZIus his Instrument called Quadratum Nauticum.  
THis square by 2 right lines called Diameters crossing one another with right angles in the very Centre is divided into four Equal quarters, and within the said square upon the said Centre is drawn a Circle, which by means of the two foresaid Diameters is also divided into four Quadrants, and every Quadrant is subdivided with right lines into 8 parts, so as in all, there be 32 lines, signifying the 32 winds of the Mariner's Compass. Every line having his proper name of wind written thereon. And note that the right line which is drawn right down in the midst of the square, signifieth the Meridian, showing the Northpoint above, and the South point beneath, and the other right line, crossing the same in the Centre, signifieth the Equinoctial line, which showeth the East point on the right hand, and the West point on the left hand, and the Circle itself signifieth the Horizon.  
Now you have to understand, that from the Equinoctial line upwards the 2 sides of the square are divided each of them into 90 degrees of North latitude, and the other two sides from the Equinoctial downward, are likewise divided on both hands into 90 degrees of south latitude. Then the head or front, & also the base of the said square is divided in the midst by the foresaid Meridian line into 2 equal parts, whereof the first proceeding from the said Meridian towards the right hand is divided as well above as beneath into 90 degrees of longitude, and that is called the East longitude, and the other part proceeding from the said Meridian towards the left hand is likewise divided as well above as beneath into 90 degrees of longitude, & is called the West longitude. The use of which instrument is thus: first knowing by some table or Map, the longitude and latitude of two places, take the difference of both by substracting the lesser out of the greater. And if the longitude of the second place be greater than the first, seek the difference thereof in the front, and also in the base of the East longitude on the right hand. But if the longitude of the second place be less than the first, then seek the difference thereof in the West longitude on the left hand. And here as before I mean by the first place that from whence you go, of which 2 places, the first is always supposed to be in the very centre of the Circle, and the other is to be found out thus: first, having sought out the degrees of the difference of the longitude, as well in the upper part as in the neither part, and marked the same with one prick above, and another beneath, apply your Ruler or a thread to those 2 pricks, or else draw a secret right line from the one prick to the other by a ruler. That done, seek out the difference of the 2 latitudes on both sides of the square, that is to say, if the second place hath greater latitude than the first, than you must seek the difference in the North latitude, if less, then seek that in the South latitude. And having marked the same on both hands, by setting down on each side a prick, draw a secret right line from mark to mark, and where the last line crosseth the first line, there make a mark, for there standeth the place whereto you would go. Which if you would know how it beareth from the first place, then lay your ruler both to the Centre and also to that mark, drawing a right line passing through the Centre, and also through the said mark from the one side of the circle to the other, or else stretch a thread through the Centre and the mark, and on that side that the mark is, you shall see the name of the wind that showeth how the second place beareth from you, the opposite point whereof is the wind whereby you have to sail. As for example, if you would know how Venice beareth from London.  
Now if you seek in the Map, you shall find London to have in longitude 23 degrees and 0 minutes, and in latitude 51 degrees, and 32 minutes. Again, you shall find Venice to have in longitude 36 degrees, and 30 minutes, and in latitude 45 degrees and 15. minutes or there abouts.  
The difference of the longitudes is 13 degrees and 30 minutes, which because the longitude of Venice is greater than the longitude of London, you must seek it out in the East longitude on the right hand, and mark the same both above and beneath. Again, the difference of latitude is 6 degrees and 17 minutes. Which because Venice hath the lesser latitude, seek that out in the South latitude, marking the same on both hands. That done, lay two threads, or else draw two right cross lines from the foresaid marks, and where those two threads or lines do cross, make a mark, which mark signifieth the place whereunto you would go▪ which is Venice.  
Then from the one side of the Circle to the other, lay a ruler or thread passing through the centre, and the said mark made for Venice, at the end of which thread, ruler, or line on the right hand you shall see the wind which showeth how Venice beareth from London, and on the left hand the wind, whereby you have to sail, if the space betwixt the 2 places were all sea. For in sailing by sea, you may not think to go always by a right line, but often to change your course according as either mainland, hedlands, Isles Currents, Sands, Rocks, or such like impediments shall give occasion: and therefore though your right course from London to Venice is to go south-west and by East, yet being come out of the Thames to Dover, your course from thence to the Cape of Britain is west south-west. And from thence to the Cape Finis terrae in Spain, it is south-west and by South. And from thence to the cape saint Vincent in Portugal you go right South: and from thence to Gibraltar almost East Southeast. Again from Gibraltar to the South point of Sardignia, your course is almost East and by North. And from thence to the south point of Sicilia almost East Southeast: and from thence to Corfu, your course is just North-east, and from thence to Venice, you turn again Northwest.  
Thus you see that in going by Sea, one course doth not hold, no nor yet in going by Land, sith Mountains, Rivers, and lakes may put you out of your right course, and yet it is necessary to know how the place whereto you go, beareth from you to the intent that being out of your way, you may always the better direct your course right again to the same.  
Moreover, Gemma Frizius saith, that by this Instrument you may also find out the difference of longitude betwixt the two places from whence and whither you go, so as you know before how the second place beareth from the first, and also the difference of their latitudes. As for the latitude of each place, you may easily find the same with your Astrolabe, Quadrant, or cross staff, by taking therewith the Meridian altitude of the Sun, or the highest altitude of some star that you know: The order whereof I have set down in my Sphere. And the Coast of the Country and place whereunto the Ship is to be directed, is commonly well known to the Mariners how it beareth from the first, and specially having a prosperous wind.  
Then knowing these two things, you must do thus: First having drawn a secret line or thread, from the difference of the two latitudes, placed according to the rule of greater and lesser before set down, and marked on both sides of the Instrument: draw another thread, or else lay a ruler so as it may pass through the Centre, and the line of the wind, or coast whereby the second place beareth from the first. And whereas those two lines or threads do touch, make a mark, and then lay a ruler, or extend a thread from the upper line to the neither line of longitude, so as it may pass hard by the last mark, and then the thread or ruler so laid, will show you the difference of longitude betwixt the two places. And by this means Gemma Frizius saith, that the Mariners may easily correct the longitudes of places as they sail: but how truly, I refer that to the skilful Pilots.  
But for mine own part, having to seek out in these latter Maps the way by Sea or Land to any place I would use none other Instrument of direction then half a Circle divided with lines like a Mariners Fly, in such sort as you see in this Figure.   

THE FLY, THE USE WHEREof here followeth.  
THis Fly containeth two quarters of the Mariner's Compass▪ the middle line whereof marked with a Cross, signifieth the line which runneth East and West. For if the place whereto you go, be on your right hand, than the Cross signifieth the east point, but if it be on your left hand, then turning the Fly towards your left hand, the Cross doth signify the West point, and the right down line crossing the foresaid middle line with right angles in the very Centre, is the Meridian line showing the North and South, according as you turn the Cross East or West.  
The use of which Fly is thus; first with a pin or a needle, being thrust through the centre of the Fly, prick the pin down in the very place from whence you go, called before the first place, and if the second place be on your right hand, then turn the cross of your Fly that way, but so as the Meridian of the Fly may be a true Parallel to the next Meridian of the Map that is on your left hand, which your compass will quickly perform by taking therewith a just space at both ends of the Fly betwixt the two foresaid Meridian's. That done, extend your thread so as it may pass through both the Centre of the Fly hard by the pin, and also through the second place, and then look upon what wind or coast of the Fly the thread lieth, and that wind showeth how the second place beareth from you. And the opposite wind thereof showeth by what wind you have to sail thither.  
But if the second place be on your left hand, than you must turn the cross of the Fly towards your left hand, and having set down the Centre of the Fly in the first place, and with your Compass made the Meridian of the Fly a just Parallel to the next Meridian of the Map that is on your right hand, lay your thread to the two places as before, and mark upon what wind of the Fly it striketh, and you shall have your desire. The lesser that your fly be, the better, for being great it would cover too many places of the Card or Map. But if the two places stand so nigh together, as the Fly doth cover them both, then having set down your pin in the first place, make your thread with a Noose, & having put the same over the pin, draw the thread through the second place somewhat beyond the Compass of the Fly, and hold it there fast until you have also put the Centre of the Fly over the said pin or needle, and duly placed the same in such form as is before taught: and in so doing, that line of the Fly which lieth upon the thread will show your course and direction aswell as if the thread lay above the Flie.  
Truly I do think the use of this Fly a more easy and speedy way of direction, than the manifold tracing of the Maps or Mariners cards with such a number of cross lines, as commonly are drawn therein, causing rather a confusion then otherwise: for in such Cards as are made with right Meridian's, you shall find the Fly to to be much more serviceable than these manifold lines.  

The use of Ptolomeis Tables.  
THus much touching the use of Maps and Cards, now according to my promise, I will briefly show you the the use of Ptolomeis Tables, or of any other table made in the form. The chiefest point whereof is readily to find out any place that you seek, and to know where it standeth. For the accomplishment whereof, you must first know what longitude and latitude that place hath.  
The longitudes and latitudes of all places described by Ptolomey, are set down in his second, third, fourth, fift, sixth, and seventh book of geography. For in his second book he describeth the West part of Europe, containing Ireland, England, and Scotland, Hispania, Gallia, Germany, Hungary, and Slavony. In his third book, he describeth the East part of Europe, as Italy, Sicilia, Corsica, Sardignia, Sarmatia, Taurica, Peninsula, Datia, Misia, Thracia, Macedonia, Achaia, Peloponesus, Candia, Rubia, & divers other Lands and Islands. And he containeth all Europe in ten Tables. In his fourth book he describeth Africa, that is to say, so much as was known in his time, containing the same in 4 Tables. In his 5.6. and 7. book he describeth all Asia and the East Indians, whereof he maketh 12 Tables, and in describing any Region or province, he showeth how it is bounded both North, South, East, and West. And also what notable Cities, Floods, Lakes, or Mountains be in every Region, and therewith setteth down the longitude and latitude of every place: To which his book, divers have made certain Alphabetical tables, containing the names of all the places that are mentioned in the foresaid books, showing in what leaf to find the same: to the intent that you may the more readily find out, not only the place, but also the longitude and latitude thereof, and in what Table it is contained.  
Notwithstanding, I know by good trial, that there are a number of places mentioned in the said books, which you shall not find in the foresaid Alphabet.  
wherefore I wish that Mercator, ortelius, Barnardus, Brugensis, or any other of the latter Cosmographers and setters forth of Maps and Cards, would take the pain to make a general Alphabet, containing all the names that are to be found and known, both ancient and modern, of Regions, Cities, Seas, Floods, Lakes, Rivers, Portes, bay, Hedlandes, Ca●es, Mountains, and all other notorious places contained in their Maps and Cards, together with the true longitude and latitude annexed to every place, & agreeable to their Maps, to the intent, that every man delighted with the reading of Histories, may in their Maps both general and special, easily find out any place that he seeketh. Which work in mine opinion would be most thankfully received of all those that delight in Geography, to the great commendation and praise of the Authors thereof.  
For though Ptolomey, Appian, Gemma Frizius, Gastaldus, Orontius, Munsterus, ortelius and others have set down certain names, both ancient and modern together with their longitudes and latitudes, yet they are but very few in comparison of all the names that are wanting, yea or of those that are comprehended in their own Cards and Maps, all which Maps I would wish to agree in their longitudes and latitudes: for otherwise a man shall hardly find the place which he seeketh.  
Wherefore I pray God with all my heart, that some good man that is a skilful Cosmographer may shortly travail herein to the profit of all Students in geography.  
But now to return to my matter, which is to show how to find out any place contained in Ptolemy's tables, I say that you must first find out the name of the place in the Alphabet, and that will direct you to the book wherein it is set down, together with the longitude and latitude thereof. And there also you shall find in what table it is contained.  
Then having taken a note of the longitude and latitude, and also the number of the table wherein it is to be sought, resort to that table, be it in Europe, Africa or Asia. In the front of every which table, and also in the base are set down certain numbers of longitudes, in such sort as the uttermost and nethermost be like numbers, and do directly answer one another. Again, on both sides of the table are set down certain numbers of latitude like in quantity, and directly answering one another.  
Then seek out the longitude of the place which you would find in the front, and also in the base, and mark the same with two pricks, one above, another beneath. From which two pricks, lay a ruler or extend a thread, holding it fast there until you have found out the latitude of the place on both sides of the table, which being also marked on each side with a prick, extend another thread from those two last pricks, and in that very point whereas the two threads do cross, you shall find the place to be which you seek, or at least should be there. Moreover, on the right hand of every table, Ptolomey setteth down most commonly under what Clime and Parallel every place is, and by that means you may also know the longest day that any Parallel hath. For as I have said before in my Sphere, every Parallel proceeding from the Equinoctial towards the Pole, increaseth by one quarter of an hour, and every Clime containing two Parallels, increaseth by half an hour.  
Of which Climes Ptolomey setteth down but seven, but of Parallels he maketh 21 in such order as this table following showeth, which Table consisteth of four Columns, whereof the first containeth the seven Climes together with their names, and also how many miles every Clime hath in breadth. And the second containeth 63 degrees of latitude, further than which Northward, Ptolomey his Tables do not extend.  
The third containeth the numbers of the 21 Parallels, and the fourth the hours and minutes of the longest day in every Parallel.  
The seven Climes, their names, and miles in breadth. The degrees of latitude. The 21. Parallels. Of the longest day in every Parallel. The hours & m.   63 * 21 19 30 60 ■ 20 19 0 ■ 19 18 30 ■ 18 18 0 7 Dia Riphios'. 195. Miles. 50 ■ 17 17 30 ■ 16 17 0 6 Dia Boristenes. 225 ■ 15 16 30 ■ 14 16 0 13 15 30 5 Dia Rome's. 240. ■ 12 15 0 40 ■ 11 14 45 4 Dia Rhodou. 350. ■ 10 14 30 9 14 15 3 Dia Alexandrias. 370. ■ 8 14 0 30 ■ 7 13 45 2 Dia Sienes. 420. ■ 6 13 30 ■ 5 13 15 1 Dia Meroes. 465 20 ■ 4 13 0 ■ 765. ■ 3 12 45 ■ 2 12 30 10 ■ ■ 1 12 15 ■ ■ * The Equinonctiall line, under which those that dwell have no Latitude, and therefore they have always 12. hours day, and 12 hours night.  
But you have to understand, that whereas Ptolomey maketh the furthest North part of his seventh Clime called Dia Ripheos' to have but 50 degrees and 30 minutes of latitude, the modern Cosmographers do allow to those mountains 70 degrees of latitude, affirming the same to be those self Mountains which are otherwise called Montes Hiperborei, which because they enclose a great part of the North side of the world, are called Orbis terrae cingulum, that is to say, the girdle of the world, the wrong latitude whereof and of divers other, I think Ptolomey had from others and not from himself.  
For being brought up in so warm a soil as Alexandria standeth in, he could never endure to go so far northward, to take the latitude of those cold Riphean Mountains, and therefore if you list to know what latitude doth truly belong unto every Clime and Parallel, then resort to Orontius his Table of Climes and Parallels set down in my Sphere, which showeth how many degrees of latitude every Parallel hath, together with the longest day, even from the Equinoctial to the very Pole, wherefore I leave to speak here any further thereof, and so for this time end this treatise, which if I shall perceive to be thankfully taken, I mind (God willing) to put in print, the description and use of the Sphere and of the Globe, both Celestial and terrestial. Also a very plain and brief Arithmetic, together with the description, and certain uses of the Tables of Sines, called in Latin Tabulae Sinuum. And finally, the principles of Navigation more plainly (I believe) than ever there have been heretofore taught, only to help and further such as be desirous to travail by Sea, and have not been exercised in the Mathematical Disciplines, without some knowledge whereof, it is hard to be skilful in that Art.   
FINIS.