THE worlds HYDROGRAPHICAL Description. Wherein is proved not only by authority of writers, but also by late experience of travelers and reasons of substantial probability. that the world in all his Zones Climates and places, is habitable and inhabited, and the Seas likewise universally Navigable without any natural annoyance to hinder the same whereby appears that from England there is a short and speedy passage into the South Seas, to China, Molucca, Phillipina, and India, by Northerly Navigation, to the renown honour and benefit of her majesties state, and Communality.  
Published by I. davis of Sandrudg by Dartmouth in the County of Devon. Gentleman. Anno 1595. May 27.  
Imprinted at London by Thomas Dawson dwelling at the three crane's in the vinetree. And are there to be sold. 1595.   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable Lords of her majesties most Honourable privy counsel.  
MY most honourable good Lords for as much as it hath pleased God, not only to bestow upon your Lordships, the excellent gifts of nature's benefit, but hath also beautified the same with such special ornaments of perfection: As that thereby the minds and attentive industry of all, have no small regard unto your honourable proceed. And so much the rather, because to the great content of all her majesties most loving subjects, it hath pleased her highness in her stately regard of government, to make choice of your honours as special members in the regal disposition of the mightiness of her imperial command: Emboldeneth me among the rest to humble myself at your honourable feet, in presenting unto the favour of your excellent judgements, this short treatise of the worlds Hydrographical bands. And knowing that not only your renowned places, but also the singularity of your education, by the prudent care of your noble progeniters, hath and still doth ind●ce and draw you to favour and embrace, Whatsoever beareth but a seeming of the Common weals good: Much more then, that which in substantial truth shallbe most beneficial to the same. I am therefore the more encouraged not to slack this my enterprise, because that through your honourable assistance when in the balance of your wisdoms this discovery shall have indifferent consideration, I know it will be ordered by you to be a matter of no small moment to the good of our Country. For thereby we shall not only have a copious and rich vent for all our natural and artificial commodities of England, in short time by safe passage, and without offence of any, but also shall by the first employment return into our Country by speedy passage, all Indian commodities in the ripeness of their perfection, whereby her majesties Dominions should be the storehouse of Europe, the nurse of the world, and the glory of nations, in yielding all foreign natural benefits, by an easy rate: In communicating unto all, whatsoever God hath unto any one asigned: And by the increase of all nations, through the mightiness of trade. Then should the merchant, tradesman, and poor artificer, have employment equal to their power and expedition, whereby what notable benefits would grow to her Majesty, the state, and communalty, I refer to your perfect judgements. And for that I am desirous to avoid the contradiction of vulgar conceits, I have thought it my best course, before I make proof of the certainty of this discovery, to lay down whatsoever may against the same be objected, and in the overthrow of those conceited hindrances the safeness of the passage shall most manifestly appear, which when your wisdoms shall with your patience peruse, I do in no sort destruct your favourable acceptance and honourable assistance of the same. And although for divers considerations I do not in this treatis discover my full knowledge for the place and altitude of this passage, yet whensoever it shall so please your honours to command, I will in few words make the full certainty thereof known unto your honours being always ready with my person and poor ability to prosecute this action as your honours shall direct, beseeching God so to support you with all happiness of this life, favour of her majesty love of her highness subjects and increase of honour as may be to your best content. I most humbly take my leave from Sandrudg by Dartmouth this 27. of May 1595.  
Yours in all dutiful service to command. I D.   

The world's Hydrographical Objections against all northerly discoveries.  
ALl impediments in nature, and circumstances of former practices duly considered. The Noretherly passage to China seem very improbable. For first it is a matter very doubtful whether there be any such passage or no, sith it hath been so often attempted and never performed, as by historical relation appeareth, whereby we may fully persuade ourselves that America and Asia, or some other contient are so conjoined together as that it is impossible for any such passage to be, the certainty whereof is substantially proved unto us by the experience of Sebastian Gabotta an expert Pilot, and a man reported of especial judgement, who being that ways employed returned without success. jasper Corteriallis a man of no mean practice did likewise put the same in execution, with divers others, all which in the best part have concluded ignorance. If not a full consent of no such matter. And therefore sith practise hath reproved the same, there is no reason why men should dote upon so great an incertainty, but if a passage may be proved and that the contenentes are disjoined whereof there is small hope, yet the impediments of the climate (wherein the same is supposed to lie) are such and so offensive as that all hope is thereby likewise utterly secluded. For within the frozen Zone no reasonable creature will deny but that the extremity of cold is of such forcible action (being the lest in the fullness of his own nature without mitigation) as that it is impossible for any mortal creature to endure the same, by the virtue of whose working power, those Northerly Seas are wholly congealed, making but one mass or contenent of ice, which is the more credible because the ordinary experience of our fishermen giveth us sufficient notice thereof, by reason of the great quantity of ice which they find to be brought upon the cost of newefound land from those Northern regions. By the abundance whereof they are so noysomly pestered as that in many weeks they have not been able to recover the ●hore, yea and many times recover it not until the season of fishing be over passed. this then being so in the Septentrional latitude of 46.47. and 48. degrees, which by nature's benefit are latitudes of better temprature than ours of England, what hope should there remain for a navegable passing to be by the northwest, in the altitude of 60.70. or 80. degrees, as it may be more Northerly, when in these temperate parts of the world the shod of that frozen sea breadeth such noisome pester: as the poor fishermen do continually sustain. And therefore itseemeth to be more than ignorance that men should attempt Navigation, in desperate climates and through seas congealed that never dissolve, where the stiffness of the cold maketh the air palpably gross without certainty that the lands are disjoined.  
All which impediments if they were not, yet in that part of the world, Navigation cannot be performed as ordenarily it is used, for no ordinary sea chart can describe those regions either in the parts Geographical or Hydrographical, where the Meridian's do so speedily gather themselves together, the parallels being a very small proportion to a great circle, where quick and uncertain variation of the Compass may greatly hinder or utterly overthrow the attempt. So that for lack of Curious lined globes to the right use of Navigation, with many other instruments either unknown or out of use, and yet of necessity for that voyage, it should with great difficulty be attained. All which the premises considered I refer the conclusion of these objections, and certainty of this passage to the general opinion of my loving countrymen, whose dangerous attempts in those desperate uncertainties I wish to be altered, and better employed in matters of great probability.  

To prove a passage by the northwest, without any land impediments to hinder the same, by authority of writers, and experience of travelers, contrary to the former objections.  
HOmer an Ancient writer affirmeth that the world being divided into Asia, Africa, and Europa is an Island, which is likewise so reported by Strabo in his first book of cosmography, Pomponius Mela in his third book Higinius, Solinus with others. Whereby it is manifest that America was then undiscovered and to them unknown, otherwise they would have made relation of it as of the rest. neither could they in reason have reported Asia Africa and Europa to be an Island unless they had known the same to be conjoined and in all his parts to be environed with the seas. And further America being very near of equal quantity with all the rest could not be reported as a part either of Africa Asia or Europa in the ordinary limits of discretion. And therefore of necessity it must be concluded that Asia Africa and Europa the first revealed world being known to be an Island, America must likewise be in the same nature because in no part it conjoineth with the first.   

By experience of travelers to prove this passage.  
ANd that we need not to range after foreign and ancient authorities, whereat curious wits may take many exceptions, let us consider the late discoveries performed, within the space of two ages not yet passed, whereby it shall so manifestly appear that Asia Africa and Europa are knit together, making one continent, and are wholly environed with the seas, as that no reasonnable creature shall have occasion thereof to doubt. And first beginning at the north of Europe, from the north cape in 71. degrees whereby our merchants pass in their trade to S. Nicholas in Rouscia descending towards the South, the Navigation is without impediment to the cape of Bona Esperanca, ordenarilie traded and daily practised. And therefore not to be gainsaid: which two capes are distant more than 2000 leagues by the nearest tract, in all which distances America is not found to be any thing near the coasts either of Europe or Afric, for from England the chiefest of the parts of Europa to newfoundland being part of America it is 600. leagues the nearest distance that any part thereof beareth unto Europa. And from cape verde in Gynny being part of Africa, unto cape Saint Augustine in brasil being part of America, it wanteth but little of 500 leagues, the nearest distance between Africa and America. Likewise from the said North cape to Nova zemla by the course of East and West nearest, there is passable sailing, and the North parts of Tartary are well known to be handed with the Scythian seas to the promontory Tabin so that truly it is apparent that America is far removed and by a great sea divided from any part of Africa or Europa. And for the Southern parts of the first revealed world it is most manifest that from the cape of Bona Esperanca towards the east, the costs of Safalla Mosombique, melinda Arabia and Persia whose gulfs lie open to the main occian: And all the coasts of East India to the capes of Callacut and Malacca are banded with a mighty sea upon the South whose lymattes are yet undiscovered. And from the Cape of Malacca towards the North so high as the isle of japan, and from thence the cost of China being part of Asia continueth still North to the promontory Tabin, where the Scythian sea and this Indian sea have recourse together, no part of America being near the same by many 100 leagues to hinder this passage.  
For from the Callafornia being part of America, to the isles of Phillippina bordering upon the coasts of China being part of Asia is 2100. leagues and therefore America is farther separated from Asia, then from any the sea coasts either of Europe or Africa. Whereby it is most manifest that Asia Africa and Europa are conjoined in an Island. And therefore of necessity followeth that America is contained under one or many ylands, for from the septentrional lat. of 75. deg. unto the straits of Magilan it is known to be navigable & hath our west occian to lymet the borders thereof, and through the straights of Magillane no man doubteth but that there is Navigable passage, from which straights upon all the Western borders of America, the costs of Chili, Chuli, Rocha, Baldivia, Peru to the ystmos of Dariena and so the whole West shores of Nova Hispania are banded out by a long and mighty sea, not having any shore near unto it by one thousand leagues towards the West, how then may it be possible that Asia and America should make one contenent?   

To prove the premises by the attempts of our own Countrymen, besides others.  
BUt lest it should be objected that the premises are conceits, the acting authors not nominated, I will use some boldness to recite our own countrymen by whose painful travels these truths are made manifest unto us. Hoping and intreting that it may not be offensive though in this sort I make relation of their actions. And first to begin with the North parts of Europe, it is not unknown to all our countrymen, that from the famous city of London Sir Huge Willobie knight gave the first attempt for the North estren discoveries, which were afterward most notably accomplished, by master Borrows, a Pilot of excellent judgement and fortunate in his actions, so far as Golgova vayga●s and Nova Zemla, with trade thereby procured to S. Nicholas in Rouscia. Then succeeded master Ginkinson who by his land travel discovered the Scythian sea to limit the North coasts of Tartary, so far as the riue● ob. S● that by our Countrymen the North parts of Europe are at full made known unto us: and proved to join with no other continent to hinder this passage. The common and ordinary trade of the Spaniard and Portugal from Lysborne to the coasts of Guyny, Bynny, Mina, Angola, Manicongo, and the cost of Ethiopia to the cape of Bona Esperanca, and all the cost of Est India and Ills of Molucca, (by which wonderful and copious trade, they are so mightily enriched, as that now they challenge a monarchy unto themselves upon the whole face of the earth) that their trade I say, proveth that America is far separated from any part of Africa or the South of Asia. And the same Spaniard trading in the City of Canton within the kingdom of China, having laid his storehouse of abundance in Manellia a City by him erected in Luzon one of the Ills of Phillippa a bordering upon the cost of China, doth by his common and ordinary passages to japan and other the borders of the coast know that the Est continent of Asia lieth due North and South so high as the promontory Tabin where the Scythian sea and this main occian of China are unjoined. But with what care they labour to conceal that matter of hydrography for the better preservation of their fortunate estate, I refer to the excellent judgement of states men, that painfully labour in the glorious administartion of a well governed Common weal, so that by them Africa and Asia are proved in no part to join with America thereby to hinder this passage.   

By late experience to prove that America is an Island, and may be sailed round about contrary to the former objection.  
ASia Africa and Europa being proved to be conjoined and an Island, it now resteth to be known by what authority America is proved to be likewise an Island, so that thereby all land impediments are removed, which might breed the dread or uncertainty of this passage. The first Englishman that gave any attempt upon the coasts of West India being part of America was Sir john HauKins knight: who there and in that attempt as in many others sithins did and hath proved himself to be a man of excellent capacity, great government, and perfect resolution. For before he attempted the same it was a matter▪ doubtful and reported the extremest limit of danger to sail upon those coasts. So that it was generally in dread among us, such is the slowness of our nation, for the most part of us rather joy at home like Epicures to sit and carp at other men's hassardes ourselves not daring to give any attempt (I mean such as are at leisure to seek the good of their Country not being any ways employed as painful members of a common weal,) then either to further or give due commendations to the deservers. how then may Sir john Haukins be esteemed who being a man of good account in his Country, of wealth and great employment, did notwithstanding for the good of his Country, to procure trade, give that notable and resolute attempt. Whose steps many hundreds following sithins have made themselves men of good esteem, and fit for the service of her sacred majesty.  
And by that his attempt of America (whereof Westindia is a part) is well proved to be many hundred leagues distant from any part of Afric or Europe.  
Then succeeded Sir Francis Drake in his famous and ever renowned voyage about the world, who departing from Plymouth directed his course for the straights of Magillane, which place was also reported to be most dangerous by reason of the continual violent and unresistible currant that was reported to have continual passage into the straights, so that once entering therein there was no more hope remaining of return, besides the peril of shields, straightness of ●ee passage, and uncertain wyndinge of the same, all which bread dread in the highest degree, the distance and dangers considered. So that before his revealing of the same the matter was in question, whether there were such a passage or no, or whether Magillane did pass the same, if there was such a man so named, but Sir Francis Drake, considering the great benefit that might arise by his voyage through that passage, and the notable discoveries that might be thereby performed, regarded not these dastardly affections of the idle multitude, but considering with judgement that in nature there cold be no such perpetuity of violence where the occian is in no sort straighted, proceeded with discreet provision, and so departing from England arrived unto the same, and with good success (through Gods most favourable mercy passed through) wherein his resolution hath deserved everlasting commendations. For the place in view is dangerous and very unpleasing, and in the execution to pass Nothing may seem more doubtful, for 14. leagues west within the cape of Saint Maria lieth the first strait, where it floweth and ebbeth with violent swiftness, the strait not half a mile broad, the first fall into which strait is very dangerous, and doubtful. This strait lasteth in his narrowness, 3. leage●●hen falling into an other sea 8. leagues broad and 8. leagues through there lieth the second strait due west South West from the first, which course being unknown it is no small peril in finding this s●cond straights, and that again is not a m●le broad and continueth the breadth 3. or 4. le●ge● south-west, with violent swiftness of flowing and reflowing, and there again he fall●th into an other Sea, through which due, South South west, lieth the cape froward, ●nd his strait (so rightly named in the true ●ature of his perverseness, for be the wind never so favourable, at that cape it will be directly against you, with violent and dangerous flaughes) where there are three places probable to continue the passage. But the true strait lieth from this cape West Nor West, where the land is very high all covered with snow, and full of dangerous counterwindes, that beat with violence from those huge mountains, from which cape the strait is never brother than 2. leagues and in many places not half a mile, without hope of ancorage the channel being shore deep more than tow hundredth fathoms▪ and so continueth to the South sea forty leagues only to be relieved in little dangerous coves, with many turnings and change of courses, how perilous then was this passage to Sir Francis Drake, to whom at that time no part thereof was known. And being without relief of ancorage was enforced to follow his course in the hell dark nights, and in all the fury of tempestuous ●●ormes. I am the holder to make t●is particulerrela●ion in the praise of his perfect constancy and magnanemitye of spirit, because I hau● thr●●e passed the same straits & have felt the most bitter & mercyles fury thereof. B●t now knowing the place as I do (for I have described every creke therein) I know it to be a vo●age of as great certainty, pleasure, and ease, as any whatsoever that beareth but ¼ the distance from England that these straights do. And this strait is found to be 1200. leagues from any part of Africa so that truly it is manifest that these two lands are by no small distance separated.  
And after that Sir Francis was entered into the South seas he coasted all the Western shores of America until he came into the Septentrional latitude of forty eight degrees being on the back side of new-found land. And from thence shaping his course towards Asia found by his travels that the Ills of Molucca are distant from America more than two hundredth leagues, how then ●an Asia and Africa be conjoined and make one continent to hin●es the passage, the men yet living that can reprove the same, but this conceit is the ba●●ard of ignorance borne through the fornication of the malicious multitude that only des●r● to hin●er when themselves can do no good. Now their only resteth the North parts of America upon which coast myself have had 〈◊〉 experience of any in our age, for 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 th●t ways employed for the discovery of this notable passage, by the honerable care and some charge of Sir Francis Walsingham knight principal secretory to her majesty, with whom divers noble men and worshipful merchants of London joined in purse and willingness for the furtherance of that attempt, but when his honour died the voyage was frindles, and men's minds alienated from adventuring therein. In my first voyage not experienced of the nature of those clymattes, and having no direction either by Chart Globe or other certain relation in what altitude that passage was to be searched. I shaped a Northerly course and so sought the same towards the South, and in that my Northerly course I fell upon the shore which in ancient time was called Groynland five hundred leagues distant from the durseys West Nor West Northerly, the land being very high and full of mighty mountains all covered with snow no view of wood grass or earth to be seen, and the shore two leagues of into the sea so full of ice as that no shipping cold by any means come near the same. The loathsome view of the shore, and Irksome noise of the ice was such as that it bred strange conceits among us, so that we supposed the place to be waist & void of any sensible or vegetable creatures, whereupon I called the same desolation, so coasting this shore towards the South in the latitude of sixty degrees, I found it to trend towards the west, I still followed the leading thereof in the same height, and after fifty or sixty leagues, it failed and lay directly North, which I still followed and in thirty leagues sailing upon the West side of this coast by me named desolation, we were past all the ice and found many green and pleasant Ills bordering upon the shore, but the mountains of the main were still covered with great quantities of snow, I brought my ship among those ills and there mored to refresh ourselves in our weary travel, in the latitude of sixty four degrees or there about. The people of the Country having espied our ships came down unto us in their Canoes, holding up their right hand to the Sun and crying Yliaout, would strick their breasts, we doing the like the people came aboard our ships, men of good stature, unbearded, small eyed and of tractable conditions▪ by whom as sign, would permit, we understood that towards the North and West there was a great sea, and using the people with kindness in giving them nails and knives which of all things they most desired, we departed, and finding the sea free from ice supposing ourselves to be past all danger we shaped our course West Nor West thinking thereby to pass for China, but in the latitude of sixty six degrees, we fell with an other shore, and there found an other passage of 20. leagues broad directly West into the same▪ which we supposed to be our hoped straight, we intered into the same thirty or forty leagues, finding it neither to wyden nor straighten, then considering that the year was spent for this was in the five of August, and not knowing the length of this strait and dangers thereof, we took it our best course to return with notice of our good success for this small time of search. And so returning in a sharp fret of Westerly winds the 29. of September we arrived at Dartmouth. And acquainting master Secretory with the rest of the honourable and worshipful adventurers of all our procedings. I was appointed again the second year to search the bottom of this strait, because by all likelihood it was the place and passage by us laboured for. In this second attempt the merchants of Exeter, and other places of the West became adventurers in the action, so that being sufficiently furnished for six months, and having direction to search this straights, until we found the same to fall into an other sea upon the West side of this part of America, we should again return for then it was not to be doubted, but shipping with trade might safely be conveyed to China and the parts of Asia. We departed from Dartmouth, & arriving unto the south part of the cost of desolation costed the same upon his west shore to the lat. of 66. degrees, and there ancored among the ills bordering upon the same, where we refreshed ourselves, the people of this place came likewise unto us, by whom I understood through their signs that towards the North the 〈◊〉 was large. At this place the chief ship whereupon I trusted, called the Mermaid of Dartmouth, found many occasions of discontentment, and being unwilling to proceed she there forsook me. Then considering how I had given my faith and most constant promise to my worshipful good friend master William Sanderson, who of all men was the greatest adventurer in that action, and took such care for the performance thereof that he hath to my knowledge at one time disbursed as much money as any five others whatsoever out of his own purse, when some of the company have been slack in giving in their adventure. And also knowing that I should lose the favour of master Secretory, if I should shrink from his direction, in one small bark of thirty to●●es, whereof Master Sanderson was owner, alone without farther comfort or company I proceeded on my voyage, and arriving unto this straits followed the same eighty leagues until I came among many islands, where the water did ebb and flow six fathom upright, and where there had been great trade of people to make train. But by such things as there we found we knew that they were not Xpians of Europe that used that trade, in fine by searching with our boat, we found small hope to pass any farther that way, and therefore returning again recovered the sea and so coasted the shore towards the South, and in so doing (for it was to late to search towards the North) we found an other great inlett near forty leagues broad where the water entered in with violent swiftness, this we likewise thought might be a passage, for no doubt but the North parts of America are all ylands, by aught that I could perceive therein, but because I was alone in a small bark of thirty tons, and the year spent I entered not into the same for it was now the seventh of September, but coasting the shore towards the South we saw an incredible number of birds, having divers fishermen aboard our bark they all concluded that there was a great skull of fish, we being unprovided of fishing furniture, with a long spike nail maid a hook, and fastening the same to one of our sounding lines, before the bait was changed we took more than forty great cod, the fish swimming so abundantly thick about our bark as is incre●●●●e to be reported, of which with a small portion of salt that we had, we preserved some thirty couple, or there abouts, and so returned for England. And having reported to master Secretory the whole success of this attempt, he commanded me to present unto the most honourable Lord high thresurer of England some part of that fish, which when his Lordship saw and heard at large the relation of this second attempt, I received favourable countenance from his honour, advising me to prosecute the action, of which his Lordship conceived a very good opinion. The next year although divers of the adventurers fell from the action, as all the western merchants and most of those in London yet some of the adventurers both honourable and worshipful continued their willing favour and charge, so that by this means the next year 2. ships were appointed for the fishing and one pynace for the discovery.  
Departing from Dartmouth through gods merciful favour I arrived to the place of fishing and there according to my direction I left the 2. ships to follow that business, taking their faithful promise not to departed until my return unto them, which should be in the fine of August, and so in the bark I proceeded for the discovery but after my departure in sixteen days the ships had finished their voyage, and so presently departed for England, without regard of their promise, myself not distrusting any such hard measure proceeded in the discovery and followed my course in the free and open sea between North and Nor west to the latitude of sixty seven degrees and there I might see America, West from me, and Desolation East, then when I saw the land of both sides, I began to distrust that it would prove but a gulf, notwithstanding desirous to know the full certainty I proceeded, and in sixty eight degrees the passage enlarged so that I could not see the western shore, thus I continued to the latitude of seventy five degrees, in a great sea, free from ice coasting the western shore of Desolation, the people came continually rowing out unto me in their Cavoas twenty, forty, and one hundred at a time, and would give me fish dried, Salmon, Salmon peal, cod, Caplin, Lump, stone base, and such like, besides divers kinds of birds, as Partrig, pheasant, Gulls, sea birds, and other kinds of flesh, I still laboured by signs to know from them what they knew of any sea towards the North▪ they still made signs of a great sea as we understood them, than I departed from that coast thinking to discover the North parts of America, and after I had sailed towards the west near forty leagues I fell upon a great bank of ice, the wind being North and blue much, I was constrained to coast the same towards the South, not seeing any shore West from me, neither was there any ice towards the North, but a great sea, free, large, very salt and blue and of an unsearchable depth. So coasting towards the South I came to the place where I left the ships to fish, but found, them not. Then being forsaken and left in this distress referring myself to the merciful providence of God, shaped my course for England and unhoped for of any God alone relieving me I arrived at Dartmouth, by this last discovery it seemed most manifest that the passage was free and without impediment towards the North, but by reason of the spanish fleet and unfortunate time of master Secretoryes death the voyage was omitted and never sithence attempted. The cause why I use this particular relation of all my procedings for this discovery, is to stay this objection, why hath not davis discovered this passage being thrice that ways employed? how far I proceeded and in what form this discovery lieth, doth appear upon the Globe which master Sanderson to his very great charge hath published whose labouring endeavour for the good of his country, deserveth great favour and commendations. Made by master Emery Mullineux a man well qualitied of a good judgement and very expert in many excellent practices, in myself being the only mean with master Sanderson to employ master Mulineux therein, whereby he is now▪ grown to a most exquisite perfection.  
Anthony de Mendoza viceroy of Mexico, sent certain of his captains by land, and also a navy of ships by sea to search out the northwest passage, who affirmed by his letters dated from Mexico in Anno 1541. unto the Emperor being then in Flaunders that towards the northwest he had found the kingdom of Cette, Citta, Alls, Cevera, seven cities, and how beyond the said kingdom farther towards the northwest, Francis●o Vasques of Coronado having passed great deserts came to the sea side, where he found certain ships which sailed by that sea with merchandise, and had in their banners upon the prows of their ships, certain fowls made of gold and silver, named Alcatrazzi, and that the mariners signified unto him by signs, that they were thirty days coming to that haven, whereby he understood that those could be of no other country but of Asia, the next known continent towards the West. And farther the said Anthony affirmed that by men well practised he understood that 950. leagues of that country was discovered upon the same Sea, now if the cost in that distance of leagues should lie to the West, it would then adjoin with the North parts of Asia, and then it would be a far shorter voyage than thirty days sailing, but that it is nothing near Asia by former authority is sufficiently expressed, then if it should lie towards the North it would extend itself almost unto the pole, a voyage over tedious to be performed by land travel. Therefore of necessity this distance of 950. leagues must lie between the North and East, which by Anthony de Especio in his late travels upon the North of America is sufficiently discovered, than this being so the distance is very small between the East part of this discovered Sea and the passage wherein I have so painfully laboured, what doth then hinder us of England unto whom of all nations this discovery would be most beneficial to be incredulus ●low of understanding, and negligent in the highest degree, for the search of this passage which is most apparently proved and of wonderful benefit to the universal state of our country. Why should we be thus blinded seeing our enemies to possess the fruits of our blessedness, and yet will not perceive the same. But I hope the eternal majesty of God the sole disposer of all things will also make this to appear in his good time.  
Cornelius Nepos reciteth, that when Quintus Metellus Caesar was proconsul for the Romans in France, the king of Swevia gave him certain Indians, which sailing out of India for merchandise were by tempest driven upon the coasts of Germany, a matter very strange that Indians in the fury of storms should arrive upon that coast, it resteth now carefully to consider by what wind they were so driven, if they had been of any part of Africa how could they escape the ills of cape Verd, or the ills of Canaria the coasts of Spain France Ireland or England to arrive as they did, but it was never known that any the natyves of Afric or Ethiopia have used shippings. Therefore they could not be of that part of the world, for in that distance sailing they would have been starved if no other shore had given them relief.  
And that they were not of America is very manifest, for upon all the Est part of that continent, being now thereby discovered, it hath not at any time been perceived that those people were ever accustomed to any order of shipping, which appeareth by the arrival of Colon upon those coasts, for they had his shipping in such wonderful admiration that they supposed him and his company, to have descended from heaven, so rare & strange a thing was shipping in their eyes. Therefore those Indians could not be of America safely to be driven upon the chastes of Germany, the distance and impediments well considered.  
Then coming neither from Afric nor America, they must of necessity come from Asia by the Noreast, or Norwest, passages. But it should seem that they came not by the Noreast to double the promontory Tabin, to be forced through the Scythian sea, and to have good passage through the narrow strait of Nova Zemla & never to recover any shore is a matter of great imposibilitie. Therefore it must needs be concluded that they came, by the North parts of America through that discovered sea of 950. leagues, and that they were of those people which Francisco Vasques of Coronado discovered, all which premises considered there remaineth no more doubting but that the lands are disjoined and that there is a Navigable passage by the northwest, of God for us alone ordained, to our infinite happiness, and for the ever being glory of her majesty, for then her stately seat of London, should be the storehouse of Europe: the nurse of the world: and the renown of nations, in yielding all foreign natural benefits, by an easy rate, in short time returned unto us, and in the fullness of their natural perfection: by natural participation through the world of all natural and artificial benefits, for want whereof at this present the most part live distressed: and by the excellent commodity of her seat, the mightiness of her trade, with force of shipping thereby arising, and most abundant access and intercourse from all the kingdoms of the world, then should the idle hand be scorned, and plenty by industry in all this land should be proclaimed.  
And therefore the passage procued, and the benefits to all most apparent, let us no longer neglect our happiness, but like christians with willing and voluntary spirits labour without fainting for this so excellent a benefit.   

To prove by experience that the sea fryseth not.  
Having sufficiently proved that there is a passage without any land impediments to hinder the same, contrary to the first objection, it now resteth that the other supposed impediments he likewise answered. And first as touching the frost and fresing of the seas, it is supposed that the frozen Zone is not habitable and seas innavigable by reason of the vehemency of cold, by the divine creator allotted to the part of the world, & we are drawn into the absurdity of this opinion by a coniectural reason of the suns far distance and long absence under the Horizon of the greatest part of that Zone, whereby the working power of cold performeth the fullness of his nature, not having any contrary disposition to hinder the same, and when the Sun by his presence should comfort that part of the world, his beams are so far removed from perpendicularitie by reason of his continual veerenes to the Horizon, 〈◊〉 that the effects thereof answer not the violence of the winter's cold. And therefore those seas remain for ever undissolued. Which if it be so, that the nature of cold can congeal the seas, it is very likely that his first working power, beginneth upon the upper face of the waters, and so descending worketh his effect, which if it were, how then cometh it to pass that ships sail by the North cape, to Saint Nicholas five degrees or more within the frozen Zone, and find the seas free from pester of ice, the farther from the shore the clearer from ice. And myself likewise how could I have sailed to the septentrional latitude of seventy five degrees, being nine degrees within the frozen Zone, between two lands where the sea was straightened not forty leagues brood in some places, and thereby restrained from the violent motion and set of the main occi●●, an● yet found the same Navigable and free from ice not only in the midst of the channel, but also close aboard the estern shore by me 〈◊〉 Desolation, and therefore what need the repetition of authoritics from writers, or wrested Philosophical reasons, when plain experience maketh the matter so manifest, and yet I deny not but that I have seen in some part of those seas, tow sorts of ice, in very great quantity, as a kind of ice by seamen named yla●●s of ice, being very high above the water, forty and fifty fathoms by estimation and higher, and ●uery of those have been seven times as much under the water, which I have proved by taking a ●eece of ice, and have put the fame in a vessel of salt water, and still have found the seventh part thereof to be above the water, into what ●orme soever I have reduced the same, and this kind of ice is nothing but snow, which falleth in th●se great pieces, from the high mountains bordering close upon the shore deep seas. (For all the sea coasts of Desolatoin are mountains of equal height with the Pike of Tenerif, with very great valleys between them) which I have seen incredible to be reported, that upon the top of some of these ills of ice, there have been stones of more than one hu●●reth ●●mes weight, which in his fall, that snow hath torn from the clyffs, and in falling maketh such an horrible noise as if their were one hundredth canons shot of at one instant, and this kind of ice is very white and fresh, and with shore winds is many times beaton far of into the seas, perhaps twenty leagues and that is the farthest distance that they have ever been seen from the shore. The other kind is called flake ice, blue, very heard and thin not above three fathoms thick at the farthest, and this kind of ice bordreth close upon the shore. And as the nature of heat with apt vessels divideth the pure spirit from his gross parts by the coning practice of distillation: so doth the cold in these regions divide and congeal the fresh water from the salt, near such shores where by the abundance of fresh rivers, the saltness of the sea is mitigated, and not else where, for all ice in general being dissolved is very fresh water, so that by the experience of all that have ever traveled towards the North it is well known, that the sea never fryseth, but we know that the sea dissolveth this ice with great speed, for in twenty four hours I have seen an island of ice turn up and down, as the common phrase is, because it hath melted so fast under water that the heavior part hath been upward, which hath been the cause of his so turning, for the heviest part of all things swimming is by nature downwards, and therefore sith the sea is by his heat of power to dissolve ice, it is greatly against reason that the same should be frozen, so that the congealation of the seas can be no hindrance to the execution of this passage, contrary to the former objection, by late experience reproved, yet if experience wanted, in ordinary reason men should not suppose nature to be monstrous, for if all such ice and snow as congealeth and descendeth in the winter, did not by nature's benefit dissolve in the summer, but that the cold were more actual than the heat, that difference of inequality be it never so little would by time bread nature's overthrow, for if the one thousand part of the ice which in winter is congealed, did the next Summer remain undissolued, that continual difference sithins the worlds creation would not only have converted all those North seas into ice, but would also by continual access of snow have extended himself above all the airs regions, by which reason all such exhalations as should be drawn from the earth and seas within the temperate zones and by winds driven into these stiff regions, that moisture was no more to be hoped for that by dissolution it should have any return, so that by time the world should be left waterless. And therefore how ridiculus this imagination of the seas frysing is. I refer to the world's general opinion.   

That the air in cold regions is tolerable.  
ANd now for a full answer of all objections, if the air be proved tolerable than this most excellent and commodious passage, is without all contradiction to be performed. And that the air is tolerable as well in the winter as in the Summer is thus proved. The inhabitants of Moscovia, Lapland Swethland, Norway, and Tartary, omit not to travel for their commodity: in the deepest of winter, passing by sleds over the ice and congealed snow being made very slippery and compact like ice by reason of much wearing and trading▪ having the use of a kind of stag by them called Reen to draw those their sleds.  
Groynland (by me lately named Desolation) is likewise inhabited by a people of good stature and tractable conditions, it also maintaineth divers kind of fowls and beasts, as deres, foxes, hares, and other beasts which I have their seen, but know not their names, and these must travel for their food in winter, and therefore the air is not intolerable in the extremest nature of coldness: and for the quality thereof in Summer, by my own experience I know that upon the shore it is as hot there as it is at the ills of cape de Verde in which place there is such abundance of moskeetes, (a kind of gnat that is in India very offensive and in great quantity) as that we were strong with them like lepers, not being able to have quiet being upon the shore.  
And under the clyfe in the pools ●●to which the streams arise not, I have found salt in great plenty as why●e as the salt of May● cougeled ●rom the salt water which the spring tids bring into those poles, which could not be but by the benefit of a notable heat, of which f●le I brought with me and gave to master Secretory Walsingham and to master Sanderson, as a rare thing to be found in those parts, and farther the same was of an extraordenary saltness. And therefore it is an idle dream that the air should there be insufferable for ourselves have with the water of those seas made salt, because we desired to know whether the benefit of the sun were the cause of this coagulation, what better confirmation than can there be then this?  
Island is likewise inhabited and yieldeth hawks in great store, as falcons, jerfalcons, lanardes and sparrow hawks, ravens, crows, bears, hares, and foxes, with horses and other kind of cattle upon which coast in August and September the ice is utterly dissolved, all which the premises are certainly verified, by such as use trade thither from, Lubec, Hambro Amsterdam, & England yearly, then why should we dread this feigned distempreture? From cold regions come our most costly fures as sables being esteemed for a principal ornament and the beasts that yield us those furs are chiefly hunted in the winter, how grievous then shall we think the winter to be, or how insufferable the air, where this little tender beast liveth so well, and where the hunters may search the denniss and haunts of such beasts through the woods and snow.  
Vpsaliensi● affirmeth that he hath felt the Summer nights in gotland scarcely tolerable for heat, whereas in room he hath fel● them cold.  
The mountains of Norway and Swethland are fruitful of metals in which silver a●d copper are concoct and molten in veins, which may scarcely be done with furnaces, by which reason also the vapours and hot exhalations piercing the earth and the waters and through both those natures breathing forth into the air, tempereth the quantity thereof making it tolerable, as wytt●es the huge bigues of whales in those seas, with the strength of body and long life of such beasts as live one the land, which thing could not be except all things were there commodiously nourished, by the benefit of the heaven and the air, for nothing that in time of increase is hindered by any injury or that is evil seed all the time it liveth can prosper well.  
Also it is a thing undoubtedly known by experience that upon the coasts of Newfoundland (at such time as the ice remaineth undissolued upon those shores) the wind being esterly coming from the seas, causeth very sharp cold, and yet the same is sufferable, but coming from the shore, it presently yieldeth ●eat abonndantly according to the true nature of the situation of the place, whereby it pl●●nely appeareth that the very breath of the ice is rather the cause of this cold, than the distempreture of the air.  
Wherefore if in winter where is abundance of ice & snow the air is so sufferable, as that traveling and hunting may be exercised, how much rather may we judge the seas to be Navigable, and that in the deepest of winter, where there is neither ice nor snow that may yield any such damps or cold breathe to the anoiance of such as shall take these enterprises in hand. And therefore the Summer in no sort to be feared, but some curious wit may object that the natural annoyance of cold is prevented by reason of the travel of the body with other artificial provisions to defend the fury thereof as als● the hot vapours which the earth may yield▪ ●hereof experience urgeth confession, but upon the seas it cannot be sith it is a cold body subject to yield great damps and cold brethinges, most offensive to nature. To the which I answer in the universal knowledge of all creatures, that God the most glorious incomprehensible, and ever being sole creator of all things visible, invisible, rational, irrational, momentory and eternal in his divine providence hath made nothing uncommunicable, but hath given such order unto all things, whereby every thing may be tolerable to the next, the extremities of elements consent with their next the air is gross about the earth and water, but thin and hot about the fire, by this providence in nature the sea is very salt, and salt (saith Pliny) yieldeth the fatness of oil, but oil by a certain native heat is of property agreeable to fire, the sea then being all of such quality by reason of the saltness thereof moveth and stirreth up generative heat. etc. Whereby the sea hath a working force in the dissolution of ice, for things of so great contrariety as heat and cold have together no affinity in conjunction, but that the one must of necessirye avoid, the seas not being able by the ●andes of nature to step back, doth therefore cause the coldness of the air (by reason of his natural heat) to give place, whereby extremities being avoided, the air must of necessity remain temperate, for in nature the air is hot and moist, the cold then being but accidental is the sooner avoided▪ and natures wrongs with ease redressed.   

That under the Pole is the place of greatest dignity.  
REason teacheth us and experience confirmeth the same, that the Sun is the only sufficient cause of heat through the whole world And therefore in such places where the Sun hath longest continuance, the air there rece●eth the greatest impression of heat, as also in his absence it is in like fort afflicted with cold▪ And as the heat in all climates is indurable, by the eternal ordinance of the creator, so likewise the cold is sufferable by his everlasting decree, for otherwise nature should be monstrous and his creation waste, as it hath been ydly affirmed by the most Cosmographical writers, distinguishing the sphere into five zones, have concluded three of them to be waist, as vainly created, the buring Zone between the two tropikes, and the two frozen Zones, but experience having reproved the grossness of that error it shall be needless to say farther therein. For although in the burning Zone the sun beams are at such right angles as that by the actual reverberation thereof the lower reg●o● of the air is greatly by that reflection warmed, yet his equal absence breadeth such mitigation as that there we find the air tolerable, and the country's pleasant and fruitful, being populus and well inhabited: so likewise under the pole being the centre of the supposed frozen Zone, during the time that the Sun is in the South signs, which is from the thirteenth of September unto the 10. of March, it is there more cold then in any place of the world, because the Sun in all that time doth never appear above the Horizon, but during the time that the Sun is in the North signs which is from the tenth of march unto the thirteenth of September he is in continual view to all such as possess that place, by which his continual presence, he worketh that notable effect, as that thereby all the force of frising is wholly redressed and utterly taken away, working then and there more actual then in any other part of the world. In which place their continual day from the Sun rising to the sun setting is equal with twenty six weeks and five days, after our rate: and their night is equal with twenty five weeks and three days such as we have, so that our whole year is withthem but one night and one day, a wonderful difference from all the rest of the world, and therefore no doubt but those people have a wonderful excellency, and an exceeding prorogatiue above all nations of the earth, and this which is more to be noted. In all other places of the world the absence and presence of the Sun is in equal proportion of time, having as much night as day, but under the Pole their artificial day (that is the continual presence of the Sun before he set) is nine of our natural days or two hundredth 16. hours longer than is their night, whereby it appeareth that they have, the life, light, and comfort of nature in a higher measure than all the nations of the earth. How blessed then may we think this nation to be? For they are in perpetual light, and never know what darkness meaneth, by the benefit of twilight and full moons, as the learned in Astronomy do very well know, whi●h people if they have the notice of thei●●ternitie by the comfortable light of the Gospel, then are they blessed and of all nations most blessed. Why then do we neglect the s●●rch of this excellent discovery, against which there can be nothing said to hinder the same: Why do we refu●e to see the dignity of God's Creation, sith it hath pleased his divine majesty to place us the nearest neighbour thereunto. I know there is no true englishmen that can in conscience refuse to be a contribute● to procure this so great a happiness to his country, whereby not only the Prince and mighty men of the land shall be highly renowned, but also the merchant tradesman and artificet mightily inrich●●.  
And now as touching the last objection, that the want of skill in Navigation with curious instruments, should be the hindrance or over throw of this action. I hold that to be so frivolous as not worth the answering, for it is well known that we have globes in the most excellent perfection of art, and have the use of them in as exquisite sort, as master Robert Hues in his book of the globes use, lately published hath at large made known, and for horizontal paradoxal and great circle sailing I am myself a witness in the behalf of many, that we are not ignorant of them, as lately I have made known in a brief treatis of Navigation naming it the Seaman's secrets. And therefore this as the rest breadeth no hindrance to this most commodious discovery.   

What benefits would grow unto England● by this passage being discovered.  
THe benefits which may grow by this discovery, are copious and of two sorts, a benefit spiritual, and a benefit corporal. Both which sith by the laws of God and nature, we are bound to regard, yet principally we are admonished first to seek the kingdom of God and the righteousness thereof, and all things shall be given unto us. And therefore in seeking the kingdom of God we are not only tied to the deep search of God's sacred word, and to live within the perfect limits of christianity, but also by all means we are bound to multiply and increase the flock of the faithful. Which by this discovery willbe most abundantly performed, to the preservation of many thousands, which now most miserably are covered under the loathsome veil of ignorance, neither can we in any sort doubt of their recovery by this passage discovered, God's providence therein being considered, who most mercifully saith by the mouth of his prophet Esaias, 66. I will come to gather all people and tongues, then shall they come and see my glory, of them that shall be saved I will send some to the gentiles in the sea▪ & theyls far of that have not heard speak of me and have not seen my glory shall preach my peace among the Gentiles.  
And in his 65. Chapter he farther saith. They seek me that hitherto have not asked for me, they find me that hitherto have not sought me.  
And again chapter 49. I will make ways upon all my mountains, and my footpathes shall be exalted, and behold these shall come from far, some from the North and West, some from the land of Symis which is in the South. Then sith it is so appointed that there shallbe one shepherd and one flock, what hindereth us of England (being by God's mercy for the same purpose at this present most apely prepared) not to attempt that which God himself hath appointed to be performed, there is no doubt but that we of England are this saved people by the eternal & infallible presence of the lord predestinated to be sent unto these Gentiles in the sea, to those ills and famous kingdoms there to preach the peace of the Lord; for are not we only set upon mount Zion to give light to all the rest of the world, have not we the true handmaid of the Lord to rule us, unto whom the eternal majesty of God hath revealed his truth and supreme power of excellency, by whom then shall the truth be preached, but by them unto whom the truth is revealed, it is only we therefore that must be these shining messengers of the Lord and none but we, for as the prophet saith. O how beautiful are the feet of the messenger that bringeth the message from the mountain, that proclaimeth peace, that bringeth the good tidings and preacheth health and saith to Zion thy God is king, so that hereby the spiritual benefit arising by this discovery is most apparent, for which if there were no other cause we are all bound to labour with purse and mind for the discovery of this notable passage.  
And now as touching the corporal and worldly benefits which will thereby arise our own late experience leadeth us to the full knowledge thereof. For as by the community of trade groweth the mightiness of riches, so by the kind and guide of such tradinges may grow the multiplication of such benefits with assurance how the same may in the best sort be continued▪ In the consideration whereof it is first to be regarded with what commodities our own country aboundeth either natural or artificial, what quantity may be spared, and where the same may with greatest advantage be vented. And in the sale or foreign passage thereof▪ we must respect what commodities either natural or artificial our country is deprived of, and where the same may with the easiest rate be gained, and how in his best nature unto us returned, all which by this passage shall be unto us most plentifully effected, and not only that, but this also which is most to ●e regarded that in our thus trading we shall by no means enrich the next adjoining states unto us, for richeses bread dread, and poverty increaseth fear, but here I cease fearing to offend, yet it is a question whether it were better by an easy rate to bend our commodities far of, or by a more plentiful gain to pass them to our nearer neighbours, and those thereby more enriched than ourselves, the premises considered we find our country to abound with will and woollen cloth, with lead, tin, copper, and iron, matters of great moment, we also know our soil to be fertile, & would if trad did so permit have equal employment with any our neighbours, in linen cloth, ●ustians, seys, grograms, or any other foreign artificial commodities, besides the excellent labours of the artsmen, either in metallyne mechanical faculties or other artificial ornaments, whereof India is well known to receive all that Europa can afford, rating our commodities in the highest esteem of value, which by this passage is speedily performed, and then none of these should lie dead upon our hands as now they do, neither should we be then ignorant as now we are in many excellent practices into which by trade we should be drawn. And by the same passage in this ample vent, we should also at the first hand receive all Indian commodities both natural and artificial in a far greater measure by an easier rate, and in better condition, than now they are by many exchanges brought unto us, than woul● all nations of Europe repair unto Englan● not only for these foreign merchandizes, by reason of their plenty, perfection, and easy rates, but also to pass away that which God in nature hath bestowed upon them and their country, whereby her majesty and her highness successors for ever, should be monarchs of the earth and commanders of the Seas, through the abundance of trade her coustomes would be mightily augmented, her state highly enriched and her force of shipping greatly advanced as that thereby she should be to all nations most dreadful, and we her subjects through employment should embrace abundance & be clothed with plenty. The glory whereof would be a deadly horrer to her adversaries, increase friendly love with all, & procure her majesty stately and perpetual peace, for it is no small advantage that ariseth to a state, by the mightiness of trade: being by necessity ●inked to no other nation the same also being in commodities of the highest esteem, as gold, silver, stones of price, juells, pearls, spice drugs, silks raw and wrought, velluetts cloth of gold, beside many other commodities with us of rare and high esteem, whereof as yet our country is by nature deprived, all which India doth yield at reasonable rates in great abundance receiving ours in the highest esteem, so that hereby plenty returning by trade abroad, and no small quantity provided by industry at home, all want then banished in the abundance of her majesties royalty so through dread in glory, peace and love, her majesty should be the commanding light of the world: and we her subjects the stars of wonder to all nations of the earth. All which the premises considered it is impossible that any true English heart should be stayed from willing contribution to the performance of this so excellent a discovery, the Lords and subjects spiritual for the sole publication of God's glorious gospel. And the Lords and and subjects temporal for the renown of their prince, and glory of their nation should be thereunto most vehemently affected. Which when it shall so please God in the mightiness of his mercy, I beseech him to effect. Amen.   
FINIS.