Novemb. 1668. At a meeting of the Council of the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge.  
Ordered  
That these Discourses, viz. A short Relation of the River Nile, etc. Of the Unicorn; Why the Abyssine Emperor is called Prester John of the Indieses; A tract of the Red Sea. Of Palm trees, Translated out of a Portuguese Manuscript at the desire of the Royal Society, by Sr. Peter Wyche Kt. fellow of the same, be printed by their Printer.  
BROUNKER Pres.   

A short RELATION Of the RIVER NILE, Of its Source and Current; Of its Overflowing the Campagnia of EGYPT, till it runs into the MEDITERRANEAN: And of other Curiosities:  
Written by an Eyewitness, who lived many years in the chief Kingdoms of the ABYSSINE EMPIRE.  
LONDON, Printed for John Martin, Printer to the Royal Society and are to be Sold at the Sign of the Bell without Temple Bar, 1669.   

To the Right Honourable, HENRY L d. ARLINGTON, one of the Lords of his MAJESTY'S most Honourable Privy Council; AND Principal Secretary of State.  
My Lord,  
THE thoughtful provision for my Journey, into Russia (whither his Majesty hath been pleased to send me) hindered me from a more solemn Dedication of these Discourses to Your Lordship: They were by Curious S it Robert Southwell procured from an inquisitive and observing Jesuit at Lisbon, who had lived many years in Aethiopia and the Indies; so writ as to seem a candid Relation of matter of Fact, contain a more precise and minute account of some Historical and Natural Curiosities than is in any one Tract extant, and give the Portuguese their just and undoubted Title of Discovering daily to the West, the Wonders and Mysteries of the East. The Royal Society commanded me to Translate them, and ordered the Impression. My Lord, Your benign and encouraging Patronage, for all subtle and nice Inquiries; Your peculiar province to get intelligence from the South, and my particular obligations, countenance this Dedication, which (were I not in procinctu) the copious argument of Your Lordship's virtues and perfections, would justly make much larger; now it must only excuse the faults of the Translation, and publish my zeal of being esteemed,  
My Lord, Your Lordship's most devoted Kinsman, and humble Servant; Peter Wyche   

A short Relation Of the RIVER NILE, etc.  
THe Abyssine Emperor (vulgarly, though falsely called Presbyter John of the Indies) is Lord of the most ancient and largest Dominions of those many Kingdoms and Provinces into which Africa is divided: This Empire, is the most Easterly part of all Africa, called Ethiopia above Egypt, not without reason, all Egypt lying below it, and the same Situation have to it most of the bordering Kingdoms.  
The Red Sea bounds it on the East, Egypt on the North; On the West, the Island of Africa, and on the South, the Indian-Sea; with this difference, that Eastward this Kingdom reacheth the Red Sea, though at present the Turks courtaile its greatness, by keeping the whole Shore of that Sea with two Forts in the Islands of Suaguem and Massuba and one upon the main Land called Arquico, which serves for no other use, than the defence of the Water drunck in the Island of Massuba, drawn out of Wells called Cacimbas sunk near the head of a River, dry in the summer, full in the Winter, fetched daily in Boats called Geluas.  
The Island of Massuba and fort of Arquico are too leagues distant. This, the only Port where is imported what Ethiopia wants, and whence the natural Commodities are exported, that, in circuit about twelve hundred fathoms; shaped like a man's foot, hath a convenient Haven, little or no defence, though Garrisoned by near sixty Turks, white and black: The Customhouse is inhabited by the Bassa's Lieutenant, (called Caqua) and other Officers.  
The Island of Suaguem with the third Fort, is less, but better defended by Art and Nature, encompassed with many Shoals, inhabited by an hundred Turks; being the residence of the Bassa out of the limits of the Empire, and of natural right belonging to a powerful and warlike King, whose Kingdom is called Ballow, (anciently Negran) the Inhabitants are Moors, the Men, Horses and Sheep the fairest I have any where seen; the water-mellons the most delicious I have ever tasted.  
Toward the North, between Egypt and this Empire lies the famous Desert of Thebaide so renowned for the ancient Ancorets, where gins the Kingdom of Ballow above mentioned.  
This Empire reacheth Westward so far into the main Land that the Kingdom of Congo was its tributary, as the great Historian John de Barros, affirmed in his first decade: At present it extends not further than the Kingdom of Naire whose Inhabitants are neither Abyssines nor Ethiopians, yet not defective in policy, garb or government: The soil is rich in Gold-mines of the same quality of those of Sofalla, lying under the same parallel and not far distant, they pay a Tax yearly tribute of their Gold to the Abyssine Emperor, the Coin called Miloqueas, the value ten thousand pieces of Eight.  
The Greatness of this Empire is toward the South more restrained, there lying betwixt it and the Sea, divers Nations of Moors and Pagans, barbarous to extremity, which never did, nor do acknowledge themselves Vassals to the Emperor, who live in tents like the mountainous Africans. The chief amongst them is elected every Eight year, with the Title of Caraye Primeyro afterwards called Luba. The Moors bordering on the Sea-coast have Kings, the greatest of them called Macheda.  
This Empire anciently commanded many Kingdoms and Provinces, their own Annals and some Historians count above twenty, with almost as many Provinces: What at present passeth for current; is, that its Greatness was notorious, though now limited to five Kingdoms, each about the bigness of Portugal, and to six Provinces, every one little different from 
* Two Provinces in Portugal.  Beyra or Alenteyo.  
One of these, and among the biggest is called Agaos; the Inhabitants of the same name, whether these bestowed their Name, or took it, from the Province. This is divided into Divers Territories, the most famous called Tuncua, deservedly glorious in two respects, being the Country of the famous Unicorn (of which I shall speak in this discourse, and only now say 'tis not the Abbada (rightly taken by Authors for the Rhinoceros,) being in shape, a quite different Animal) and having in it the so long sought for Head of Nile, concealed so many Age, discovered by the industrious Portuguees.  
The higher part of this Province is mountainous and woody, yet not without Valleys and Groves of Cedars, for goodness and scent, not inferior to those of Mount Lebanus, their thickness is a great inconvenience to Travellers, but suits with the inclination of the native Agoas, who being professedly Pagans' and so of little faith or loyalty, live commonly in Rebellion, thereto invited, not more by their own natural disposition than the convenience of certain caves, into which in time of war they retire, these Caverns have but one entrance, are capable of one or two families, which are ordinarily great among the Pagans increased by their wives, multiplied proportionable to the Cows they keep, allowing to ten Cows one woman.  
What is most admirable in those subterraneous Caves or Caverns is, that they receive not only their Goods and Cattle (which are their whole Estates, personal and real, they living little on their crop) but they ordinarily find in them water sufficient to serve them the summer months, when only they are assaulted, and are without apprehensions of being conquered, though with smoke, by fire made at the mouth of the Cave, having Vents by which they receive sufficient light, and can convey the smoke, if attempted by fire.  
In this Territory of Toncua is the known head and source of the River Nile, by the natives called Abani (i.e.) the Father of Waters, from the great collection it makes in the Kingdoms and Provinces through which it passeth; for the greatest part of Ethiopia being mountainous, and the Torrents swelled in the winter, the mountains so transmit them as to increase the Rivers, which falling into the Nile, make no little addition to its greatness, causing it to run with such a stock of water as overflows the plain of Egypt: this is the River, the Scripture in, Genesis. 2. calleth Gihen, which encompassed the land of Ethiopia, so doth Nile, with its turn and Meanders.  
The Head rises in the most pleasant Recess of the Territory, having two Springs, called Eyes, each about the bigness of a Coach-wheel, distant twenty paces: The Pagan Inhabitants adore as an Idol, the biggest, offering to it many Sacrifices of Cows which they kill there, flinging the head into the spring, eat the flesh as holy, lay the bones together in a place designed for that purpose, which at present make a considerable Hill, and would make it much bigger if carnivorous Beasts and Birds of Prey did not by picking them, lessen and scatter them.  
These two springs rise in a little field covered over with green and thick wood, Travellers, especially Horsemen are easily convinced that this ground stands in the water, from the trembling and hollow sound, this field is lost in a Lake where 'tis under water. 
* Provincia ubi Nylus Oritur Vocatur Agaos, Vicina regno Gojam Terra vocatur Sagela, in apice montis in plano arboribus undiq, circundate. Athan. Kercheri Oed. Egypt. Tom. 1. Cap. 7. p. 57 
Fons Nyli situs in summitate unius Vallis qua assimulatur ingenti campo jugis montium undique circundato. ibi.   This Plain is on the top of a high mountain, overlooking many spacious Valleys and from this height insensibly descends; from the middle of this Descent is seen, near a Trench entangled with shrubs, the bigger of these springs whose bottom is not to be reached with a Lance of five and twenty palms, which by the way meets with (as is guessed) the roots of the Neighbouring shrubs, so hindered further passage; the other spring is to be fathomed at sixteen Palms.  
From the biggest spring runs in a straight line a green and pleasant Wood seeming to follow the course of the water, which though under ground, leaves the vein to be tracked by its re-appearing at the distance of little more than an hundred paces, at this appearance the quantity of water is so inconsiderable, as only to make a very little Rivulet, which grows presently bigger, by the assistance of other springs bringing in their water. At little more than three day's journey from the Head, the River is large, deep enough for Vessels to sail in, and so broad that I doubt whether a strong arm can throw a stone over it.  
A little above a hundred paces from this place, this River so conveys itself betwixt rocks, as in the year 1629. I passed it without wetting my foot; in my journey from the Kingdom of Gojama to the Province of Dambeha when, the Passengers being many; and the Boats but few (which I will anon describe) I with my companions going along the banks of the River, and engaged among many little Rivulets, leaping from stone to stone, got dry to the other side; the same did immediately many others, naming it the Passage of Father Jeronimo, I being the first who discovered or attempted it.  
This is the ordinary passage over the Nile most frequented by Travellers, who come from the Court and Province of Dambeha for the Kingdom of Gojama, the Territory called Bed, the passage over in Boats with head and Stern, made of gross and thick 
* Navigatio hic nulla nisi cymbis papyraceis quas ipsi Tancoas appellant. Vossius de Origine Nili, Cap. 16. p. 55. 
Conficitur bibulâ Memphitis Cymba papyro. Lucan.   mat, strongly joined and put together yet not secure from falling in pieces, which often happens and the Passengers left in the water; they are rowed with long round poles, being without the use or knowledge of any other Oars; are capable of receiving about ten persons with some baggage, many swim over; so do all the beasts, and both man and beast go in danger of some mortal accident from the Sea-horses and Crocodiles, both bred in the Nile, and infesting the passages.  
From this place the Nile grows crooked, making almost a semicircle: Two day's journey from this passage it runs by a point of land into a Lake of fresh water called by the Natives Dambeha, abounding with wild-foul, some there is, but little fish, the reason conceived that the Sea-Horses fright, and the Crocodiles devour them, this Sea is in length twenty five leagues, fifteen over at the largest place, about the middle are divers Islands of different bigness, full of Wood, some inhabited, others desert: The biggest called Dec, two leagues long, but narrow, hither are banished condemned persons sent for security, whereas the Boats not being many, and pain of death to any who without leave go to the Island, all means of escape is desperate, swimming is less inviting, the Lake being full of Sea-horses and Crocodiles, which to meet is certain death.  
The point of this Lake is with so much violence broken by the Nile, that the current is divided in the water and Mud till it forceth a passage at another place. The Nile is for about a quarter of a league detained in this Lake, leaving that, it makes a beautiful and large Tour, so great, as to contain in the circumference a Kingdom called Gojama about the bigness of Portugal, and a great part of another called Damotes. By this circuit the Nile returns again within less than two day's journey of its head; hence taking a south east course running through many Kingdoms and Provinces, it falls into Egypt, by the way in divers places are made those so canazing and stupendious Cataracts, so famous for their noise, when the water falling with its whole Body sinks and hollows the Abyss which receives it. Yet doth not the greatness of the noise deafen the neighbouring Inhabitants, as some fabulously write, if so, the populousness of the adjacent places would swarm with deaf multitudes, which hear the noise and find not that effect. One of these Cataracts is eminently remarkable, as will appear in the relation of what hath surprised and alured many.  
At the first or second Cataract the Nile makes; The water from an high and craggy rock is praecpitated with all its mass into a large and deep Abyss, the noise heard three long leagues, and th● rebound, (which spends itself i● minute atoms and subtle smoke seen as far. The water to admiration being shot with so muc● Violence as to fall at a distanc● makes an arch, and under that leaves a large Road where people pass, in security not to be we●… There are convenient seats cu● out in the Rock for Traveller's 〈◊〉 rest themselves, where they enjoy the most pleasant sight Imagination can fancy, made by the su●… reflection on the water, so producing glorious and pleasing Colours, resembling those of the Rainbow, which at this nearness of the water, most deliciously satisfy and feast the Eye.  
The Nile was never under any Bridge, before we arrived in Ethiopia; The first made in the Kingdom of Amara, where betwixt two high Rocks was a straight and dangerous passage: The Nile ran deep and violent between, all ran great hazard, many lost in the passage, the winter chief increased the difficulty; The Abyssines were incapable of removing this evil, ignorant what Bridges were, and without Workmen to make them: The Emperor, informed what a Bridge was, how conveniently made in so narrow a Passage, and we having brought from India, in the Patriarches company, two stone-cutters, designed for building Churches in Ethiopia, One was recommended to this work, who made this first Bridge, of a beautiful structure and great convenience to Passengers: Thus was the Nile at first brought under a strange Dominion.  
This discourse is not improperly ended, by a reflection why anciently Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar using so great diligence to discover the head of Nile, miscarried in the Enterprise: The reason was, because they sent discoverers against the stream: Thus going by Land, the length of the journey, the many Kingdoms and Provinces to be traveled through, the swarms of Barbarous people to be encountered, so many unwholesome Climates to be passed, made their advance impossible; going by water, the same difficulties increased, attend them: The violent Current of Nile stopped their passage, and coming to the first Cataract, they could not proceed, but were forced back with lost Labour; and being without either knowledge of, or commerce with the Abyssine Empire by the Red sea, they neither ventured that way, nor conceived their design so feisible. Thus were their endeavours frustrated; the knowledge of this Province would, by some of the Ports of the Red sea, have brought them into the Abyssine Empire, thence two months' journey had made them drink in this so desirable, so concealed, and so famous Spring. This secret, (with divers others of many parts of the world, and their discovery) was received for the indefatigable industry of the Portuguees, who have seen with their Eyes, what many have desired, but could not obtain.  

The true Cause of the River Nile's overflowing and drowning the Campagnia of Egypt at the height of Summer in Europe.  
DIvers causes were by the Ancients assigned, for the Nile's overflowing in the hottest Summer months in Europe, according to the Opinion of the Writers, every one asserted what was in the reach of his reason, yet all wandered from the truth. The little knowledge had of the source and current of this so famous River, of the places it passeth through, and chief of the inland of Ethiopia, where it riseth, occasioned such variety of Opinions, without the discovery of the truth reserved for the Navigation and Commerce of the Portuguees.  
The great quantity of Snow, which falls in the rigour of Winter on the inland mountains of Ethiopia, and is melted by the intense heat of the Summer, is not, as some affirm, the cause of this Rivers overflowing; Ethiopia having not so sharp colds as to beget Snow, unknown in this Country, nor conceivable from our relation: Two Places only have a thick white Frost, and Hail in great quantities, which resemble, but are not, Snow; One is in the Kingdom of Tiger, upon the high mountains of Seman, the other in the Kingdom of Damotis, in the Territory called Namora of the cold Climate, which melted, do superficially water the mountains, therefore mistaken for Snow, semetimes fall with a Current into the lowlands, yet not so considerably, as to swell the Rivers, much less to cause the innundation of Nile.  
Neither do the great Winds, which in those months of the overflowing of Nile, blow in at the mouth of the River, where it runs into the Mediterranean, cause this Innundation; as others assert, who say, those winds repel the water, which being detained, with the water which descends, increaseth to that Excess, to force the Nile out of its Channel, and stagnate in the Plains of Egypt, so enriching and fattening the soil, by the slime brought from those places through which it passeth.  
Other reasons, of the same credit, given by Authors, I omit, in haste to declare the true one, only attainable by such who have lived some years in Ethiopia. The truth in short, is, that, the winter in Ethiopia, is the same and at the same time, as in India, and other places under the Torrid Zone, beginning at the end of May, or the first days of June, and in all August (the reason of the fairest weather in Europe) spends its greatest fury; the overflowing of Nile, being at the height in these months, the ignorance of Summers and Winters begat the Opinions mentioned: Whereas, the greatest part of Ethiopia being mountainous, and the Nile in its course through many Kingdoms and Provinces of the Inland, collecting the Rain waters which fall from the Mountains, and receiving into it many great Rivers, thus becomes so considerable and masterless: As the plain of * Egypt experimentally and to its great benefit finds. 
— Nihil indiga mercis Aut jovis in solo tanta est fiducia Nilo.  As much discountenanced by the Heavens, in being deprived of the common benefit of Rain, as munificently requited by the water of this famous River, which gave rise to the observation, That the Egyptians never lift up their Eyes to Heaven, never expect any favour from God Almighty, but wholly depend upon the Nile; thence receiving that benefit other places enjoy by Rain; those Verses of Ovid, may seem not Applicable to the Egyptians.  
Os homini sublime dedit, coelumque videre  
Jussit, et erectos ad sydera tollere vultus  
The Nile, running into the Mediterranean, washeth the Walls of Grand Cairo, distant from the mouth fifty miles. This River declareth by the way, the more or less abundance to be expected that year; The Harvest, proportionable to the greater or less inundation, is thus concluded. The Walls of this populous City have to ward the River 
* The Author, a faithful Eyewitness of all he relates, and so of undoubted Credit, took this only thing upon report that the Nile washeth the walls of Gran-Cairo, and that on the inside of this Tower in the walls, should be kept the Register of the innundation of the Nile, which is on a Marble Pillar, placed in the middle of the River, near a long Island called Rhodes opposite to Gran Cairo; upon this Island and over the Pillar is built a Mosque, with such an Arch towards the River, to give the water passage. This place and Pillar is so superstitiously secured from the sight of Christians, that I found the attempt vain and dangerous; only saw in January the bottom of the Pillar in the water: The other Circumstance of the number of Degrees and the Proclamation, are truly related.  a Tower open with an Arch giving passage to the Nile, which according to the waters it brings down, riseth more or less. On the walls of this Tower are from the bottom upward, made marks, or degrees, and by ancient custom, as more or fewer of these are covered with water, the Magistrates make it be proclaimed every night in the streets that the knowledge how many degrees the Nile hath that day overflowed may be general. This Proclamation gins at the end of July, and continues all August, when the rise or fall of the River is Particularly observed by the degrees. The abundance of the year is thus guessed at, when the water covers not sixteen degrees the want of water suggests fear of a Famine; rising towards twenty five, the higher it ascends, the fairer are the hopes of a fruitful season; passing that number, they are assaulted with new fears of death, the quantity of water not allowing them to sow, or house their Harvest. These months pass not away, without some trouble and anxiety, the weather being every where subject to irregularity, so rain is sometimes too much, sometimes too little, by which the Crop is altered.  
Another Curiosity makes the Nile famous, whose current stores Gran Cairo with Senna so known, and so experienced in Medicine in the shops of Europe; It is a little shrub peculiar only to the woods of Ethiopia: the place where I lived in that Kingdom hath great quantity. The Wild Negroes fetch it from the Inland, and bring it in great Boats to Grand Cairo. The French Consul there hath the Monopoly of it, for which he presents every new Basshaw with thirty thousand Dollars, and bargains at a certain set price and a day prefixed, to buy all that comes; which he performs Having housed it in his Magazines, he divides it into three parts two are burnt, one reserved to be transported for Europe which pays for the two parts consumed: There is less Expense for freight, the Shops always want the Medicine which goes off at the price demanded: Thus is the account balanced, a Frenchman Zacharias Vermiel, a servant many years in the Consul's house, gave me this Information, his desire to travel, brought him by Land into Ethiopia, where he lived a year in my house, and when we were banished, went into the Emperor's army, being grown rich, and turned Inhabitant, not permitted to return, he died there, ten years after his arrival.   

Of the famous Unicorn, where he is bred, and how shaped.  
THe Unicorn is the most celebrated among Beasts, as among Birds are the Phoenix, the Pelican and the Bird of Paradise: with which the world is better acquainted by the fancies of Preachers and Poets, than with their native soil; little knowledge is of any of them, for some of them, nothing but the received report, of their being in nature; it deserves reflection, that the industry and indefatigable labour of men in the discovery of things concealed, can yet give no account where the Phoenix and Bird of Paradise are bred: some would have Arabia the Country of the Phoenix, yet are the Arabians without any knowledge of it, and leave the discovery to the work of time. The Bird of Paradise is found dead with her Bill fixed in the ground, in an Island joining to the Mallucco's not far from Macaca, whence it comes thither, unknown, though great diligence hath been employed in the search, but without success: One of them dead came to my hands. I have seen many, the Tail is worn by Children for a Penashe, the feathers fine and subtle as a very thin cloud; the body not fleshy, resembling that of a Thrush; the many and long feathers (of a pale invivid colour, nearer White than Ash-colour) which cover it, make it of great beauty. Report says of these Birds, that they always fly, from their birth to their death, not discovered to have any feet; they live by flies they catch in the Air, where, their diet being slender, they take some little repose, they fly very high, and come falling down with their wings displayed; As to their Generation, Nature is said to have made a hole in the back of the Male, where the female lays her Eges, hatcheth her young and feeds them till able to fly: great trouble and affection of the Parent. This is on the account of the Author's credit which gives the relation; I set down what I have heard. This is certainly the Bird so lively drawn in our Maps.  
The Pelican hath better credit (called by Quevedo the self diciplining Bird) and hath been discovered in the land of Angola, where some were taken; I have seen two. Some will have a Scar in the breast, from a wound of her own making there, to feed (as is reported) her young with her own blood, an action which ordinarily suggests devout fancies. So much of Birds. Among Beasts we come to the famous Unicorn, of the more credit, because mentioned in holy Scripture, compared to many things, 
* Edie vulg. Psal. 28. vers. 6.  even to God made man. None of the Authors, who speak of the Unicorn discourse of his birth or Country, satisfied with the deserved Elodiums, by which he is celebrated. That secret reserved for those who travelled and surveyed many Countries.  
That the Unicorn is not to be confounded with the Abada (commonly contended for) is certain, from the difference of the names of Rhinoceros and Unicorn not reasonably to be given to both without distinction, and from the variety of their Bodies and parts; as appears in the Abada we know, and in the Unicorn we see painted. This has one great strait horn, of admirable virtue, the Abada or Rhinoceros hath two, a little crooked, not so Sovereign, though used against poison. The Country of the Unicorn (an African creature, only known there) is the Province of Agaos in the Kingdom of Damotes; that it may wander into places more remote is not improbable: This Animal is as large as a handsome horse, of a dark brown colour, with the mane and tail black, both short and thin (though in other places of the same Province they have been observed with them longer and thicker) with a fair beautiful horn, in the forehead, five palms long, as is painted, the colour inclining to white: they live in close woods and Thickers, sometimes venture into the Champion, not often seen, being timorous, are not many, and those concealed in the Woods; The most barbarous and savage people the world hath, enjoy them and probably feed upon them as upon other Beasts.  
A Father, my Companion, who spent some time in this Province, upon notice that this so famous Animal was there, used all possible diligence to procure one; the Natives brought him a very young Colt, so tender as in few days it died. A Portuguese Captain, a person of years and credit respected by all his acquaintance, and of great esteem with some Princes of that Empire, under whom he had served, gave me this relation of the great ones: He told me, that returning once from the Army (whither he usually went every Summer with the Emperor Malac-Segued) with twenty other Portugese soldiers in company, they one morning rested in a little valley encompassed with thick woods, designing to breakfast, while their horses grazed on the good grass which plentifully grew there, scarce were they sat down, when from the thickest part of the wood, lightly sprang a perfect horse of the same colour, hair and shape before described; his carrier was so brisk and wanton, that he took no notice of those new inmates, till engaged amongst them; then as frighted at what he had seen, suddenly started back again, yet left the spectators sufficient time to see and observe at their pleasure. The particular survey of his parts seized them with delight and Admiration, one of his singularities was, a beautiful straight horn on his forehead, like that above mentioned; he appeared to run about with Eyes full of fear; our horses seemed to allow him for one of the same brood, curveted and made towards him; the Soldiers observing him in less than Musket shot, not able to shoot, their muskets being unfixt, endeavoured to encompass him, out of an assurance, that that was the famous Unicorn so often spoken of, but he prevented them, for perceiving them, with the same violent carrier he recovered the wood, leaving the Portugese satisfied in the truth of such an Animal, discontented at the loss of their Prize. My knowledge of this Captain, makes the truth with me undoubted.  
In another Place of the same Province, (the most remote craggy and mountainous part called Nanina) the same Beast hath been often seen, grazing amongst others of different kinds. This place is in the furthest recess of the Province, therefore the ordinary place of banishment for those the Emperor intends to keep securely; it ends in high mountains which overlook great and vast Plains, and Forests inhabited by several sorts of wild beasts: To this place of banishment a Tyrannical Emperor, named Adamas-Segued sent without any cause divers Portugueses, who from the top of these mountains, saw the Unicorns graze in the Plains below, the distance not greater than allowed them so distinct an Observation, as they knew him like a beautiful Jennet with a fair horn in his forehead. These testimonies, particularly that of the good old man John Gabriel, with what the Father, my Companion, affirmed of his own knowledge, confirms me, that this so celebrated Unicorn, is in this Province, there foaled, and bred.   

The Reason why the Abyssine Emperor is called Prester John of the Indies.  
THat there was anciently in the East-Indies a puissant Christian Prince, Lord of many Kingdoms and large Territories, is out of question: being grounded on the authentic authority of good Historians and Authors; as undoubted is it, that at present there is no such Prince; his memory perished many ages since, leaving the extent of his Empire undecided. Both these Assertions are proved by the famous Historian John de Barros in his Decades. And the advance made by the Portuguese into the Indies, assures us, that at present no such Prince is known in those many Kingdoms and Provinces of the East, by them discovered.  
This being out of controversy, yet the Emperor of Ethiopia, in the opinion of many, passeth for that famous Presbyter John of the Indies; by this name commonly, though falsely called, by those who pretend much, but have little knowledge of him.  
There have not been wanting some late Authors, who upon small grounds, and less truth, would maintain this opinion and report, proving by divers Etymologies and interpretations of the word, that the Abyssine Emperor was properly Prester John: But this affirmation being without any appearance of truth; excuseth me from showing how little it hath; I only say, that those who have spent some time in Ethiopia know all reported on this subject to be a mere fable; never any Prince of this Empire had that Title, neither is the word known in the whole extent of those Dominions.  
That some Probability spread this report through the world. That this Emperor was the famous Presbyter John of the Indies; is undeniable: First, his Kingdom being in the Eastern parts, thence, without Examination, if his Empire were properly in the Indies (only lying betwixt the River Indus and Ganges) the opinion first settled on this Bassis. Secondly, The ancient Presbyter John professing himself a Christian, having for the Emblem of his faith a Cross in a hand, and when he went forth or a Journey, a Cross carried before him, being beside a Priest, (all which or the greatest part suits with the Abyssine Emperor, for that he was by ancient custom a Priest, is reported of him by tradition and their own Annals; for the Cross in particular, he often carrieth it in his hand, and all there have it in peculiar reverence and devotion) gave apparently this Error a second rise. Thirdly, Ignorant, in what part of India his Empire was, having often heard of the Christianity of this King and his Subjects, and without any records of the ancient Presbyter John, uninquisitive men concluded him the Abyssine Emperor: Thus mistakes are commonly guilded over with the appearance of truth. We who lived in Ethiopia, reflecting on this, and often discoursing by way of Inquiry, what might most probably beget this opinion, derived it from what I shall here offer; If a thing so obsolete admits any conviction, or what is maintained by common opinion is to be refuted.  
Ethiopia hath an ancient and usual Custom for slaves to petition their Masters and subjects their Sovereign, either in their Ear with an humble and submissive voice, or at a distance from some eminent place, to tell their grievances, and demand justice against their Oppressors, so placing themselves, as to be most conveniently heard, every one cries as loud as his voice can reach, in the language of his own Province or Nation. The Portuguese (frequent here) cry Senhor, Senhor, Senhor; not desisting till their business be dispatched. The Moor cries Acid, Acid, Acid, which signifies the same. The Boor of the Kingdom of Tigere says Adaric, Adaric, Adaric. The Courtier, and those more civilised Abeto, Abeto, Abeto, intimating the same. Others bark like Dogs, howl like Wolves, and by imitating the different cries of other Beasts, are so understood and known of what place and Province they are.  
Those of an higher Province, in the heart of this great Empire, (where many ages these Princes kept their Court) when according to this ancient and usual Custom, they present their Petitions, cry Jan Coy (i.e.) my King: (Jan signifying King, and Coy my) which supposed, for the clearer proof of what I endeavour to evince, you are to be reminded: That the Abyssines affirm their Emperors were Priests, in testimony of that, relate some Miracles wrought by them That the Abyssines are naturally Wanderers, particularly undertake pilgrimages to the Holy Land, which being not far remote, doth more easily engage them in the journey. This they practise at present, though formerly they did it more frequently.  
It is also notorious, that the French, most of any Nation of Europe, used the Levantine trade, their concourse was so great, that those Infidels scarce knew any other Europeans, and called all white men (as they still do) Franks by a small corruption from the word Francois. The French necessarily met many Abyssines particularly in Palestine with whom their discourse was probable about their Nation and Country: The Abyssines speaking of their King, undoubtedly gave him the most ancient, most usual and most respectful title of Jan; neither is it less probable, that for the greater reverence of the Royal person, they told them their King was a Priest; thence was he concluded Jan by title, and by office a Priest: All know that among us, Sacerdote and Presbytero are the same, which the Latins call Presbyter and the French Prester; this word joined to Jan begets Prester Jan, which with small addition is corrupted into Prester John, intending the same. The French returning home were likely to relate what they believed and heard in foreign parts, so spread the report, that the King of the Abyssines was King and Priest Prester Jan; there not being then any knowledge of the true Prester John of the Indies. This report, set abroad, past current, that this famous Prince was without doubt the Emperor of the Abyssines, thence at present vulgarly called Prester John of the Indies.  
I may without arrogance think the Conjectures and Probabilities on which this Discourse is grounded, above contempt; both from my own observations and Experience, and from the approbation of able Judgements; particularly of great Travellers, and those conversant in Ethiopia, who found them agree with their information; if any are dissatisfied with this Tract, let them not condemn the good will that offers it, and take my word to acquiesce in any better proposed.   

A short Tract of the Red Sea, and of the Cause of this name by which 'tis commonly known.  
THe Red Sea bounds the Territories of the Abyssine Empire which Eastward drinks those Waters; having therefore discoursed what names the Abyssine Emperor Prester John, we may conveniently inquire after the true cause that calls that boundary of this Empire the Red Sea.  
The Name of Red Sea commonly given to the Arabian Gulf, is very ancient, the mistake lies only in the Reason, I shall relate what I think most suitable to my own survey and experience.  
The Ancients named the most Easterly point of all Africa Aromatum Prom. the Cape of spices; because all those Ships, which brought them from the Coast of India, and traded with the Ports of that Sea, first made that Headland, called at present by all Mariners Guarda fuy, the Inland is the Kingdom of Adel, the Inhabitants all Moors and stout Soldiers; The defect of Rain, is here the same as in Egypt supplied by the many and great Rivers, running from the mountains of Ethiopia, which on that side bound this Kingdom. This Promontory is answered by another in Arabia the happy, directly opposite, called Cape Fartach from a City and people of the same name inhabiting the main Land, Warlike Moors, and so reputed; the distance between these two Capes is fifty leagues.  
The largeness of the Ocean gins to be restrained from these two Promontories to the entrance of the Red Sea, in length an hundred and fifty leagues: the two shores all the way coming closer till they meet at four leagues distance in the narrowest part of the straight where this Sea looseth the name of the Arabian Gulf, and within is called the Red Sea; which extends three hundred and eighty leagues to Sues near the bottom of that straight, in the largest place, betwixt Masuba and the Island of Camaran, the breadth is forty leagues, near Sues only three, which is yet narrower at the bottom.  
Authors divide this Sea into three parts▪ the Middle is clear and navigable, not without some small Islands and Rocks which appearing above water are of little danger; the other two parts near the two shores of Arabia and Ethiopia are of very bad passage, full of Shoals, Rocks and white Coral, which, in the night especially, endanger Passengers.  
The Mouth is double, made by an Island called Nahum or Babelmandel, two leagues in length, less than a quarter in breadth, all an high wild barren Rock, parched with the Wind and Sun, without any Grass, possessed by an abundance of Sea-foul.  
The entrance on the side of Arabia being clear and deep is the ordinary passage for Ships of burden; the other part of the mouth toward Ethiopia though three leagues over, is so full of Shoals, as none venter's through, but in little vessels, called by the Natives Geluas. Near the Island is a narrow Channel of a good depth, which I twice passed, but too dangerous for great Ships, joining on the Island.  
Within this strait gins the Red sea, the Easterly Shoar called Arabia Petrea. Twelve leagues higher than the mouth is the City Mocha, rich and of great trade: Forty further is the Island of Camaran; then follow Rido, Loia, Zebita and Goro; this latter, within sight, and within half a day's journey of Mount Sinai. Hither lies Gida the Port of famous Mecha or Medina, where is the tomb of Mahomet. At the bottom of this strait is Sues, anciently a City of Heroes; at present a poor fishing Village, wanting the trade of Spices from India which arrive there as to the Mart of the East and Levant, and the general Fair of the Indies. This City from Grand Cairo twenty five leagues; sixteen from the nearest part of the Nile, and forty one from the Mediterranean.  
Crossing from hence to the other shore of Ethiopia, the first City is Alcocere, formerly rich and populous, now a poor Village. Little further, is Corondelo, where the Children of Israel at their coming out of Egypt, passed over to the other shore of Arabia, the Sea opening for three leagues, (the distance betwixt both the Shores) into a fair large way, as seems to be intimated in the book of 
* Chap. 19 vers. 7.  Wisdom; or dividing itself into twelve parts, as may be gathered from the 
* Psalm. 135. vers. 13.  Psalmist. Not far distant, is a place called Risa, whence are exported and imported Commodities from and for Egypt. This place is situated in the hollow of high mountains, which run along in a Bridge, discoverable from most parts of the Red Sea; 
* The same affirmed by Grotius, in his Book de Origine Nili, of this Shoar of the Red Sea, and of other Mountains in Asia and Africa. Cap. 12.  when, from these mountains toward the Sea it is winter, on the other side of them is summer; so vice versa. Hence to Suaguem, is desert, but the Road for Grand Cairo. The Island of Suaguem, (where the Turks detained me sometimes Prisoner) is round and little, full of Inhabitants: the residence and Court of a Bashaw, having in it the Custom-house, where all Merchant's Ships unlade. Half the profit, by agreement, accrues to a King of the Inland, called Balen. An hundred leagues further is the Island Massuba in circuit twelve hundred fathoms, shaped like a man's foot. Between this and the main Land, Ships have a convenient Road. Here resides the Bashaws Lieutenant called Caqua, judge of the Custom-house. Two leagues further is a Fortress called Arquico, (where I was sometime Prisoner) ill fortified with stone and Clay; worse provided with Ammunition, only defends the water which every day goes in Boats, (called Gelluas) for Massuba, destitute of any other liquor. Below this Island is that of Daleca, where Pearl is fished; in length sixteen leagues, strait and populous. Few leagues lower is the Port of Bailur in the Kingdom of Dancali, where I landed going into Ethiopia. Twelve leagues further, we return again to the strait of Babelmandel.  
This general knowledge presupposed, we come to speak of the Original of the name, for which divers reasons are given. By my Observations, in six weeks I was at one time upon that Sea, and twenty days at another, when my Inquiries were very severe and scrupulous, I found not any opinion warrantably grounded. So general a Name is vainly contended for, and not to be allowed, by certain red spots which appear, and to some, seem to proceed, from certain parts of a Whale; those spots not always appearing, and the Whales being very few in those shallows; in the Ocean, out of the strait there are many. Neither did I in all my voyage upon that Sea observe any such discolouring.  
A second Reason for this Name is fetched from some Hills of red earth, whose dust carried by the fury of the Winds and falling into the waters, changeth it to this colour: This opinion seems fabulous, for by curious search, no such Hills are discoverable, neither could the Dust be so considerable, to make the spots so great, as would give the General name to the whole Sea. Others contend, that the red Coral which grows in the bottom of this Sea, by reflection on the water begets the same apparent colour, and gives the name: This Opinion is equally false: The Coral at the bottom of the Sea being not red enough to create any such apparent colour or name; the red is faint, nearer white, than any other colour, enlivened by an Artificial composition. Upon the shore of this Sea I have gatheted some, not in branches but in little pieces, called shop-ware, (being ground and there exposed) The Sun gave it out of the water a very vivid colour; this confirmed me, that the name proceeded from the Coral.  
I shall now declare my opinion, if any voice be permitted me upon this Subject. What I shall affirm, I saw with my Eyes, and discoursed the matter with my Companions capable of giving their Judgement. Being Prisoner to the Turks, and sailing in those Seas, one of my companions and of the Company of Jesus happened to be Patriarch of Ethiopia, excellently skilled in Divine and Profane Learning; We concluded the water of that Sea, not different from that of the Ocean; in some places we observed, a long tract of water bluish, caused by the great depth: In others, found divers white spots proceeding from the white sand, and the shallowness: Other places were discoloured green, by the mud which covered the bottom. In other parts of the water, where it was as clear as in any other Sea, were some reddish spots; We found these spots (which were many) to be caused by a weed resembling that we call Cargaco, rooted in the bottom; some that was lose and swum almost on the surface of the water we took up, and casting Anchor thereabouts, made an Indian dive to the bottom for more. Upon strict examination, it proved to be that the Ethiopians call Sufo, which in great quantity, grows in India and divers parts of Asia. The same name of Sufo, is given to the seed; to a meat made of it, like Almond-milk, well tasted, (and often eaten by me) and to the Flower, which resembles Saffron and may be mistaken for it. Of this is made a Red-colour called Sufo, used for dying cloth in Ethiopia and India (some of which Cloth furnished my poor Church in Ethiopia with a sure of Hang) The weed, seed, meat, flower, and colour agree in the same name of Sufo, which considered, put us in mind, that the Scripture, in St. Jerome's Translation calls the Red Sea, in stead of Mare Rubrum, Bahar Suf, making Suf and Red the same in Hebrew: This Sea therefore, being so near rather between Ethiopia and Palestine, and in both places Suf signifying Red, our observation named the Sea, not from any such colour appearing in the water but from the growth of that weed, which in the Hebrew and Ethìopian language signifies Rubrum. And by Experiment, the flower boiled, and mixed with juice of limbs, makes so beautiful a Red, that it's nearer an incarnate than Red, and if durable would be deservedly of great esteem.  
Considering the weakness of the other reasons; from our Discourse had on that Sea, we concluded the name derived from no other cause, than from the growth of the weed Sufo; insufficient of itself to produce that colour, but whose flower makes it, and the Natives give the name of the weed to the Colour.   

A Discourse of Palmtrees, Of their Variety, their Fruit, (and the usefulness of it,) Of their proper Soil.  
OF all the Trees, created by God Almighty for the ornament of the Earth and service of Man, the Palmtree is the most useful and profitable to humane society: Though for this end the Author of Nature created all Plants, all which, with all their virtue are at man's devotion, yet none serves so munificently, and for so many uses as the Palmtree. For from her deepest roots, which take first possession of the Earth and vegetation, to the highest leaf of her adorned head, with the variety, propriety, excellency of her fruit, in fine, with all her virtue, is man substantially served, and paid his due tribute; What I shall say in this Tract will disengage this truth.  
The Palmtree is advanced by one peculiar Excellency, by which, without any second, she hath the advantage of all other Trees, well satisfied in paying man once a year their Tribute, rest from their labour. The Palmtree takes no repose, but every month in the year presents new fruit: A beautiful cluster of thirty, forty, sometimes more Cocoes, or nuts monthly appearing; and though not above seven, twelve at the most, come to be ripe and attain the last perfection, (there not being strength and nourishment for so many) yet is it questionless, that the Palmtree by her fruitfulness was by God peculiarly created for the advantage of mankind; If Vigour to perform her natural propensity be wanting, yet is her generous inclination apparent.  
We may truly say of the Palmtree, that not being, (which is not contended for) that so singular and excellent tree, peculiar to the happiness of Heaven, which the 
* Revel. 22. vers. 2.  Scripture calls the Tree of life, which beareth twelve manner of fruits, and yieldeth her fruit every month, yet that it is a similitude or Emblem of that faecundity. That by the frequency and goodness of her fruit, and by the great benefit man enjoys by it, it is a certain Tree of life on Earth, as the other is truly in Heaven, and the most beneficial the earth produceth, shall appear in this Discourse.  
The most favourable Climate or Soil, and which with greatest propriety and in most abundance produceth this famous Tree, (which strangers, divine and humane writings, and the Natives, in the property of their language called the Palmtree) is Asia, particularly that part of it, called India, containing the Kingdoms and Provinces, which lie betwixt, and are bounded by the two famous Rivers Indus and Ganges, both so well known in History. How religious fables have made Ganges, and how vain a sanctity, blind Idolatry attributed to those waters, (in which to wash, is sufficient to be cleansed from fault and punishment, and be secured of Salvation) much might be said, by what I have observed and heard of this superstition; but that is not the task of this discourse, intended only of Palmtrees.  
The land nearest the Sea side produceth the fairest; the Air from the Sea, being very favourable and benign to them. Though strangers give the same name of Palmtree to divers sorts of this tree, all cannot challenge it, neither enjoy the Excellencies, proper to the Palmtree called Coco: The Natives distinguish them by particular names, and reckon up eight sorts, all different in their Trunks, leaves, fruit, profit and appearance, yet enjoy the general name of Palmtrees, having I know not what likeness, by which they lay claim to it, besides the proper name of each species.  
The chiefest and most famous, and which best retains the property of the Palmtree, is that which bears Coco's; of these some are wild, some cultivated, some, but few, called Barcas, which amongst them signify excellent; and when they knavishly put off any thing for excellent, they say 'tis Barca. The Nut Barca is savoury, wholesome, not to be surfeited on, though eaten in never so great a quantity; But as all Trees are not Barca's, so not all the Nuts, and the same Tree bears Barca's and others: The Natives distinguish and very much value them. The Nut Barca, when crude and unripe is called Lanha Taugi (i.e.) excellent and sweet; is refreshing, wholesome, of great use in Fevers. If the Roots of this Tree touch the Sea or any brackish water, the bearing is very much improved.  
Of the other seven sorts, some are esteemed wild, from their fruit, soil, and the little manuring they require. The Tree called Cajuri, is the peculiar one which bears Dates, though in India this tree yields none, but affords a certain liquor which they distil, and of it make wine. Another sort named Trefulim, from her fruit of the same name Arequeira of whose leaves are made great umbrellas, large enough to shelter one or two men from the rigour of the Sun or rain, without which none could travel: There are less, for the same use, like our umbrellas, which also keep off the rain. This tree yields no fruit.  
Another tree there is, (the name not much in use,) by the leaf, trunk, and make, of the race of Palmtrees; the fruit called the Raposa (i.e.) the Fox's fruit; eaten, of no good taste, such a Crab as never ripens, and if brought to maturity, would prove a wild Date, being so in the form, colour, bunch or cluster. The tree called Berlim, bears no fruit, only used for adorning Churches; the boughs of so fit a size and proportion for this use, as if folly created by God almighty for his service, not of less esteem and value, because serviceable to divine worship, this dedication supplies the defect of fruit for the service of man, and may reasonably rank the tree above the fruitful.  
The last the Earth produceth, called Macomeira, is without doubt a species of the Palmtree; her fruit in clusters of thirty or more, every one as big as an ordinary Apple; when ripe, of a Date-colour, and very grateful, the rind as hard as Tow, oftener sucked than eaten; if swallowed, of very hard digestion; In scent, exceeding the 
* Esteemed the best Apple in Portugal.  Camoesa: the stone, called Coquinho, very hard, though green, is sovereign against many diseases.  
These are the Palmtrees the Earth produceth, which challenge a right in that name. The Sea affords one, which though at the bottom of the deep and so undiscovered, the fruit called Coco, and surnamed Maldiva, (because the Sea about those Islands affords that Plant in greatest abundance) gives us the Information. The Maldives are a Ridge of great and small Islands, reaching near two hundred leagues, are counted from North to South, distant from the shore, thirty or forty leagues, the Natives affirm them to be Eleven thousand: He was at leisure, and of no small curiosity who counted them. But not to inquire too strictly and minutely into their number, the Ocean about these Islands most abound with these Nuts, which are rare; the Sea casts them upon the shore, or they swim upon the water, yet have I seen them from the coast of Melinde to the Cape of Guardafuy, for above two hundred leagues: they are little less than a man's head, grow two together, joined one to the other, not all along, but near two thirds; the colour of the Rind, (which is hard though thin) black; the Europeans make of it Bodies of Birds, e. g. of a Peacock, adding to it feet, neck, head and wings, and that perfection of parts the Bird designed requires. The Pulp or kernel of this fruit is very firm, as in those that grow at Land; of very great esteem with the Natives; I have seen it sold for its weight in silver, being esteemed a singular Remedy against all diseases, particularly against poison, pounded in a Mortar (made for that purpose) with a little water, till it grows white, and so drank. In India they make frequent use of this remedy, having it in abundance. So much of the Palmtree and the Nutt Maldiva; I am now to discourse of the inestimable profit of the other sorts.  
Palmtrees, of what species soever, have neither a thick Trunk, nor boughs like other trees. As they grow in height, their boughs come out at the top, and open to make room for others; as the old ones fall, they leave an impression in the Tree where they were; If any have two trunks, the thing is very peculiar, and shown as notorious: I have seen one or two such, in all the time and places I was in India: One of them near the Coast of Melinde, whence I embarked for the Island Pate, to see a thing so remarkable. The tree called Macomeira, (from the fruit named Macoma) is the only one, that grown to the height of a man, divides herself into two trunks, each of which at the same distance is divided into other two, so grows on, each Trunk producing two, till she arrives to that height, the Natives allow proportionable to the species. The tree called Trafulim grows the tallest, and for height, were the thickness proportionable, (celfity is more considerable in this, than any other of the sorts) and the nature of the wood solid, and strong, might make a Mast for a great Vessel, but it wants sufficient substance, neither are those trees which yield Coco's proper for that use; In little Vessels they serve, as will be immediately related.  
That the most favourable situation for the growth and fertility of these trees is the ground nearest the Sea, has been said before: and if the roots reach the mud of salt-water, they thrive best with that watering. Experience hath found, that those Palmtrees, which grow nearest houses inhabited, are the most fruitful; therefore the Natives, if possible, contrive to dwell in the Palme-Orchards, having there their goods and Estates, (as will presently be said) their pleasure and recreation: These are the real Estates in India, as Vineyards and Olive-yards in Europe: amongst these is arable Land, which they sow, and have a Crop of Rice, Wheat and other grain; I have seen fair and beautiful Palmtrees in the Inland, remote from the Sea, always in Plains, never upon Hills, where they come to no maturity, either because in low grounds they shelter one the other, or that on the hills the wind shakes them too violently, to the no little detriment of their fruit, being tall and tender with all their boughs and fruit on the top, they are obnoxious to the wind, the whole weight being at the head, the body high, tender and fragile: they may be fitly compared to the Mast of a ship with round top and topmast without the help of shrouds to support it.  
These trees are planted, by sowing the Cocoes or Nuts in a Bed, and covering them with Earth: A little time will put forth a shoot, the ordinary product of seed; arrived at some growth, they are transplanted into a place designed for that purpose. There ranked in fit distance, order and proportion, where they remain till arrive to perfection, And being planted in a line, make a fair show in the field, so pleasant to the Natives, that no Garden in Europe is with more care manured, or of greater, if of equal satisfaction. This hath been experienced by presenting them with our Rarities, who neglect them and sigh after the Palmtrees of their own Country; though there is not a more melancholy and unpleasant sight to the Europeans, than to be in a Palme-Orchard, where nothing is to be seen but Trunks of Trees set in order, which appear withered without any foliage; all the greenness being above, the sight there is little enjoyed; beheld at a distance, no Prospect so grateful. Being young plants, their mortal Enemies are the Cattle, which risle their beauty, and with their teeth do them no little damage; that begets a necessity to encompass them with fences.  
These Plants are manured with small expense, ordinarily they require not much watering: grown to some bigness, they lay Ashes to their Roots, all sorts of shellfish, particularly, little fish, called by the Natives Cuta, putrefied at the foot of the tree, are of admirable effect; but all trees cannot be so indulged; this is supplied by Mud taken out of salt marshes, by which their fruitfulness is very much advanced. They bear fruit at five years if planted in soft Artificial Beds, so taking root sooner and with greater ease; At seven, if the Earth be firm and hard, spreading their roots leisurely and with more difficulty. I only know one spot of Ground in the Island of Ceilaon so fruitful and proper for these trees, that in two years they come to their growth, get strength, and are laden with fruit.  
The fruit of this tree, (whatsoever the species is) comes forth thus; From the stem of the Palm, shoots out a Twig, made like a man's Arm, not unlike a Moorish scimitar, which the Natives call Poyo. This opens and puts forth a cluster of thirty, fifty, eighty, sometimes an hundred Coquinhos or Nuts, about the bigness of an Hasle-nut; should all come to perfection the quantity were stupendious, but the Parent wanting sap and nourishment for so many young ones, the greatest part falls off and comes to nothing; few remain of the first appearing multitude, twelve or fourteen in every cluster may come to maturity, according to the goodness of the ground, or the soiling employed: Nature supplies the lost ones, by putting forth immediately another cluster before the first is ripe or cleared of the flower; the same happens to the latter fruit, and so to more, every month a bunch appearing, and all the trees having four or five clusters of different ages, some in the blossom, others newly cleared of the flower, as big as ordinary nuts, others larger, some come to perfection: The Palmtree resembles an indulgent mother, environed with greater and smaller Children, at the same time feeding these and bearing others; a rarity not experienced in other trees.  
The Emolument of this fruit Coco is very extraordinary, for divers ways it proves good meat; while the kernel is yet in water and full of liquor, the Nut green, and not come to maturity, the Natives drink it as an exquisite Regallo, being sweet and recreative, affording a good Cup of wholesome water called Lanha; arrived to a greater consistence, like that of Cream, they eat it with spoons, then called Cocanha: come to the last perfection, it is eaten, is savoury and well tasted: but being extremely hot and of hard digestion, much of it is unwholesome, the Nut Barca excepted, which is savoury and harmless. The thin Rind which covers the kernel, black, and good in Medicine. This Nut grated and put into the hollow joints of Canes called Bambus is boiled, and of it made 
* A Meat like the Italian vermicellis, and near ' the Consistence of our Grout.  Cuscus. The gratings, steeped in water and squeezed, the milk they yield, makes a kind of broth, frequent amongst them called Cerul, which is very delicious: the Nut Coco is eaten other different ways, which deservedly advance the esteem of this provision. The two Rinds taken off, the kernel divided into two parts, and exposed to dry in the Sun, when dried is called Copra, of this, great quantities, go for the Inland Country, and where no Olive-trees grow, Oil made of it, which is toothsome, wholesome, good for wounds and sores. This Copra eaten with Igra, (a sort of course muscovadoes sugar) made of the sweat of the Palm tree, as shall immediately be related) is a great dainty with the Indians. And that no part of the Coco may seem not valuable, and declaring the obligation humane life hath to the Palmtree, The outmost Rind, called Cairo, not unlike Tow, well macerated and drawn into threads, affords all sorts of fine Thread, and Ropes big enough for the greatest Vessels and Ships, which are of great esteem for good and secure Cables, they will endure stretching, and rot not in Salt-water; these advantages have they above Cables made of Hemp. The second Rind, the immediate cover of the Coco, when green, is eaten like Chardons, is tender, crackles in the mouth, and of the same effect in the stomach, blacks the lips and fingers like Chardons; when ripe is very hard and thin, called Charetta, made up for divers uses; Charked, it admirably tempers Iron, accordingly esteemed by Artificers.  
Besides the related, divers other Emoluments accrue from the Palmtree and her Fruit; the Palmtree alone being sufficient to build, rig, and freight a ship, with bread, Wine, water, Oil, Vinegar, Sugar, and other Commodities, all afforded by the Palmtree. I have sailed in Vessels, where the bottom and the whole Cargo hath been from the munificence of the Palmtree; I will take upon me to make good what I have asserted.  
The Vessels are by the Natives called Pangayos, on which I have Coasted the land of Melinde, and gone into the Red-Sea: they venture not far from shore, being weak, without any binding of Iron, unable to endure any stress of weather, or beating of the waves, therefore launch not out into the main Ocean. The Palmtree yields Plank, though weak and spongy, as if made of Tow: the Planks are sowed together with fine thread made of the outmost Rind of the Nut (as hath been said) the seams are Caulked with Okum of Cairo, after paid over (as is usual) with the fat of Fish, serving instead of hot Pitch: where there is any use of Nails, that is supplied by wooden Pins, made of a certain species of the Palmtree; the Mast is provided by the same Tree, and requires not much pains to fashion it; Ropes of all bignesses are made of Cayro (i e) the rind of the Coco: Sails are woven of the Leavs of the Palmtree called Cajuris, of which are also made Sacks (called Macondas) in which they carry Millet, or any other thing at pleasure; Bread (before mentioned) the same Nut supplies, either dry, then called Copra, or green, when named Puto; which grated and put into hollow Canes is Cuscus: Water proceeds from the same Nuts being green, before the Kernel arrives to a due consistency, clear as Rock water, fresher and better: Oil is made of Copra (i.e. the Nut dried in the Sun) in great quantity used by all people in India, having no other of their own growth, besides what is drawn from a seed called Gergelim, of small value, only used by the poor.  
The Wine requires more pains and assiduity: When the Palmtree puts forth her shoot or Poyo (shaped like a Moorish Scimitar) before the cluster appears, they cut three fingers breadth from the point, and tying it near the Incision with a reed to prevent slitting, put the end of the shoot into a pitcher made for that purpose, called Gorgo; leaving it there, the shoots, like Vines pruned, but in greater abundance, weep that juice, which should have produced Coco's. This Liquor is twice drawn in the natural day; in the morning, that which was wept by night, and in the Evening, the distillation of the day: At these times, a man deputed to that business, and of a certain Extraction, called Bandarins, with a goad hung at his girdle, and with a Pruning-hook in his hand, climbs the tallest Palmtree: some of which, peculiarly those called Cajuris, are of a prodigious height, they climb as on a Ladder by notches made in the Trunk of the Tree, and with as much security as Seamen run up to the Maintop: In other less Palmtrees, (seeming to be of that Race which yields Dates) they make a hole in the Trunk, there lodging a Cane through which the Liquor distils, which when the Tree affords, she bears no Cocoes. This Liquor is sweet, medicinal, clears the Body from humours, is drunk for a Regallo, and called Sura; set to the Fire in great Vessels, is distilled as in a Limbeck, with this caution, That they continually cast cold water upon the Vessel, lest as strong water, it should take fire, This is the Wine made of the Palmtree, called by the Natives Vrraca, it entoxicates in little quantity, flies to the head, and is of strange effect; much more powerful if distilled over again, when it becomes a Quintessence. Of this Vrraca is made excellent Vinegar, by putting into it two or three fired sticks, or a great stone well heated. Sugar is made of the sweet Sura coming fresh from the Tree, which boiled till it coagulates becomes good Sugar, perfect in taste and colour. The Merchandise afforded by the Palmtree, and laden on Vessels, are dried Cocoes or Nuts, the Rind, and many other Commodities before mentioned: this justifies the Palm-tree's building, rigging and lading a Vessel with goods and Ship-provisions for the Mariners; all her own product.  
The Palmtree being so beneficial and advantageous to humane life, doubtless not Tree in any known part of the World may come into competition with it; and amongst all her advantages, no other so well satisfies the sight when laden with great and smaller Clusters, some ripe, others colouring; some in the blossom, others forwarder; the grateful appearance of her Fruit is no less pleasant than her admirable foecundity: Her tallness not inferior to a high Cyprus-tree, her Trunk slender, without the help of Boughs to climb by, her Nuts retired at the top, amongst her leavs and branches, makes her resemble a fond Mother, bringing her Children about her the better to preserve them, and cutting off all intercourse tending to their destruction.  
All places produce not Cocoes of the same bigness, which are great or small according to the nature of the Climate, and quality of the Soil fitted for the production of that fruit. The Coast of Malabar being cool, and abounding with Rivers (which spring in the Mountains of Gate, to whose foot this Coast extends) affords such large and fair Cocoes that the Lanhas (i. e.) young and imperfect Nuts of Cochim and those Territories, are every one sufficient to quench the thirst of two persons. After these are cried up these of the Island of Ceilon, where the ground is very rank and luxuriant, yet inferior to the Soil of Malaca, and the places adjoining, where the Cocoes are the greatest. Those of Arabia the Happy are fairer than any yet spoken of; the goodness of the Soil, and nature of the Climate, being proportionably advantageous, the name of Happy proves it. Of all these places and sorts of Fruit I am an Eye-witness; Two peculiar virtues of these Cocoes, are not to be passed over in silence: The first, That when the Cluster gins to appear, being yet covered with the flower; gathered, pounded, boiled in three pints of Cow's milk, 'tis an infallible cure for the Yellow-jaundies; beside the opinion had of this remedy, I speak by experience, having with it in few days cured one troubled with this disease. The second is, That in the opinion of the Women, (where fancy most domineers) the water of Lanhas makes a wash for the face, which eminently betters the Complexion, either by creating it where Nature bestowed it not, or advancing it where Nature is deficient, or preserving it where it was naturally allowed. From what hath been said, is evidently concluded; That if the Author of Nature created all Trees for the service of man, the Palmtree of all those doth most industruously serve and advantage him, by so many ways, and so considerable productions; and because that which bears Dates is of the true Race of Palmtrees, something is to be said of that and her Fruit.  
Those Trees which bear Dates, yield them not in India; there only affording the Sura before mentioned, of which Wine is made Northward, those Trees grow in the greatest quantity; some have Dates, which appear in fair clusters but come not to maturity: the reason must be in the Climate which favours them not. In Africa they attain the highest perfection, Dates being the natural Fruit of that part of the World; those of Arabia, where they grow in great quantities, are excellent; pleasant to the sight in beautiful Clusters, (which beginning to ripen appear in various colours, consisting of a faint Vermillion, and paled whiteness, called the Date-colour) and more acceptable to the taste. Arabia produceth divers sorts, particularly the Happy; (Petrea is not without them.) A base sort there is, which serves for common sustenance, given to Horses for Provender: Others there are of a more exquisite taste and value, amongst them those called Muxanas, which are the least, but naturally recompensed by an excellent flavour; few of them exported out of Arabia; the Xarifes reserving them for themselves as excellent, and give the reason that their exquisitness makes them properly theirs, challenging the best things in the World, as the posterity of Mahomet, and for the Religion they profess, which they would falsely put off for Orthodox. This Fruit ripens not upon the Tree if there be not near it, or in sight, the Fruit called the Male; a secret in Nature found by experience, the cause yet undiscovered.  
Writing this, I remember a discourse I had with an Old man, but a credulous Christian; As we were eating some of these Dates, I was observing, That the stone beaten and drank in water was good for Women in strong labour, to ease their pangs, and facilitate their Delivery; and that it had on one side the perfect shape of the letter O. the good Old man in great devotion and simplicity, answered me with a story, which with him passed for infallible; That the letter O, remained upon the stone of a Date, for a remembrance that our Blessed Lady the Virgin, with her Divine Babe in her arms, resting herself at the foot of a Palmtree, (which inclined her Branches, and offered a Cluster of Dates to her Creator) our Lady plucked some of the Dates, and eating them, satisfied with the taste and flavour, cried out in amazement, Oh how sweet they are! this Exclamation engraved the letter O; first word of her speech upon the Datestone, which being very hard, better preserved it. I have related this story of more piety and plain devotion, than truth and certainty, for the Readers diversion and entertainment; Yet not to believe this Old-wives Fable would be with them scandalous. There are some Palmtrees which bear a Fruit called Macomas, of a singular virtue, (besides their scent, more grateful than that of a Camojesa, and their perfect Date colour:) This Fruit eaten upon an overcharged stomach, after too much repletion, in a very little time digests all, and begets a fresh Appetite; God be praised these Trees are so far removed from Europe, that our Epicures are without the advantage of their Fruit, which would advance the luxury of those men St. Paul speaks of, Quorum Venter Deus est, whose God is their Belly, from their frequent sacrifices made to it; I have had experience of this natural virtue of this Fruit: The Stone eaten is good against Hypocondraical Vapours.  
Another Fruit called Trefolim (which hath the name of the Tree which bears it) grows in Clusters of fifteen or more, each as big as two fists joined; the first colour green, when ripe ends in a Purple colour; opened, hath three partitions,  with a certain substance like ill coagulated milk; fresh and cooling, of an insipid taste, yet commonly eaten for a Regallo; the Kernel of a faint white; the Fruit of a Palmtree called Areica, not much differing from the Trefolim, is of eminent esteem with the Native Indians: The Island of Ceilon produceth the most and best. These Cocoes are exported and prove good Merchandise, not bigger ordinarily than an Hasle-nut, the Kernel firm and hard, the usual dainty of the Indians, who accustomed to chaw the leaf of an herb bigger, thicker, and of a clearer green than an Ivy-leaf, are forced to champ Areica; from warming and recovering the stomach, esteemed very cordial and delicious; the juice contracteth the mouth like Alum, or a Cypress-Apple if chawed, which sometimes supplies the virtue of Areica, this fruit like Dates grows in Clusters, two hundred or more counted in a bunch; exquisite Beads are made of them, white, streaked with black: The Indians so dote on this fruit, as to have it common in their mouths, thence transmit the juice to their stomach, which it fortifies and strengthens, fastens the teeth and helps digestion; therefore the last thing done at meals is to chaw a piece of this, which they as highly prize, as the Europeans their choicest fruit; but from the experience of both, I am for my Countrymen. The Coco or Nut of Maldiva is another fruit of the Palmtree; we have already spoken of its shape, virtue, price, and value; the fruit commonly called Coco is found on the Sea, or cast upon the shore, the make of the Tree which produceth them, nature hath hid at the bottom of the deep, and charged herself with its Culture. I shall conclude this Discourse of Palmtrees, with this observation, That nothing has life without Enemies of that life, which by divers ways and stratagems attempt and assault it: The vegetation of the Palmtree wants not these, by the Indians called sicknesses and diseases, which prejudice this so adventageous Tree and her fruit, by which Man is so plentifully provided, as he is said to live and die, the same is said of the Palmtree, which, like man, hath infirmities and diseases, by which, and many accidents, they pine away, decay, dry up, and at last die. There is a long list of diseases incident to this Tree, which work her death if Remedies are not timely applied.  
A mortal Enemy to this Tree, is a certain species of black worms, which are naturally so provided, as easily to pierce any Timber green or dry, thereby conveying themselves into the heart of it, neither doth this consume much time, they desisting not till they arrive at the innermost sap, living on what they corrode and deface, casting out the remainder. This in the Palmtree is effected with more facility and less time, the wood being tender, and the marrow (the part fed upon) savoury: With greater gusto, and by natural instinct, they get to the top of the Tree; and what they did in the Trunk, do in the Eye of the Palmtree, with more ease and satisfaction; devouring the Eye, which is Extremely white, tender, sweet, delicious and grateful, to a miracle. A Palmtree is often cut down, to come at the Eye, as her choicest fruit and dainty; I have had great experience of its goodness; the worm hath no ill palate in the choice of this morsel; timely remedy not applied, the worm leaves not, till, (as they call it) she procures the death of the poor Tree. To prevent this, the proprietor, or those called Bandarins, (the only men charged with these Trees) are obliged to watch these thiefs; and with Iron Instruments, invented for that purpose, (sometimes made straight, when the holes go so, sometimes crooked when they make their way by turn and meanders) to pursue them, till they seize them, and upon their forked point draw them out dead.  
Another distemper fastens on these Trees, through the carelessness or little dexterity of the Bandarins, when they climb the Tree, to empty the Sura, out of the Gorgo or Vessel, into their Gourds; if by chance, any drop lights on the Tree, by a natural malignity, it engenders another worm which attaques and devours the Eye. This disaster is desperate beyond the help of remedy, the Master looseth the Tree, but the Custom of the Country, obligeth the Bandarin to make satisfaction: the price of every such neglect is ten Pardaos, in our money, three 
* ' twenty five shillings.  Mil-Rees: The great abundance of these trees in India, lessens the mulct; Every Palmtree well manured, and growing in good ground, yields the owner one Pardao yearly. According to this Estimate, every Proprietary, gives a near guess at the Rent of his Orchard.  
A third disease seizeth this Tree (her Emolument to man seeming to beget her more Enemies to lessen her value) which is no open and violent adversary, but created by the same Earth, which gives growth and nourishment to the root of the tree, and is no faint resemblance of a Nurse, who for want of milk, or having it spoiled, sees her Nursling pine away, and (without umely prevention) languish till it dies. The Palmtree is not secure from this danger, the Earth which produceth it, in a long tract of time, or by some malign influence, growing barren; this defect is communicated to the Tree, which renders it infirm, vitiated, barren till it fails utterly. This distemper and indisposition of the Earth, (which the Palmtree, by an attractive virtue sucks in, with the moisture that nourisheth it, and conveys throughout from root to head) is discovered, by a reddish minute sand, appearing in the Earth; The disease dilates not only in the body, but outwardly on the trunk of the Tree; when the Bandarin perceives this, he is forced through the sound part of the tree to make a great hole, to hinder the contagious creeping further, as is practised in Gangrenes, where the sound part is cut off: the parts affected without, are unbarked, and where the sand appears they run in hot Irons. These cures not timely applied, the profitable tree perisheth.  
These disasters are accompanied with a secret of Nature, worth reflection. Two or three years before this untimely death, these Trees are said to be laden with Coco's or Nuts, so beyond Custom, that this unusual excess is suspicious to the Natives, and awakens them to watch the diseases incident to the Palmtree, so to hinder them by a timely prevention; Nature by this overplus, seems to supply the absence and loss of this Tree; and the beneficial Palm, foreseeing the End of her munificence, strives to recompense her Owner.  
There is yet in the Palmtree a thing more excellent, delicious, more grateful to the palate, than hath been mentioned; a Morsel to be compared with whatsoever is esteemed most delicate, is that they call Palmito, the innermost Eye of the tree; which being cut out and stripped of the boughs, may pass for the Centre of all the branches, which in the heart of the Tree, before they shoot forth are so joined and united, as to appear the same thing. The substance of this Palmito is white like milk, delicious in extremity, coagulated, tender, of a taste above milk, more delightful and of a better Confection; in fine a Bocone pleasing in the highest, and free from all fulsomeness. What I have said is without exaggeration, the Reader I am sure, would, if he tasted it, be of my opinion, who am able to give a sufficient account of this Palmito, for besides my experience of it in India, where other provision wanted not, at the Cape of good Hope (where the Vessel, we came in for Portugal, suffered shipwreck, at the land called Terra de Natal, and where we spent eight months on shore, in the place we were first cast upon, to build two barks to save our Company) I had leisure enough to be convinced of its exquisiteness, there scarcity of provision, obliged us to make use of what we found; 'twas our good fortune to light on great store of Palmetrees, not of those which yield Cocoes or Nuts, but of that species which bear Dates; there, having known in India what the Palmito was, we in a short time furnished ourselves with as many as grew in a leagues compass; the Palmito served us for food and dainty, neither was its gratefulness heightened by our hunger.  
The Fruitfulness and profit of the Palmtree, lasts many years; there are signs for a near guess, at her precise duration. This tree puts forth every year four Branches, which leisurely display themselves in the form of a Cross, after three or four years' decay; which the Palmtree of herself casts off, or they are lopped off by the Bandarins, every one leaves a mark where it grew: By these is given a probable conjecture at the age of the tree. That it may appear how the whole Palmtree is serviceable to humane life, nothing superfluous, but all substantially profitable, from the deepest root to the highest leaves: The Root (as hath been said before, where we spoke of the virtue of the other parts) Charked, gives an excellent temper to Iron; The boughs and leaves, made up with a wick, serve for a torch, (called by them Chuli) with this Travellers are secure from all danger of Serpents, which abound in India, are of exquisite poison, and their multitude makes them frequent the Roads, and assault Passengers: They fly from the light of this Chuli; of another service when they fish in the Rivers, in stead of a Candle as is usual in Portugal: Of the leaves besides, are made great Parasols, capable to shelter two persons from the Sun or Rain; these require a man to carry them (there are persons deputed for that office) and are called Boy de Sombrero; small portable ones there are for the same use, none walking in the streets, winter or summer without great or little Parasols. The leaves have another use; of them are made Cover for their Palanquins or Litters, in which one person is commodiously carried and defended from the rain and sun. Some Palmetrees afford leaves called Olhas, which serve for Books and Paper, with a small Iron Pencil in stead of a pen, they open and grave the letters, upon the leaf or Olha, without the use of Ink, as fast and as easily, as the swiftest writer. The leaves of the Tree Cajuri dried, remain of a lively white colour, which are made into hats, of great account though cheap, being so becoming, so accurately wrought and light, that every body the viceroy not excepted, desires to wear them: the Indians call them Palhate. The Bark of the Poyo or twig on which grow the fair clusters of Coc'os, being of a thicker and stronger substance furnish the Common people, particularly the Banderins, who dress the Palmetrees with Caps made like the English ordinary Riding-caps.  
To end the discourse, I shall observe, (what challenges a reflection) the natural fabric of the Palmtree; that the trunk being very slender and disproportionable to the tallness, the whole weight of the boughs, (called Palms) and of the fruit, being at the top, in a manner at the vertical point of the slim body, the boughs, as they grow, displaying themselves, and amongst them hanging the fair clusters of Coco's, the shock of winds, should without doubt, easily break and ruin this disproportioned Machine. Provident nature, against this, hath for every new birth of those boughs provided swaths, of the same matter and texture of the Palmtree, not unlike course cloth or Canvas: with these the branches and what grows there, are swathed so strongly and securely as to defy any violence of winds to disjoint them: they are liable to be shaked, yet not where they have this Girdle, which to break is a work of Iron. By these the Palmtree, as a tender mother, gathers her Children about her, as secure from being lost and scattered, as they are well defended against any violence of wind, which would tear and force them from her bosom.  
This is what, for the satisfaction of the Curious, could be known of the Palmtree, of what species soever; who desires a more particular and severe relation, may travel into India, and those other parts where this Tree grows, may inquire more minutely, and perhaps lose his labour.  
Finis.