Chapter VIII: Part 8

It has been under Subjection of the King of _Golconda_; but about 25 Years, taken, with the Country of _Rarnaticum_, from the _Hendue-Rajaes_, about that time, by the _Nabob_, _Meer Jumla_. In it have been found Diamonds of a _size_ weight, which is about 9 Ounces _Troy_ or 81½ _Pago's_ weight. It is only employed by the King for his own private use: The Diamonds that are found in it, are very well spread, large Stones (it yields few or none small,) they have generally a bright Skin, which inclines to a pale Greenish colour, but within are purely white. The Soil is Reddish as many of the others.

About sixty or seventy years ago, when it was under the Government of the _Hundues_, and several Persons permitted to adventure in digging, a _Portugeez_ Gentleman went thither from _Goa_, and having spent in Mining a great sum of Mony to the amounts of 100000 _Pago's_, as 'tis reported, and converted every thing he brought with him, that would fetch any mony, even to what wearing Cloaths he could spare, while the Miners were at Work for the last Days expence, he had prepared a cup of Poison, resolving, if that Night he found nothing, to drink his last with the conclusion of his Mony; but in the Evening the Workmen brought him a very fair spread Stone of 20 _Pago's_ weight, in commemoration whereof he caused a great Stone to be erected in the place, with an Inscription ingraven on it, in the _Hundues_ or _Tellinga_ Tongue, to the following effect, which remains to be seen to this day;

_Your Wife and Children sell, sell what you have,
Spare not your Cloaths, nay, make your self a Slave;
But money get, then to _CURRURE_ make hast;
There search the Mines, a Prize you'll find at last._

After which he immediately returned with his Stone to _Goa_.

* * * * *

Not far from _Currure_ are the Mines of _Lattawaar_ and _Ganjeconta_, which are in the same Soil as _Currure_, and afford Stones not unlike: But _Lattawaar_ hath many representing the great end of a Razor-blade, thin on one side and thick on the other, very white and of an excellent Water; but the best of the Mine is worn out, and _Ganjeconta_ employed only to the Kings private use.

_Jonagerre_, _Pirai Dugulle_, _Purwillee_ and _Anuntapellee_, consist also of Red earth, are now employed, and afford many large Stones; part of them of a greenish Water, but the most absolute Mines are of _Wazzergerre_ and _Munnemurg_, (the other rather representing Pits than Mines;) for there they sink through high Rocks till they go so far below their basis, that they can go no further for Water, in some places 40 or 50 Fathom deep. The superficies of the Rocks consist of hard, firm, white Stone, into which they cut a Pit like a Well, of about 4 or 5, in some places 6 Foot deep, before they come to a crust of a Mineral Stone, like the Mineral of Iron; when they fill the Hole with Wood and keep as hot a Fire as they can there for two or three Days, till they think it sufficiently heated; then they pour-in Water till they have quencht it, which also slacks and mollifies both Stone and Mineral; both being cold, they dig again, take out all the crumbled stuff and dig up what they can besides, before they heat it anew; the Crust seldom is thicker than three or four Foot, which ceasing, they come to a Vein of Earth, that usually runs under the Rock two or three Furlongs; sometimes much further: This they dig all out and search, and if their first attempt prove successful, they go to Work again (digging after the same manner) as deep as they can, till they come to Water; for the drawing whereof, wanting the help of Engins, known in _Europe_, they can go no deeper, although the Vein lie lower; all lumps of the Mineral they break in pieces, and frequently find Diamonds enclosed in them. To Work on these Mines is very expensive, but the advantage is commonly answerable; yet in respect of the certain disburse, that must be before any thing be found, they are not so much frequented as others, where they may try their Fortunes with a smaller Stock. The Earth they dig out is Red: Many large Stones are found here; the smallest about 6 in a _Mangelleen_. They are mixt Waters, but the greatest part good, only of ill-favoured shapes, many cragged pieces of Stones, some as if they had been parts of very great ones, others with pieces broken off them; yet I never heard of any that ever found two seeming fellows, although they do those that look as if they had been newly Broken.

In _Langumboot_ they dig as they do at _Wazzergerree_ and _Munnemurg_; the Rock is not altogether so solid, but the Earth and Stones it produces much alike.

_Wootoor_ should have been placed next to _Currure_, it lying near it, and affording Stones of a like magnitude, shapes and waters; 'tis employed only to the Kings use: And singular, in that its Diamonds are found in black Earth.

_Muddemurg_ far exceeds all the rest for Diamonds of a delicate Shape, Water, and bright transparent Skin, Proud, as it were, in discovering their inward Beauties, with which no other Mine can compare; yet it has also store of Veiny ones, but those likewise of so curious Shape and Water, that its difficult to discover them from the good, especially the small ones. It produces Stones of divers Magnitudes, from ten and twelve in a _Mangelleen_, to six or seven _Mangelleens_ each, and besides, some great ones. The Earth is Red, but its seated in the Woods, and the Water so bad, that to all (except the People Bred there) it presently occasions Fevers and destroys abundance, insomuch that most of the Adventurers have forsaken it; notwithstanding which it hath been more profitable than any of the rest, the Vein frequently lying near the superficies of the Earth, seldom running deep, and is better furnisht than any other yet discover'd. The River _Kishna_, of excellent waters, is but 9 Miles distant; but the Miners or Merchants are either poor that they cannot, or else over-awed by the Governour, pretend to be and dare not be at the charges of fetching their Water from thence. Divers are of the opinion, that, besides the Water, the Town lying in a bottom, environ'd with Hills and Morass adjoyning, the Air may be infected, and contribute to its unhealthfulness.

_Melwillee_ or the _New Mine_, so called, because it was but lately found out (or at least permitted to be made use of) in the Year 1670. it had then a Year employed the Miners, but it was forbidden, and lay unoccupied till 1673, when complaint being made at _Quoleur_, that the Vein was worn out, the King again licensed its settlement. The Earth they Mine in, is very red, and many of the Stones found there, have of it sticking to them, as if it had clung there while they were of a soft glutinous Substance, and had not attained their hardness, maintaining its Colour on its Skin (seeming to be roughened with it) that it cannot be fetch'd out by grinding on a rough Stone with Sand, which they make use of to clean them. The Stones are generally well-shaped, their size from 5 or 6 in a _mangelleen_ to those of 14 or 15 each, and some bigger; but greatest quantities of the middle sorts: Most of them have a thick dull Skin, incline to a yellowish Water, not altogether so strong and lively as of the other Mines; very few of them of a crystaline Water and Skin. They are reported to be apt to flaw in splitting, which occasions these People to esteem them something softer than the Product of many of the other Mines: Several that flatter by their seeming whiteness when rough, discover their deceitfulness having past the Mill, and too often a yellowish Tincture, to the disappointment and loss of them that have cut them; but what they want in goodness, is in part supplied by the plenty they find, which, together with their properties, make them the cheaper. This being what I have gathered, both by Experience of several of the places I have seen, and the best Informations I could meet with, of the Mines in this Kingdom; I shall now proceed to those in _Visiapore_.

_Visiapore_ is known to contain Mines enclosing Stones as large and good as those of _Golconda_; but the King, for Reasons already given, makes use but of the meanest: Whereby, as _Golconda_ is famous for the largeness of those it affords, _Visiapore_ is noted for the smallest; whose Mines, though they seldom or never render an Adventurer a Fortune or Estate at once, as sometimes those of _Golconda_ do, by a great Stone or several found together; yet they are more Populous and better employed, the small Stones lying thicker in the Earth, so that the generality are gainers, and few but they get their Expence; whereas those of _Golconda_ dig away a considerable Estate and find nothing, others not their Charges, and where one is a gainer, divers lose.

There are 15 Mines employed in the Kingdom of _Visiapore_, viz. _Ramulconeta_, _Banugunnapellee_, _Pendekull_, _Moodawarum_, _Cumerwillee_, _Paulkull_, _Workull_, _Lungeepoleur_, _Pootloor_, _Punchelingull_, _Shingarrampent_, _Tondarpaar_, _Gundepellee_, _Donee_ and _Gazerpellee_.

In _Ramulconeta_ Mines in red Earth, about 15 or 16 Foot deep, they seldom find a Diamond of a _mangelleen_ weight, but small to 20 or 30 in a _mangelleen_. They are generally of an excellent Crystalline Water, have a bright clear Skin, inclining frequently to a pale greenish Colour, are well shaped, but few of them, pointed ones. There are also found among them several broken pieces of Diamonds, by the Country People called _Shemboes_.

In _Banugunnapellee_, _Pendekull_, and _Moodawarum_, they dig as at _Ramulconeta_, and in the same kind of Earth; they also afford Stones much alike, being neighbouring Places.

_Cummerwillee_, _Paulkull_, and _Workull_, are not far distant, produce Stones much alike out of the same coloured Earth, but very small ones even to a hundred in a _mangelleen_.

_Lungepoleur_ Mines are of a yellowish Earth (like those of _Quoleur_,) its Diamonds are generally well shaped, globular, few pointed, of a very good Crystalline Water and bright Skins; many of them have a thick dark Grass-green Skin, some spotted also with Black, that they seem all foul, yet are not so, but within purely white and clean. Their sizes are from 2 or 3 _mangelleens_ downwards, but few very small.

_Pootloor_ Mines are of reddish Earth, but afford Stones much like those of _Lungepoleur_, only smaller, under a _mangelleen_; the general sizes are of ½, ⅓, ¼, ⅙ of a _mangelleen_.

_Punchelingull_, _Shingarrampent_, and _Tondarpaar_, are also of red Earth, their Diamonds not unlike those of _Quoleur_, only rarely or never any large ones are found there.

_Gundepellee_ hath the same Earth with the former, and produces Stones of equal Magnitude; but frequently of a pure Crystalline Water, wherein they exceed the former.

_Donee_ and _Gazerpellee_ dig both in red Earth likewise, and afford Stones alike, the greatest part whereof are of good Shapes and Waters. They have also many _Shemboes_, and some of bad Waters, some brown, which these People call soft or weak water'd, being esteemed of a softer and weaker Body than others, by reason they have not so much Life, when cut, and are subject to flaw in splitting, and on the Mill; their general Product is in Stones of middle Sizes: But _Gazerpellee_ has besides many large ones, and is the only Mine noted for such in the Kingdom of _Visiapore_. With which concluding the description of the Mines, I shall give some Account how the Diamonds are found, and how they handle the Earth to find them; which is as followeth.

The Diamonds are so scatter'd and dispersed in the Earth, and lie so thin, that in the most plentiful Mines it's rare to find one in digging, or till they have prepar'd the Stuff, and do search purposely for them: They are also frequently enclos'd in Clods; and some of those of _Melwillee_, the New Mine in the Kingdom of _Golconda_, have the Earth so fix'd about them, that till they grind them on a rough Stone with Sand, they cannot move it sufficiently, to discover they are Transparent; or, were it not for their Shapes, to know them from other Stones. At the first opening of the Mine, the unskilful Labourers, sometimes to try what they have found, lay them on a great Stone, and striking on them with another, to their costly experience discover they had broken a Diamond. One I knew who had an excellent Stone of 8 _mangelleens_, served so by ignorant Miners he employed.

Near the Place where they dig, they raise a Wall with such rugged Stones as they find at Hand (whereof all the Mines afford Plenty) of about two Foot high, and six Foot over, flooring it well with the same; for the laying of which they have no other Mortar than the Earth tempered with Water. To strengthen and make it tight they throw up a Bank against the side of it: In one whereof they leave a small vent about two Inches from the bottom, by which it empties it self into a little Pit, made in the Earth to receive small Stones, if by chance any should run through. The vent being stopped, they fill the Cistern they have made with Water, soaking therein as much as the Earth they dig out of the Mines, as it can conveniently receive at a time, breaking the Clods, picking out the great Stones and stirring it with Shovels, till the Water is all Muddy, the gravelly stuff falling to the bottom; then they open the vent, letting out the foul Water and supplying it with clean, till all the Earthly Substance be wasted away, and none but a gravelly remains at the bottom. Thus they continue Washing till about Ten of the Clock before Noon, when they take the gravelly Stuff they have washed, and spread it on a Place made plain and smooth (like a Bowling-Alley) for the purpose, near the Cistern, which being soon dried by the heat of the Sun at that time of the Day, they very curiously look it over, that the smallest bit of a Stone can hardly escape them. They never examin the Stuff they have wash'd but between the Hours of Ten and Three, least any Cloud by interposing, intercept the brisk Beams of the Sun, which they hold very necessary to assist them in their search; the Diamonds, not forbearing to reflect them when they touch therein, rendring themselves thereby the more conspicuous.

Some of the expertest Labourers are employed in searching; he that sets them at Work usually sitting by, and overlooking; but it's hardly possible, especially where many are employed, to watch them so narrowly, but that they may steal part of what they find, as many times some of them do, and, selling it privately, convert to their own use. If they find a large Stone, they carry it not presently to their Employer, but keep on looking, having an Eye on him till they observe he takes notice of it, when with a turn of their Hand they give him a glimpse of it, but deliver it not till they have done Work, and then very privately, it being the general Endeavour to conceal what they find, least it should come to the Knowledge of the Governour of the Place, and he require a share, which in the Kingdom of _Golconda_ is usually practiced, without respect to any agreement made with them.

The Miners, those that employ them, and the Merchants that buy the Stones of them, are generally _Ethnicks_; not a _Musselman_, that ever I heard of, followed the Employment. These Labourers and their Employers are _Tellinga_'s, commonly Natives of or near the Place. The Merchants are the _Banians_ of _Guzzarat_, who for some Generations have forsaken their own Country to take up the Trade, in which they have had such Success, that 'tis now solely engross'd by them; who corresponding with their Country-men in _Surrat_, _Goa_, _Golconda_, _Visiapore_, _Agra_ and _Dillee_, and other Places in _India_, furnish them all with Diamonds.

The Governors of the Mines are also Idolaters: In the King of _Golconda_'s Dominions a _Tellinga Brammee_ Rents most of them, whose agreement with the Adventurer is, that, all the Stones they find under a[19]_Pagoda_ Weight, are to be their own; all of that Weight and above it to be his, for the King's Use: But although this Agreement be signed and sealed unto, he minds not at all the Performance thereof, but endeavours to engross all the Profit to himself, by Tyrannical squeezing both Merchants and Miners, whom he not only Taxes very high, but maintaining Spies among them of their own People, on the least Inkling that they have been any ways Fortunate, he immediately makes a Demand on them, and raises their Tax; else, on a false Pretence they have found a great Stone, drubs them till they Surrender what they have, to redeem their Bodies from Torment. Besides, the Excise is so high on all sorts of Provisions, _Beetle_, and _Tobacco_, which to them is as absolutely necessary as Meat, or at least in their Esteem, that it is thereby raised to double that Price they bear without the Government; and it is furnish'd only by some Licens'd Persons; if any other should endeavour to bring in the least quantity by stealth, he is Fin'd (even for one Leaf of _Tobacco_) if it be a Person of any Repute, or worth any thing, else very severely drubb'd for it; by which Course there is hardly a Man worth five Hundred Pound to be found among them, most of them dealing by Monies taken up at Interest of Usurers, who reside there purposely to furnish them, who, with the Governor eat up their Gains: So that one would wonder any of them should stay, and not betake themselves to Places where they might have better Usage; as there are several in other Governments, and some few that have the Sense to remove; but many their Debts, others hopes of a great hit, detains. Both Merchant and Miner go generally naked, only a poor Clout about their middle, and their Shash on their Heads; they dare not wear a Coat, lest the Governor should say they have thriven much, are Rich, and so enlarge his Demands on them. The Wisest, when they find a great Stone, conceal it till they have an opportunity, and then with Wife and Children run all away into the _Visiapore_ Country, where they are secure.

The Government in the _Visiapore_ Country is better, their Agreement observ'd, Taxes easier, and no such Impositions on Provisions; the Merchants go handsomly Clad, among whom are several Persons of considerable Estates, which they are permitted to enjoy peaceably, by reason whereof their Mines are much more Populous and better employed than those of _Golconda_.

It is observable, that notwithstanding the Agreement with the Adventurers of the Mines, that all Stones above a certain Weight shall be for the King's Use; yet in the Metropolis of either Kingdoms, as the Cities of _Golconda_ and _Visiapore_ are, there is no seizure, all Stones are free, and the late deceased King, _Abdull Cutopshaw_ of the former, and _Edelshaw_ of the latter, would not only give very great Prices for large Stones, but richly Vest, and present the Merchant that Sold them with Horses or something else of Value, thereby encouraging others to bring the like. But the present King of _Visiapore_ is a Child, and the King of _Golconda_'s Delights solely pleased on light Women-Dancers, and Trick-Showers, that he neither minds _Diamonds_, nor many things more necessary, committing the Government of his Kingdom to a _Tellinga Braminee_, which the _Musselmen_ not well resenting, does in some measure threaten the stability of his State.

FOOTNOTES:

[18] _A _Mangelin_ is 4 grains in weight, saith _Linschoten_._

[19] _A _Pagoda_ weight is _9 Mangelleens_._

_A Letter from the _East Indies_, of Mr. _John Marshal_ to Dr.
_Coga_, giving an Account of the Religion, Rites, Notions,
Customs, Manners of the Heathen Priests commonly called
_Bramines_. Communicated by the Reverend Mr. _Abraham de la
Pryme_._

_Worthy Sir_,

The last time that I had the happiness to be in your good Company, and to partake of those Favours and Blessings that your Goodness was pleased liberally to bestow upon me and our Companions, at our departure, and as it were Exile from our Native Land, does so loudly call out for some recompence or other at our Hands, that I cannot without the greatest Ingratitude imaginable, let slip this (tho' sudden) opportunity of Writing unto you, and presenting of you at this time with what I understand you more value than all the Riches of the East; to wit, a few Specimens of the Knowledge of those People whom we stile Barbarians, Heathens and Idolaters, which I have read in their own Books, and gather'd from the mouths of those that have been the greatest Speakers and Preachers among them. I have always had a profound Veneration for the Dictates of Nature, and the universal Traditions of Nations, for hereby are Infinite Things to be learned, for the establishing of our Glorious Religion against Atheists, and the more easie propagation of the same among Infidels and Heathens.

Upon what account or grounds it is that some Travellers have stiled these People Polytheists, or Atheists, I cannot tell; or whether there be any such People at all in the World, except some of the base common sort in all Nations, I much question? It is very observable here, that their Priests, or _Bramines_, and Holy Men, whom they call _Jagees_, when they have occasion to Write any thing they always put a figure of one in the first place, to shew, as they say, that they acknowledge but one God, whom they say is _Burme_, that is, Immaterial. When they preach to the People, and Instruct them, which is commonly every Feast-day, full Moon, or the time of an Eclipse of either Luminary, they tell the common People much of God, Heaven and Hell, but very Imperfectly, Obscurely and Mystically. They say that when God thought of making the World, he made it in a minute.

They account this World the Body of God, for all that they say he's Immaterial; and say that the Highest Heavens are his Head, the Fire his Mouth, the Air his Breath and Breast, the Water his Seed, and the Earth and the foundations thereof his Legs and Feet. But assert in general that God is the Life of every thing, yet is the thing neither greater nor less for him.

They hold that God dwelt in a Vacuity before that he created the World, and that as he dwelt in that Vacuity he created several Beings out of himself, the first were Angels, the second Souls, the third Spirits, all differing in degrees of Purity, the first being more pure than the second, and the second than the third. The Angels, they say, neither act Good nor Evil, the Souls either Good or Evil, but the Spirits, or _Dewta's_, as they call them, act scarce any thing but Evil.

They have a good Opinion of the Angels, and think their State mighty happy, hoping that when they dye they shall be made partakers of the same Bliss and Pleasure.

They believe that every thing that hath Life hath a Soul, but especially Man; and they accordingly affirm, that as these Souls behaved themselves in their pre-existent State, so are their Actions in this World either good or bad, by a sort of fatal Necessity, which is very hard to conquer, or to overcome. Hence it is, say they, that there are so many different Humours and Dispositions of Men, for their Souls, before their entrance into their Bodies, being tainted with different Affections, causes the like differences in the Parties, whose Bodies are their Vehicles. So that if a Man happen to have a suddain or unfortunate Death, they immediately ascribe the same to the Party's own Wickedness, or the bad Life that his Soul led before that it enter'd into his Body. For, say they, the afore-acted Evil that his Soul did in its other Life, brought these accidents upon him, by getting the upper hand of him, and by being too powerful and strong. And those that dye thus, they believe that their Souls turn immediately into Devils. They maintain _Pythagoras_'s Transmigration, or _Metempsycosis_, but in a grosser sense than he did. For they believe that Mens Souls, that have not lived so well as they ought, go as soon as the Body dyes not only into Birds and Beasts, but even into the basest Reptiles, Insects and Plants, where they suffer a strong sort of purgation, to expiate their former Crimes: But as for the Souls of the _Jogees_, or _Fuche's_, that is, of Religious Men and Saints, they fancy that they go and inhabit with the good _Dewta_'s, or Angels, among the Stars.

As for the Spirits, or Inferiour Angels, they believe that they are very evil, and have a hand in all Wickednesses, Murders, Wars, Storms, and Tempests; so that when they solemnize the Funerals of those that are dead, they always present Dishes of Meat, as Offerings unto those Spirits, and sometimes Sacrifice unto them, that they may not hurt the Souls of the Dead.

As they acknowledge the being of a mighty God, so they hold that he created the World, and every thing therein. They believe that there are almost infinite number of Worlds, and that God has oftentimes Annihilated and Re-Created the same. But how he came first to Create the World and Mankind, they relate to have been thus--Once on a time (say they) as he was set in Eternity, it came into his mind to make something, and immediately no sooner had he thought the same, but that the same Minute was a perfect Beautiful Woman present immediately before him, which he called _Adea Suktee_, that is, the first Woman: Then this figure put into his mind the figure of a Man; which he had no sooner conceived in his mind, but that he also started up, and represented himself before him; this he called _Manapuise_, that is, the first Man; then upon a reflection of these things, he resolv'd further to create several places for them to abide in, and accordingly assuming a subtil body, he Breath'd in a Minute the whole Universe, and every thing therein, from the least to the greatest.

They constantly believe that the Universe cannot possibly last longer than 71 _Joog's_, which is a measure of time with them, and is ... years. Which when it is come, God does not only annihilate the whole Universe, but even every thing else, as well Angels, Souls, and Spirits, as Inferiour Creatures; and then he remains in the same State that he was in before the Creation; But say, that after he has a while respired thus he Breaths again, and every thing is Created afresh, as well Angels and Souls, as all other things; but as for the Spirits, they are no more thought of. Yet for all this, after 71 _Joogs_ more all is Annihilated again. How many _Joogs_ are past since the World was last Created they cannot certainly tell; only 'tis observable that in an Almanack of theirs, written in the _Sanscript_ Language in 1670, they make the World then 3892771 years old from its last Creation.

The _Bramines_ of _Persia_ tell certain long Stories of a great Giant that was led into a most delicate Garden, which upon certain conditions should be his own for ever. But one evening in a cool shade, one of the Wicked _Dewta's_, or Spirits, came to him, and tempted him with vast sums of Gold, and all the most precious Jewels that can be imagined; but he courageously withstood that temptation, as not knowing what value or use they were of: But at length this wicked _Dewta_ brought to him a fair Woman, who so charm'd him, that for her sake he most willingly broke all his Conditions, and thereupon was turned out.

They tell a great many Stories Absurd and Ridiculous enough, of the first Ages of this present World, which would be too tedious here to take notice of; only I shall here give you out of one of their own Books what they tell us of a great Flood that formerly happened. They say, that about 21000 Years ago the Sea overwhelm'd and drowned the whole Earth, except one great Hill, far to the Northwards, called _Bindd_, and that there fled thither only one Woman and seven Men, the names of whom were _Dehoolah_, _Sunnuk_, _Sunnaud_, _Trilleek_, _Sannotah_, _Cuppyloshaw_, _Suraschah_ and _Burroopung_; these understanding out of their Books that such a Flood would come, and was then actually coming, prepared against the same, and repaired thither; to which place also went two of all sorts of Creatures, Herbs, Trees, and Grasses, and of every thing that had Life, to the number in all of 1800000 living Souls. This Flood (say they) lasted 120 Years, 5 Months and 5 days: After which time all those Creatures that were thus preserved, descended down again and replenished the Earth: But as for the 7 Men and Women, only one of them came down with her, and dwelt at the Foot of the Mountain, the other six turned _Fuchee's_, or Holy Men, and spent there the remainder of their days.

They hold in general the _Ptolomaic_ System of the Universe, and say that there are 8 or 9 Heavens, counting the Air and Earth, every one exceeding another in Beauty and Glory.

Their Religion consists of nothing that I could ever see or learn, but the leading of a Pure Life, the Washing away of their Sins in the River _Ganges_, their muttering over of divers Prayers, and their doing of strange and incredible Penances.

They say, that God is such a one, that whosoever seeks him, let it be after what manner he pleases, whether by thinking that the Sun is he, or the Moon, or the like, if they do it but sincerely and honestly, with a right affected heart, they shall be received of him.

They report, that on a time a _Mussulman_ seeing a _Hindoo_, or Pagan Priest, in Heaven, he ask'd God how that Infidel came to have admittance thither, whom _Mahomet_ so often calls by the name of Bitter Roots? To whom God answered, What if a Bitter Root bring forth sweeter Fruit than any of you, why should I not receive it? Upon which the _Mussulman_ had no more to say.

They hold, that such as suffer not their minds to wander after the lusts of the World are perfect _Jogees_, or Saints, and hold that God is always present with them in all their actions.

It is to be found in many of their Books, that there was a time, a good while ago, in which God took upon him the shape of a Man, and spent many Years in reforming the world, and giving better rules to walk by than had been before: but at length having left them, they soon forgot him and his Rules, and returned to their former courses; upon which he told them that he would leave them to their ways, and never undertake any such thing again.

The Religious at some certain Seasons of the Year come unto the River _Ganges_ (which they call the Holy River) in vast multitudes, even from many parts of _Tartary_, to wash away their sins, and make expiation for their faults.

This _Ganges_ is a delicate fine River chiefly for the sake of its most sweet, pure and clear Waters, which have got it the greatest esteem of any River in the East. I have oftentimes sail'd many Miles up it, and have found it in some places not to be above a Mile broad, in others not half so much, and in one or two places not above one eighth of a Mile. In _April_, when the Water is at the lowest, it is almost dry in many places; but when it is at the highest, which is commonly about the middle of _September_, it is very deep, and many Miles broad.

When the People are here gather'd together, they have a great many strange Customs and Ceremonies, and pay a kind of Divine Honour and Worship to the River, too long and tedious here to mention. The _Hindoos_ and _Bramines_ preach then every day to the people, teaching them their Duties, and ordering them to say such and such Prayers; but above all things to be Charitable to the poor and needy.

It is reported, that upon the Hills by _Casmere_ there are men that live some hundreds of Years, and can hold their Breaths, and lye in Trances for several Years together, if they be but kept warm; and that every year some of them come down unto the People at _Ganges_, and do many great Cures; for whom they have such a Veneration, that they frequently drink the Water they wash their Sweaty Feet in.

The Penances and Austerities that they undergo are almost incredible; most of them, through their continual Fastings, and lying upon the parching hot Sand in the Heat of the Sun, are so Lean, Dry'd and Wither'd, that they look like Skeletons or Shadows, and one can scarce perceive them to breath, or feel their Pulse beat.

When any great Man dyes among them, but especially any of their _Jogees_ or Saints, they make great preparations for their Funeral; the Corpse is laid on its Belly, and Salt and Rice laid round about it at every corner of the Ground. Then the nearest Relations to the Party deceased carry a Pot of Water on their Shoulders several times about the Funeral Pile, when they burn them, then breaking it in pieces, spills the Water. Which Ceremony being ended, the Pile is fired, and then all the Relations begin to howl, and embrace one another, then washing themselves in some Neighbouring River, they depart every one to his Home; and as for the remaining Ashes, if he be Rich they gather them up, and cast them into the _Ganges_ or the Sea.

Sometimes it happens that the Wife of the deceased Party, if she have no Children, and be old, or ill to live in the World, will burn her self with the dead Body; but this happens very seldom. It is said, that in such cases the _Bramines_ give the Woman a stupefying Liquor, which by the time that they are in the Fire makes them senseless of any Pain.

To know into what Body the Soul of the deceased is transmigrated they do thus; they strew the Ashes of the Dead upon the Place where he was first laid after his Death, and handfuls of odoriferous Flowers about the same, and returning again in 44 Hours, they judge by some pretended Impression or other in the Ashes, into what Body it is gone: If the Foot of an Horse, or Dog, or Ox, or such like appear, then they certainly give out that it is gone into such like Creatures; but if nothing appear, then they think it is certainly gone to the Starry Regions.

As for their Learning and Knowledge it is but little; they have indeed several Books writ in divers Languages, but they contain nothing but a great deal of Stuff and Cant about their Worship, Rites and Ceremonies.

They are ignorant of all parts of the World but their own; they wonder much at us, that will take so much Care and Pains, and run thro' so many Dangers both by Sea and Land, only, as they say, to uphold and nourish Pride and Luxury. For, say they, every Country in the whole World is sufficiently endow'd by Nature with every thing that is necessary for the Life of Man, and that therefore it is madness to seek for, or desire, that which is needless and unnecessary.

The last time that I was at _Modufferpore_ in _Indostan_, I had a great deal of talk with a _Bramine_ somewhat more Learned than any of the rest, his Name was _Ramnaunt_; he told me a great many Secrets in Physick, and told me many Traditions and Stories. He says, that if you bury a piece of Mony for some considerable time in the Mouth of a live Frog, and then dig it up again at Midnight, that this piece of Money, to whomsoever you give or pay it, will always return to you again.

He says, that if the little Worm in the Wood _Lukerakera_ be cut in two, and the one part stirs and the other not, if the stirring part be bruised, and given with half a Beetle to a Man, the other half to a Woman, this Charm will keep them from ever lying absent one from the other.

They have Books full of the like absurdities, and Cabalistick complication of Figures; as for Example, if you write these following Numbers, 28, 35, 2, 7. ---- 6, 3, 32, 31--34, 29, 8, 1, --4, 5, 30, 33. in the squares of a square Figure, and your Enemies Name under it, and wear it always about you, your Enemy shall never be able to hurt you.

So if you write the following Figures in the like manner upon the left Hand, 2, 9, 2, 7, --6, 3, 6, 5, --8, 3, 8, 1--4, 5, 4, 7--with Turmerick, and wash the same off with fair Water of _Ganges_, and drink it, it will cure all manner of Venomous Bitings.

Multitudes of such like ridiculous Fancies they have; all which they seem to have borrowed from the _Cabala_ of the _Saracens_, which is full of such like.

I lately heard a _Bramine_ say, that if some of the pieces or knots of the Cloath (in which a Woman hath been burned with her Husband) be saved, and made up in the form of a Wick, and fitted for a Lamp, and lighted, and set in a dead Womans Skull, that it would make the dead Party appear. This he said he had done, but I did not believe him.

When they have any mad Men among them, they take them and put them into a close Room, just big enough to hold them, and almost Smoke them to Death with Musk and cold Smells, which soon brings their Brains into their right temperature, and so recover them, _&c._

There happen'd two things in our Voyage hither which I thought very observable tho' perhaps they may not be unknown to you--The first was, that all our Tornadoes brought much Rain with a stink; and if the Seamen did but lay their Cloaths by for 24 Hours, they became all full of little Maggots. The second is, When we came out of _Europe_ we took in some Water at St. _Jago_'s, and when we were almost at our Journeys end, our Cooper going with a Candle to open one of the Casks, he had no sooner done it, but the Water immediatly took Fire, and burnt his Face, Hands and Fingers; but he suddenly turning about quench'd the same, by setting his Britch on it. It stunk pretty much also at the same time, but afterwards came to its native Sweetness, _&c._

_I am yours_, &c.

Jo. Marshal.

_Part of two Letters to the Publisher from Mr. _James Cunningham_,
F.R.S. and Physician to the _English_ at _Chusan_ in _China_,
giving an account of his Voyage thither, of the Island of
_Chusan_, of the several sorts of Tea, of the Fishing,
Agriculture of the _Chinese_, _&c._ with several Observations not
hitherto taken notice of._

_SIR_,

My last to you was from the Island of _Borneo_, in which I gave you an account of our arrival there the 17th of _July_, where we staid but two Days, the Season of the Year being so far past, and from thence made the best of our way through the Streights of _Banca_ with favourable Winds and Weather, till we came on the Coast of _China_ the 13th of _August_, then we had variable Winds which carried us abreast of _Emuy_ the 19th following, at which time the North East Winds setting in fresh, put us in great fears of losing our passage; whereupon we were forced to turn it up against Wind and Current all the Way, the Weather so favouring us, that we were never but by our Top-sails, else we should have lost more Ground in one Day, than we could have gain'd in eight. The last of _August_ we came to an Anchor under the _Crocodile_ Islands, both to shelter us from the bad Weather, (which is generally expected on this Coast at new and full Moon, and has been fatal to a great many Ships) and also to look for fresh Water, which was now grown scarce with us, not having recruited since we came from the Cape of _Good Hope_: These are three small Islands lying in the Latitude of 26 Degrees, about six Leagues from the River of _Hocksieu_; on _two_ whereof we found very good fresh Water, with a convenient Watering-place on the South West side of the innermost of the _three_; and by the assistance of a few _Chinese_ Fishermen we procured some fresh Provisions from the main-land, because we did not reckon it safe to adventure our selves thither, lest we should have been brought into Trouble by the Government there. While we lay here, on the fifth of _September_ we had a suddain short shift of the Moonsoon to S. W. the fury whereof others felt, in coming upon the Coast of _China_ at the same time. The 8th of _September_ we put to Sea again, turning to Windward Night and Day without all the Islands, which are very numerous along this Coast, to which we were altogether strangers beyond _Emuy_, and the Hydrography thereof is hitherto so imperfect, that there was no trusting to our Drafts, which made our Navigation somewhat more dangerous: However, on the first of _October_ we got into the Latitude of 30 Degrees, where we came to an Anchor near the Land, until we found the way by Boat to _Chusan_, about 12 Leagues within the Islands; from whence we had a Pilot, who carried us safely thither on the 11th of _October_. Upon this Island the _Chineses_ have granted us a Settlement and Liberty of Trade, but not to _Ning-po_, which is 6 or 8 hours sail to the Westward, all the way among Islands; this being the largest, is 8 or 9 Leagues in length from East to West, and 4 or 5 Leagues in breadth; about 3 Leagues from that point of the Main-Land called Cape _Liampo_ by the _Portugueze_, but _Khi-tu_ by the _Chinese_: At the West End of this Island is the Harbour very safe and convenient, where the Ships ride within call of the Factory, which is built close by the shore on a low plain Valley, with near 200 Houses about it for the Benefit of Trade; inhabited by Men, whose Jealousie has not as yet permitted them to let their Wives dwell here; for the Town where they are, is ¾ of a Mile further from the Shore, enviorn'd with a fine Stone Wall, about 3 Miles in Circumference, mounted with 22 square Bastions placed at irregular distances, besides 4 great Gates, on which are planted a few old Iron Guns, seldom or never used: The Houses within are very meanly built: Here the _Chumpeen_ or Governour of the Island lives, and betwixt three and four thousand beggarly Inhabitants, most part Souldiers and Fishermen; for the Trade of this place being newly granted, has not as yet brought any considerable Merchants hither. The Island in general abounds with all sorts of Provisions, such as Cows, Buffalo's, Goats, Deer, Hogs wild and tame, Geese, Ducks and Hens; Rice, Wheat, Calavances, Cole-worts, Turnips, Potatoes, Carrots, Beetes and Spinach; But for Merchandize there's none but what comes from _Ning-po_, _Hang-cheu_, _Nankin_ and the Inland Towns, some of which I hope to see, when I have acquir'd a little of the _Chinese_ Language. Here also the Tea grows in great plenty on the tops of the Hills, but it is not in that esteem with what grows on more Mountainous Islands. Altho this Island is pretty well stor'd with People, yet its far from what it was in _F. Martinius_'s time, when he describes _Cheuxan_: and this puts me in mind, that the Superstitious Pilgrimages thereto, mention'd by him, must be meant of the Island _Pou-to_, which lies 9 Leagues from hence, and 3 Miles to the Eastward of this Island, whither (they say) the Emperour designs in the Month of _May_ next (being his Birth-day, and the 40th Year of his Age) to come to worship in an Ancient Pagoda there, famous for Sanctity; having sent one of his _Bonzes_ already thither to get all things in order.

_Chusan_, _Novemb. 22. 1701._

_SIR_,

I formerly told you, that the Emperor design'd to have come to the Island of _Pou-to_ (a place of great Devotion) to worship in the Month of _May_ last, being the 40th Year of his Age, I should have said of his Reign; but all things being prepared there for his Reception, he was dissuaded from his purpose by some of his _Mandarines_, who made him believe that the terrible Thunder there was very dangerous. This _Pou-to_ is a small Island about 5 Leagues round at the East end of this Island, famous for the Superstitious Pilgrimages made thither for the space of eleven hundred Years: It's inhabited only by _Bonzes_, to the number of 3000, all of the Sect call'd _Hoshang_, or unmarried _Bonzes_, who live a _Pythagorean_ Life; and there they have built 400 Pagodes, two whereof are considerable for their greatness and finery, being lately covered with green and yellow Tiles brought from the Emperor's Palace at _Nankin_, and inwardly adorn'd with stately Idols finely grav'd and gilded, the chief whereof is the Idol _Quon-em_. To these two great Pagodes belong two chief Priests, who govern all the rest. They have several Ways and Avenues cut through the Island, some whereof are pav'd with Flag-stones, and over-shaded with Trees planted on each side: Their dwellings are the best I have yet seen in these Parts. All which are maintain'd by Charitable Devotions; and the Junks which go from _Ning-po_ and this place to _Japan_, touch there both going and coming, to make their Offerings for their good Success. There is another Island call'd _Kim-tong_ 5 Leagues hence in the way to _Ning-po_, whither, they say, do retire a great many _Mandarins_ to live a quiet Life after they have given over their Employments; on that Island also are said to be Silver Mines, but prohibited to be open'd. The rest of the circumjacent Islands are either desert, or meanly inhabited by a few fishing People, but all of them stor'd with abundance of Deer. For it is not long since this Island of _Chusan_ began to be Peopled; it's true, in _Martini_'s Days, about 50 Years ago, it was very Populous for the space of three or four Years, at which time the fury of the _Tartarian_ Conquest was so great, that they left it desolate, not sparing so much as the Mulberry Trees (for then they made a great deal of raw Silk here) and in this condition it continued till about 18 Years ago, that the Walls of the Fort or Town, which now is, were built by the Governor of _Ting-hai_, for a Garrison to expel some Pyrats, who had taken shelter here. About 14 Years ago, the Island beginning to be peopled, there was a _Chumpeen_ or General sent to govern it for three Years, to whom succeeded the late _Chumpeen_ (who procur'd the opening of this Port to Strangers) whose Government continued till _April_ last, being translated to be _Chumpeen_ of _Tien-cing Wei_ near to _Pekin_, and was succeeded by the present _Chumpeen_, who is Son to the Old _Chunkoon_ of _Emuy_.

They have got no Arts or Manufactories here, but making of lacker'd Ware, a particular Account whereof I cannot as yet send you. They begin to Plant Mulberry-Trees, to breed up Worms for the Production of raw Silk; and they make some Tea, but chiefly for their own use.

Altho' the following Particulars contain nothing of extraordinary matters in them, yet such as they are, you may take, till I can procure you better.

The three sorts of Tea commonly carry'd to _England_ are all from the same Plant, only the Season of the Year, and the Soil, makes the difference. The _Bohee_ (or _Voiii_, so call'd of some Mountains in the Province of _Fo-kien_, where it is chiefly made) is the very first bud gather'd, in the beginning of _March_, and dry'd in the Shade. The _Bing_ Tea is the second growth in _April_: and _Singlo_ the last in _May_ and _June_, both dry'd a little in _Tatches_ or Pans over the Fire. The Tea Shrub being an ever-green, is in Flower from _October_ to _January_, and the Seed is ripe in _September_ and _October_ following, so that one may gather both Flowers and Seed at the same time; but for one fresh and full Seed, there are a hundred nought; these make up the two sorts of _Fruit_ in _Le Compte_'s description of Tea: As for his other sort, which he calls slymic Pease, they were nothing but the young Buds of the Flowers not yet open. Its Seed-Vessels are really _Tricapsular_, each _Capsula_ containing one Nut or Seed, and altho' two or one _Capsula_ only comes to Perfection, yet the Vestiges of the rest may be discerned. It grows in a dry gravelly Soil, on the sides of Hills in several places of this Island, without any Cultivation.

_Le Compte_ is mistaken in saying (_pag. 96._) that the _Chineses_ are wholly Strangers to the Art of Grafting, for I have seen a great many of his Paradoxical Tallow-Trees ingrafted here, besides some other Trees. When they Ingraft, they do not slit the Stock as we do, but cut a small slice off the outside of the Stock, to which they apply the Graft (being cut sloping on one side, agreeable to the slice cut from the Stock) bringing up the Bark of the slice upon the outside of the Graft, they tie altogether, covering with Straw and Mud as we do.

The Commentator on _Magalhen_ seems doubtful in the length of the _Chinese Che_ or Cubit. Here they have two sorts, one of 13⁷⁄₁₀ _English_ Inches, which the Merchants commonly use: The other is of eleven Inches, us'd by Carpenters, and also in Geographical Measures.

Albeit _F. Martini_ is censur'd by _F. Magalhen_ for spelling a great many _Chinese_ Words with _ng_, which the _Portuguese_ and others have done with _m_, yet his way is more agreeable to the _English_ Pronunciation, only in some Words the _g_ may be left out, as in _Pekin_, _Nankin_, &c.

Having made enquiry about _Martini_'s Account of Sowing their Fields at _Ven-cheu_ with Oyster-shells, to make new ones grow; I was told that after they have taken out the Oysters, they sprinkle the Shells with Urine, then putting them into the Water again, there grows new Oysters on the foresaid Shells.

_Martini_ says he could never find a _Latin_ Name for the _Fula Mogorin_ of the _Portuguese_, I'm sure it's the same with the _Syringa Arabica flore pleno albo in Parkinsone_. He says also, that the _Kieu-yeu_ or Tallow-tree bears a white Flower like a Cherry-tree; but all that I have seen here bears a spike of small yellow Flowers like the _julus_ of a _Salix_.

The Bean, or _Mandarin_ Broth, so frequently mentioned in the _Dutch_ Embassy and other Authors, is only an Emulsion made of the Seed of _Sesamum_ and hot Water.

Their chief Employments here are Fishing and Agriculture.

In Fishing, they use several sorts of Nets and Lines as we do; but because they have large Banks of Mud in some Places, the Fisherman, to go more easily thereon, has contriv'd a small frame about 3 or 4 Foot long, not much larger than a Hen-trough, elevated a little at each end, in which he rests upon one Knee, leaning his Arms on a cross Stick, rais'd so high as his Breast, and putting out the other Foot often upon the Mud, he pushes forward his Frame thereon, and so carries himself along in it.