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Although there have been formerly some Observations recited out of this Book; yet being a Work so full of Natural, as well as other History; it doth therefore justly merit the following Account.
The whole Work is divided into Two Parts. The first, into Five Books: whereof the three former describe the Roads from Paris to Ispaham, the Capital City of Persia. The two latter are an History of Persia.
Of the Roads, he gives an account of no less than 21 considerable ones; with the several conveniencies and inconveniencies, times and stations, and ways of Travelling in them all. Particularly of Caravansera's and Government of the Caravans.
As he passeth, he sets down whatever he saw observable of the Ground, Waters, or Air of the Countrey. As for Example, a Plain of 12 hours Riding all pure Salt, p.31. Another Salt Plain of 2 Leagues broad, and 10 long, p.39. Ararat and other Mountains hid in the Clouds for three months together. Mountains of Salt, p. 143. Description of the Persian Gulph, Lake of Antioch, Black Sea, Tigris, Euphrates. That Water is scarce throughout Persia. That there is no River in it able to carry a Boat, except Aras. Seldom rains about Ispaham, but in April. About Lar, sometimes not of 3 years together. The Air of Bandor and Gomron most unwholsom by the West-Southwest Winds after March.
He notes the extent and divisions of the Empire of Persia. Describes the Countries, Cities, and People of Georgia; where the best Souldiers, and the Women the fairest in all Asia. Mengrelia Comania, Circassia. The Gaurs, Kalmouchs, Lesser Tartars, Christians of St. John. Of Cyprus, Santorini, Chio, Ormus, Malta, Cyclades, Milo, Paros. Of the principal Cities about the Black-Sea: Of Ispahan, Outfa, the capital City of Mesopotamia; Smyrna; Aleppo, the capital City of Syria; Syracuse, Messina, Nineveh, Balsara, Bagdat, Corinth, Athens, Ephesus, Antioch, Sardis Philadelphia, and many others.
Of these he observeth sometimes the original and number of Inhabitants. Usually their Buildings, as the great Piazza in Ispaham, the Mosque at Tauris, Churches, Colleges, Inns, PrivateHouses,
