virginia, more especially the south part thereof, richly and truly valued viz. the fertile carolana, and no lesse excellent isle of roanoak, of latitude from to degr. relating the meanes of raysing infinite profits to the adventurers and planters. williams, edward, fl. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) virginia, more especially the south part thereof, richly and truly valued viz. the fertile carolana, and no lesse excellent isle of roanoak, of latitude from to degr. relating the meanes of raysing infinite profits to the adventurers and planters. williams, edward, fl. . ferrar, john, d. . goddard, john, fl. - . the second edition, [ ], , [ ], , [ ] p., [ ] folded leaf of plates : ill., map. printed by t.h. for john stephenson ..., london : . the first part of this "second edition" appeared in two previous editions: virgo triumphans; or, virginia richly and truly valued, and, virgo triumphans; or, virginia in generall but the south part thereof in particular. both had imprint: london : printed by t. harper for j. stephenson, , and both lacked the map by john ferrar. cf. nuc pre- imprints. the second part, or "addition," has special t.p.: virginia's discovery of silke-vvormes, with their benefit ... london : printed by t.h. for john stephenson ..., . a third edition appeared in , with title: virginia in america richly valued ... quartich (general catalogue, v. , p. - ) says that john farrer (or ferrar), who is referred to in the preface, supplied williams with the material for this work, and describes ferrar's own copy of the st edition, with his marginalia and a drawing of a map dated . quartich also says that no map was issued with the st and nd editions, but that ferrar's design was engraved in for the rd edition. however, this photographed copy of the nd edition does contain the map, which was engraved by john goddard. reproduction of original in the huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into 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characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng sericulture -- virginia. wine and wine making -- virginia. south carolina -- description and travel. north carolina -- description and travel. southern states -- description and travel. virginia -- description and travel. roanoke island (n.c.) - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion virginia : more especially the south part thereof , richly and truly valued : viz. the fertile carolana , and no lesse excellent isle of roanoak , of latitude from . to . degr. relating the meanes of raysing infinite profits to the adventurers and planters . the second edition , with addition of the discovery of silkworms , with their benefit . and implanting of mulberry trees . also the dressing of vines , for the rich trade of making wines in virginia . together with the making of the saw-mill , very usefull in virginia , for cutting of timber and clapbord to build withall , and its conversion to many as profitable uses . by e. w. gent. london , printed by t. h. for iohn stephenson , at the signe of the sun below ludgate . . to the worthy gentlemen , adventurers and planters in virginia . my loving friends : i thought it convenient heere briefly to minde ●ou of those necessaries , that if wanted there , would greatly prove your prejudice , and render you obnoxiou● to many evils , which are these . necessaries for planters . for aparell : provide each man . m●nm●uth cap , . wa●●●oat , . suit of canvase , b●nds , shirts , shooes , stockings , c●nvase to make sheets , with bed and bolster to till in virginia , . rugge , and blankets . for armes : provide . suit of compleat light armour , and each man . sword , . mu●ket or fowling peece , with powder and shot convenient . for houshold stuffe : provide one gre●t iron pot , large and small kettles , skellets , frying pannes , gridiron , spit , platters , dishes , spo●ns , knives , sugar , spice , fruit , ●nd strong water at sea for sicke men . for tools : provide h●wes br●●d and n●rrow , axes broad and narrow , handsawes , two-hand-sawes , whipsaws , hammers , shovels , spades , augors , piercers , gimblets , hatchets , hand-bills , frowes to cleave pale , pickaxes , nayls of all sorts , . grindstone , nets , hooks , lines , plowes : all which accommodation wherewith each to be well furnished , together with hi● transportation , which is ordinarily l . a man , and l . a tun his goods , may amount unto l. a man , charges . nor needs the carefull adventurer much doubt what wares may prove his profit there . for any commodities of this country are good merchandize transported thither . viz. strong waters , haberdashers wares , ironmongers wares , drapers wares , stationers wares , and many other wares which those ste●ill witted americans doe easily admire . but your judgements are sufficient . and likewise i have further discovered them in the insuing treatise of the incomparable virginia . so wishing you all prosperous happinesse and happy prosperity heere , and i● the world to come eternall blisse , i rest your faithfull servant , e. w. to the supreme authority of ●his nation , the parliament of england . right honorable : this dedication in it selfe unworthy the honour of an addr●sse to your grand●urs , and of a fo●●e too d●ad in sh●ddow ●o approach neer● you● m●st vigo●ous luster , repos●s it selfe y●t upon a co●fidence that in imitation of that god of whom you are in power the proper representatives who vo●chsafed grac●ously to accept a poore paire of turtles from those whose abilities could not ascend to a more rich oblation , you will be pleased to cast a favourable aspect upon this humble offering , as proceeding from a gratefull cleere and sincere inten●ion● whose desire being strongly passionate to present your honours with s●mething more worthy the ●uspice of a beginning yeare , is circum●cribed by a narrownesse of abilities and fortunes . and indeed my lownesse had prompted me to have found out a more humble patron for this treatise ; but since the interest of that nation you have so happily restored to its just and native liberty is the principall ayme intended in it , since the publick acknowledgement of the world unites in this common testimony , that god hath subscribed to all your heroick and christian undertakings with his own broad se●l of victory● with his owne field word , go on and prosper : led you through the red sea of bloud into the land of canaan , into the harvest and vintage of israel , since pharoah and his mighty ones have been swallowed up in the rapid current in the hideous cataracts of their ambitious opposition● and have by loud and convincing testimonies ( t●stimonies attracting the admiration of your friends , and confounding the malice of your enemies ) made it a blessed object of your consideration , that the preservation and fix●re requires a bl●ssing no lesse sub●ime , and a vertue no lesse exalted , then the acquisition and tenure of conquests , made good in the eyes of christendome by vindicating the english honour upon the brittish ocean with a ●uiss●n● navy , a formid●ble subject of am●zment to the forraine enemies of your sion , by a strong winged prosecution of the irish assass●nates , a spacious lettred ex●mple to teach english mutineers what they may expect by the red sentence of justice upon irish rebells : all indeavours holding forth the way to improve the interest of this nation , are improperly addressed to any other then your selves , who as you have been the unexampled instruments of our unpini●nd liber●y , ought to be the sole iudges of whatsoever may relate to our future felicity . we should have suspected the sincerity of history in its delineation of the maj●sty which sat upon that august , and venerable roman senats , after having made the land tremble under the terrour of their armies , the sea to labour under the burthen of their numerous navies , after having delivered all power oppressing the universall liberty to the revenging beak of their victorious eagles and minted the governments of the world by the rom●n standard ; had not the concentricity of your undertakings had not th● homogeniousnesse of your actions and felicity , vindicated and asserted the honour of a●tiquity , and raysed your rep●tations upon so high a wing of glory , that posterity will be lost in the same mist of jealousie and incredulity of your owne augustnesse , yet for ever want the revivall of such examples the restauration of such presidents to confirme them . and to the end you may in all things either parallell or tr●nscend that romane greatnesse , of which you are the inimitable exemplary , who inriched the heart and strengthned the armes of their dominions by dispersing colonies in all angles of their empire , your pious care hath already layd a most signall foundation by inviting incouragements to undertakers of that nature : in the pursuit whereof le● me beg the liberty in this paper , under your honours patronage to publish the many pressing and convincing reasons which have and may induce you to prosecute a designe of such universall concernment . . it will disburthen this nation of many indigent persons , who having formerly perhaps enjoyed a fuln●sse of abused or forfeyted plenty , & at the present reduced to an in●quality of such subsistence , are commonly prompted to their own● and other me●s ruine by making the high wayes ( which should be as publike and inviolable a sanctuary as the most sacred places ) an ambuscado to innocent travellers , by which interruption of passages , there is commonly occasioned a decay and disincouragement of commerce , and dayly examples informe us , that prisons at present are almost as full of criminall as indebted persons . . it will take off all parish charges , in providing for destitute minors and orphans , whereof there are at present a burthensom● mul●itude , wherby the parishes so freed , may with greater alacrity and ability , part with contributory moneys to maintain● , recruite , and incourage your armies and navies . . those orphans so provided for may by gods blessings upon their labours become happy and wealthy instruments , advantagious to the place of their nativity in particular , and their whole nation in generall . whereas the condition of their birth and the usuall way of exposing them , makes them capable of no more gainfull calling then that of day-labourers , or which is more frequent hereditary beggers . . the republick in its present constitution abounding with so dangerous a number of male contents , who commonly like shrubs under high and spreading ●edars , imagine the spacious height of others to be the cause of their owne lownesse , may by this means be honourably secured , and such men removing their discontents with their persons , will have a brave and ample theater to make their merits and abilities emergent , and a large field to sow and reape the fruit of all their honest industrious and publick intentions . . it will to admiration increase the number of ships and seamen , ( the brazen wall of this nation ) all materialls to advance navigation , being abundantly to be furnished out of those countries , and the more ingenious passengers by conference and disputation with the knowing mariner , will take a great delight , satisfaction , and ambition , to attaine to the theory of that knowledge , while the lesse capable being accustomed and assigned to an usuall part in the toyle thereof , and instructed by the ordinary s●aman , will bee brought to a good readinesse therein and speedy perfection . . all materialls for shipping , as timber , cordage , sailes , iron , brasse , ordnance of both mettals , and what ever else we are necessitated ●o supply our wants with out of the e●sterne countries , who make it not unusuall to take advantages of their neighbours necessitie , and often times upon a pre●ence of differen●e or misintelligence betwixt us , embrace an occ●sion to over-rate or over-custome their commodities , or ( a reall quarrell widening ) sell it to other nations from whence we are forced to supply our selves at a second or third market . . it will give us the liberty of storing a grea● part of europe with a larger plenty of incomparably better fish , th●n the holander hath found meanes to furnish it withall , and will make us in no long tract of time , if industriously prosecu●ed , equall , if not transcend him in that his most benificiall staple . . it will be to this common wealth a standing and plentifull magazine of wheat , rice , coleseed , rapeseed , flax , cotton , salt , pot-ashes , sope-ashes , sugars , wines , silke , olives , and what ever single is the staple of other nations , shall be found in this joyntly collected . . it will furnish us with rich furrs , buffs , hides , tallow , biefe , po●k , &c. the growth and increase of cattell in this nation , receiving a grand interuption and stop , by killing commonly very hopefull yong breed to furnish our markets , or store our shipping , meerly occasioned by want of ground to feed them , whereas those provinces afford such a large proportion of rich ground , that neither the increase of this or the succeeding age can in any reasonable probability overfeed the mo●ety . . by it many of your honours reformadoes and disbanded souldiers being dismist with the payment of such part of their arrears as your owne judgement ( guided by the rule of your immense disbursements ) shall thinke a convenient recompence , by transporting themselves thither may change their desperate fortunes into a happy ●ertainty of condition , and a contented livelyhood , which will be a means not only to disburden this republick as before ) but to remove all those clamors usualy disturbing your publick consultations , and to win upon them by your bounty to invert all those fearfull imprecations , with which they would ( as much as in them lies ) unblesse your proceedings , into a joyfull and ferve●t concurrence of prayers to the almighty to shoure downe blessings upon your heads , who , next under him , are the glorious and visible instruments of their increasing happinesse . . it will be a generous and moving incouragement to all industrious and publick spirits , to imploy those parts with which god and nature hath blessed them in the discovery of such happy inventions as m●y drive on hopefull designs with a lesser number of hands then is usually assigned to them , which issues of the brain are legitimate and geniall to beginning plantations , where the greatest want is that of people : but for our own or other popular kingdoms where we are commonly overprest with a greater multitude of l●bourers then imploy●rs , by much l●sse acceptable , since our indigent people look upon such engins meerly as monoppolies to engrosse their livelihood . it will adde a very considerable increase to the revenue of your honours own customs , and i shal assume the liberty in all humility to offer up to your more advised deliberation by way of supplement to your incomes , whether such mal●factors a● the letter of the law dooms to death , yet leaves a latitude for extent of mercy in the bosome of the judges , whose release oftentimes proves not only ruinous to them so discharged , since not seldome they returne to their vomit , but pernicious to the common-wealth reinvaded by their insolencies and disorders , might not be made instrumentally serviceable to the state , if ( as it is frequent in other countreys , where they are condemned to the galli●s ) by way of reparation for their crime , they were sentenced to serve a quantity of years according to the nature of their offences , which expired , they should enjoy all immunities with others , and by this course be reduced and accustomed to a regular course of life . of these a thousand transported and employed by an understanding improver , would by their labour advance an income of forty thousand pounds sterling per annum , at the leaft , and so proportionably according to their number . that all these , and many inestim●ble benefits may have their rise , in●rease , and perfection from the south parts of virginia , a country unquestionably our own , devolved to us by a just title , and discovered by john cabot at the english exp●nces● who found out and tooke seisure , together with the voluntary submission of the natives to the english obedience of all that continent from cape florida northward , the excellen● temper of the aire , the large proportion of ground , the incredible richnesse of soile , the admirable abundance of mineraels , vegetables , medicinall drugs , timber , scituation , no lesse proper for all european commodities , then all those staples which entitle china , persia , and other the more op●le●t provinces of the east to their wealth , reputation , and greatnes ( besides the most christian of all improvements , the converting many thousands of the natives ) is agreed upon by all who have ever viewed the country : to which the judgement of the most incomparable ralegh may be a convincing assertion , whose preferring of that country before either the north of virginia or new-england , though it may sufficiently command my submission and acquiescence ; yet for more particular satisfaction be pleased to accept these reasons for such prae●ation . . the apparent danger all the colonies may be in if this be not possessed by the english , to prevent the spaniard , who already hath seated himself on the north of florida , and on the back of virginia in , where he is already possessed of rich silver mines , and will no doubt vomit his fury and malice upon the neighbour plantations , if a prehabitation anticipate not his intentions , which backt with your authority , he understands too much of your power , and is too sadly acquainted with your admirable successes and generous resolutions , not to sit downe by any affronts offered to those under the wings of your protection , to attempt any thing against such who are immediately your owne colony , lest thereby he administers matter of a fire , to which his own fortunes in the indies must be a fewel , and himselfe raked up in its ashes . . but the south of virginia having a contiguous ledge of at the least one hundred ilands , and in the middest of those the incomparable roanoak , the most of them at the same distance from the continent that the ●le of wight is from hamp●hire , all of hazardous acce●se to forrainers , and affording a secure convenience from surprizall by the natives , will if possessed and protected by your power , be as an inoffensive nursery to receive an infant colony , till by an occasion of strength and number , we may poure our selves from thence upon the mayneland , as our ancestors the saxons from the isle of tanet into brittaine . . it dispences a moderate equality of heat and cold between the two violent extreams thereof in barbad●●s and new england . it will admit of all things producible in any other part of the world , lying in the same parallel with china , persia , japan , cochinchina , candia , cyprus , sicily , the southern parts of greece , spain , italy , and the opposite regions of africa . . it hath besides all timber for shipping , the best and reddest cedars , and cypresse trees that may be found in any countrey . . and lastly , the planting of this collony will open a most compendious passage to the discovery of those more opulent kingdomes of china , cochinchina , cathaya , japan , the phillipines , summatra , and all those beauteous and opulent provinces of the east indies , which beyond dispute lye open to those seas which wash the south-west parts of virginia , through whose bosome all those most precious commodities which enable the chinesie , cathayan , persian , and indostant empires , may more conveniently , speedily , with more security and lesse expences be transported thence from spawhawn● or other remoter provinces to gombroon , by a long dangerous and expensive ●aravane , and from thence to su●at , where when arrived the doubling of the line , calentures , scurvies , with a long train of diseases and famine attend its transportation into our owne countrey . . whereas by expandeing our selves to both sides and seas of virginia , our commerce to those noble nations lies open in short and pleasant voyages to the encouragement , enriching and delight of the seamen , and personal adventurers , who will share in the delicacies and profits of those kingdoms , without participating in the miseries attending our present voyages thither . the cargason being easily conveyed , by much the greater part of the way , through navigable rivers , and from the eastern shore of virginia in a month , or at the largest six weekes time into england . and by this meanes the hollander , spanyard , and portugall , who ( by the supine negligence of this nation , and its merchant adventurers ) do with insufferable insolence lord over us in bo●h the indies , when they shall to the unknitting of their joints perceive by your nursing care over the infancy of your colonies , that they are arrived under your auspice , to cover both the seas with numerous navies , and your honours eye of indulgence and providence waking to their security , will be content laying aside all other passions to wave future affronts and injuries , or fall a deserved sacrifice to your offended justice . and that this addresse may appear the more seasonable , i have ( without any privity or relation to his person ) taken leave to intimate to your honours , that there is a gentleman whom the publick reputation and testimony of those who have the happines to know him render of excellent abilities , integrity , and a never shaken affection to your cause in all its crisis and dangers through which god with a clew of successe hath been your conduct ) who hath already undertaken for the transportation of some men thither , and only waits for your honours approbation and authority , the world taking notice , hopes and encouragement from thence , that as this colony is like to be the eldest of your legitimate daughters ●n that nature , so by your indulgence she shall have the happynesse not to be the yongest in your affection . may that god who hath begirt your house with a grove of lawrell , continue the advance of those victories till the whole nation be crowned with olives : may no sin , no ingratitude of ours divert his protecting hand from us , his ass●stant arme from you : may the generations to come in admiration of your vertue and gratitude for their by you● derived happines , make every heart your monument , wherein to embalme your memory whilst the histories of all nations and times enrich their ●nnals with your names as the most serious and triumphant part of all examples and transactions . and lastly may your owne thankfulnes to him from whom these dispensations of mercy have distilled like the dew of hermon upon your heads and borders , so continue in your bosoms , that when you shal be ripe for translation , he whose instruments you are , may welcom you with the approbation of , well done good and faithfull servant , which are the undisguised wishes of your honours most humble , obedient , and faithful servant . ed. williams . virginia in generall , but particularly carolana , which comprehends roanoak , and the southerne parts of virginia richly valued . the scituation and climate of virginia is the subject of every map , to which i shall refer the curiosity of those who desire more particular information . yet to shew that nature regards this ornament of the new world with a more indulgent eye then she hath cast upon many other countreys , whatever china , persia , iapan , cyprus , canay , sicily , greece , the south of italy , spaine , and the opposite parts of africa , to all which she is parallel , may boast of , will be produced in this happy countrey . the same bounty of summer , the same milde remission of winter , with a more virgin and unexhausted soyle being materiall arguments to shew that modesty and truth receive no diminution by the comparison . nor is the present wildnesse of it without a particular beauty , being all over a naturall grove of oakes● pines , cedars , cipresse , mulberry , chestnut , laurell , sassafras , cherry , plum-trees , and vines , all of so delectable an aspect , that the melanchollyest eye in the wo●ld cannot looke upon it without contentment , nor content himsefe without admiration . no shrubs or underwoods choake up your passage , and in its season your foot can hardly direct it selfe where it will not be died in the bloud of large and delicious strawberries : the rivers which every way glide in deepe and navigable channels , betwixt the brests of this uberous countrey , and contribute to its co●●eniency be●uty and fertility , labour with the multitude of their fishy inhabitants in greater variety of species , and of a more incomparable delicacy in tast and sweetnesse then whatever the european sea can boast of : sturgeon of ten feet , drummes of sixe in length , conger , eeles , trout , salmon , bret , mullet , cod , herings , perch , lampreyes , and what ever else can be desired to the satisfaction of the most voluptuous wishes . nor is the land any lesse provided of native flesh , elkes bigger then oxen , whose hide is admirable buffe , flesh excellent , and may be made , if kept domesticke , as usefull for draught and carriage , as oxen deere in a numerous abundance● and delicate venison , racoones● hares , conyes , bevers , squirrell , beares , all of a delightfull nourishment for food● and their furres rich , warme , and convenient for clothing and merchandise . that no part of this happy country may bee ungratefull to the industrious , the ayre it selfe is often clouded with flights of pigeons , partridges , blackbirds● thrushes , dottrels , cranes , hernes , swans , geese , brants , duckes , widgeons , oxeyes , infinites of wilde turkeyes , which have beene knowne to weigh fifty pound weight , ordinarily forty . and the native corne of the country maiz , is so gratefull to the planter , that it returneth him his entrusted seed with the increase of or hundred interest , so facilely planted , that one man in hours may prepare as much ground , and set such a quantity of corne , that he may be secure from want of bread all the yeere following , though he should have never so large an appetite to consume it , and have nothing else to live upon . nor is it above three , or at the most foure months intervall betwixt the time of planting and gathering : planted in march , april , or may , it is ready for the barne in june , july , and august ; and of this by a provident management , you may have yeerely three or foure harvests . the stalk bruised yields a juice as big as rice , pleasant as sugar , and the green ears boyled in such juice is comparable in agreeablenesse to the palats to what ever our pease , sparagus , or hartichoke , hath eyther for satisfaction or delicacy . nor is the corne difficult in preservation , for in six or seven yeares there is scarce any sensibility of its corruption . but lest our palats should have so much of curiosity as to dislike what ever is not native to our owne country , and wheat is justly esteemed more proper this happy soyle , though at the first too rich to receive it , after it hath contributed to your wealth by diminution of its owne richnesse , in three or foure crops of rice , flax , indian corne , coleseed , or rapeseed , will receive the english wheat with a gratefull retribution of thirty for one increase , every acre sowed with wheat will produce six , seven , or eight quarter of the graine intrusted . and though mr. bullocke be pleased to under-ra●e at it halfe the crowne the bushell , which in the canaries will yeeld ten and twelve shillings , and in spaine eight , yet even in that proportion you are recompenced with six , seven , or eight pound the acre , of which two men by a discreet division of their time , will plow , reape , and in at the least acres . which though it may appeare a matter of admiration , yet i shall easily make it apparant by the following narration , in which such is the exactnesse of the ayre in this country , that you may have five successive harvests of the same grain in different seasons . for though a man and a boy with much ease may plow an acre every day , the ground being pliable of a rich blacke and tender mold , and no frost● or snowes , no usuall droughts or raines to hinder the going of the plow , yet i shall allow a month for the plowing of twelve acres , and thus plowing in september , october , november , december● and january , you may have your severall harvests in june , july , august , and s●ptember , which may easily bee inned by the same hands the labour not falling in a glut upon them , but the corne ripening according to its severall seasons . and thus by two mens labours onely you have a gratefull returne of at the least three hundred and sixty quarters of wheat , which will at that under rate formerly mentioned , viz. s● d . yeeld so many pounds sterling : nor is there such difficulty in the threshing , as may be at first sigh●t suspected , since it may easily be tread out with oxen , as it is usuall in italy and other countries . the first wheat being reaped , if you desire a croppe of barley , the same l●nd plowed in iuly , will returne its ripe increase in september , so that from one and the same piece of ground you may have the benefit of two different harv●sts . but the rice ( for production of which this countrey is no lesse proper then those lands which have the greatest reputation of fertility ) sowed , yeelds a greater encrease with ●he same labour acres of this plowed if valued but at s . d . the bushell● will yeeld l . all done by two men and a teame of oxen , w●o may by other labou● in the intervall betwixt the committing the seed to ground , and its ripening , fall upon ●ole●seed or rape seed , infinitely rich commodities with the same facility . the objection , that the countrey is overgrowne with woods , and consequently not in many yeares to bee penetrable for the plough , carries a great feeblenesse with it . for there are an immense quantity of indian fields cleared already to our hand by the natives , which till wee grow over populous may every way be abundantly sufficient , but that the very clearing of ground carries an extraordinary benefit with it , i wil make apparent by these following reasons . . if wee consider the benefit of pot-ashes growne from ten to fifty pound the tunne , within these twenty yeares , and in all probability likely to encrease by reason of interdicting trade betwixt us and the muscovite , from whence we used to supply our selves ; we shall finde the employment of that very staple will raise a considerable summe of money , and no man so imployed can ( if industrious ) make his labour lesse then one hundred pound , per annum : for if wee consider that those who labour ●bout this in england give twelve pence the bushell for ashes , if wee consider to how many severall parts of the countrey they are compelled to send man and horse before they can procure any qu●ntity to fall to worke upon ; if wee consider some of the thriftiest , and wise , and understanding men , fell wood on purpose for this commodity , and yet notwithstanding this brigade of difficulties finde their adventures and labours answered with a large returne of profit , wee who have all these things , already at our owne doore without cost , may with a confidence grounded upon reason● expect an advantage much greater , and a clearer profit . nor can wee admit in discretion , that a large quantity of those ●hould not finde a speedy market , since ●he decay of tymber is a de●ect growne universall in europe , and the commodity such a necessary staple , that no civill nation can be conveniently without it . nor are pipe●taves and clapboard a despicable commodity , of which one man may with ease make fifteene thousand yearely , which in the countrey it selfe are sold for l . in the canaries for twenty pound the thousand , and by this meanes the labour of one man will yeeld him l . per annum , at the lowest market . if all this be not sufficient to remove the incumbrance of woods , the saw mill may be taken into consideration , which is in every respect highly beneficiall by this timber for building houses , and shipping may be more speedily prepared , and in greater quantity by the labour of two or three men , then by a hundred hands after the usuall manner of sawing . the plankes of walnut-trees for tables or cubbords , cedar and cypresse , for chests , cabinets , and the adorning magnificent buildings , thus prepared will be easily transported into england , and sold at a very considerable value . but that in which there will be an extraordinary use of our woods is the iron mills , which if once erected will be an undecaying staple , and of this forty servants will by their labour raise to the adventurer foure thousand pound yearely : which may easily be apprehended if wee consider the deerenesse of wood in england , where notwithstanding this great clog of difficulty , the master of the mill gaines so much yearely , that he cannot but reckon himselfe a provident saver . neither does virginia yeeld to any other province whatsoever in excellency and plenty of this oare : and i cannot promise to my selfe any other then extraordinary successe and gaine , if this noble and usefull staple be but vigourously followed . and indeed it had long ere this growne to a full perfection , if the treachery of the ●ndians had not crushed it in the beginning , and the backwardnesse of the virginia merchants to reerect i● , hindred that countrey from the benefit arising from that universall staple . but to shew something further , what use may be made of woods besides the forementioned wallnut oyle , at the least a fourth part of the trees in virginia being of that species , is an excellent staple , and very gainefull to t●e industrious labourer . nor is it a contemptible profit that may be made of woods , if by boaring holes in divers trees , of whose vertues wee are yet ignorant , and collecting the juce thereof , a scrutiny be made which are fit for medicinall liquor and balsomes ; which ●or gummes , perfumes , and dyes , and heere i may justly take occasion to complaine of our owne sloth and indulgence , if compared to the laborious spanyard , who by this very practice have found out many excellent druggs , paints , and colours , meerely by bruizing and grinding woods , probably convenient for such experiments : which if boyled , and a white peece of cloth steeped in the boyling liquor , will by its tincture discover what colour it is capable to give , and i● many should faile in the tryall , yet does it not fall under the probab●lity , but that divers noble an● usefull mysteries of nature may be discovered by some su●h perforations scrutinies . nor are the many berries commonly of an excellent collour and lustre unfit for such experiments ; since the labour is little or nothing , and the issue if succesfull of remarkable advantage . and this the spanyard hath experimented to the encrease of gaine and reputation ; and above this is so signally curious and industrious , that he hath discovered many rare and delightfull colours , not onely by the meanes before mentioned , but by bruizing and boyling divers fish-shells , the brightnesse and variety of colours giving him a just reason to pursue such curious examens . the french relations of their voyages to canada , tell us , that the indians and themselves falling into a contagious disease , of which phisitians could give no reason or remedy , they were all in a short space restored to their health meerely by drinking water , in which saxifrage was infused and boyld , which was then discovered to them by the natives , and wee justly entertaine beliefe that many excellent medicines either for conservation of nature in her vigour or restauration in her decadence may be communicated unto us , if projection of this stampe be so much incouraged by hopes of reward or honour , as to be put in practice . by this improvement of woods , the ground comming to bee cleared , wee have a soile fit to produce what ever is excellent in nature , the vine and olive which naturally simpathize together , will thrive beyond beliefe , nor need it be any interruption to tillage , since the vintage and harvest alwayes fall but in different reasons . that wild vines runne naturally over virginia , ocular experience d●clares who delighting in the neighbourhood of their beloloved mulberry-trees inseparable associates over all that countrey , and of which in this their wildnesse wines have beene made , of these wines if transplanted and cultivated , there can be made no doubt but a rich and generous wine would be prod●ced : but if wee set the greeke cyprian candian or calabrian grape , those countries lying parallell with this , there neede not be made the smallest question● but it would be a staple which would enrich this countrey to the envy of france and spaine , and furnish the northerne parts of europe , and china it selfe where they plant it not , ( of which more heereafter ) with the noblest wine in the world , and at no excessive prices . and from this staple 't is not unworthy of our most serious consideration , what an occasion of wealth would flow upon this nation : virginia when well peopled being able to match spaine in that his soveraigne revenue , and the state by addition to their customes for exportation thereof according to the mode of france and spaine , would in no short time be sensible of this most inestimable benefit : to which if wee joyne the profits of our olives , wee may ( gods favourable hand blessing our industry ) be the happiest nation in europe . nor need wee be at that charge for caske under which spaine labours , where ever wee cast our eyes upon this fortunate countrey wee may finde timber proper for it . for the advance of which noble staple , i should propose that the greeke , and other rich vines , being procured from the countries to which they are geniall , every planter in that countrey might be enjoyned to keepe a constant nursery , to the end when the ground is cleared , that they may be fit for removal , and the vineyard speedily planted . further that some greeke , and other vignerous might be hired out of those countries to instruct us in the labour , and lest their envy , pride , or jealousie of being layd aside when their mysterie is discovered , may make them too reserved in communicating their knowledge , they may be assured , besides the continuance of their pension of a share in the profits of every mans vintage , which will the more easily perswade them to be liberall and faithfull in their instructions , since the publick advance of this designe cannot miscarry without a sensible losse to their particular interest . that before their going over a generall consultation may be had whith them what ground is proper , what season fit , what prevention of casualties by bleeding or splitting , what way to preserve or restore wine when vesseld , which species of wine is fittest for transportation over , or retention in the countrey● which for duration , which for present spending : it being in experience manifest that some wines refine themselves by purge upon the sea , others by the same meanes suffer an evaporation of their spirits , joyne to this that some wines collect strength and richnesse , others contract feeblenesse and sowernesse by seniority . these consultations drawne to a head by some able person , and published to be sent over in severall copies to virginia , by the inspection of which people might arrive at such competent knowledge in the mystery , that the reservation or jealousies of those vignerons , could not but be presently perceived and prevented . but from hence no occasion should bee derived to breake or fall short of any contract made with those vignerons , who are to be exactly dealt with in performance of articles , every way made good unto them , with all just respects to win upon them , and the non-performance of this hath beene the originall cause why virginia at this day doeth not abound with that excellent commodity . those contracted with as hired servants for that imployment , by what miscariage i know not , having promise broken with them , and compelled to labour in the quality of slaves , could not but expresse their resentment of it , and had a good colour of justice to conceale their knowledge , in recompence of the hard measure offered them , which occasioned the laying aside of that noble staple , the diligent prosecution whereof , had by this time brought virginia to an absolute perfection in it , and to a great degree of happinesse and wealth which would attend it . and had this beene as happily followed as it was prudently intended● that excellent country had not hung downe its desolate head in so languishing a condition as the disrespect cast upon her , till of late yeares had reduced her to . nor had the poore planter ( who usually spends all the profits of his labour in forraigne wines ) been impoverished by the want of it : but with delight might have shaded himselfe under his vine , reaped the benefit of it in autumne , and buried all the memory and sense of his past labours in a cheerfull rejoycing by his owne harth with the issue of his owne vineyard . and from hence might barbadoes , st. christophers , and all our islands in the indies , have richer , better , and by much cheaper , wines transported to them from a place much neerer in distance then spain or the canaries ) and which doubles the benefit such intercourse together , would draw them to an association in power as well as communication of staples . were this brought to a just perfection no other nation could upon a quarell betwixt us , and spaine , and france , reape a benefit by selling us their wine at a third market . and what wee vend now for it ( that being made native to us ) might be returned in bullion , to the app●rent enriching of the common-wealth , and the impoverishing of our enemies , or at the least friends deservedly suspected . all authors of agriculture unanimously consent that neither arable pasture , meadow , or any other grounds are so benigne genuine , or proper for planting vines in , as those cleared lands are , wherein not shrubs , but tall trees were standing . and wee must want a parallell in any part of the world to compare with virginia for tall and goodly timber-trees cleared of all under woods , to which when cleared your vines may be removed ( the very removeall of them , as indeed of all other , giving an addition to their perfection ( the excellency of transplantation being more particularly insisted upon heereafter . ) but in the clearing of these woods it will be a saving of labour , and a delight to the vine , besides other profits following to leave the mulberry trees standing there , being such a happy correspondence together such a mutuall love ingra●ted in them by nature , that wee well may conclude with this axiome● that the same nature joynes all her excellencies together by an association of simpathies . nor does she wave that her happy order in incomparable virginia , where the soile and climate that fits the one , is equally amiable to the other , their loves and hates happily according , what the one shunnes , the other flies from , what the one affects , challenges the others embraces , and were not this soile and climate most geniall and proper nature her selfe ( whose productions are never uselesse ) would never have crowned the virgin brow of this unexampled countrey , with such a universall plenty of them , or with such a voluntary league have united them every where together . virginia compared to persia . but to illustrate this with another argument : let us compare this felicity-teeming virginia , as it is scituated from degrees of latitude to . with other countries , seated in the same degrees which opens us a method of observing what commodities natio●s so planted abound with , which found wee shall discover in this excellent virgin a disposition ingrafted by nature to be mother of all those excellencies , and to be equall ( if not superior ) as well in all their noble staples , as in nearenesse to their particular enricher the perpetually au●picious sunne . and this to whom virginia owes the publication and portract of her incomparable beauty ; mr. harriot the noble mathematician delivers us by a happy instance in finding out for her ● noble sister of the same latitude , the most glorious persia , innobled as much by this comparison as in her empire . and those who have travelled and viewed persia , unanimously relate wonders of her admirable fertility in all sorts of graine and fruits , with an unexpressible abundance of silke and wines : in which this her rich-bosomed sister claimes an equality in her plen●y of mulberries , silke , and gums , vines , maiz , rice , and all sorts of graine : onely as a fuller-dowryed sister she merits a priority in fertility , pleasure , health , and temperature , a virgin countrey , ●o preserved by nature out of a desire to show mankinde fallen into the old age of the creation , what a brow of fertility and beauty she was adorned with when the world was vigorous and youthfull , and she her selfe was unwounded with the plough-shares , and unweakened by her numerous future teemings . another eye-witnesse of this victorious empire , delivers to memory that covazan in a province of that countrey● is so incomparably fruitfull , that dearths are never knowne , nor famine ever suspected in it , that in one onely city called e●y , there is such an inestimable store of silke● that there might be bought in one day in that city as much silke as will lode three thousand camells . and he is little conversant with experience or history , who is ignorant that the abundance of silke native to that countrey and climate , is almost the sole staple of that mighty empire , by which never-to-be exhausted treasure of silkes the sinewes and vitalls of the persian empire , the sophy to the generall good of christendome , keepes both the hornes of the ottoman moone from compleating their ambitious circle . and if the english east india company of merchants were not wrong-byassed by the factions and sinister ambition of some men in authority amongst them , a great part of that wealthy staple might be transported into england , and by that meanes dispersed over all parts of europe to the enriching and honour of this nation . the digression upon this parallell hath diverted me from ampliation upon the publick benefit , which may devolve into this republick by the olive , which being genuine to the vine , will by a happy consent of nature indisputably flourish in a vast abundance , and by a transportation into the warmer regions , where the heate or scarcity of cattle causeth a like indigence of butter , will be a staple of inestimable value , and of no smaller conducement to our owne shipping , into those provinces neere the equinox , or in those voyages where the doubling of the line either putrifies , or makes it of a taste little pleasing or agreeable to the palate . virginia compared to china . but to leave persia and descend to a more wealthy and powerful parallell , the richest and mightiest empire in the world lies in the same latitude and climate with our fortunate virginia ; namely china , divided from it onely by the southsea , and ( which will bee a part of another discourse ) not of any long distance from it , agreeing with it in multitude of staples . china is stored with an infinite number of mulberry trees to feede silkewormes with , and vends silke in such a vast proportion , that in one onely city lempo , which some call liempo , the portugeses , have with no small admiration , observed that one hundred and sixty thousand pound weight of silk hath beene caried out in one shippe in the onely space of three moneths . into cambula the chiefe city of tartary ( as authors of great repute and credit , and one who was personally there , reports ) there comes ●very day from china , a thousand waggons laden with silke . nor is china lesse happy in its multitude of navigable rivers , in its wonderfull fertility of all sorts of graine , maiz , rice , &c. of which it receiveth every yeere three or foure most plentifull harvests . rivers stored with an incredible quantity of fish and fowle , enriched and ennobled with numerous mines of gold , silver , brasse , iron , and other mettalls , quicksilver , nitre , allum , pretious stones , pearles , muske , cotton , sugars , rubarb , china root , vast proportions of flax , furres extraordinary rich . to this happinesse of soile and situation , they associate an equall felicity of parts and industry , by which they pretermit not one span of ground which they assign not to particular and profitable uses , and by an ingenious division of the ground according to the quality of the soyle , designe the drier part for wheat and barly , that which is more visited with an improving moysture , to rice and sugar ; as●ents and mountaines to groves of p●nes and chestnuts , betweene which are planted maiz panicle , and all kinde of pulse . in other proper places are mulberry groves , gardens , orchards , flax , and in a word no spot of ground misimployed from its proper advantage . and that virginia is parallell in neerenesse of staples , as well as neighbourhood to the sunne , to that celebrated empire , what multitudes of fi●h to satisfie the most voluptuous of wishes , can china glory in which virginia may not in justice boast of ? what fowles can she make oftentation of , in which virginia can be esteemed inferiour ? can china , insolent with her prosperity , solely lay clay●e to a more singular honour for her affluence in maiz and other grain , for the maintenance and luxury of her plenty-wanton inhabitants , without an open injury to her equall , to her mayden sister , to our incomparable virginia ? are her mulberries springing from a voluntary bounty of nature lesse numerous or usefull then those to which china hath added all the assistance which could be expected from advantages of tra●splantation , or an industrious people ? if china will descend to particulars , to compare quantity and quality of fish and fowle , let her shew us turkies of pound weight , let her instance an example of one hundred and fifty fowle , to reward the labour of three charges of shot and powder , let he● publish a president so worthy of admiration ( and which will not admit beliefe in those bosomes where the eye cannot be witnesse of the action● of five thousand fish taken at one draught neere cape charls ● at the entry into chesapeak bay , and which swells the wonder greater , not one fish under the measure of two feet in length . what fleets come yeerely upon the coasts of new found land , and new england for fish , with an incredible re●●rne ? yet t is a most assured truth , that if they would make experiment upon the south of cape cod , and from thence to the coast of this happy countrey , they would find fish of a greater delicacy , and as full handed plenty , which though foraigners know not , yet if our owne planters would make use of it , would yield them a revenue which cannot admit of any diminution , whilest there are ebbes and flouds , rivers feed and receive the ocean , or nature fayles in ( the elementall originall of all things ) waters . there wants nothing but industrious spirits and incouragement , to make a rich staple of this commodity ; and would the virginians but make salt pits , in which they have a greater convenience of tides ( that part of the universe by reason of a full influence of the moone upon the almost limitlesse atlantick causing the most spacious fluxes and refluxes , that any shore of the other divisions in the world is sensible of ) to leave their pits full of salt-water , and more friendly and warme sunbeames to concoct it into salt , then rochel , or any parts of europe . yet notwithstanding these advantages which prefer virginia before rochel , the french king rayses a large proportion of his revenues out of that staple yearly , with which he supplyes a great part of christendome . and if from this staple the miserable french can procure a subsistence , some of them a comfortable livelyhood , notwithstanding all the private oppressions of their grinding landlords , the publick tallies , subsidies , aides , imposts , and other hard titles of a●thorized rapine . what shall wee imagine the freeborne english in a countrey where he owes no rent to any but to god and nature , where he has land to satisfie his desires in its extent , his wishes in its fertility , where free-quarter is a word onely un●erstood by report , may expect of profit and content both in this staple of salt , in that of wines made in those countries , where either the spanish insolence and exactions , the french extortions , or the turkish imperiall robberi●s , though in the highest degrees of exorbitance , are not of force so to disincourage the inhabitants from attendance upon the vineyard , which notwithstanding all those horse-leaches of imposition , returnes them such a profit a● make them keepe a middle path betweene the ascent of riches , and precipice of poverty . nor would it be such a long intervall ( salt being first made ) betwixt the undertaking of this fishing , and the bringing it to perfection ; for if every servant were enjoyned to practise rowing , to be taught to handle sailes , and trimme a vessell , a worke easily practised , and suddainely learned , the pleasantnesse of weather in fishing season , the delicacy of the fish , of which they usually feede themselves with the best , the encouragement of some share in the profit , and their understanding what their owne benefit may bee when their freedome gives them an equallity , will make them willing and able fisher-men and seamen . to adde further to this , if wee consider the abundance , largenesse , and peculiar excellency o● the s●urgeon in that countrey , it will not fall into the least of scruples , but that one species will bee of an invaluable profit to the buyer , or if wee repeate to our thoughts the singular plenty of herrings and mackarell , in goodnesse and greatnesse much exceeding what ever of that kinde these our seas produce , a very ordinary unders●anding may at the first inspection perceive that it will be no great difficulty to out-labour and out-vye the hollander in that his almost onely staple : which wee may also sell at a cheaper market then in common estimation● if wee revolve the salt to be our owne , which they buy from france , or fetch from the isle of may , and that the very fraight of passengers ( of which allured by this improvement , and the publick approbation , there will be constant multitudes ) in our owne sh●ppes will at the least defray ● fourths of the charges . i should not unwillingly heare ( though i dispaire ever to know it for a certainety ) that china did exceede us in fishing ; for were it granted , wee should not imagine those watry inhabitants so circumscribed and limited to one part of the ocean especially the same climate and latitude , inviting them as not to visit our opposite shore of southwest virginia in as great variety and plenty . and to the more curious and able persons i shall offer what singular object it were of variety and plenty , if they would take the advantage of some tides and seasons , when the resort of fish is greatest to stoppe the returne of them out of some creeke perpetually flowing with salt by sl●ces , or such other invention : heere would those great ones generate and produce till even they laboured with their owne multitude , if permitted to increase two or three yeares , who might with very small charge be maintained , and yearely render to the proprietar an ocean of fish in a narrow confine of water . nor were it unworthy the labour to make an experiment whether the s●urgion himselfe might not receive a kinde of domestication in that narrow circumscript on , especially if wee let it descend into our thoughts , that ( by small perforations in the sluces he perpetually admits a renovation and change of salt water ) he may receive the s●me benefit of liberty , namely variety of water , which he delights in when unconfined , and admitting the originall breeder not to thrive well by such imprisoning , yet customes ascending as high as nature in the breed , would make that familiar to them , which peradventure might have been offensive to the first spawner , and should they delight ( as in some seasons of the yeare fishes doe vary their resorts ) at any time in fresh water ; a large pond digged neare having either springs to feede it , or raines to fill it , might by communication of a sluce receive both them and salmon , when they seeke aft●r the freshes . and that fishes may be unwilded , and become domestick , history will sufficiently informe us , wherein are delivered reports of some who growne more particularly intelligent , were distingu●sht by names , a●d understood themselves so called : and martiall in one of his epigrams to caesar , ( i meane domi●ian ) tells the prince speaking of fishes so instructed , quid quod nomen habe●t & ad magistri nomen quisque sui venit cita●●s ? and further , ma●●mque lambit , a thing , which though a poet , and consequently bold , ev●n to untruths , yet he durst never have obtruded upon caesar , whom himselfe makes a party in the experiment . and to adde something to what hath formerly beene delivered of balsomes and colours , why from the livers and most unctuous parts of those more delicate fishes , may not curiosity finde a means to extract an oyle , which ( if it be not medicinall , though i am enclined by severall reasons to belie●e the affirmative ) may notwithstanding artificially distilled after its first extraction prove a delicacy for the tables of princes and great ones , especially for sauces , and other confections which luxury hath found out for the irritation of dull and retreating appetites . but i cannot believe it to be deprived of its particular virtue in physicall operations , and the industrious conclusions of our ancestors have by such probations discovered many rich mysteries of nature ; whilst wee either glutted with our owne plenty of receipts , or out of a too fond a reverence wee pay to antiquity acquiesc● in their prescriptions , as in the ne plus ultra , the hercules pillars of wisedome , beyond which there were no passage , or else feare every innovation brings inconveniences in his traine , which opinion if it had possessed those our ancestors , the world had continued in ignorance , and must for ever have layne sick of an incurable folly in the fooles hospitalls . for what concernes the flax of china , that wee may not lose the smallest circumstance of parallell with virginia , nature her selfe hath enriched this her bosome favourite with a voluntary plant● which by art , industry , and transplantation may be multiplyed and improved to a degree of as plentifull , but more excellent nature : which because of its accession to the quallity of silke , wee entitle silke grasse : of this queene eliz●beth had a substantiall and rich peece of grograine made and presented to her. of this mr. porey in his discovery of the great river chamonoak , to the south of iames river delivers a relation of infinite quantity , covering the surface of a vast forest of pine-trees , being . miles in length . it had beene wished that the injun●tion given to every planter to set so many thousand plants of this kinde had been effectually prosecuted : the intermission wher●of hath beene a prejudice not easily imaginable : nor is it yet too late to effect it , and in all probability by transplantation it may thrive beyond comparison larger , and the skinne of it growne more tender and delicate , may arrive to some equali●y with the labou● of the silke-worme , if it be managed by such rules of nature best sute with its production . for hempe there is a naturall kinde of hempe , a sp●cies of flagg in that countrey , from which being boyled you may strippe a long and fine skinne , not onely proper for cordage , but the finer sort singularly usefull for linnen ; of this two hundred weight hath beene sent into e●gland , of which hath beene made excellent cordage , and very good linnen . this , by observation of the soile it growes in , and transplanted into grounds of like , but richer property , would together with tht silke-grasse make a staple of admirable returne and profit ; provided every planter had an injunction for this , as well as the former to sow or set a convenient proportion , to which his owne profit ( quickned with the imposition of a mulct in case of neglect ) would easily invite him . and by this meanes would virginia not onely furnish her owne people , but supply other nations with stuffes and linnen . to the brasse of china , wee shall oppose the virginian copper ( or gold , for yet it is doubtfull ) for by a concurrent relation of all the indians , justified to severall english of quality , particularly to the earle of southampton ● in mr. poryes narrative● to sir william b●rkely , all seconding mr. heriots report , that within ten dayes west toward the setting of the sunne , the natives of that countrey gathered a kinde of a red sand falling with a streame issuing from a mountaine , which being washed in a sive , and set upon the fire speedily , melts and becomes some copper , which they shew us , but as they say much softer . we shall only suppose it to be copper , contrary to the opinion of divers knowing men , who apprehend it for a richer metall ; but melting with such ease two parts in five turning to a solid metall , the other three parts being peradventure not any thing of the oare , but onely such rubbidge , as joyned to the oare in rouling , and this falling meerely from the superficies of the mountaine , yet a rich copper ; what eye enlightned with the smallest beame of reason , will not conclude it for an extraordintry accession of wealth to this countrey ? and why may not the intralls of this minerall be gold , since the skinne and crust of it is copper ? nature her selfe oftentimes dealing after the mode of divers great men , delighting to lay an unregarded outside over her richest linings . to proceed in continuation of our comparison with china , if it abound more in visible silver ( of which with our abundance of staples may quickly put us into a ●ondition of entring into completion with ) yet cannot virginia in all probability be destitute of that metall : for besides divers conjectures grounded upon naturall cir●umstances : mr. gage in his relation of the indies , assures us that the spanyards have found out a rich silver mine on the back side of florida westward , in degrees of latitude , and the farther they extend their search northward , the more rich and pure the mines discovered improve themselves . nor shall wee plead inferiority in pearles with china or persia , since mr. heriot assure● us of a large quantity of pearles found amongst the natives , spoyled by their ignorance in boring of them , and defacing their orientall lustre , by exposing them to the fire . these were found amongst the indians at roanoak , and the relations of the natives on all hands unanimously concur that the south and west of this opulent countrey was stored with such abundance and variety , that the indians used to make and adorne babies with them : and one of the english had collected a bracelet of very orientall pearle , to the number of five thousand , which were all lost in the returne to england . if china suppose a merit of precedency in muske , virginia may justly oppose them with her mu●k rat , or muscassus , which in all probability cannot but be the same ; for it is a tradition received into the number of truhts , that the confection of their muske in that countrey is bruizing and burying a certaine creature to pu●refaction , of which this odour is effected , and it is very open to conjecture that this musk-r●t or musc●ssus , whose flesh and skinne are extraordin●ry redolent ●nd durant , and of which there is an infinite plenty , by such order may be brought to the same perfection . neither is it so improbable th●t this odour should proceed from putrefaction , which is naturally an abhorrence to the nosthrill : for if you apply too neare to the substance of the muske , there is an occult subolency of such a putrefactive originall . neither are all excretions of nature in themselves offensive to the sense of smelling , for the fluxe of the civet-cat is accounted am●ngst our most sov●raigne per●umes : and this exp●rimented will be a staple of noble use , and no lesse benefit . nor shall wee yeeld the laurell of preeminence in richnesse of furres to china , if the furres of beavers , otters , martines , and above all black foxes ( which are upon some part of this continent ) may pretend any title to richnesse : and yet have wee beene hitherto so supinely negligent to permit the dutch and the french to carry away most of this pretious commodity , to trade in our rivers , under-sell us , and which discovers either an ●mplacable malice or insatiable avarice , trade with those indians ( of whom wee have no reason to nourish any great confidence ) for muskets and powder . to conclude , what ever else china may presume to boast of : whether nitre , allum , quicksilver , rhubarb , and china root , of which some wee have already discovered : if wee consider the parallell in latitude , the equality of temperate climate , the parity in soile , and its fertility , the similitude in brave navigable rivers , the unanimous congruity and consent in divers knowne commodities , wee shall have an ample basis to ground conjectu●es upon , that what ever singularity of nature that nation may im●gine her selfe victorious over others● will be found equall in this garden of the world , this aemulous rivall of china , virginia : and the chineses may with as great justice deny the europ●ans the benefit of both eyes , as boast that they precede in any thing except antiquity of habitation and a long experienced industry , this great luminary of the new world virginia . what ever other commodities , the novelty of inhabiting this amorous virgin hath made it appeare defective in as sugar , ●ndigo , cotton , ginger , and other advantageous staples , wee shall appeale to all who have seene this unexampled countrey ; ( we meane roanoak , and the more southerne parts , and those cou●tries towards the fertile mangoack ) whether it be guilty of any contrariety , distemper , or extremity which might hinder their production . the sunne , which in other countre●s makes his visit in flames and droughts , heere casts his auspicious beames , and by an innocent and complementall warmth , courts the bosome of this his particular favo●rite , hastening and disposing its wombe for ripe productions , which salute him in an absolute perfection . winter snowes , frosts , and other excesses , are heere only remembred , never known . the purling springs and wanton rivers every where kissing the happy soyle into a perpetuall verdure , into an unwearied fertility : no obstructions in your expectations , attempt and hope them , prosecute and enjoy them . nor have we in design to lay any imputation upon the barbadoes , which already aboundeth to admiration , with the staples last mentioned , yet it will become our charity to wish the country as health●●ll , as it is fruitfull ; that it may answer the expectation and merit of its most industrious and publicke spirited planters , who have given a brave example to all , by the effects of their industry and unwearied constancy . from a thing almo●t lost to memory , ( at the least to reputation ) they have raysed the honour of that island , to be a subject of admiration for wealth and staple , and that so little a circumference of ground should be able to vent the value of two hundred and fifty thousand pound yeerely , as some merchants have maintayned , not only addes to the weight and measure of their just estimation , but increases the favourable wishes of all ●overs of industry , that they had a larger proportion of ground to improve upon . and if an invincible sloth doth not possesse us in virginia , ( wee meane the south ) why should not wee rayse an equall or greater profit upon as fertile and convenient a soile ? especially if we consider ●he populousnesse of the place , has so raysed the price of land there , which we have heere gratis , where number of inhabitants doe so little take from our abundance , that they adde to our wealth , security and plenty , and the sole meanes to increase and improve upon staples . we have made it apparant that what ever china hath of staple or delicacy , is produced or producible in this above-example virgin. but to shew that even china her selfe must in some thi●gs give place to this more happy mayden , t●rra sigillata , or lemnia , ( as peculiar an income to the grand signiors treasury , as that of salt is to the french kings ) and of which china can no way boast , is native to this countrey ; vines are eyther not naturall , neglected , or not understood by the chineses● but in this incomparable soyle the grape presents it selfe every where to your delighted prospect . and what ●hadow can there be of scruple that wines well cultivated , and issuing from a rich grape , will not be as commodious a staple to that voluptuous and gluttonous nation , who wanton away their wealth in banqnets , as the wines of france and spain are to the more northerne and lesse abstenious nations of europe ? there ●eeds no objection be made against this staple ; for the southwest part of virginia being once discovered , the sea laid open and that passage compleat in all its numbers● the pleasure of the commerce , the richnesse of returnes , and the extraordinary quickne● of the profit , will invite so many to come over and plant that commodious quarter of virginia , that as we shall never labour with too numerous a multitude of inhabitants , so we shall not have any great occasion to complaine of the paucity of planters . nor is tobacco in those indian seas ( especially cured as in virginia , and of that strength and excellency ) a commodity of inconsiderable commerce , particularly if wee call to minde what gayne there is by the exchange for indian commodities , so that any ordinary understanding may comprehend that although tobacco should yeeld but three pence the pound in india , yet by way of barter with those nations where the returne quadruples the value in england , the gaynes gotten by it might be very considerable . but if we may beleeve printed relations ( and the person delivering it so cleerely , is , in my opinion● worthy of all credit ) tobacco from surat to moco yeeld ten for one profit , returned in eastridge feathers to england , you have six to one profit ; but this is for those planters who are so infected with that disease of the countrey , that they cannot admit of any other staple , though more gainefull and lesse laborious . yet is not tobacco without its vertues : for the spaniard hath found out , besides the use of it in smoke , ( or the smoky use ) that the juice thereof ( when greene ) applyed to any wound cut , sore , and without a●y distinction , whether greene , festered , or cankered , will heale it speedily , and almost miraculously ; the leafe bruised or stamped , and applied to any bite or sting of a venemous quality , to any wound made by a poyso●ed arrow , the green leafe heated in hot ashes , and layd upon any part of the body afflicted with aches , will worke effects answerable to the most powerfull operations of nature . the benefi● and part of the silke-worme mystery treated of . but to show to the world that wee may equall the best of the westerne kingdomes in this noble mystery of nature the silke-worme : that france and italy are much below this mignon of glory and profit , the universally advantageous virginia , wee shall ●pon those in●allible demonstrations of nature , make evident , having the clew of truth , reason , and modesty to direct us . it will not be denied by any , whose forehead is not too brazen , that no countrey is so proper for adventitions as its owne native commodities , the seeds of things suffer a deterioration by changing the propriety of that soile which was geniall to them , and the exact order of nature suffers a diminution , if wee imagine any other climate or region more proper for the perfection of any thing , then where it is originally produced . tellier aff●rmes that this mystery of the silke-worme hath not been experimented in europe above a thousand yeares● being transmitted to our climate out of the asiatick world , in so much that italy hath not beene above yeares enriched with this industrious creature , france received it from italy , and it is observed , that the warmer the region , by so much larger and stronger encrease and texture receive they from the labour of this admirable and naturall weaver . france being of a colder temper then italy , their wo●mes are weaker , in the more northerne part of that kingdome from one ounce of seed they profit five or sixe pound of silke increase , worth at the least ●os . per pound , in languedock , and the warmer provinces the same quantity is increased to ● , or l . but in brescia , of calabria seede , they use usually to make eleaven or twelve pound of silke from the same originall proportion . the poore people in both those kingdomes buy their mulberry leaves to feede this profitable and ind●strious spinner , and the very charge of those leaves amounts to a full halfe of all other their expences . the nobility of italy and france ( the grand duke of tuscany himselfe , descending into a part of this profit ) make up a considerable part of their r●venue from their trees , the leav●s of every one being valu●d according to their goodnesse and quality , from five shillings to twenty and upwards , so that divers make an income of three , four , five , sometimes a thousand pound , from the sole profit of their mulberry trees . the grand duke from the sale of his , rayses an income ●●mm●xibus a●nis of sixty thousand ducats , yet divers gentlemen in italy make a larger increase of profit , by setting out their mulberry trees to necessito●s people , fo● hal●e the gaine arising from the worme so ●●d . those poo●e con●●ibute their seed , employ their labour , and are at all expences in bringing the silke to perfection ; yet notwithstanding when completed , the gentleman who sets out his trees , divides the moyety of the entire profit , for the hire of his leaves only , yet are these people , maugre this difficulty , comfortable gayners . and the same tellier is bold to affirme , that non obstante the disagreeablenesse of the country to that worme , in the kingdome of france from the sole revenue now of silke , arises a greater intrade then from their corne , oyle and woad put together , which grow in that kingdome in vast proportions . and another french author affirmeth , that the benefit of the silke worme , ( of which france hath had no triall till within these fifty yeeres ) ariseth to four millions per annum , sterling , and this he pretends to have all circumstances of truth and certainty , drawne from an exact computation to confirme it . if france ( an almost improper countrey for this improvement ) can rayse within the verge of fifty yeeres , so large and numerous a revenue , what shall we imagine italy ( a warmer region , and by much more convenient , although not altogether native , for this inriching creature ) may meerely upon this staple returne in their treasury , having besides the advantage of climate , a hundred and fifty yeeres precedency in the mystery , and their seed more strong , better fed , and lesse subject to diseases and casualties ? but virginia a countrey which nature hath no lesse particularly assigned for the production , food , and perfection of this creature then persia or china , stored naturally with infinites of mulberry-trees , some so large that the leaves thereof have by frenchmen beene esteemed worth l . in which the indigenall and naturall worme hath beene found as bigge as wallnuts ; and the using in the south thereof in admirable plenty and excellence ; if this mystery were but duly followed , and industriously promoved , might be a magazine for all the westerne world , and singly in her selfe outvy france , spaine , and italy , in all their advantages collected . heere the leaves are onely sold by nature , who requires no other satisfaction then industry to make use of her bounty . timber to erect their fabricks is provided , and costs no more then preparing a benevolent sunne , and a serene sky , contributing their indulgence to its perfection . no narrow assignation of ground ( richer then the most fertile france or italy can pretend to , or boast of ) to plant those trees on , if not neare enough to the setled plantations ; in briefe , all the conveniences imaginable to assist and advance this to the noblest commerce in the world , if neglect and sloth make us not ingratefull to our selves , and nature , by abusing our selves , by not using her bounty . to further this happy designe , let us descend into an unequall comparison : let us compare our most incomparable virginia , where the mulberry and the worme are aboriginall to italy , where they are onely adventitious : let us imagine our owne worme of that strength and greatnesse onely equall to those of brescia and italy , where the usuall ofcome from sixe ounces of seede is , ot at least pound weight of silke , and adhearing to this parallell ; let us see the apparency in the profit . a man and a boy , if their hands be not sleeping in their pockets , will feede as many wormes as come of sixe or eight ounces of seed till they be past their foure first sicknesses , and within some dayes of spinning : indeed the last dayes require a more extraordinary diligence and attendance , a more frequent and carefull feeding , because in that time they conceive , gather , and store up the disposing matter from whence the silke comes , which by an incomprehensible mystery of nature , they after as it were vomit out of their mouthes , and spinne out of their bowells . at this more particular season , there is a necessity of adding the labour of three or foure helpes more ( to which women or children are as proper as men ) which is an inconsiderable accession considering the gaine arising from it . that you may know the reason why women , children , lame and impotent persons are as fitting to attend the last fourteene dayes , as men , will appeare by their labour , which is nothing but to feede them within doores , cleanse , dry , and perfume their lodgings , with some strengthning but not overstrong odour . and as one skilfull in this noble mystery is sufficient for the employing , overseeing , and directing hundreds under him , so ( the skill being rather experimentally to be taught , then built upon long and ambiguous precepts ) he may bee able to perfect all those under him within the five or six weeekes time of their imployment in the full understanding the mystery . and the better to incourage both the teacher and learner of the mystery , the master should be invited by reward to be liberall in communicating his knowledge , and those under his instruction encouraged by arguments of honour and profit proposed to the best proficient , would disperse seeds of emulation and diligence , since every one would imploy himselfe seriously to engrosse and appropriate to himselfe the reputation and advantage in the victory . and in boyes and children , disputations frequently set on foot , with some slight distinction of merit , would make all that are ingeniously disposed , quicken their observation and diligence , to gaine the credit of prelation . though to take off all disincouragement or despayre , from those lesse apprehensive and docible , in this noble and gainefull trade of silke , there is no such absolute necessity layd upon them to be supersticiously and precisely curious in observing the booke rules , and written precepts , that upon the omission or unpunctuall observation of any of those precepts in hatching , lodging , feeding , and tending of the silke-wormes , wee should imagine such minute deviations might occasion an improsperity or generall failing : for wee will admit something may be wanting either in materialls , accommodation , or precisenesse of knowledge ; yet may the worke ( a higher and irresistible cause not interrupting it ) prosper and succeede , notwithstanding such defect , to the great contentment and gaine of them which keepe them . let us imagine it to be granted that the indigency of the person improving the incommodiousnesse of the place , or want of house-roome , which the bookes exactly tye us to , be in many things preterregular ( though such a supposition may fall upon any other part of the world more justly then virginia , where all materialls and convenien●y answer our exactest wishes ) yet will dayly examples confirme us , that in languedoc , provence , and other parts of france , and as many in spaine and italy , amongst the common sort of that exaction tyred people , that one poore low-rooft cottage , and one roome in it is all the house extent they have to take their sleepe in , dresse their miserable dyet , and serve themselves of for use and retirement ; yet does this industrious creature ( such are the blessings with which god rewards the sweat of industry ) thrive as happily ( and sometimes answer labour with a greater felicity ) as those which the curiosity of richer persons fit with all commodiousnesse of chamber feeding , and attending , which is a speaking encouragement that no man should despaire , but reposing a cheerefull confidence in the blessing of the almighty , with this r●solution , that what ever mean●s , what ever curiosity , art , or precept , may contribute towards the preparing and facilitation of a worke , yet the end , the event must depend on his eternall goodnesse to crowne it , and all our labours projected with never so great a talent of humane wisdome and experience , must conclude with this never failing truth : that except the lord build the house their labour is but lost that build it : except the lord keepe the city , the watchman watches but in vaine . wee must therefore lift up our hearts and eyes with thankefullnesse u●to the hills , unto the mountaine of israel , and rock of david , from whence those streames of blessings must acknowledge their sole , their originall fountaine , which may serve as an admonition , that neither the whole , nor any part of the work● should be begunne without applying our devotions to him : let it therefore be the morning omen to the worke , and the evening auspice , lord prosper the worke of our hands , prosper g●o● lord our handy workes . after the reposall of this confidence in god ; let him apply himselfe with his greatest industry and ability , with this comfort and assurance , that he cannot but make a considerable returne : though wee should be much injurious to art ( the noble right hand and midwife to nature ) if wee should deny a more promising probability of a riper and fuller gaine the more curious and observant he is in following all the approved experiments , rules , directions , and precepts thereunto belonging . but the chiefest aime and intention of those rules are to illustrate the perfection of this art , and to informe your knowledge , and better your future experience and preventionall care , if any misadventure arrive , or miscarriage in the silke●wormes , or if they prosper not equally this yeare with the last ; for by inspection upon them you may understand the cause and reason of such misadventure , and with it the remedy ; and this also takes away all dispaire or disincouragement for men , commonly men till they are convinced in the naturall ca●se of a disaster or failing attribute , all such mischances to nature , or else impu●e the non-thriving to their owne misfortune by a ridiculous opinion that they are not ordained to be fortunate in this or that mystery , so freequently does fortune incurre the blame of humane neglect or ignorance . besides wee are to imprint in our knowledge , that no rules can have so much of generality and exactnesse , which will not admit of deviations arising from some particular and variable circumstances . wee must not therefore conforme the nature of the c●imate to our rules , but our rules to it , in which wee must resume to your deliberation how , and in what one climate differs from another , how the constitution of this yeare varie● from the next , or the precedent , the immediocrities of heate , cold , drought , and moisture , serenity , or mists , &c. the manner of their lodgings , the quality of the winde to be admitted or excluded : to temper a season inclining to a preternaturall coolenesse with an artificiall heate , to refresh and infrigidate the aire in times of immoderate heate , by admitting the cooling aire and windes proceeding from a cooler q●arter , and this to be observed with a more particular care ; when they spinne their silke , that creature then being very obnoxious to be stifled with too much heat . there must be likewise a providentiall regard in a moist season , that the mulberry leaves be carefully dryed after their gathering , before they be administred for food to the silke-worme : but if the season pertake more of drought it will be wisedome to let the leaves lye and shade a little after their gathering , that they may have them coole and refreshing , and in seasons of temperature and continued droughts , it may be very requisite to water the roots of the mulberry-tree , which will be a refreshing to the leaves , and this is usually practised in spaine ; especially if the mulberry-tree be seated in a hot or dry ground , which otherwise must not be so prescribed without particular caution . nor is it below our consideration to weigh the condition of the place in which the mulberry is planted , if in a sower foule or wet soile to collect what inconvenience that food may bring unto your worme , and therefore if your necessity will admit it to avoyd such wholly , if not to use them with such qualifications as may make them least offensive . after having regard to the nature of the ground your tree receives its juce from , the quality of the season , in which you gather them ; it falls next to your consideration to compare the kinde and nature of the tree , together with the kinde and nature of their seed , worme , and silke , and directing your selfe by an exact observation of particular circumstances , so to make exceptions , and to order every thing with judgement and discretion thereafter , that your bookes and experience may by that meanes walke hand in hand together . but time and observations will affoord you many experiments , out of which perhaps some more rules of art may be framed , in divers particulars , more consenting to the country and climate of virginia . which finding , after good triall thereupon made , it will become the reputation of a good patriot in generall , and a good master of a family in particular , to digest them into such a regular order and method , that the publication thereof may be a common benefit to all , and a private memoriall to particulars . for since in persia and china it does not fall under likelihood , that they can oblige themselves to observe all particulars in its strictest limitation , where such an infinite quantity of silke passeth through the hands of the people , it is very agreeable to reason that in a climate of the same nature and parallell , namely virginia , there may be rules found out of far l●sse brevity , and more pertinency , then have yet been considered or published . and yet where all these rules are curiously observed , they make not onely in spaine and italy , but in the colder parts of france a far greater gaine ( the quantity of adventure and time considered ) by thus chargeably feeding of silk-wormes , then by any other commodity whatsoever . but to avoid that inconvenience of fetching leaves a far off , or attending the growth of your owne mulberries , or that necessity which makes the poorer sort of our owne miserable people to lodge them in that roome which is their kitchin , their chamber , th●ir all . with what ease and conveniency may there be a house set up in the middle of a grove of mulberries , naturally growing , where the silkewormes , in a dry cabinet of boords , after the maner of sicily , may be kept ( described more largely in the bookes which treat of this silkeworme , then can bee expected in this paper ) set up with stones in it , in case the countrey and season require it , eyther to correct the ill sents , or ( if so be they are seated in cold , moyst , or shady plac●s , of which your owne sense and experience will quickly acquaint yo● ) to give the ayre a temper and qualification , which if not prevented , may destroy your worke by killing the silkeworme . and this lodge built for them , the season of the yeere will invite your selfe and family ( i meane such part of your family as you assigne to this worke ) to lodge there also , the time being at the most but six weekes , and for the first moneth , one third of your family will be sufficient to feed them , but the last . dayes ; the other . thirds will be requisit that the wormes may bee more often and plentifully fed the well feeding at that time contributing much to their strength and perfection , and consequently to the improving your expected silke , both in quantity and quality . that all may be invited and courted to this undertaking , in this glorious countrey , n●ture hath left us destitute of no materialls . to erect these slight silken lodgings , will be no more expences , then your labour ; nor is that any greater , then to cut out some posts and studdes , fit them , and set them up , then to cleave and saw out small quarters , rafters , plankes , pales , and boards , to make and set up the sides of the house , in stead of more substantiall walls , and to cover the roofe in stead of tile . for the effecting of all which with the lesser trouble , that countrey affords abundance of woods , which will runne out , slit , and cleave into long lengths and br●adths , which by the directnesse of the ground will rive in a manner , as if they had beene sawen for the worke . all which must be so close layd , joyned , and nayled together , the one still lapt over the other , that no winde or raine may penetrate therein to offend that laborious creature , and this may easily be prevented , if such chinkes and open places as you shall discover bee stopped up with lome , clay , and lime , of which materialls in those countreyes you will finde no want . and to this purpose the indian mats , and the like things may be made good use of in this way , which will be sure to keepe out winde and perhaps raine : but to these things your owne inventions , pro re nata , will abundantly furnish you with matter of preventing casualties : nor will it bee unseasonable to repeat the extraordinary convenience of saw-mills , which in this case will be in a high degree serviceable to you , and of ●his the whole colony will be beneficially sensible in boards , plankes , housing , silk-worm-lodgings , timber , shipping , and all particular kinde of uses . and this once erected , with what speed may such a house be clapped up together , with a few nailes one lopping over another , either long like a bowling-alley , that the functions of the family may be distinct , and no offensive heat or sent disturbe the worme in his curious operations . or being in doubt of surprisall , some families going into the woods together may equally joyne together , and those woodden houses ( still observing that the roomes where the wormes are may be set end and end together , that so the kitchins and their lodgings may be still the two extreames ) may be cast into the forme of a fort which pall●sadoed , and your house sentinelled by halfe a dozen of good dogges , wil be a sufficient defence against all the natives of the countrey . and this may be in case they worke not in common , which if by compact they agree upon , the lodging for the wormes may be cast in the middle of such a circle , the timber houses round about shading them from over much heat , wind or moisture , and the necessary fires there made , will throughly cleere the ayre of all vapours and mists which may disorder this innocent spinner . the silke harvest ready , and the encrease brought to a just estimation : the cohabitors may according to the agreement made betwixt them , returne with their dividends , and this removall into the woods will have the same nature of content which the citizens take in a time of vacation and city wearinesse ( citizens being never so weary as when they have no worke ) to visit the delights of the countrey , though with different ends ; since these in their voyages of pleasure expend , the other both save and encrease their stock and treasure . these boards ( the worke ended ) being taken downe are serviceable for seaven yeares together , and easily erected or renewed . i am not altogether of advice , that the indians be hired to assist you in these remoter workes , as sensible how apt they and the divell t●eir tutor may be to embrace an occasion of being treacherous ; but if they could be brought to worke by parties ( well watched and spyes amongst themselves set over them ) in the middest of our most populous plantations , with their wives and children , who will easily runne through this curious , but not heavy labour , and may be sufficient pawnes for the indian fidelity , if cunningly divided , they would be very serviceable in this kinde for a small reward , and peradventure might be made great use of for this worke heereafter by undertaking it themselves , which may be manifested for these reasons . . first , the indian is naturally curious and very ingenious , which they shew in all their works and imitations : the only thing that frights them from bringing any work to perfection , is the labour attending it . . but to feed his curiosity , there is nothing in the world more p 〈…〉 then this cu●ious atome of nature the silkeworme : to see th●●●●taught artist spin out his transparent bowels , labour such a monument out of his owne intralls , as may be the shame , the blush of artists , such a robe that solomon in all his glory might con●esse the meannesse of his apparell , in relation to the workemen , cannot but bring them to admiration ; and that thos● spi●i●s whose t●oughts are of a higher wing then ordinary , may bee convinced of a divine power of the hand of god in the creation : which gaynd upon him , it will not be impossible to drive him to an acknowledgement of redemption , if private ends or any other respect then that to gods glory , possesse not those who should cover a multitude of sinnes , by winning a soule to his creator , and forcing him from the jawes of his destroyer . . in this curiosity there is little or no labour ( a thing which they abhorre ) their women and children will bee sufficient to goe through with it : and if they could but be brought to it , our trade with them f●r silke would be of greater consequence , then all their furs or other commodities put together . . by this meanes it were possible to fasten clo●●hs upon them , which if once it were effected , that which mr. bullocke excellent patly calls , the universall not of nature , ambition would cement them to a more orderly course of life , and one still striving to ou●vie the other in bravery of habits : there would be no labour under heaven like this , to reduce them to civility , the toyle thereof being inc●nsiderable , and the profit great to him in respect of his now trifling merchandise : and to us by trading with them , might bee returned for ● . the pound at the most in commodities . . by this means would he be brought to plant great quantities of mulberry trees round about his plantation , which according to his constant inconstancy , evermore shifting , would necessarily , our ●wne numbers increasing , fall into our hands and possession , or if he should against the tide of his nature abide by them , yet a very inconsiderable tri●le would buy the propriety from him . . the silkeworme harvest lighting at such a season of the year , wherein he by improvidence hath wasted all his bread-corne , at which time he usually retires into the woods to seeke a thinne s●bsistence , by the allurement of this great profit he would undo●btedly stay at his plantation , and allow us a share in his increase of silke , for such provision of maiz as would maintaine him , and ●his would be a large accession of profit to the english. . admitting virginia in its whole extent from cape henry southward ( as a worke so easily comp●ssed , and such profit ensuing thereupon , especially to the weroances or reguli● , who have many wives , slaves , and children , would hardly faile from being a universall labour ) to containe in all thirty thousand people , of which the ●ourth part or more men , if this staple be followed by them , and our vigilance preventing any traffick of other nations with them , it will yeeld the c●lony of course a trade with them worth cleare a hundred thousand pound per annum . neither doe i comprehend a sufficient reason why in so happy a climate as that of virginia ; there may not be a double silke harvest : this i am sure of , that there are s●cre●s in nature of retardation as well as acceleration of springs , and both being industriously brought to the experiment , the acceleration anteceeding the first spring , and the retardation postvening the latter by three weekes , ( which may easily be effected by election and distinction of ground to plant in ) and at the latter end of the harvest the seeds being disposed and ripened for production , will without doubt produce an effect answerable to the most inestimable profit intended by it . that the election of ground may doe this , wee may see by freequent examples betwixt things well cultivated , and that which is never transplanted from its first wildnesse , and there are many presidents round about us , where in one and the same towne , one and the same fruit have oftentimes three weekes distance of time betwixt their unequall maturity ; the naturall warmenesse or coldnes of the ground occasioning the advance or procrastination of fruits according to its severall disposition . nor can such a course be any interruption to harvest or vintage , both comming much after the season of the silke●worme , though i should ( in submission to better judgement ) conceive that with transplantation of trees ( such as they would have come later then ordinary , for that purpose being loosed from the ground neare upon the ascent of their sap would spring for that season accordi●g to ●heir expectation later then is usuall , and the next yeare its novelty of ground having made it wanton will come much earlier , and more improved then those whose fixure to the place of it● first pull●lation keepes it selfe to its former constancy , and by this meanes the later harvest would not be at the most three weekes time a●ter the ( usuall ) income of the first . and without doubt the chineses and persian could not vend such vast quantities of silke , with which they fa●shion so huge a part of the world with one single harvest , which though wee are at present ignorant of , yet what should discourage us from delivering such conjectures to a tryall , since the examen of it is not without probability , nor the discovery without an extraordinary certainety of profit ? those who will object that notwithstanding ● years practice i●aly hath not discovered this mystery , or if discovered , found it destitute of successe , may be pleased to receive this answer : that there is an immense disproportion betwixt the happyest region of italy , and the south of the excellent virginia . italy ( and that annually● is subject much to inclemency of winters , in respect of our more temperate maid●n , where snows and black swans are alike prodigies ; the cold th●re is rather like a phletomy to tame the plethorick abundance of springs , then dead it : nor are the srpings of italy so early as ours in that climate , and the mulberry shooting forth later then all other trees by much , may by this meanes of transplantation and heat of soile , be equall with the first , and by that early apparence give day-light to this and other more abstruse magnalia . i have insisted so much the longer upon this mystery of the silk-worme , because ( if it were handled by a better pen , judgement , and ability ) it is every way noble and sublime , so much worthy the knowledge , not onely for the benefit ( which is extraordinary rich how ever ) but for the admiration of nature , who hath ab●eviated all the volums of her other miracles into this her little , but exact epitome , like that artist who contracted the whole body of iliads and odysses into a nutshell . b●sides what wee have sayd of silke wee shall find the indian profitable to himselfe , and as in the staple of win●s , of which when he has r●c●ived ●he whole knowledge , wee cannot make the l●●st tittle of doubt , but he will with all eagernesse prosecute it : first , because it concernes his belly , to which no peop●e under h●av●● are more indulgent ; and secondly , his wife and children who plant his corne may take the charge of the vineyard with not much more lab●ur . but that which turnes to our advantage is , that the indian communicating the knowledge of the grape to his neighbours , and they transmitting it all along as far as new spain , will stir up the spanish jealousie to interdict all viti-culture amongst them , and as far as the extent of his power can fathome to prosecute severely all such natives as shall make it a subject of their indu●try to the prejudice of spaine . this must of necessity make strong combinations and leagues against the spanish tyranny , which though they are not of themselves able to shake off , yet will the spanyard feare to extend himselfe further ( except in such strength as at present his condition denies him ) knowing the indians untingu●shable thirst of revenge● and his laying hold of all opportunities to put it in execution , with all the powers of his understanding cruelty and malice . and thus shall the spanyard in case he attempts our supplantation be constantly discovered by the siding indian , and if there be a necessity to prevent his malice , by turning his designe upon his owne head , infinite occasion of intelligence may wee have from the enraged native , how to attaque him in his strongest security , where either the distance or impassability of the way will make him confident and carelesse . further use may be made of the native in fishing after pearle , to which if wee allure him by a constant trade with him for them , his owne profit will quickly enlighten his desire of more , and that desire quicken his industry . that virginia affordes multitude of pearles , mr. lane is sufficient to give publick information , where he tells us a relation delivered to him of a w●roance , who had so great quantity of pearle , and did so ordinarily take the same , as that not onely his owne skinnes that he weareth , and the better sort of his gentlemen and followers are set with the sayd pearle ; but also his beds and houses are garnished with them , and that he hat● such quantity of them that it is wonder to see : these are mr. lanes words exactly . nor is there any difficulty in the discovery of this , or ingrossing the trade ; especially since wee are the masters of the countrey , and if any other nation should attempt to partake in the benefit of our trade , the strength of virginia is at present such as may repell by violence , all forraigne incroachments upon their trade and livelyhood . the indians unanimously consent that twenty two mil●s beyond ●he falls , is a rocke of chrystall , and this they evidence by their a●rowes very many whereof are headed with it . and that dayes journey from thence , is a rock● or hill of silver oare . beyond which , over a ledge of hills , by a concurrent relation of all the indians , is the sea , which can be no other but that sea which washes the shore of china , &c. that this report of a great sea southwest , beyond the mountains , cannot have the least of fiction or confederacy , since all the indians from canada to florida , doe unjarringly agree in the rela●ion , is obvious to the meanest apprehension . the discovery whereof , if we fall upon it by degrees , will bee a worke of no long time or difficulty , but the unexpressible profit and glory of the action , will rayse the noble head of this above example countrey to such a high zenith of wealth , power , and lustre , that it will be reputed a very remarkable degree of felicity to any nation which shall reach to such a verticall point of glory , as to bee reputed but our second in these most noble considerations . by this meanes what wealth can there be in those richest provinces of the world , in those countries which nature created for her cabinets of excellency , which we shall not discover ? what discover without a power of appropriation ? what opulency does china teeme with which shall not be made our owne by the midwi●●y , by the juno lucina of this virtuall pass●ge ? this by a happy transmigration● by an innocent magick will convert that countrey , ( which by a swelling denomination , yet without no● some preten●e of reason its natives call by a title signifying all under he●ven ) into our maid of admiration and envy virginia . her silke-worm shall spinne for carolana , her cloth of gold be weaved for roanoak . the english name shall keepe company with the sunne , and those nations who owe him a particular adoration shall honour it as the next thing sacred . the easterne nations oppressed with the slavery of those illustrious horseleeches their princes , will come under our shadow , and by a thicke repayre to our most glorious and happy mayden , live with us in that liberty , which nature in their creation intended to the noblest of his creatures mankind . and by this recourse all those curiosities of art , in which those easterne nations transcend europe , will bee conveyed to us with their persons . cattell and horse in which they abound , will bee sold to us for nothing● for european trifles , whilest the more necessary staples of this ou● w●st●rne wor●d , will be sold at advantages not convenient to be mentioned . the voyage short , easie , rich , and pleasant . no doubling of the line , no calentures , scurvies● or other long-passage dis●ases , to affright or distast the laborious seaman : whereas now the enfe●bling and destroying of mariners is almost an unavoidable consequence of those long and dangerous , rather circumferences , then voyages . but lest we should sing a paean before a victory , it will not bee unworthy our labour to discourse what meanes m●y be used in this discovery . which if it should misse in its prosecution , ( for which fayling there is not the least shadow of probability ) yet might carry a vast profit to recompence all your paynes and expences . that it must not bee attempted at the first heat , but must have more recourses then one to the fire of a triall , will bee made apparent by these reasons . first , the inconveniency or non feysibility of carrying so much provision as will serve the discoverers , whose number , in my opinion , cannot bee lower then two hundred , if wee le● slide into our deliberation the many unknowne nations , through whose territories we are to make our passage , and which by common estimation , are much more numerous in the inland , then marine countreyes . next , admit wee undertake and compasse it with such a number , yet the discovery not being capable of secresie amongst such a multitude of unde●takers , the publick resentment of such a felicity approaching , not suff●ring people to be silent : wee should have this ar●ive to the spanyards knowledge , who will roule all stones under heaven to dispossesse or prepossesse , and indeed the danger his peru , chili and philippines , by s●ch seating , may lie obnoxious to , will adde spurres to his inclination to prevent us , which till wee bee in in a condition to resist , may be effected with our absolute ruine . the safest way therefore is , by degrees to steale upon the design , and take our way thither , by ceasing of places of advantage , very frequently found in that contry , which we may progressionaly fortifie at every twenty or five and twenty miles distance , and to these places we may constantly send supplies of victualls and ammunition , not only for the men there garrisond , but for our owne reception and maintenance in the discovery : and these men standing continu●lly upon their guard , may ( i meane those most remote ) by conference with the indians , discover with much ease , of what distance , what accesse , what harbours , what frequentation , and by what people the neighbour sea consists of ; to take with them ex●mplars of all mineralls , drugges , dies , colours , birds and beasts , drawne to the life in colours , which ( by an invitation of reward ) will be a surer meanes of discovery , ( if any such be ) then by multitudes of people , whose number commonly ( as in the ex●mple of fernando soto in florida ) hastens no other discovery , but that of unavoydable famine , and being usually , either through necessity , or a disordred maner of living irregular and ungoverned , fright the inhabitants from all commerce and conference or else make them join in a confederacy to abuse and remove them by t●lling their unwelcome company , golden lies , and miracles of countreys farther distant , where they are likely to find small satisfaction for their covetousnes or hunger . reason and experience will condemne us of folly , if wee shoul● refuse to profit by commendable examples , though proceeding from enemies or friends suspected : it will be therefore an incitement irreproveable to commend to our owne imitation the custome which the industrious spanyard practiseth in his designe of discoveries : every one of the associates carry a little horne about their necks in such journeys , by which mean●s if the errour of the night or thickenesse of the woods occasion any separation betw●xt them , or an ambuscado of enemies make the passage doubtfull , by winding of that horne , presently notice is given to the rest , who upon receiving the sound give the first winder notice of their residence , to which they may repaire , or testifie their apprehension and readinesse to prevent all hostile stratagems . the same indefatigable nation in their passage over rivers , presently make themselves light canoas after the indian mode , with which entring themselves and swimming their horses ( whose heads they keepe above water by a coller fastened to the boat ) they overcome difficulties of currents , which to any other but those seem● insuperable , and indeed their labour in this kinde show them of admirable resolution and constancy . though wee may entertaine grounds of hope and confidence , that this discovery of the south sea may be m●de without any tedious land-jou●ney , since it is certaine that from the great confluence of waters in the gulfe of s● . laurence , foure mighty rivers receive their sourse , the first whereof pouring it selfe north into canada , another running eastward into the sea called hunsons river , the third running w●stward into the maine are already discovered , but the fourth upon which wee have reason to fixe high expectation bending southward to florida , washes all the backside of virginia , and may in all probability discharge it selfe into the south ocean , which if it suit with our conjectures , virginia will have by that meanes a double accession of security and convenience . for our security it will be a naturall bar betwixt us and the jealous spanyard , who if he shou●d injustly continue the possession of ou● florida , which is indisputably english ; yet thus dividided from us by a vast r●ver full of islands , and places convenient to command the channell fortified and maintained by our nation , he is too full of providence and caution to attaque us , if once in so good a posture . for the conveniency which sufficiently speakes it selfe the ease of transportation by water , and all in our owne chanell , the saving of land charges , and probability of a more speedy passage , are prespicuous arguments to commend it . and to confirme the probabilities of this passage by the lake the more strongly , the indians of canada confessed to iames cartier that i● is but a moneths sayling , from thence to go to a land where cynanon and cloves are gathered● others told the same person , that from the place where they left their pinnace , there is a river which goeth south-west , from whence there is a w●ole moneths sayling to go to a certaine land , where there is neither ice nor snow seene , where the ●nhabitants doe continually war one against the other , where there is great store of orenges , almonds , nuts , and apples , with many other sorts of fruits . what ev●r beliefe other men bestow upon this relation , i know not ; but tru●ly in such a generall concordance of reports , whe●e there can be no roome left for confederacy or designe , to be perswaded of the t●uth therein , cannot have any vitious tincture of facility or cred●lity . but it is time to remit these high and noble atchievements to the prosecution of those who have more power and ability● who may give such ● discovery the honour of their names , and tr●nsfer a perpetuall illustrious memory to posterity , we shall onely suppose it fai●ible and hope the effects will answer such supposition . which if it should faile , why may not virginia in her future felicity of silke be a new china and persia to europe ? why may not all the spicery of the east flourish with an equall successe in this our most justly tempered climate ? already can virginia boast of cinamon , which if transplanted might not be inferiour unto any ? why may not the cloves perfume virginia with as aromatick redolency as the philipine gardens . our aire is more serene , better tempered then theirs , nor have we any more sense of winter to hinder the ascent of sap then the moluccians , if it be any thing more harsh in cold , yet is it but a check to a peradventure too forward spring . what multitude of flowers have our lat● gardens in england seen non native to this soyle or climate ? fruits thought solely proper to italy and spaine flourish here to the envy of those countties , who see often times the colonies in a happier degree of prosperity then the mother , for fruit and flowers . but these designements must be the daughters of time , curiosity and industry , to whom away may be made passabl● , and easie , by that uncabinetting and deciphring of nature , garden philosophy● what harsh disposition in the world will not be lenified and refined by these curious conclusions ? di●clesian could postpose the science of governing mankinde to the knowledge of managing his scions , to see those plants grow up , which his own laureld hand had set , watred and attended , and accordingly flourish , was in a manner the production of so many children , who in this have the advantage , that their florescence is not subject to selfe-deprivation , give them but an acceptable ground● a boun●eous aire , and an arriding sunne and ●hey answer the most exact d●sires of the setter or ingrafter ; but children , let them have all the auxiliares of a full fortune , warmth of education , and heat of encouragement , by some private disease of the genius , by some secret malignity in nature , or its right hand custome , seldome or neuer thrive according to the wishes of the parent , they are either too ranke with insolence , too much parched with rashnesse , or withered with infamy and luxury , that those which planted them instead of delight in that which they esteemed their masterpeece , have nothing but a spring of indignation , or an autumn of melancholly to answer their expectation , and are so far from contentment at their groweth that they would have reckoned it amongst the smiles of their fortunes , that no warmth of theirs had contributed to their production , no indulgence to their continuance and edu●ation . these allurements are for those whose delights onely are interested and denoted to this reti●ed activity ; but those who looke further will finde ( that which is rarely or never contingent to other contentments ) this pleasure to be attended with an inestimable p●ofit , and one of the most certaine returnes in nature : but this fertility-labouring countrey , especial●y in its southerne beauties , in its roanoak excellencies , like to a princesse , all compos'd of bounty , suffers no addresse to be made unsatisfied . gentle winters to court your seed , warme springs to marry them to perfect masculine ripenesse , nothing but ingratitude and indiligence to delay or divert its liberality , hitherto ( like those confined virgins in a barbarous se●aglio ) it hath suffered the imputation or injury of sterility by a non-complacency in i●s savage amourists , the abundance of perfection having put them into a satiety or incapacicy of enjoyment . the tru●h of this being abundantly manifest , an apparent profit and delight inviting the able and industrious ; necessity must be the next argument to those whose poverty can pleade no excuse for their indiligence ; yet this laborious necessity is not so ingra●efull as in england , and in other more thick-peopled countries , what ever you sweat for in this bounteous region , is crowned with a recompence amazing your expectation ; such things as make poverty and life wearisome , contempt of , or impossibility of any melioration to their condition are things heere never charged upon hone●t indigence , or denyed to a commendable industry , nor can they palliate their sleepe and sloth with a pretence of wanting materialls to worke upon , or plead that such things as should employ them must be first had out of england , since there is enough abundantly and naturally in that unpresidented countrey to employ their industry , to enrich their labour . though silke-grasse is unquestionably a staple which will bee neighbour to the profit of the silke-worme , though the naturall hempe-flagge may be a merchandize in time equal to english flax , though the sar●aparilla be an extraordinary vendible commodity , though pipestaves be so beneficiall , that with not many drops an extraordinary workeman may make his labour worth sixty pounds per annum . though he has fish there , and in such abundance that the attending diligently upon two seasons , onely returnes him a reward of one hundred pound sterling in sturgion , salmon , herings , mackrell : pot-ashes a rich and never decaying staple , &c. yet since against this an objection may be made what course they may take for their provisionall subsistence . those who apprehend such doubts will be pleased to receive this answer , in which if they are sensible of reason they cannot faile to receive satisfaction . there is no man will ever be denyed the loane of corne for his house-spending , and seed till the harvest ; if he be a single man he may prepare as much ground if cleared , and set as large quantitie of corne for his owne spending and repayment of what borrowed , in two dayes space as will abundantly suffice him twelve moneths . admit there be no cleared ground , yet if he but unbarke the trees one foot round after the indian mode to prevent the shade occasioned by the leaves , which such unbarking quite destroyes , the corne ( set betwix● those trees ) will thrive and prosper exceedingly , ●nd their ground thus prepared will last seaven or more yeares successively , and this worke cannot last him above five dayes at the longest . if he have a family , his wife and children will be able to beare part in that labour , and many others . for provision of flesh , if he can use his peece he may , even at his labour in the woods , have opportunity of killing venison , hares , wild-fo●le ( in their season innumerable ) and fish , of which the rivers are all times plentifully furnished , and of great delicacy ; if in all this abundance he is yet apprehensive of famine , wee shall refer him to the number of those who are afraid to be starved for meat in a cooks shop . besides what a small summe of money will buy your cattell , and swine in virginia ? whose feeding co●ts them nothing but thankes to god , who has spread that superfici●s of that noble countrey with perpetuall friut and verdure . poultry in infinite variety and plenty , the ●orbearance of whose encrease for a small terme of years will make them so numerous , that they may alwayes have a full table . the w●st indie potatoe ( by much more delicate and large then what wee have heere growing ) besides that it is a food excellently delicious and strongly nourishing , fixes himselfe wherever planted , with such an irradicable fertility● that being set it eternally grows : of this an extraordinary pleasing and strong drinke may bee composed . nor is the m●iz lesse commendable for bread then malting , of both which in its use it affordeth a peculiar goodnesse and convenience : and i am much to learne how a poore man can in justice complaine of want , when he is as it were besieged with such plenty : this for provision may abundantly satisfie , but if he can be content ●o forbeare debauches and profusenesse for t●e first three yeares he may by any of the meanes aforesaid arrive to such a condition of thriving , that he may allow himselfe a large latitud● of expences ( that first three yeares once expired ) without much empairing his fortunes . but since all men either by constitution of age , oppression of yeare● , or different education , are unable or improper for the fish-net or hatchet , i shall offer them a way which may be lesse laborious and peradventure more gainefull ; yet before i descend to this , i must take leave by digression to enlarge something which i have already hinted on , namely the benefit of transplantation . the removing and transposition of wild plants , doth with an experimented happinesse wonderfully mitigate and engentile their le●●e noble natu●e ; w●ethe● ( as an authour delivers it very elegantly ) it be b● reason that the nature of plants , as o● men , is desirous of novelty and peregrination , or because that at their parting from their former grounds they leave there that ranke wildnesse virule●cy and ill quality from the forest , where is first rooted the grate●ull novelty and allurement of a well cultivated s●yle makes it ●●ceive a new by exiling it from the old savagenesse and in●omestication of its first seat and nature . since then the r●moving of wild plants addes so much to their improvement and melioration confirmed by naturall reason and unerring experience : why may not the diligent labour by removeall and transposing this excellent staple of silke grasse , make it thrive equally in greatnesse and goodnesse , there needes no more art to be used then th●t of comparing the soile ( transplantations into worse grounds being naturally improsperous ) and though there appe●re now somewhat of trouble ( though nothing of lab●ur ) in peeling the silky skinne of , yet that it may be broken as flaxe or cleared by some instrument ( the commodity richly rewarding the nobility of any invention ) to this purpose ; time and further exp●rience will no doubt to the publick enric●ing of the colony and this nation make apparent . in this any one which is not sworne ● servant to ease and sloth , may with a small toile reape a considerable profit . next , what will not those vines produce if well husbanded after their transplantation , and in this most delightfull labour the gain is so appare●t that almost the blindest judgement may perceive it . orenges , lemons , pine-aples , plantanes , peaches , apricocks● peares , aples , in a word all sort of excellent fruits will grow there in full perfection ; you may sleepe whilst they are growing , after their setting or engrafting , there needes no more labour but your prayers , that they may prosper , and now and then an eye to prevent their casualties , wounds or diseases . sugars , indigos , cotton , and ginger , require a greater industry ; but if wee consider the difference betwixt the two climates of barbadoes and virginia , the immoderate heate of the first and the exact temper of the other , the labour though it may require as frequent handling , yet is by much lesse toylesome . in a word , if a man be yet timerous of a thriving condition in this countrey ; i shall with his pardon believe him , dis●rustfull of gods providence ; or if he be so vitiously disposed as to hope after a land where he may enjoy an undisturbed plenty without the sweat of his browes , the maps are so extreamely deficient in the description of such a countrey , that i must desire him to looke for a new world and kingdome , for such an easie accommodation . if any make an objection why this countrey stored with all these riches , furnished with all these staples , hath so long held downe her head in the lownesse of a desperate condition ? why being capable to crowne her browes with garlands of roses and plenty , she sate desolate amongst the w●llowes of neglect and poverty ? let them but recall their memory , how by the prevailency of gon●amore the co●poration was dissolved , their patent cancelled , to which if wee adde the cooperation of the indian treachery in their first massacre , they will cease their wonder at its languishing condition . and convert it to a full admiration , how that colony could ever raise her endangered head out of those gulfes of distraction , in which the gold of spaine , the dis●ncouragement of the court , the discontent of the better sort of planters , and the desperate negligence of the more inconsiderable had in humane opinion irrecoverably involved her . but the incomparable virgin hath rai●ed her dejected head , cleared her enclouded reputation , and now like the eldest daughter of nature expresseth a priority in her dowry ; her browes encircled with opulency to be believed by no other triall but that of expeperience her unwounded wombe full of all those treasuries which indeere provinces to respect of glory , and may with as great justice as any countrey the sunne honours with his eye-beames , entitle her selfe to an affinity with eden , to an absolute perfection above all but paradize . and this those gentlemen to whom she vouchsafes the honour of her embraces , when by the blessings of god upon their labours sated with the beauty of their cornefield , they shall retire into their groves checkered with vines , olives , mirtles , from thence dilate themselves into their walkes covered in a manner , paved with orenges and lemmons , whence surfeited with variety , they incline to repose in their gardens upon nothing lesse perfumed then rose● and gilly-flowers . when they shall see their numerous heards wanton with the luxury of their pasture , confesse a narrownesse in their b●rnes to receive their corne , in bosomes to expresse fully their thankefulnesse to the almighty authour of these blessings , will chearefully confesse : whilst the incomparable ro●noak like a queene of the ocean , encircled with an hundred attendant islands , and the most majestick carolana shall in such an ample and noble gratitude by her improvement repay her adventurers and creditors with an interest so far transcending the principall . a valuation of the commodities growing and ●o be ha● in virginia : valued in the year , . and since those times improved in all more or lesse , in some ⅓ , in others ½ , in many double , and in some treble . iron , ten pounds the tun. silke coddes , two shillings six pence the pound . raw silk , s . d . the pound , now at s . and . per pound . silke grasse to be used for cordage , d . the pound : but we hope it will serve for many better uses , and so yeeld a far greater rate , wherof there can never be too much planted . of this q. elizabeth had a silke gowne made . hemp , from s . to s . the hundred , flax , from s , to s . the hundred . cordage , from s . to s . the hundred . cotton wooll , d . the pound . hard pitch , s . the hundred . tarre , s . the hundred . turpentine , s . the hundred . rozen , s . the hundred . madde● crop , s . the hundred : course madder , s . the hundred . woad , from s . to the hundred . annice seeds , s . the hundred . powder sugar , panels , muscavadoes and whites , s . . and l . the hundred . sturgeon , and caveare , s it is in goodnesse . salt , s . the weight . mastick , s . the pound . salsa perilla wild , l. the hundred . salsa perilla domestick , l . the hundred . red earth allenagra , s . the hundred . red allum , called carthagena allum , s . the hundred . roach allum , called romish allum , s . the hundred . berry graine , s . d the pound : the powder of graine , s . the pound : it groweth on trees like holly berries . masts for shipping , from s . to l. a peece . pot-ashes , from s . the hundred , to . now . and s . the hundred . sope-ashes , from s . to s . the hundred . clapboord watered , s . the hundred . pipe staves , l . the thousand . rape-seed oyle , l . the tun , the cakes of it feed kine fat in the winter . oyle of walnuts , l. the tun . linseed oyle , l . the tun . saffron , s . the pound . honey , s . the gallon . waxe , l . the hundred . shomacke , s . the hundred , whereof great plenty in virginia , and good quantity will be vented in england . fustick yong , s . the hundred . fustick old , s . the hundred , according to the sample . sweet gums , roots , woods , berries for dies and drugs , send of all sorts as much as you can , every sort by it selfe , there being great quantities of those things in virginia , which after proof made , may be heere valued to their worth . and particularly , we have great hope of the pocoon root , that it will prove better then madder . sables , from s . the payre , to s . a payre . otter skins , from s . to s . a piece . luzernes , from s . to a piece . martins the best , s . a piece . wild cats , ● d . a piece . fox skins , d . a piece . muske rats skins , s . a dozen : the cods of them will serve for good perfumes . bever skins that are full growne , in season , are worth s . a piece . bever skins , not in season , to allow two skins for one , and of the lesser , three for one . old bever skins in mantles , gloves or cap● , the more worne , the better , so they be full of fur , the pound weight is s . the new bevers skins are not to bee bought by the pound , because they are thicke and heavy leather , and not so good for use as the old . pearles of all sorts that ye can find : ambergreece as much as you can get : cristall rocke : send as much as you can , and any sort of minerall stones , or earth that weighs very heavy . preserve the walnut trees to make oile of , & cut them not down : so also preserve your mulberry and chestnut trees very carefully . in the month of june , bore holes in divers sorts of trees , wherby you shall see what gums they yield , and let them bee well dried in the sun every day , and send them home in very dry caske . finis . the table . that virginia is parallell with china , and the happiest countries of the east and we●t●rne world in scituation , and if not superior , equall to the best in exactnesse of temperature . page . that it is stored with all sorts of timber for structure of houses , building of shipping , and all other uses● whether of necessi●y or ornament . ibid. that the native fruits of the country are various and delicate . ibid. that the virginia sea affords fishes for number and tast comparable to any other . p. . that the native beasts of the land are many , the flesh of most excellent , the hides of divers usefull , and the furres extraordinary rich . ibid. that divers harvests may be made of corne in one yeare , with the meanes , and the generall quality of the soyle . p. . that two mens labour in virginia may be worth l. per an . p. . . that rice will there flourish with extraordinary increase . ibid. that pot-ashes , pipe●taves , and clapboard may be made there in great abundance and equall profit . p. . . that the iron oare in virginia is equall to the best of any other nation , and that iron mils will be of great advantage & profit . p. . that divers rich dyes , colours , and drugs may be found out there , and the way which the spaniard useth for this discovery . p. . that vin●s grow naturally all over the countrey , which may make a rich wine . p. . that virginia will admit and improve the most generous grapes of any other countrey , whether greeke , italian , or spanish , with the means to undertake and advance this staple . p. . . . that virginia is comparable to persia. p. . that she is by nature made capable of all those excellencies of china , to which she is compared● from p. . to p. . that the art use , and excellency of the silk-worme is mor● convenient to be set on foot in virginia , then any country in europe . p. . that the silke-worme is as naturall to virginia , 〈◊〉 persia , or china . p. . that mulberry-trees proper for this mystery grow there by nature . p. . that it may with much facility be set on foot , and with great felicity brought to perfection . p. . that in this the indians may easily be brought to be coadjutors . p. . that virginia may admit of a double silk-harvest . p. . that the silk-grasse of virginia may prove a staple of incomparable richnesse . p. . that th●re is a naturall hempe in virginia excellent for cordage and linnen . p. . . that there is a rich copper ( with great probability of a golden ) min● in virginia . ibid. that there is great probability of rich silver mines . p. . that sugar , cotton , ginger , indigo , and pepper will grow in the south of virginia wit● equall fertility , and much more conveniency then in barbadoes . p. . that muske and civet may both be made in virginia . p. . that from the terra sigillata , equall in goodnesse to the best , will be yeelded an incredible revenue to the undertaker , and that it is there in vast abundance . p. . that there is no exact necessity to observe all the prescribed rules written by masters in the silk-worme mystery ; that example and observation will dimi●ish the number of these rules , and the conveni●ncy of virginia for that creature may much abreviate them . p. . . . that all the spiceryes of the philippines and other countries may grow in virginia in equall felicity , the place affording as happy , an aire , and a soile fitting in its variety for their general production . p. . that the excellencies of transplantation to meliorate what ever transplanted may be with lesse charges and greater probability of thriving in virginia , then else where made experiment of . p. . that ground may be prepared even in woody places for setting corne , vines , and potatoes , without any eradication , or felling of trees , with great speed and little labour . p. . that there is a rock of chrystall in virginia , already discovered , and the place where . p . that if the english wil but equall or imitate the industry of the spanyard , what ever ha● been discovered in new spaine , peru , and chili may be ( by meanes there set down ) laid open to such their attempts . that as the indian may be invited to practise the silk-worme mystery , so with 〈◊〉 probable hopes of successe he may be gained upon to plant the vine and olive . p. . that his planting the vine will cement him to the english to the disadvantage of the spaniard . ibid. that the south-west passage may easily be found out by a constant intelligence and information of the natives : from whence a trade and co●merce may be driven with china and cathaya . p. . that a fishing trade may be driven in virginia , which ●or excellency and plenty may be greater then that of holland , and in conclusion to make the staple of fish a rich , delightfull , and unlaborious knowledge . p. . . . that salt in virginia may be made in greater abundance and conveniency , then at rochel . p. . that so●e parts of virginia abound with pearle , and that the indian may be serviceable in fishing for them , himselfe allowed a small share in the profit arising from so rich a merchandise . that who ever can but satisfie for his owne transportation , neede not trouble himselfe for any stock to set up with , since so many severall wayes are proposed for his enriching and maintenance . lastly , it may evidently appeare through all the passages of the whole booke , that virginia duly considered for exactnesse of temperature , goodnesse of soyle , variety of staples , and capability of receiving what ever is produced in any other part of the world , gives the right hand of preheminence to no province under heaven . as a supplement to all which , since so many objections have beene , and are dayly made , lest a wilful silence might believe their scruples as authentick as reason it selfe ; such as have beene made to me have had this answer returned them , with which i desire to satisfie and communicate to all others who may have the same doubts . why rather doe wee apply our selves to the south of virginia , then the north ? why to a new where in probability all things may be wanting , rather then an old colony where already there is great abundance ? to this may be returned , that the south of virginia is more proper then the north , by reason of its fertility and aptnesse to produce all those staples o● sugar , cotton , ginger , which the colder aire in the north will not permit to flourish : that the south is more proper , may appeare by the large quantity of palmetoes which have been found there , who cannot flourish in any countrey in which there may be so much as an appearance of winter . neither need wee so much f●are a want or non-abundance in this new colony , our nearenesse to virginia and n●w england being able plentifully to furnish us with all sort of cattle at a cheaper ●ate then in england , and the very r●putation of this place once planted will quickly invite so many men as know by experience or information the excellence of the place , to remove what ever is theirs out of those more cold countries to joyne issue with us in the better sunbeam'd carolana . another objection is , what security wee may expect from the natives , who looke upon us as intruders upon the land of their nativity , and seeing the south of virginia in like manner to be possessed as the north , whether they will not in all probability attempt what ever rage , malice , and treachery can dictate to them to oppose the beginnings of such possession to our extirpation , to which they will be more enabled ( say they ) since wee are at the first seating not likely to be so numerous , or so well fortified to resist them , as in the north of virginia , where already they have committed two mass●cres notwithstanding the length of yeares to secure the implanters , and their large numbers . wee should attribute too much of the bug-beare to the indian armes , to believe that of our men well appointed are not able to give law to their aided with all the advantages of animosity and revenge , to which by nature i must confesse them prone , but their cowardise is so great , that they never act any thing but upon the scor● of anticipation or security ; a nights march and the dawne of the day are the onely opportunities which they take to revenge former hostilities upon their sleeping enemies : he which considers the desperate security the english then lived in , the fatall entercourse to the admission of them into their houses , into the heart of all their plantations without any jealousie ( i had almost said discretion ) will rather admire they were not totally massacred , then but in part attemp●ed ; and yet to sh●w the invincible basenesse and cowardise of those s●vages , then when in the heat of their revenge and height of bl●ud , fury , and success●●when all cowards but themselves are irr●sistably desp●rate and ●ushing on th●ir fortune ) one man that was mast●r but of a hart and pitch●forke , hath been known stave off and ●ffright ten of those as●assinates ; nor were any that had the gen●rosity to oppose , or the discretion to keepe good their houses mass●cred by them . the basenesse of these incomparable poltrons considered , what cause should there be to feare them ? yet to shew how those which through igno●ance or doubt of their attempts may be sufficiently secured , these remedies have been proposed and are resolved upon to r●move all futu●e attempts of tha● nature . our first seating will be upon as pleasant islands as eye may delight , into which all accesse must be by water . the indian ( first bought out of those seas , which a most inconsiderable trifle will pu●chase and prohibited fi●hing there , with a severe punishment to all those who shall against such prohibition appeare with their canoas upon the waters ) cannot assemble upon the main to our prejudice , or gather together their canoas without our notice ; besides a small thing will buy spyes amongst themselves to discover all such practises ; a knife or a hatch●t will make them betray their neighbours , or which is more , their kindred . when our numbers ( ●y the blessing of god ) shall enable us to grow upon the maine , the same price which bought them out of islands will purchase t●●m out of the continent ( i meane such a part of it as will sufficiently serve . inhabitants ) in the bounds whereof no indian shall appeare without an uncountrefaitable mark of permission , and spies used as before ; we may make use of their intelligence concealing the authors , which w●ll make those so discovered attribute to miracle what we receive by information● and peradventure enter into a superstitious beliefe of our praescience of their machinations● which will deter their attempting the like for the future . another objection which is usually made , whether this part of virginia may not be too hot as the north of that continent is too cold , considering the constitution of the english not proper to endure it , the extreams of either being alike distastfull . though it be certaine that all over those countries drawing near the center of the sun a constant brise arises and continues from . to . with a great mitigation during the violence and height of the sun , and that during those intervalls , servants are so indulged as not to labour without doors , yet it is certain that the violentest of heats in that southern is not hotter then some dayes which we feele in england . and though ancient philosophy may stumble at the doctrine ( able to make reason herselfe almost blear-eyed ) yet those no lesse signall experiencers of the modern will tell us , that the causes of moderation and habitability of those regions proceed from that which imposed upon our patriarchs of learning , who upon favourable conjecture that the ( supposed dangerous ) neighborhood of the sun , and the rapid transit of the cele●●iall bodies , with the perpendicularnesse of direct rayes could not but perpetually exile all cold and moisture as non-naturall and forreine to their immediat residence . neither had reason any allegations to the contrary , till experience opened its eye-lights by this demonstration , for moisture is never more violent in those ( which we call torrid ) regions then when the sun is in his nearest visits ; from hence arise winds and impetuous showers dayly , from hence the sun having ( in a degree of debauch ) caronsed too much in his spacious and sweaty journey , over the ocean does there discharge it ; whereas in his abscence he receives no more of those moist vapours then he can temperately and healthfully concoct . besides , these frequent showers do not only coole and refresh the otherwise parching earth , but adde as much to its fatnesse and improvement , ●s the innundations of nilus , niger , and zaire in africa , and makes the earth invulnerable against the sun's hostility & arrowy beams : and as in an alembick a fire of heat and violence enlargeth the quantity of vapours , which stifled as it were and issulesse are converted into waters , but the fire being but meanly eager , drinks up those vapours in their exhaustion ; so the sun ●n the greatnesse in the giantism of his strength , onely exhales ( not digests ) that quantity of vapours which he is inforced to disgorge in showers , which draughts of his are in his lesser heat in a more temperate quantity imbibed and concocted . nor deserves it a le●se part of consideration , that in that part of the world in which there are so many unbounded gulphs , such immense rivers and inlets , the vapours and exhalations cannot but adde coolnesse and moisture to the neighbouring elements of earth and aire : and which is an indisputable reason the almost equall length of dayes and nights dividing perpetually the time into equall portion● causeth a lesse heat then presented it selfe to the consideration-slumber of the ancients , which is confirmed by the philosophick poet in these verses . quodque die solis violento in canduit aest●● , humida nox reficit paribusque refrigerat horis . nights what e're dayes burn with o're heated powers , coole and refresh by their length-equal'd houres . joyne to this the plentifull discent of dewes greater th●n unexperienced imagination can comprehend them , and in dispensation of moisture equall to petty showers behealth the dayes with coolenesse and freshnesse , which added to the neighbourhood of such an unfathomed depth , such an unembraceable greatnesse with their spacious fluxes resolve the heated aire into a healthfull moisture : but nearer the poles the continuance of the sunne , the almost no nights , and long lived dayes make those parts more insufferably hot , then nearer an equall division of night and light , and this cause makes the summer hotter in russia then in england . i had not dwelt so long upon this discourse , but onely to show that if the centre and head-quarters of the sunne perpetually assigned betwixt the tropiques be capable of coolenesse and habitability : what shall virginia a region as fortunately and temperately seated as the noblest countries under heaven expect of moderate heates , and a by-these-infertiled surface ? to those other questions how people shall transport themselves if of fortunes ? how the lesse able be transported ? what conditions they are to expect ? i shall not doubt but publick bils will make manifest to them , and that speedily . for the other what meanes to live there ? what way of improvement upon meanes ? the book is referred unto for directions : but if that appeare unsatisfactory ( that and all things humane being subject to fa●lings ) i owe too much to my owne and that countrey , not to give them further satisfaction to the best of my knowledge : and if they please to collect the stationers name and residence from the frontispiece of the booke , i am confident he out of his humanity and good affection , will either signifie to them where i may prefer my addresses to their information , or where i shall be to attend them , and withall contribute my best knowledge in what may be usefull to them , or bring them to such of higher quality as may give them plenary satisfaction . it is my opinion ( but the more ripe judgement of others ) that this countrey well husbanded , and peopled , will in regard of its variety of staples , be such a constant entercourse of traffick to our merchant adven●u●ers , as to free them totally from all those dangers which they now groane under , either by open hostility of knowne , or under hand dealing of pr●v●te enemies● trade will be so secured among our selves of all those staples which france and spaine sell us with a hand full of exaction and causelesse expostulations , that no●hing but the casualties of the sea will contribute to c●st down countenances upon the exchange or making our merc●ants bankrupt . and that this may want no poore contribution of mine : the r●●d●● will be pleased to take notice that a booke fully discovering the whole mystery of the silke-worme , the whole art of the vine , and the conversion of the sawmill to infinite other as profitable us●s , will shortly be published , in whic● the authour as in this will reckon it amongst his happinesses , if he can at all be availeable to private instruction , or the publick benefit . finis . virginia's discovery of silke-vvormes , with their benefit . and the implanting of mulberry trees . also the dressing and keeping of vines , for the rich trade of making wines there . together with the making of the saw-mill , very usefull in virginia , for cutting of timber and clapbord , to build withall , and its conversion to other as profitable uses . london , printed by t. h. for iohn stephenson , at the signe of the sun , below ludgate . . to all the virginia merchants , adventurers , and planters . gentlemen : the unhappinesse to be amongst the lowest of men , for parts and ●ortune , cannot hinder mee from the sa●is●action which i receive in my selfe , that none is possessed with a more eager passion of contributing towards the advancing virginia to that degree of felicity which the bounty of nature , richnesse of soyle , and temperature of climate designed her to : and were my power but of as strong a wing as my inclinations and desires , that above-example countrey should be placed in such a zenith of stability , wealth , and glory , that it should behold all the other nationall happinesses o●●he world in a sphere benea●h her ; and her merchan●s adventurers and planters , like so many load-starres to conduct mankinde into an innocent ocean of un●athom'd wealth of unrocky prosperity . no countrey under the s●nne is lesse ingratefull then virginia , if she be but justly courted , but to complement a virgin for her affection by brea●hing smoake in her nostrils , to expresse our civilities by vapour ; and for all that vast dowry of spaciousnesse , wealth , bounty of aire , and plenty of provisions , to proffer her a joynture of tobacco , is a complement indistinguishable from incivill rudenesse . what riches may not the silke-worme , vine , olive , and almond afford us ? by these noble undertakings wee contract china two thousand leagues nearer to us , and are not troubled though spaine and italy were remooved five thousand more distant from us : and if wee could not satisfie the implacable curiosity of our senses without the easterne spices , it is without dispute , that what every orient hath of aromatick , would grow without any deterioration in this incomparable countrey . yet if , by some occult propriety of nature , these spices , and gummes should not prosper with that successe in the countrey to which they are onely adoptive , as where they are naturall : the south sea flowing upon the skirts of this gl●riously apparrelled virgin , would not onely furnish us , but ( through our meanes ) all the westerne world with whatever the philippines and china have in their brow , or bosome : which that it may be discovered , a publique incouragement from the merchants here , and the colony there , would awaken all spirits which have any scintillation of honour , or industry , to undertake the imployment , effect it undertaken , and by the effect raise an unperishable structure for their owne glory , perpetuated by the publique felicity . the greatest defect that colony can with consent complaine of , is their want of shipping , and the greatest with which others finde themselves perplexed , is the want of industry to build them . if virginia had not as stately timber as any other region whatsoever : if it had not a soyle naturally inviting them to improve her in iron for gunnes , anchors , and other conveniences ; in hempe for cordage , flax for canvase , and pine trees for mast : this defect might be allowed for reall : but where all these concenter , it is as unreasonable to complaine , as for a man seated at a table covered with excellent provision , to accuse his fortune for suffering him to perish with hunger , because his meat is not digested in his stomack , without putting his hands and teeth to labour . i could cordially wish that there were such quantity of cleared ground in virginia , that every one at his first arrivall might fix upon the plough , that the so much discoursed of staples of wheat and rye , might be brought to an absolute ripenesse of perfection : but to imagine so many millions of trees of a facile removall , or that old planters knowing the benefit thence arising , should part with them to others , and seeke new uncleared grounds for themselves , were meerely to dreame of impossibilities . but the vine , almond , and olive , may be set where the tree is onely barked about to hinder it from leaving ; besides if there were a necessity to have absolutely cleared grounds , ( which reason it selfe cannot imagine , ) yet foure acres of ground so cleared for the vine , will returne ( by much ) more profit , and lesse trouble , then twenty acres of wheat , at such rates as they are prized in the common estimation . but since this profit reverts to the purse without the toyle of eradicating trees , as great emolument , as if the ground were altogether treelesse , to what purpose should we court sweat and affliction ? or increase our miseries without any addition to our happinesse ? gentlemen , the happinesse of this nation depends upon your constancy and prosperity , if you seriously erect these staples , wee shall be free from the imperious usurpations of forraigne princes upon your estates , and shipping , from the rapine of pirates upon your lives or liberties . the decayed number of our shipping may be resupplyed by encouragement of carpenters of all nations , to make use of those materialls which the inimitable liberality of this countrey gratefully presents you with : all s●aples ( diffusively spread in o●her regions ) will meet here united , and we shall arrive to that degree of happinesse , to make our intrade by much exceed our exportations : for the compleating of which , if such an inconsiderable , and lost thing as my selfe , could be any way instrumentall , i should as cheerfully hazard my life in the employment , as i now subscribe my selfe , your ready , faithfull , and most humble servant , ed. williams . the discovery of silke-wormes ; with their benefit , and implanting of mulberry trees . the mulberry tree , yielding the sole food of this exellent worme , must first bee provided for , whereof there are myriads disperst in the wide continent of virginia , which may bee collected by transplanting , grafting , or nursering . for transplantation there are infinite advantages both of well-growne and springing mulberry trees , which may with much facility be removed , and with great felicity thrive upon such a removall , of which experience can afford frequent examples . the grafts must bee chosen from excellent good plants which expresse a large fertility , and bee something large of themselves , by which election there will bee a greater certainety of the goodnesse , and a more speedy expectation of growth in those grafts , which thrive better when grafted one upon another , then upon the chesnut , apple-tree , elme , white popler , or any other , which if they are not mortally opposite , are however praeternaturall to the silke-worme . the nurseries have so much of tediousnesse and difficulty , that i shall hardly advise to put it in practice ; yet to those who have a stronger credulity then my reason can perswade mee to , i shall offer the sole expedient of effecting it , if that may bee called aptly an expedient , which hath so little of expedition in it . let the person desirous to make a nursery , observe , and gather such quantity as will suit with his necessity , of the ripest fruit growing upon those trees which beare the fairest and roundest leaves : these thus gathered , you must wash in ●wo or three waters● pressing them with your hands , by which 〈◊〉 s you shall finde the expressed seede in the bottome of the wa●●● : ● acced● more to the sowing of the mulberries whole without such expression , how ever , either the mulberry entire , or the seede may bee sowed after the manner following● a bed of fat earth being digged , husbanded , and the mould br●ught into a small powder , must have strait rowes or lines in fu●rowes , all halfe a foot equally distant every furrow two inches deepe , and fou●e broad , this distance may bee something larger that an intervall may bee made to the weeder in the weeding of such things as may hinder the mulberries growth by participating in its aliment . a great care must bee had to water it often for the first yeare , if the weather be dry , the succeeding yeare you may pul up and transplant your mulberry trees into another ground more at large , viz. at two or three foot distance , which must bee not retransplanted till the growth arise to some six inches in the circumference , at which bignesse you may remove them to the ground designed for their constant fixation , leaving betwixt ●ach tree a distance of sixteene or twenty foot , that the too much vicinity may not make the extending branches mutually inconvenience either by exclusion of a full sunne , or wound themselves by intertangence of one another : in such warme countries as that of virginia , the root must bee preserved coole and moyst , by a deeper implantation then is usuall in colder regions . for the election of your plants or sciens you may take notice of two families , or races , of mulberry trees , the black , and the white , discordant in wood , leafe , and fruit ; onely having this in common to spring later then other trees , as never emitting their leaves till all apprehension of cold is vanished , the black mulberry is not subdivided into any other species having the wood solid and strong , the leafe large , and rude in the handling , the fruit black , great , and acceptable to the palate : but there are three apparently different species in the white , distinguished onely by the colour of the fruit , namely , white , black , and red : yet is this fruit by much le●se gratefull to the palate then that of the black mulberry . no other distinction besides , the colour of the fruit discernes them one from the other , the leaves of all three being of the same meane greatnesse of the same smooth feeling , the wood of the same internall yellownesse , almost as ●irme as that of the black mulberry . but the silke taking his quality from the leafe make us lay aside the black mulberry tree , since the bottomes from thence are too grosse and heavy , whereas the white mulberry makes silke fine and light , to temper which many feed the wormes with two sorts of meats by dictinction of times , viz. at the beginning with white leaves , that the silke may bee fine , in the closing , with black to fortifie it , and make it weigh : yet this though it have an appearance of reason at the first inspection , rarely answers the expectation , the very alteration of the meate as from that which is more delicate , to that which is more grosse , being disagreable to the nature of the worme , who must shew that diminution in the quality of his silkes which hee feeles in the impairing of his nutriment . others make a contrary application of leaves by a more ( imaginative solid foundation ) which is to begin their dieting with black , and conclu●e with white ; which cannot succeed better , for the black having disposed the matte● of the silke , the white leaves after administred have no power to alter that seminall disposition . wee shall therefore fixe upon it as a principle of nature , not to vary the nourishment of this industrious creature . if wee begin with the black mulberry , the continuance of it will bee necessary . if the ground you possesse bee already planted with black mulberries , it is so much losse of time and expences to replant white : but if wee are to commence a thing de novo , every mans reason leading him to chuse the most profitable , and common exp●rience telling us that the white antecede the black ones so incredibly in the poynt of matu●ation , that six years of growth advance not so much the latter as two the first ; it were an act declaring bethlem for dictator , not to prefer the most speedy and profitable before the tedious and improper commodity . besides which em●lument the branches which by that speedy shoot they bring forth will bee usefull for propagation of that tree to infinite numbers . there is yet experimentall election amongst the white mulberries . some affirming that the leaves of those trees which emit the white fruit are fittest to bee assigned for this nourishment , which they fortifie by this reason ; that pullen and swine doe most delight in the white , and never eate the red and black but by constraint● , a conjecture not altogether irrefragable ; for why may it not bee controverted that pullen and swine being a greedy generation , may rather ballance that which is most grosse and fulsome , as best adapted for their palate , then that which is nice , and subtle , and best according to the delicate tendernesse of this creature ? others who have their owne experience to fortifie their assertion , commend the white mulberry bearing the black fruit , the colour demonstrating a better concoction in the fruit , and consequently in the leafe then the others . but ( which wee must bee extreamely curious in ) wee must expell from our yard all muberry trees bea●ing leaves too much indented , which , besides that it is an apparent signe of small subsistence and uncompleated nature , is more defective in quantity and quality of nourishment , then that which is lesse interruptedly circular : yet this may easily bee remedied , if you inoc●late such trees in the bud● or es●ucheon , having neede of such freedome ; the profit thence arising being very considerable for this kinde of nourishment : for by this course that inconsiderable quantity of worthless and famelick leaves receives a happy melioration into an abundant plenty of substantiall and nutritive nature . nor is this transmutation improper , for any other orchard plants which will succeede to your most advantagious expectation , and all indomestick and wild trees may by this bee made capable of a most happy cultivation . this infranchizing may bee practised to the answer of your desires in mulberries of all ages : in the older , on th●ir new shoot● of the antecedent yeare then lopped ; in the yonger upon the smallest trees of the nursery . but to graft these trees in the first season , that their growth will permit it , is most opportune and profitable ; for by this meanes your groves of mulberry will bee intirely delivered from all apprehe●sion of jejune sterility , or insub●tantiall deficiency : nor can ever you feare a want of supply , if you constantly maintaine a nursery of such grafts , not from the seede , but from the shoots and branches of your best trees thus propagated to an unperishable infinity by couching them in the ground , and the trees encreasing by their reimplanting are constantly furnished with leaves of an excellent sweetnesse and greatnesse , exquisitely abundant in nourishment , and consequently exempt from all the inconveniencies which walke hand in hand with an ingratefull wildnesse . having described what trees , grafts , and nurseries are best conducent to our mystery ; let us next dilate of their most proper soyle , and best order in planting . t●e best soyle and order ●or planting the mulberry . for the soyle it must bee chosen in particular much like that of the vines , inclining rather to dry then moyst , light then heavy , sandy then clayie ; for those which opiniona●e themselves that a fat ground is inconvenient t● mulberries● as supplying leaves of too grosse and unsubtile aliment ; the objection is pritty , but under pardon scarcely solid , neither am i capable of any reason to the contrary , why a rich soyle should not emit the growing trees with a greater maturation and bignesse , then a leane plantation , where the tender plants are even starved with the sparenesse of distributive moysture and aliment : yet to prevent the too grosse substance of the leafe after the tree by the advantage of a rich nourishment , hath arrived to a competent greatnesse ; the order which wee shall prescribe in their planting will admit the plough amongst them , where cultivation will easily take off the soyle from all exuberancy of fullsome ranknesse . the soyle which is full of springs , lakes , rivers , or ( which i● worst of all ) marshes , is particularly to be avoyded . the manner of implanting them would require a distance of ●oure fathomes or more , which in virginia where wee labour not under a penury of ground , may bee something more spaciously enlarged ; the reasons why this extent of distance are : first , the intermixture of spreading branches , where by their contingency they violate and ●utually wound themselves will bee avoyded . next , the sunne hath a more unimpeached immi●●ion and distri●ution of his beames , with which this tree is most particularly delighted . lastly , this largenesse of intervalls permits a free passage for the plough● to take off all luxur●ancy of ranknesse , which too much inspissates the leafes , which must feede this admirable creature . but of such graines as may with lea●t impairement bee sowen under the mulberry trees , oats and pease are the most proper , which during the ●ollection of the leaves may with very small detriment bee tr●dden upon ( the season commonly falling in april and may , when their blades are backward ) nay the very compressure of the earth makes them afterwards arise more strongly . i approve much more of interplanting the vine ; but ( which i conceive the most convenient for virginia is ) the setting of the indian potato hath the most inestimable benefit ; the potato having such a happy multiplica●ion of and in it selfe , that whilst there is but a string of the root left behinde in the earth , the species will bee renewed . besides the excellency of the food , whether for man , or ( where such a vast abundance may soone introduce a satiety ) cattle will bring alone with it an inestimable advantage ; whereas corne may too strongly impoverish a ground , and th● vine it selfe when it comes to its ripest excellency , will want th● compleat comfort of the sunne beames to give fruit a well concocted maturity , the mulber●y like an ambitious grandee , engrossing all that favour to himselfe by his prevalency of height and greatnesse . nor should wee bee too curious to plant the trees one over against the other exactly opposite ; but ● still observing for beauties ●ake to set them in a right line ) rather one against the intervall of the other , that so the sunne may have no interposition from any a●gle , to warme , comfort , and enrich this tree , which aides the production of so many incomprehensible miracles . the order for collection of the leaves . the order to bee observed for collecting the leaves should bee precisely insisted upon , that the trees may bee of longer and ●●ourishing duration , and the food of a more curious and unsoyled nourishment : it is a truth not to bee denyed , that the dis●eaving of trees is extreamely prejudiciall , and in some irrecoverably deadly ; the reason is their extraordinary scorching , by being left without any shade of protection : but the m●lberry being ( as it were ) destin●d to this worke which it naturally supporteth , more inprejudicially endures this ●emper of di●leaving then any other trees whatsoever . but for the obviation of this inconvenience , it will bee absolutely necessary for our master of the silkeworme● to have such a proportionable number of trees , that the halfe may alternately repose unpluckt every second yeare . this diligently put into practice will make your trees contin●e verdant and vigorous for many generations . to gath●r them with both hands leafe after leafe , i● confessedly the most proper , but yet withall the most expencefull ; for the multitude of hands which such a circumstantiall labour would exact . the other way of gathering them with stripping them from th● branches , is without doubt extreamely nocent to the tree , and worm : to the tree by unbarking , wounding and perishing its branches . nor is it lesse de●rimentall to the worme seeing this disorderly collection corrupts and sullies the leaves , which this delicate nice creature perceiving , either rejects them , or sickens upon their reception by bruising the leaves , and expressing that which is the life of i●s substance , the juice , and this commonly with unwasht hands , which leave the ill odour unremoveable upon them . the remov●ll of these inconveniences is easily effected by following the course they practice in some parts of spaine , which is by clipping the leaves from the branches with a sharpe in●trument , like a taylors sheares ; by this way you disleave many stalkes at once , which falling into a cleane sheete spread under that tree for the purpose , seperating afterwards the leaves also● such as are ●ound from unsound , such as peradventure have much of the stalke , from those which are nothing but leafe , ( the stalke being hurtfull to this tender creature ) and a●ministred to them the sunny side of the leafe upward is the most commendable practise of gathering and f●eding that hath hitherto been delivered . the leaves of the old mulberry are to bee much prefer'd before those which are not come to an absolute perfection ; the age of perfection in the mulberry , we reckon to be accomplished in seven or eight yeares , as to soundnesse of nourishment ; not that they grow not after , but by that time it is growne powerfull to concoct such succulency as might before over master it . the trees disleaved must by a diligent hand be pruned immediatly after the last collection ; what ever is broken , wounded , or made unprofitable must bee carefully cut off . the extreames of all the branches must be top'd a little with a sh●rpe pruning knife , which is an invitation to nature to send forth the next yeare more vigorously . but whether it be in gathering the leaves , or pruning the trees , it must bee our principall care that they be intirely beared , the omission of which , by not taking all the leaves off , turnes back the liberallity of the repeating spring . this observation hath been grounded upon practise , made so successefull by experience , that it hath been found , that trees after such culture and disleaving , have within a month attired themselves with such a n●w border of leaves , that the former imbalding them hath been imperceptible . which induces me to believe a former assertion , that it is possible to have a second silke harvest by this meanes , and why not equall with the first , i know not , since the seed is more youthfull and vigorous then that of the yeare preceding growne feeble by its continuance . the raines if they fall about the time this noble creature drawes unto her perfection and period , is by much more strangely prejudiciall , then when they are in the greatest of their feeding , the wet leaves occasioning them many desperate diseases : the usuall way of prevention is to have a provision of leaves before hand , when there is any jealousie of rainy weather ; but this provision must be laid in a cleane dry place which is fresh aired , and that we may remove all dangers of contracting too much heat , to be turned often , which course , although the raine should not oppresse us , yet is it of great conveniency , not so much out of apprehension to be necessitated as for the quality of the food , it being much better after fourteen or fifteen houres resting in a place cleane and drie , then when fresh from the tree . but if you are surprized by an unexpected season of wet , take those mulberries which you intend to lop the next yeare , ( and the mulberry would be lop'd every ten or twelve yeare , which revives and strengthens the tree with a new youth ) and cut their branches which hung up in a drie corner , either of your house or barne , or any other coverture in airy places , will soone have their leaves drie , better condition'd , a●d of more efficacy then any leaves set to a fire , which is too suddaine , or to winnowing by a winde artificiall and unnaturall . the mulberries chiefe profit consisting in the leafe , we must be carefull to lose nothing of this revenue ; which considered● wee should delay the disheading or lopping of them till the wormes have done feeding , which would be about the latter end of m●y , or the beginning of iune ● and although by the disbranching of them in such a season , we cannot expect such large returning shoots as those which were cut in february or march , the dist●nce of time being materiall in their growth , yet the profit of the leaves being double , very well answer such inequality . the mu●berry being of so franke and plyable a disposition , that notwithstanding its amputation in unseasonable moone and weather , no injuries shall ●inder him from regermination . yet are not these advantages ( no necessity obstructing them ) to be omitted by any which are not enemies to their owne profit . the mulberries in the increase of the moone● pouled , or lopt , bring forth their young shoo●s long without spreading branches ; in the wa●e short , with many little branches crossing the principall . to reconcile this ( the election of the time being in our power ) the mulberries seated in leane grounds , are most prop●rly disheaded in the new moone● those which are planted in rich ground , in the last qua●ter ; so will those in the leane soyle ●●it shoots as long as the ba●rennesse of the place will affo●d them : and those of the fatter , through the benefit of the● seat , conveniently regaine that which they would not easily have done , cut in the increase ; for those aspiring branches , were they not r●strained by the counte● shoots who participate with them in nou●ishment wou●d by reason of their unweldy length , be forced to bend downewa●ds to the deforming of the tree from the shape of a mulberry into that of a palme-tree , which is not to bee feared in the rest , by reason of the leanenesse of the ground , forbidding all abundance of shooting : wee have provided for the feeding of this little and great artificer , let us now expresse an equall care in his lodging . the lodging of the silke wormes . t is a vanity to expect emolument from this mysterious creature , if wee sort him not with a lodging proper and agreeable to his nature , who can with no lesse disprofit bee ill accommodated in his habitation , then in his nourishment ; who to show a particular affinity with the noblest of creatures , man , makes his affection of habitation equall to his . spaciousnesse , pleasure , healthfullnesse , distance from off●nsive vapours , damps and humidities , warmth in the extreames of colds , coolenesse in the extreames of warmth . wh●t ever wee naturally desire and abhorre , does this creature by the prosperity or infelicity of his labours show a most experimentall resentment of . his station therefore must bee in the meane twixt the top and bottome of a foundation , the first being too much obnoxious to heats or windes , the second to colds and damps . the platforme therefore of your building his station must be so contrived , as to have his basis three or foure foot above the g●ound , nor ascending within an equall distance of the tiles . a fab●ick ( saith d● serres ) of seven fathome in length , three in breadth , and two in height , will entertaine with ease the wormes enlivened from ten ounces of seed : this proportion may be raised according to your seed . in virginia these may be of very sudden erection ; nature hath furnished that excellent countrey with materials , to invite all who have the desire to attempt it . that the aire and winde ( if coole and dry ) may have free passage to r●fresh these laborious spinners , who near upon the perfection of their worke are upon the point of stifling● ( the season , and the abu●d●●ce of the silke wherewith th●y are filled , both cooperating thereunto ) w●e must h●ve window●s opening to all angles to receive u●susp●●ted inf●igidations in extreamities of heat , and warming ●ranspirations in immoderate colds ; yet with this proviso , that these windowes bee fit not onely to receive any favourable aire , but to expell all noxious vapours ; and because this creature loveth any thing that is white and luminous , it will sort excellently well with his disposition and safety , to parget or plaster the inside of the hous● very well and smooth , both to satisfie the eye and preserve him from the danger of rats , which cannot clime ●p such a wall , though a principall care ought to bee used that the severall stations on which they are lodged , bee remote from all fixures to walls , which might give rats and mice advantage . to build the scaffolds containing these wormes : many pillers of carpenters worke directly squared , shall bee perpendicularly erected , from the ground to the seeling , to support the tables which crossing the pillars upon little joynts sixteene inches distant one from the other ( except that from the g●ound which must bee inches . ) upon these tables doe wee lay our wormes , but their boards must not bee equall in breadth , every table as it exceeds in height , being to bee narrower then the next below by foure inches , and the highest approaching the seeling to bee narrowest of all . this pyramidicall forme is of most beauty and safety to the wormes ; when wandring upon the edges from one end of the scaffold to another , seeking a fit place to vomit their silke , they fall in such a precipice from the higher scaffold to the ground● that they break th●mselves in pieces : but by this means fal●ing but from one scaffold to another , the smallnesse of the distance contributes to their preservation . the breadth of the most lowest ●able shall bee limited even to this proportion , that easily of one side a ma● with his hand may reach the middle to attend the wormes ; as for the ascending scaffolds their continuall diminution makes the serving of them of greater easinesse . a roome of any capacity will admit severall of these scaffolds ( distinct from the wall for reason before recited of r●ts ) and also that the attender may come on either side of the scaffold , such space being alwayes to bee left betweene their po●ition● ●hese scaffolds must bee made of an unsuspect●d fi●menesse , to prev●nt the falling downe of any part of it , or the whole either by 〈◊〉 ladder which the keeper ascends , or the weight of the worms thems●lves , when once growne great and h●●vy . to s●●nd these se●ffolds some m●ke boa●ds ●bout them , ●s it were by ga●leries● othe●s have their getting up to them by little staires app●opriated to this ; others by formes● i approve of none more convenient then a light ladder which fi●●all , and poss●sses but one place . the timber fittest to employ in the tablure of this scaffolding is usually firre or such light wood : in virginia i apprehend none fitter then cedar or cypresse , because of their delicious odours . wee have already spoken of such meanes as may refr●sh the overheated worme ; rests now to del●ver an experiment to warme the aire , this crea●ure b●ing no l●●●e enemy to cold in the beginning of his apprentissage , then to heate when hee is ready to goe out ●f this world m●st●r workem●n . aft●r having built your house for worms ; let there be a hole pier●●d through your wall , where you must make an oven , the mouth whereof must be on the out side of the house : then before you make it off , take pots like flower pots , bu● such as will i●dure the fire , and lay them with the mouth side of these p●ts tending inwards towards the house , and the bottome within the oven , lay these t●us sidelong at an equall distance and worke up the oven with the pots incorporate thereunto● this done you may make a fire in the oven , which by the benefit of the p●ts conveyes a●l the heate to you without any inconveni●nce of smoake . to make this heate the more agreeable to the wo●m●s , and to keepe the house in a temperate and inoff●nsive warmth , you may put into these pot● branches of rosemary , time , ros●s , ●uniper , &c. this figure sheweth the order for ●●●king ●h● t●bl●●●n ●●e se●ffolds , to lay the leaves on , for feeding t●e wormes . this figure sheweth how ●o plac● the rods , betweene the table● , for the wormes to ●limbe up , and spin their silke . this figure representeth the engi●e , to wind off the silk from the cods , with furnaces and cawlderns necessary thereto . this figure pourtra●●● the cods , with the butter●lies come forth of them , to lay th●●● egges upon black serge , chamlet , tammy , or such like stuffe , as in this treatise is shewed . the elec●ion and use of the seed of the silke-worme . there is a great deale of reason , that we should be curio●s in the election of ou● seed ; and t is not more poetick then philosophick , that of horace : est in juv●n●i● est in equis patrum , virtui nec imb●llem feroces progenerant aquilam columbae . what can we expect of generosity in that which has a disposition to degenerate before produced : of all the seeds proper for the v●vifying this animall , there is none more excellent● as yet arrived to our knowledge , then that of spaine : this de ●erres ●ffirmeth , though he seeme to be in a kinde of haesitation , whether that of calabria march not in a higher degree of reputation , as yielding more abundance , and of equall hardnesse with the cod of spaine ; yet this is certaine in nature and reason , that seed transported into other colder regions , can no way lay claime to a parity of thriving with that continued in its owne climate ; and i doubt not but if the south of virginia , where the silke-worme is aboriginally native , were duely inquired after , the seed of that would hav● a particular excellency , to which all the europaean nations must give the glory , the right hand of preheminence . but leaving this to the scrutiny wh●ch shall be made by time , and experience , we must grant the prime opinion to the spanish , which however it thrive in france for foure yeares , yet afterwards it degenerates extreamely , so that it must ●very foure yeares be renew'd , for within that circle it s●●f●●s a manifest d●clension in goodnesse . comming from spaine it is of a dark taw●y colour , after ce●taine generations , gray . to prove whether the seed be dead or not , you must exp●●iment it upon your naile , that which br●aks in cracking , c●sting ●orth ●umor and moisture , you may assuredly esteem for good , the other is to be rejected . the smallnesse of the spanish se●d increases the number of wormes , for which it deserves a p●r●icular prae●●tion . no seed of above a yeare old is any further profitable , till you put them to hat●h , you may preserve them in boxes thrust amongst woollen clo●thes in a trunke or chest , and let the cha●ber where such trunkes or chests are , be now and then aired with a fire , to the intent they being rather warme then cold , may be praedisposed for a hasty production when the season of the yeare shall invite you to put it into practise . to imbibe or steep the seed of silke-wormes in the most generous wine you can procure , is an experiment that hath alwayes answered with a happy successe ; for this not onely discriminates betwixt the good and bad , ( the good alwaies subsiding , and the other floating ) but addes legitimation and strength to the approved ones , making them come forth free and fortified , and causeth them to hatch almost all at one time . after the good are taken out , they must be set to drie in the sunne , or before the fire , layd upon very clean paper , covered with white linnen , or smooth paper , lest the ●eat might bring it prejudice . the vivification of the seed . the spring being come , and the mulberries budding , it will be seasonable to put them to hatching , which ( all other wayes omitted , as the keeping them in a boxe , in ones pocket , between a womans breasts , &c. ) sorts best with reason and convenience , performed thus● viz. that the seed removed from its first vessell , shall be committed into a box lined with cotton , over which you must put a white paper , which must seperate the seed from the cotton , the● cover the seeds ( being not above halfe an inch thick ) with a little b●d of tow , over which tow you are to lay a paper pierced very thick with small holes , much about the bignesse of the tag of a point ; over this paper you shall lay some mulberry leaves . and this is the preparative to hatch them . to bring them forth , lay your boxe so prepared between two pillowes , which moderately warmed with a pa● every two houres● and after the first three and foure dayes visiting the box at every such warming , to the end to seperate such as you shall see hatched , who will not faile to creep through the tow , and pierced paper to the mulberry leaves , to which they will cleave : which to remove , you must draw them out of the boxe by taking hold of the mu●berry leave● with a needle , and removing them and the wormes adherent into a bigger boxe or sieve ; with paper at the bottomes , distinguish those of a hasty production from those of a more slow , that the worke may arise more equall . these thus brought forth must by gradations be accustomed to indure the coolenesse of the spring , diminishing dayly something from his accidentall warmnesse : the first foure daies let them in the sieve covered with cleane linnen continue upon the bed , the curtaines closely drawne , then removed into a warme chamber , close from all penetrations , layd upon ranks close together , that they may give and receive mutuall warmth , allowing them a larger proportion of roome , as they increase in body . but the most assured way to preserve the wormes untill their second change in warmth and security from vermine , dust , or other hostilities of nature , is by a great presse or cubbord made with many stages , parget●ed or pasted for the agreeablenesse of the odou● with oxe dung , made of firre , or mats , and to draw out at will seperately , equally distant foure inches , compassed round about with linnen tackt to the doores , with paper w●ndowes on the sides and formost doore , to admit or exclude aire after the exigency of the occasion ; and heere vacant places being left at first to enlarge them , as they increase in growth may they bee distinguished according to the dates of their first appearance upon the mulberry , rejecting all that seed , which is not enlivened before the fifth day , as unprofitable for working by confusion of times , and uselesse by their weaknesse . foure times doth this excellent artist change his skinne , which is the cause of his so many sicknesses . the first sicknesse arriving within ●ight dayes from the beginning of his life , is knowne by these symptomes ; the head growes bigge and white , and hee hides hims●lf● under the leaves : to administer any food were needless● ; but that they are not all sick at one instant , so that some must bee giv●n to nourish them which have not arrived to , or past over their sicknesse , which you shall know by their change of colour and creeping upon fresh leaves . the second sicknesse arising within eight dayes , or thereabouts , from thence is knowne by the sa●● accidentalls , and must have the same applications , onely now they would bee removed into new , cleane , and more spacious places : the third is in all like the two other , though something more dangerous ; heere you must carefully prevent the accession of all cold ayres whatsoever : it may happen that some of these wormes may grow yellow , which is almost incurable in themselves , and deadly contagious to all the rest ; these must bee carefully selected from the rest and ejected . remove , enlarge & cleanse as before . eight or ten dayes after appears the . change or sicknes , & now the recovered worms being increased to their full growth , must be removed , enlarged , & cleansed , as before . at appoynted houres morning and evening must this worme be● fed from their hatching to their fi●st change or sickness● ; from the second change to the third or fourth , they must bee fed three times the day at the least , taking this for an assured maxime , that after the recovery from their last siknesse , the very cloying of them with leaves● even to the satiety of their appetite , accelerates them to the perfection of their taske ; for these curious vessells will the sooner discharge themselves of their precious inclosed substance , by how much they are the sooner replenished . nor is there any prodigall improvidence in this ; for it hath beene observed that wormes have eaten neare as much in eight dayes when more sparingly distributed , as in foure when liberally handed to them ; so that by such wary dispensation they save no leaves , and lose foure dayes in point of time . but a particular eye of care must bee had to the quality of the leaves you feede with . no goodnesse of a selected tree being capable to secure it selfe against accidentall diseases arising from the unnaturallnesse of seasons , wherein by extreames of drought or moisture , mildewes , heat drops , and other distempers , all the leaves oftentimes becomming yellowish , spotted , or speckled , declare the nature of that food highly unwholesome and pernicious : such as grow out of the sunne in the interior umbragious parts of thick trees are almost as dangerous : no● are the leaves of the second spring which shoot afresh on trees already disleaved of lesse guilt , through the inequality of their ages● one banquet of those gives the last repast that your wormes shall have neede of , a fluxe thence arising killing them , and easing you of further trouble , if yo● account it so to be vigilant over your owne profit . the m●st agreeable to all wormes is to bee fed with leaves of their owne age , and by this the feeble creature shall meete with tender leaves , then growne strong with leaves , f●ll growne correspondent to both their complexions . the fault of the wet leaves may bee corrected by patience , attending the serener season ; but of dry leaves you ought at no time ( if you regard your owne profit with a sober providence ) to bee unprovided , and the way how to prepare hath beene already delivered in this treatise . th●se precious creatures exact no great expence or laborious care during the first three or foure weekes , b●ing satisfied with little , as most agreeeble to the tendernesse and smallnesse of bodies , and are very well entertained with the leaves of the succours or other branches , from whence for the profit of the tree on● should necessarily cut them . at the beginning we go to gather leaves with hankerchiefs , then with little baskets , lastly with sacks & maunds , as growing to a bignesse to re●uire it , and a perfection to discern it . that the gatherers of these leaves should handle them with pure and washt hands , wee have already decla●ed absolutely necessary : but the governour of these chast and magnific●nt creatures must bee master of an exact purity . the smell of tobacco is deadly to them : let his obs●rvance forbeare it : let him have a watchfull eye , that none of an offensive smell approach them ; all ill breathings upon them● whether contracted by fulsome foode or nature make this innocently noble creature express● her r●sentment by her owne death , or sicknesse . let him pu●ifie the rankn●sse of his owne breath ( when fasting ) with good wine ere he approach them● with the odour whereof the worme is highly ch●rished . let the lodging be swept every day , and preserved so by sprinkling the flou●e with vinegar , and afterwards strawing it wi●h lavender , sp●ke , rosemary , time , and such like of well comforting odours . to these we may sometim●s adde a p●rfume composed of frankincense , benio●n , storax , and o●her quickning aromaticks bu●ned in the lodging . let the tables be oft●n made cleane and shift●d , by often , i meane every ●●ird o● fou●th day a● the fur●hest , at which time the litter begins to bee offensive to this curious natured creature ; especially with the increase of the heate , let his diligence increase , that no uncleanesse ( at that time more then ordinary maligne ) cut him from the benefit of his labours . the litter must not bee taken away by degrees to the trouble of our curious creature , but all at once ; which may bee ●ffected , if you leave at the end of each scaffold an empty station to place the adjoyning wormes on , whose left station being made cleane is fitted for the next neighbourhood , and thus may all bee removed and shifted by degrees , and a vacan● table at the other end of the scaffold r●maines to begin againe ( as afore ) within two , three , or foure dayes at the longest . and thus without carrying far , the wormes shall bee removed with ease and security , not once laying the finger upon their tender bodies ; for giving them fresh leaves at the time of their replacing , the worme wil● fasten to the leafe , and the leafe may bee removed with his precious burthen , with no lesse safety then convenience . it will bee requisite to dispose the tables in such a fashion that they may bee seperately taken from the scaffold like tills out of drawers ; for this the easiest and lesse nocent way of cleansing , as preventing the falling of any stench upon the lower ●ables , and by which they are more suddenly discharged of their filth and ordure , meerely by striking them gently on the floore , which done , let them bee swept and brushed perfectly well ; let the tables on which you put your wormes after their first sicknesse bee sprinkled with vinegar or wine , then rubbed over with sweete hearbes to delight and encourage them to labour . some have made tryall● which hath succeeded happily of the smell of garlick and onions to refresh them ; i dare not absolutely assent to this experiment ; but it is cleare as su●●e-shine , that the worme not onely rejoyces in agreeable odours , but is succoured thereby in his greatest ●aladies : of which we now intend to discourse . the causes of extraordinary maladies in wormes , and their ●●re . the extreames of colds and heates , the too sparing , or too abundant administration of victualls in their severall ages , and a maligne disposition of the leaves are the principle causes of all extraordinary maladies which afflict this creature . if the in●lemency of cold hath benummed or diseased this innocent artist , the stove or oven formerly mentioned will recover it ( the stopping of all windowes , and other admissories of aire cooperating● ) to the greater complement of the c●re , let the lodging bee perfumed with redolent g●mmes , with wine , strong vinegar , or aqua vitae : if on the contrary , the torrid violence of heate have wasted the strength of this suddaine and excellent spinner : the fresh aire admitted at the doo●es and windowes some brave artificiall fannes or ventalls to raise this breath , if too little , or at the last the exposing them upon their tables out of their lodgings to enjoy an uncontrouled and liberall communion of the aire , some halfe an houre before sunne rising are the proper meanes of their recovery . those which by a wastfull liberality of their keeper in the t●ndernesse of their age have injured themselves with over fe●ding , must bee cured by a two dayes abstinence , and for some two succeeding dayes dieted with a moderation . those who famished by the negligenc● of their keeper are almost languishing to death , mus● bee restored by giving them meate in slender proportion , but frequently repeated , by such a dyet regaining their forfeited appetite . those which by having fed on yellow spotted , or too yong leaves have contracted a fl●xe , and from thence a jaundice and spotted colour , i● companied with black bruisings , must upon the first inspection bee immediately ●emoved into seperate chambers , that the change of ayre and dyet may labour for their almost desperate cure , and to prevent a contagion , which from thence would universally domineere . but such wormes which as an accession to this last disease you should behold bathed on the belly by a certain humour flowing in that part of their bodies , are as incurable , good for nothing but to repast your poultry . indeed excepting this last inexpugnable malady perfumes and change of chambers are generally conducing to overcome all diseases and to res●ore a new health and vigour . but this noble creature is by nature sufficiently priviledged from these diseases , if the unskilfullnesse or negligence of the keeper did not violate this priviledge , and by that violation increase his owne trouble . nor is this care of the keeper to bee onely limited to the day , the night too must require a part of his vigilance ; mice and rats then take advantage , and grieved that any creature should labour for man without their participation or obstruction devoure them by troopes , and the cat her selfe enters in●o a league with these her usuall prey● to prey upon these poore things , whose innocency and excellency makes them the more obnoxious to their cruell avarice . to remedy this , the house must not bee without continuall lampes , bells , and other vaine terrours to affright them : the keeper himselfe also , or his depu●y must fr●quently walke round about his little a●my . and left the oyle ( which occas●ons divers indispositions , if it fall but in a drop upon these nice a●●●sts ) might bee prejudiciall , the lamp●s should bee affixed on the wall , and the portable lights with which hee visits his curious charge of waxe , tallow , firre●tree , or any other of inn●xious , but illuminative substance . these things well observed , within seaven or eight da●es at the most , succeeding their fourth and l●st exuviall sickness● ; the w●rmes dispose themselves to pay the expence of their diet. to make preparation for them , there must bee accommodations of r●●● necessary for these wormes to 〈◊〉 up to vomit their silke , and fasten their webs by . to assemble these wormes ( the terme assigned to this worke ) the most proper matters are rosemary , cutting of vines ●●oots , of chestn●●s , okes , osiers , sallowes , elmes ashes , and in generall of all flexible shrubs , not having any disagreeing od●ur . the feet of these rods ●v●ned for the bet●●r fixure shall bee joyned at inches distant to the table below , ●nd th● t●p● of them arch●d together at that above● which epit●●●all a●phitheater is mast●r of as much beauty as those of the caesars in the greate●● volume of their lustre and magnifice●ce ; the upper part of the arch must bee plent●●ully interwoven with sprigs of lavender , spike , thyme , and shrubs delectable to the smell . by this intermixture the wormes shall have ample sat●sfaction to their restlesse curiosity , where firmly to fasten their rich matter , having an election of such delectation of perfumes , & variety of shoots : but these twigs must by no means be green , the moisture extreamly offending the cattell , and not suddenly withering , if the aire be moyst . the wormes being removed to these amphitheatrall trophies , you may easily discover their gratefull inclination to spinne , by their bignesse of body , brightnesse , and clearenesse of belly and neck , neglect of meat , and irregular wandring through the troope ; and a ●●ttle af●er to fulfill these promises they ascend their branches to vomit , or rather spinne out their silky substance . here you must diminish their ordinary , dayly , for they will in short time have united themselves to those shoots or twigs , quite forsaking the table . those wormes which clime not before the others union to the branches are of a latter hatching ; and to prevent all unseasonable intertextures in generall , to the retarding and perishing of the whole worke , must be assembled two other tables arched as these , that they may worke together at one time . the knowledge ( when these wormes have perfected their cod● or bottoms ) may be obtained by an eare that is but the leastwaies curious , these creatures making both a pleasant humming in feeding and continuing it in fashioning their bottoms , give that noise and their compleated worke over both together . that which falls next is the propagation of the seed to be preserved till the next harvest . the propagation of the silke worme seed . happy creature , which livest onely to doe mankinde service● and dyest when thou hast accomplished i● ! miracle of nature ! a worme shut up in his owne monument , breakes through his silky grave , transformed into a butterflye● employes ten dayes to erect himselfe a s●pulchre , and an equall proportion of time to leave it● disimpri●oning himselfe from his owne interment , by perforation of his bottome , he returnes to the view of mankinde in the figure of a butterflye , with wings , as if he had already try●●ph'd over his mortality ; which done , he and his co-triumphall females , coupling together perpetuate their species by dissolution of their bodies ; and that which compleats the miracle , may arise from the long abstinence of this living three and twenty dayes imprisoned without any sustenance or fruition of that which he takes a particular delight in , day light . removing your branches from the tables , and your silke-balls or bottomes from the branches dayes after the worke is perfected , the b●lls are then to be made election of , for such seed as you wil preserve for the year following . bonoeill , & de serres do both agree that there should be proportioned balls for one ounce of seed , the balls m●le and female ( the description of which hereafter . ) but whereas bonoeill is of opinion that a hundred double or trebble bottomes which two or three wormes have spunne and made up in common , will produce so many wormes as bottoms : i demand his pardon if i accede rather to the judgement of d● serres : for from every double or triple bottome there comes forth but one butterflye , though it hath more within : the reason is , it being not probable that they should be all ripe together , that which is most mature by perforation of the balls , ●xposes the other to the assault of the aire , which giving them cold , they dye imperfect . to distinguish the sexes . the male of the worme , when grown great , is knowne from the female , by a wrinkled head● and a great appea●ance of eyes ; the female hath the head round without any such appearance . in the bottomes o● balls the m●le is k●owne , as having work●d himselfe into a bottome , long slender , and by much sharper at one end then the other : the bottomes of the female are bigger , softer , ●ound at one end , halfe poynted at the other . the sex in those butterflyes is thus distinguished : the male is lesser of body then the fem●le , stirring the wings more often and more strongly . selecting then two hundred bottomes ( male & female included in the number ) you must passe a thread through the first and outward downe , called the sleave of the ball ( using a wary hand that you pierce not into the silke , lest the cold getting in you should quite abortive your wormes ) of which you must make severall connexions composed of an equall number of both sexes ; these ( to prevent rats and mice ) must be hang'd upon some hooke in a chamber of ●iddle temper , but something inclining to coolenesse , yet however not subject to moysture , that the butterflyes may come out with the more facility , having pierced through their confinement , though nature her selfe infu●es in them disposed applications to finde out their opposite sexes , it will be necessary to couple such as yet are disjoyned : all which , after you shall perceive them in conjuncture , must bee s●t either upon say , piropus , tammey , chamlet , the backside of old velvet , in generall vpon any stuffe which has no woolly downe , wherein the graine may be lost , or where it may get betweene the threads , as is linnen ) hang'd upon the wall close by their balls , or in defect of such stuffe , take walnut-tree leaves one handfull , or mo●e as you shall see occasion , tye them by dozens backsides together , ha●g them at severall nailes or pinnes , and set the coupled buterflies thereon . take the chamlet , or other stuffes , receiving the seed , and rub it gently between your hands , and the seed will come out with great facility . the principall time of the butterflyes issuing out from the cod , is in the morning about eight of the clock : the seed collected must be put into a boxe very cleane pasted with paper , to exclude all aire or dust , kept in a chest in a drye temperate place where it may be preserved till the spring following , avoyding to make any continuall fires in such chambe●s , lest the warmth untimely hatch the wormes , which being brought forth at such a season must perish for want of food . the spaniard takes commonly the double and triple balls for seed , not that he conceites every double ball should produce two butterflyes , or which is a conceit of more fondnesse , male and female : but because the multiplicity of creatures spinning their silk in common , make the worke so confused that they cannot well winde it off , which makes them be put in the ranke of the pierced ones for sleave● and i must ingeniously acknowledge my selfe to a●●ede to his opinion ; for these d●●●le and triple balls a●e not u●apt ●or this pu●pose since they com●on●y , as d● serres observes , come rather from a lustinesse and supplenesse of the worme● then any naturall debility : which su●e are so much fitter to bee culled out , that the best balls m●y bee made into silke , which will easily winde and the seede of these which is fully as proper for seed● but lesse apt for silke : neither doe i know why they should not bee preferred , since the spanish seed ●●oc●eding from these double and triple balls carries a particular ●●●●eminence above the rest● which if wee shall make ●se of , the us● is the same with others , except that they must bee clipped at the smaller end with the poynt of a p●ire of scissors , with ● regard that you cut not cleane through the bo●tome , which would by admission of wind destroy the worm , and this they doe that the butte●flies● if more then one , may finde an easie passage ; the best bottomes ( if you will preserve them ) for graine , are great , hard , weighty , and of carnation or flesh colour . the balls preserved for seed being made choice of , the next thing wee are to fall upon is , how to winde off the bottomes designed for silke : which would bee of much more advantage for pu●ity and plenty of silke , and facility of labour if they could immediately bee wound off . the silke so fresh●y taken unwinding without any losse or violence : but this delayed , the gumme , by which the worme fastens her threads becomming dry , doth so harden the bottome , that without difficulty and losse , the winding cannot bee ●ccomplished . this expeditious winding prevents the enclosed worme of her full metamorphose into a butterflye● and the bottome from perforation : but then where shall wee finde so many workemen if the designe were generall , as could in seven or eight dayes winde off so many millions of bottomes ? not excluding therefore such as can have that conveniency , the next best course to kill the butterflyes in those bottomes which wee cannot winde off , is by exposing and laying them in the sunne , the heate of which in its owne worke stifles this creature : but let this bee two or three daye● successively ( not all at one exposure , lest your silke be burned instead of stifling its spinner ) two houres before , and two houres afternoone each day respectively . let the bottomes , spread upon sheets be turned often , that the heate may destroy equally , no one excepted from this sharpe insolation ; but this must not bee done with a rude hand , which instead of turning them may bruise the worme , the slimy matter of whose body , being thus bruised , is very pr●judiciall both for staining the silke , and gluing it so together , that no artist can ever unwinde them . removing them therefore oftentimes during such sunning with a gentle hand , wrap them thus warmed in sheets , and let them lye in a fresh dry chamber . but if the sunne should faile , an oven of such moderate heate as is usuall after two houres drawing the bread , or heated to such a degree of warmth ( laying it over with boards , and the bottomes in sacks upon those boards , there remaining each time an houre and a halfe , repeating it till your experience by opening the most suspected bottome finde the inclosed worme consumed ) will bee of equall operation . but that which is the best and least practised course is this : take your bottomes , and fill such a furnace or copper as your brewers use , halfe full of water : within three fingers breadth of this boyling water , lay a lid or planke or board within the copper , bored through as thick with holes as a cullender , and so fit to the side of the furnace , that it by no meanes may sinke into the water : upon this cover lay a thin carpet of darnix , or the like , and upon the carpet the silke bottomes , which must bee often stirred , with care not to use too much violence . the mouth of the copper , except when you stir the bottomes , must bee constantly covered , that the h●are may smother the wormes : your wormes being dead , lay your bottomes in some roome , where there is aire to dry their moysture . this is an assured ( though not vulgar ) experiment , and by it your silke becomes as easie in the winding , and as pure in colour and substance , as if it had beene spunne the same moment the worme had given it perfection . to winde off the silke from the cod or bottome . the winding off the silke from the cod or bottome , is thus ●ffected : fill a caldron full of very faire water and set it upon a furnace , heate it to such a degree that 〈◊〉 water becomes bubbled , as though there were small pearles in the middle , being ready to seeth ; then cast in your cods or bottomes , still stirring them up and downe with broome or other small bushes , if you shall see that the heate is not capable to make your bottomes winde , augment your fire , otherwise abate it . the bottomes winding the threads will take hold of the broome or brushes ; draw those threads so affixed the length of halfe a yard and more out with your fingers , till all the grossenesse of the bottome b●e wound off , which cutting off and laying aside , take all the thr●ads of your bottomes united into one and according to the bignesse of thread you intend to make ( as whether sowing or stitching ) chose the number , not letting the other threads fall into the water againe , which must bee reserved to succeede ) which you must runne through an wyer ring , appoynted for to ranke the threads which ( as you may see in the draught or picture ) must be fastened upon the fore part of a piece of wood set directly upon a forme before the round or circle , which wee call a bobin , in the top of which piece in a little space that there is , are fastned two bobins , distant from one another two fingers ; from this wyer ring the thread must bee drawne and crossed upon the bobins , whose onely use there is to twist the silke through a ring which is fastned in the middest of a staffe ; above the bobins you must continue the draught of your thread ; this staffe which moves with the wheele is called a lincet set a crosse beneath the wheeles● from that ring you must fasten your thread upon the wheele it selfe , which must bee still turned till the skeyne of silke bee wound up , the representation see in the next figure . observe , when any thread discontinues , his bottome being wound off , to repaire your number from another bottome , this you shall perceive when your full number of bottomes stir not altogether . bee sure that you artificially cut the knots which will bee in your threads , that your silke may bee more pure and uniforme . those which cast gumme arabick in the water under pretence to make the silke winde more pure and glossey , are but impostours , it being a meere cheate to make the silke weigh the heavier . basins , or caldrons , wherein you put your bottoms to winde , if of lead re●●ore the silke more pure then those of copper , this mettall being subject to a rubiginous quality , from which lead is wholy exempt . let the wheeles be large for the better speeding of the worke that two skeines may be wound off together . that the fire of the furnace may be pure , and without smoake , let it be made of charcoale . the difficulty of their winding may be mollified by sope , put in the basin or caldron ; the old cods or bottoms hardened by time , will have the naturall gumme which glues their threads dissolved , and the silke come off much more easie . those bottomes of silke preserved for seed , and pierced by the butterflyes , may be made of good use , if washing them in water you throwe them into a caldron ready to boyle , with sope in it , which must be dissolved before the bottomes are cast in : thus let them boyle a quarter of an houre , or thereabouts , which done , take them out , wash them in cleane water and d●ye them ; being d●yed you must beat them with a round st●ffe of a good bignesse upon a stone or some block which is better , which will make them become white , and smooth as wooll . the way to spinne them after is this . they must with the fingers be pul'd one from one another , and opened as wooll uses to be in such preparations , let it then bee put on a distaffe and spunne as small as you can , or please . treatise of the vine . that the use of the vine is really intended by nature for virginia , those infinite store of ●rap●s which c●owne the forehead of that happy country are so m●ny sp●●king testimonies : but what fate hath hitheto diverted our english there inhabiting from the publick undertaking a commodity of so inestimable benefit , i doe not say for a publick staple ( though it would bee as rich as any other one species of traffick whatsoever ) but even from private vineyards , where they might sit under their owne vine , drinke of their owne grapes , satisfie even the most irregular de●ire of their voluptuous appetites , and all this de suo , without entring into the merchants bookes for wines , peradventure adulterate , without paying the sweat of their browes for the exudation of the grape . i dare not determinately judge , lest i might bee forced to ascribe it either to a strange nonchalency or sluggishnesse to their owne profit , or which is worse an inveterate contempt of all other wayes of improvement ( of what ever returne ) in comparison of fume of ●obacco● but that they may not bee ignorant of the profit of the vine , they will bee pleased to know that the vine requires ( once planted ) little more labour then the hoppe . to attend upon foure acrees of hops is the ordinary undertaking of one man in england , who besides this , neglects not many other labours . if one man in virginia bee not sufficient to doe as much as another in england , ● shall either imagine him to bee lame or idle ; nor let them object to me the heat of the countrey ; if the mid-dayes be hotter , the mornings are much colder , and the labourer in virginia hath this advantage of being full of bread to satiety , whereas oftentimes the hireling in england having a family to feed , and sometimes no imployment , comes to worke with a famish'd body● and courage , ●ives meerly de die in diem , with as little hopes of ever changing the copy of his fortune , as renewing the lease of his cottage with his landlord : those are but leane encouragements . in virginia the meanest servant ( if he have any spirit ) is still in expectation of improving his condition , and without any presumption may cherish his hopes , which promise him ( his time expired ) a present happinesse and future possibility of a fortune equall , if not outgoing his master , the encouragement being greater , the care lesse , and his provisionall subsistence by much better : why the laborer in virgini● should not be ( i do not say superiour ) but equall in strength of body and resolution of minde , to the miserable day-hireling in england , needs an oedipus to unriddle . by this i hope it granted , that the virginian may without any extraordinary efforts of sweat and spirit● , ●abour equally with those of england , and upon this accompt i shall assigne a vignard of four acres to his tillage , an easie taske ; let us compute the profit with the labour , and see what may be the proceed of this proportion well husbanded . that an acre of vines in virginia ( when once growne to perfection ) will yield an equall increase to a common acre of vines in france , there being as great a difference between the soyles as the acres , and much greater ) will i believe be denyed by none , who pretend to modes●y or reason : yet the acre of vines in france , one with another , very few excepted , will yield y●arely ten or twelve muyds of wine , a measure containing seventy two gallons ( a very famous frenchman liebault , is my author : ) what the common acre , or arpent , is in france , the same man informes us : an arpent ( the common arpent or acre of france ) is pole in the square , the pole being longer then ours by eighteen inches ; so that one french acre yields three tun of wine and upwards ; our acre being near upon pole more , we doubt not of profit equall . the excellent virginia will pardon me , if for dilucidation of an argument , i make her pure and unexhausted browes descend to weare a gyrlond of fertility equall to that laborious and over-teeming mother , the french kingdome , nay to her common vineyards : yet let us compute the profit arising from the foure acres , being but one mans labour , we shall finde the product even by that estimate , to be twelve tunne of wine , as the recompence of his particular toyle : let us imagine this but at ten pounds the tunne , and the profits of this single person amounts to pounds per annum . here they will object the dearenesse or difficulty of caske ; but this objection must be made by those who know not virginia , where there is such an excellent convenience , and abundance of peculiarly proper timber , that the winter will afford the other labourers together with our vigneron leasure , to cleave pipe-●taves sufficient for private use of caske , and to sell to the publique ; one man ( during that little season ) being easily able to make foure thousand . but our acre being a third part bigger , the soyle ½ better , why we may not promise to our selves this profit , is an incredulity in england , worth a brand of misunderstanding , in spaine would deserve the inquisition . what soyle is most proper for the vine . hee which will goe to plant the vine without the twinne consideration of the qualyty of the soyle , and the disposition of the aire , hath much affinity with him who goes to sea without lead or compa●se : the one seldome attaines his port , nor the other his harvest . the quality of the ground whereon the vine thrives best , is a fine small mould , of a subsistance rather inclining to a gentle lightnesse , then a churlish stubbornesse : they which would not have it to be very fat , are ignorant that while the vine is yong , the soyle wh●re you plant may be imployed to other tillage , and by such expence of its native richnesse , reduced to that which they commend so highly , mediocrity : but if the fatnesse of the ground transmit a rich and never-failing sap into the nascent vine● making it grow speedy and st●ongly , if the vine participate of this fatnesse , which it may be they call grossenesse , as desiring to have it more subtile , there is small question to be made , but that this wine so imbodied and fortified by nature , must have extraordinary spirits to preserve it , and that age will have refined all that grossenesse into more pure and noble spirits ; that if transported , the sea will contribute to its melioration : whereas this wine which they call subtile and delicate spirits , if either preserved long or transported far , will with so much applauded subtilty and delicacy lose all his spirits by age and evaporation . scruple therefore at the richnesse of your ground no more then at the ranknesse of your purse ; t is in your power to correct either , if there were necessity : let it have the qualities of gentle , easie , ●ine , and light , to be stirred , seated ( if possible ) on the decline of a hill , not neare to any marish ground , nor having any springs gliding through it ; these mari●h grounds you must avoyd as you would doe levell in a valley . and the reason is , that the vine growing in these parts has a crude and undige●ted bloud , quickly soures , and has neither strength to commend or preserve it , and the frosts in the winter time sinking to his roots , by the moyst passage of his scituation , kills it ; the grapes plumpe and breake , and when as an additionall judgement to your injudicious election , a rainy yeare comes to afflict , the kernells breake out , the true juice of the grape accompanying it , and though it fall out that the grape swell againe , yet let not your expectation swell upon it , for instead of good wine proceeding from thence , you will receive nothing but viny water . the gentle , easie , fine , and light ground being the best , does not so wholly arrogate all excellency , as to deny an accession , a neighbourhood of goodnes●e to other soyles . the gravelly ground yieldeth wine of a great delicacy , but a small quantity ; besides the infant plants are in danger of being wa●h'd away in any extraordinary surfeit of raines , such grounds being not able to give them a deep rooting . the like may be said of sandy ground which notwithstanding in some places especially where it is of a nitrous substance , will not yield the palme to any ground of whatever richnesse ; other grounds may have an enforced richnesse , but because usually all such enfatning compost consists of dung and urine , which spoyle the purity of the vine : if my advice were of any weight , they should never be used for vintage , till necessity commanded my obedience . for the disposition of th● aire , as particularly whether inclining to a meridian , or oblique to the south● south-east , or south-west ; if we contemplate the nature of the vine , th●t it by instinct , prefers places rather hot then cold , drye then moy●t ; that it hateth stormes and tempests , it affecteth a gentle breathing winde , or a serene calme ; we may presently collect that it is neither to be placed open to the north , north-east , nor ( in virginia especially ) to that nursery of storms , the north● w●st quarters , nor up●n the tops of hills , where it lyes equally assailable to all : the deare place then for the vines imbraces , is a descent , towards , not in ● valley ( except never subject to inundations ) that being sheltred f●om the more blustring domineerers in the aire● it lye open to th● south , south-west , south-east , or any part of the east and west , within the south quarter , for such a gratefull mansion , and acceptable soyle assigned him , doubt not , but he will returne you a rent which shall satisfie your most unbounded wishes . but le●t the eye in the option of your vineyard , may impose upon you , considering that every ground hath some arcane quality which the sight is not able to discover : to make a most certaine experiment , let me propose this way of examen . make a pit in the ground ( where your inten●ions are to plant ) two foot deep , take a clod of the earth so cast up● powder it , and infuse it in a glasse full of cleare raine-water , do your best to incorporate it with the water by frequent agitation and mixture : let it repose till the subsided earth have made his perfect residence and sett●ement in the bottome , and the water recovered her native clearenesse ; taste the water , and arrest your judgement upon this , that such a ●a●t as the water delivers to your pallate , will that earth transmit to your wine : if of an inoffensive or acceptable reli●h , you may confidently promise your selfe a wine pure , and consequently ( if the soyle be rich ) very noble , nor is a salt taste an ill argument : but if it be a bitter aluminous , or sulphury gust , this place is not fit for your planting , you lose your wine and your labour . but virginia has a more certaine assurance ; god and nature have pointed them a soyle out with their owne finger ; let them therefore fix their eyes upon those places where either the vine or mulberry grow conjoyn'd , or seperate , and let them assure themselves of the excellency of the soyle , a diffidence in this being an affront to nature : yet this caution is to be used that though valleyes are marshy places , may sometime have them by nature , yet their florescence would be much more excellent and healthfull if removed to such a ground as formerly we have made choise of . to make election of plants . curiosity about the choise of your vine plants will commend your husbandry ; let the vine therefore from whence you take your plant be of as little pith as may be , such unpithy vines being both fruitfull and fortified by nature , bearing a remarkable abundance of substantiall grapes , and strongly resists the violence of the weather , and of this fertility and firmenesse will your plant also participate . let not the vine you meane to plant from , be above the middle of his strength , or age , and observe about september those which are most laden with grapes , fullest of eyes in their branches , and have been least wounded by the unseasonablenesse of weather . take not a vine growing on a south side , to transplant him to a northerne : and set this downe for a principle in nature , that all plants removed to a better scituation and soyle , answer your largest hopes , by their fruitfulnesse : but transplanted to a worse , assure your se●fe that without an extraordinary cultivation , there cannot be the least probability of its thriving . let your plant ( if you may with conveniency ) immediatly be planted after its seperation from its originall ; for while it yet retaines any vitall vigour , it will the sooner apply it selfe to the desire of life and nourishment . if your necessity will not admit of this ●estination , wrap it tenderly in its owne earth ; and when your leisure will permit you to plant it , let it soake some foure or five dayes in water , and ( if possible ) running water : this immerging is a very strong preparative to its sudden taking root . if you apprehend a necessity of keeping him long or transporting him , ( imagine it the cyprian or calabrian grape thus to bee transportable into virginia , ) put him into a close barrell fil'd up with earth ; and that no aire may mortifie him , let both ends of the plant be put into onions or garlick , or ( which is better ) made up with wax , and now and then watred , but not more then to keep the earth from resolving into a dry dust ; for too much moysture might ( instead of preserving him ) make him fructifie , and your plant would become all root . wee have already spoken how we must chuse , but not what we must make choice of : let your plants therefore be of those which grow between the highest and lowest , ( the lowest having too much of earthy juice , and the highest too little ) let them bee round , smooth , and firme , having many eyes , and about one foot and a halfe of old wood cut off with the new . the manner , and way to plant vines . human curiosity plungeth us in so many unnecessary toils , that it would almost take a person off from necessary labour : look into columella , the countrey farme , the dutch husbandry and all those supe●cilious writers , and you shall see them stand upon such impertinent puntillos ; one while the dependance upon starres benights a man , another while the ground which should produce this or that , must be cast after this forme , or else it will be barren in spight of the bounty of the divine providence . not enumerating therefore all their wayes of planting , i dare lay my life that if the vine were but set on foot in virginia , the ground prepared for it as they doe their tobacco there , by a right line , holes made instead of their hillocks , but larger , deeper , and at greater distance , that there might something grow betwixt them which might be inoffensive to it by nature , and cleare it from being choak'd with weedes , or something drawing a contrary juice , ( peradventure onions and garlick ) or something requiring small nourishment , ( as lupins ) which turn'd into the earth againe ( distance of five foot being left for a plough , with caution not to come too neare the roots , which must be bared with a stowe , the plough running first the length , and then the traverse of those rowes , which therefore must bee lineally straight ) would both fatten the earth , and cultivate the vine all at one moment . yet submitting my selfe to judgements of greater experience then my modesty or na●u●e can ever hope for , i shall deliver the severall way of planting the vine , with as much brevity as the matter , and my first resolution rather to contract then inlarge , will permit mee . the first preparing of the earth to receive the vine must bee done in spring or summer , where the ground you digge or cast mu●t bee cleansed from all manner of superfluities whatsoever ; namely , roots , weedes , stones , &c. this digging must bee severall times repeated , that the earth by alternate changing its place of top and bottome may bee throughly tempred , the dry refreshed , and the moyst qualified : thus cleansed , cast it into many furrowes ( the sides whereof the french call chevaliers or guides , because it should guide you in the planting ) the depth of eighteene inches or more ; let the mo●ld cast up above , bee so disposed , that it may answer to the depth below . note that these furrowes in a sandy , flinty , or wet ground mu●t ●ot bee so hollow as in that which is rough and crabbed● in the bottome of the first you may put stones about the bignesse of an ordinary brick ( but round ) not bigger , which in the heate of summer refreshes , in violence of raine opens a passage to the water , that it dwell not at the root to rot it . the best season for planting of vines is in october , the moone increasing , the furrowes must bee made in august , that the exposed earth may have time of digestive preparation . if your plant have roots , you must when you plant it cut them off all , except it bee newly gathered , if it bee a slip or cut , which though it bee not so swift of growth the first yeare , yet is of much longer continuance , you must soake it in water , if it bee possible in running water five or six dayes . hee which plants the vine , the ground thus prepared , and haveing a line with him , that hee may observe a just evennesse and streightnesse , both in the row , and to the opposite plant , that so every foure may make a regular quadrangle , must bow his plant , the bigger end forward one foot into the earth of the ditch , letting first some of the mould from the ●ides fall into it ; let him tread upon the mould the better to fixe the plant , and with his hand ( the foot still pressing upon that part of the plant which is inearthed ) gently raise or bow the top of the plant that it may grow erect : this done , let him cast some more mould on it , to the thicknesse of six inches , and cut the top of the plant , so as not to leave above three knots or joynts above the earth : let him proceede in planting of the rest , observing the prescribed order : some set two plants together in this order , that if one should faile , the other might recompence the default . if you will have your vine to grow without stakes or props , cut it so , that you let it not increase above two or three joynts in the yeare , which will make it to stand firme against all stormes , if but naturally violent . it will bee extreame ill husbandry to plant vines of different kindes or qualities together , such diversity there is in their season of ripenesse ; some preventing your expectation by the suddainenesse of their maturity , others deceiving it by their late ripenesse . wee have spoken of the planting , let us now handle the culture and dresse of it , that his fertility may in some measure require the labour of his implanting . the manner of dressing the vine . mid may will bee a season which will best informe you , whether your plants have taken so good root , that it expresses a verdure and germination in his branches ; when therefore the shoot is able to indure dressing , let it bee cut within two or three knots of the old wood , and if any other slips spring from the root , cut them away ( with care however that it wound not the root , or the maine stock , which are wonderfully offended by the too neare approach of any toole that is edged ) that the whole st●ength of the vine may unite into one common stock or pillar , to support and convey the sap into the permitted branches , of which you may not let any flourish the first yeare of its growth . it is observed , that to cut the vine in the decrease of the moone , makes the fleshy part of the grape of a more substantiall grossen●sse and feeding , and is a peculiar remedy for those vines which are given to bee over-ranke with wood : let it bee the care of the v●gneron to remoove all obstructions of weed●s which uninvited participate of the vines nourishment : the surest way to kill which , is , to turne them in towards the earth , which is not onely a destruction to the thie●e of its moysture , but a restitution of the robbery ; for the weedes so inverted enrich the ground to the great encouragement of the vine , and the no lesse profit of the vine dressers . let your knife with which you cut your vine bee very sharpe , and let your vine bee cut sloping at one cut , if possible , and not far from the old wood , that the growth of the vine may the more speedily cover the wound . the vines must bee dressed or husbanded ●hree times the yeare , the first culture of it must bee in march , at which time you are to digge about the root three quarters of a foot deep , or thereabouts : the next season must be in april , wherein you must digge about the roote , within a third of the former depth , then you must also prune it by cutting all the branches , and leaving some three knobs or joynts of the new wood in your vine of the first yeares growth , and cutting off all dead or superfluous branch●s of the old , whose permitted branches must also bee pruned , lest they should spend that aliment decreed for the grape in elongation of the branches , all succors also must bee plucked away . ●n august the like course is to bee used in the wine of the precedent autumne leaving two or three joynts or knobs of new wood : againe the old ones may bee onely digged , if at that time , and at all other times you perceive any dead or wounded branches you must cut them off something further then the mortification or hurt extends ; and in all prunings let no vine bee cut in the knob or joynt , but in the space betwixt ; there following usually nothing but abso●ute and irremediable decaying , where th●y are cut in the articular knitting . if in apri●s dressing , the vine h●ve no branched but onely budded , which is most usuall ( but more ●specially in march ) you must nip the bud off with your fingers● to the end that the juice which would ascend to hasten the germi●ation , may bee stopped to strengthen and engross● the store . the third yeare the vine will b●a●e you ●rapes in these countries , but i am confident that in virg●nia it would beare at the s●cond ; and this my confidence is grounded upon the hasty perfection all things receive in virg●nia , by much preceding all our neighbour countries . the peachtree arrives not to that virility of growth in eight yeares , in these regions , which it obtaines at foure there . the like is verified in apples and cherries : and if it be questioned how such men which p●radventur● being in a necessity , are not able to attend two yeares for a ●●●urne , shall in the meane while subsist : it is easily answ●●ed● th●t the intervalls betwixt the dressings of the vines will ●ff●rd space enough for a reasonable crop of tobacco ; and there is much mo●e labour in looking to . plants of tobacco then the like number of vines , especially if the interspaces be plough●d , and sow●d with turnips or lupines , which both adde to the fatness● and unwilding of the ground , and choake up all weeds and gr●sse which might afflict it . co●trariwise , tobacco will admit nothing in the vacant sp●●●s , and must be perpetually weeded further , th●ugh oth●● vine-masters prescribe the digging about the roots o● their pla●t in august , which is the busie s●ason of inning the tobacco , yet i am driven by divers reasons to wish such c●●ture omitted at that time of the yeare , since it layes the root by so much the nearer to a violently torrid sun which is so far from cherishing of it , that it burnes it ; by whic● meanes his c●op of tob●cc● need not at all to be neglected : but these vines steale into such perfection by that tim● they are arrived at fou●e yeares g●owth● that twenty thousand plants of tobacco though s●ld at pence per pound , ( a great rate in virginia ) will not retur●e you a like p●ofit , which tho●ght it m●y be something sp●ringly believed , yet may be m●de apparent . for admitting ou● vines by that time of foot high , by their so often cutting of the shoo●s , nourished u●to a stock strong enough to support it self ; of b●anch●s , by the like tillage , equall in v●gour , yield but a gallon of wine per pi●ce , yet here is tun of wine yea●ely , for ● yeares tog●ther , ( so long will the vine thus husba●ded , l●st fruitfull , ●n● vigorous , if planted with the slip rather then the root ) without any interruption but that which sets bou●ds and limit to all things , the divine providence in his dispensation of seasons . of the diseases of vines , and their remedy . before we can justifie our expect●tions of a good h●rvest , we must providently foresee and prevent ( as much as in us lies ) such cas●alties as may m●ke our hope abortive ; let us therefore cast our eye upon such d●seases which m●y make the vine unfruitfull , or after the fruit produced , dest●oy its desired fertility . to prevent the frost from benumming , or absolutely destroying your vines , let there b● layd up in divers places heaps of drye du●g , with an i●termixture of chaffe and straw , and when you conjecture the approach of the fro●t , set this combustible stuffe on fire , and the smoake arising from thence will so temper and qualifie the aire that your vine for that season will be secured from d●m●●ge : yet if ( before you have applyed th●s preventive remedy ) the fruit of your vine be destroyed , cut it off very short , and the strength continuing in the remainder will so fortifie it , that the next yeare it will recompence you double in the qu●ntity of your fruit ; for what it hath been rob'd of by the present . to provide against the blasting of your vine : when you perceive it upon the point of budding , cut it as late as may be ; for this late cutting it will make your vine something later , and by consequence , blossome or flower at such time as the sunne is ascended to his greatest degree of heat and fervor . to breake off such mists and fogs as are already gathered in the aire , and give probable menaces to fall upon your vines , you must apply your selfe to this remedy● let a smoake round about your vineyard be made with go●ts du●g , kindled an● set on fire . such fogges as have outstripped your care and already fallen upon , and endammaged your vines , must have the malignity of their vapors taken off● or at least asswaged by i●rigation of vines , with the water in which the leaves or roots of wilde cucumbers , or coloquintida have been layd some time to infuse : this must be applied immediatly after the mists . some are of an opinion that bay-tre●s ( which by the way are dangerously sociable to the vine ) planted round but not too near the vineyard , wil priviledge the vine from this distaster , by attracting all the ill disposed mallice of those fogs unto it selfe . this till experimented will hardly be worthy beliefe . it is an opinion no way contradicted , that fertility is restored to a vine become barren , if humane urine kept a long while stale , to make it the more salt and ranke , be dropt by degrees upon the vine stock , which must immediately after be laid about with dung and earth mixt together : the season for the application of this cure mus● be in autumne . another way i should conceive to be altogether as eff●ctuall , namely , to leave it nothing but the stock , bare the roots , and lay there either acornes , chesnuts , or rotted straw ; and if the bign●sse of the root will permit it , to cleave it a little way , and to thrust into the fissure a piece of vine wood , cut small for the pu●pose ; it being certaine that trees themselves sometimes groane under the sicknesse of being hide-bound : vines are perceived to want moisture , when their leaves turne of a deep red colour : this disease is cured by watring them with sea-water , or stale urine . the bleeding of the vine . the vine sometimes is troubled with an extraordinary efflux , or emanation of its juice ; some call it the weeping , others the bleeding of the vine , and this disease is commonly so violent , that if not stopped it leaves the vine without blood and life . the remedy is to breake the barke of the vine upon the body thereof , and to anoynt the wound with oyle boyled to the half , or else with the lees of wine not salted ; this done , let it bee watered with vinegar , which by how much the stronger it may bee , is so much more effectuall . the scattering vine . the vine sometimes is oppressed with an unretentive scattering disease , as unable to maintaine the fruit shee hath produced , which sh●e therefore discharges , and le ts f●ll from her ; the symptomes by which you are to judge of this disease , are an unnaturall palenesse and drynesse of the leaves , the branch it selfe languid , broad , and of a more pithy softn●sse then usuall . the cure to this , is to rub ash●s beaten and mixed with strong vinegar about the foot of the vine , a●d to water all tha● is round about the stock : quaer● , whether ●is●u●es in the ●●●ke made with a sharpe knife some fixe inches long may not bee an additionall receit to the former prescription . the tree p●radven●u●e having contracted this malady by too close imprisonment in the barke , being in a manner hide bound ; how ever the foregoing m●dicine cannot in this case but sort to better eff●ct if the tree and barke joyntly be rubbed over then the barke one●y , unlesse this medicine could give a relaxation to the barke , which i have no faith in . the vine too full of branches , or luxuriant . the v●n● expending it selfe too wastfully in overmany branches , ●u●t bee 〈◊〉 v●●y short . if this overcome not that luxury , the usuall ●em●dy is , let it bee bared at the roots , and river gravell layd rou●d ●bout the stock , together with a few ashes or else som● stones . the reason i apprehend not , except it bee to check its f●●tility which i conceive may more prosperously bee effect●d , if on●ly the branches being cut , and the stock low , you suffer that exubrancy ●o waste it selfe in adding more corpulency to the stock , which will of it selfe bee a sufficient spender to restraine and confine the former liberality of juice . the withering vine . if the grapes languish and dry away as they hang upon the vine , before you apply a remedy you must cast away all that are already aff●cted with this contagion ; then water the rest with vinegar , in which ashes of vine bra●ches have beene infused . the most as●u●ed remedy is to water the root of the vine , from whence the dis●use cometh with the st●lest urine ; the former remedy being something irregular , as if it were easily feisible to remove a malady by application to the effects , without considering the efficient . the rotting of grapes upon the vine . there are of vines whose fruit pu●rifie upon the branches before they come to maturity : this disease is remedied by laying old ashes to their root , or g●avell , or b●rley meale mixed w●th the seed of purcellane about the body ; quaere , whether this disease p●oceed from a plethorick rankn●sse or em●ciate debility : if from rankenesse all application of ashes hurt it : the symp●omes of rankenesse are , when a tree lavishes his moysture into too many branc●es , which may make him neglect to feede the fruit , as unable to maintaine two spenders ; and i am confident the naturall remedy for this is to bare him ( as much as possible ) of wood , that it may divert the nourishment to the grape ; if from debility , which you shall perceive by a flaccid palenes in the leaves , the same remedy which wee prescribed to the withering vine , vi● . to water the root with urine of a long stalenesse , will bee the most proper . the biting of the cow or oxe . indeede the best way to prevent this disease , is to have your ground either well p●led or quicksetted , or both : but that the biting or breathing of kine may not endamage the vine ( which hardly recovers after such wound or infection ) water the foot stock of your vine with such water as the tanners have used in dressing and mollifying their raw hides , and you may prom●se your selfe to bee secured from them , they as mortally hating such sents , as the vine abhors their bite or breathing . against caterpillars . the opinion is , that caterpillars and other noysome , though little vermine , will not mol●st the bud or leafe of the vine , if the hooke or hedgebill wherewith you prune and cut off the superfluous branches of the vine be anoynted over with th● blood of a male goat , or the fat of an asse , or of a bea●e ; or with the oyle wherein catterpillars or brayed garl●ck have beene boyled , or if you anoynt and rub them with the purse or sheath of a badgers stones , after your hooke has beene ground : these are curious rather then apparently approved medicines , and for their reason i must demurre to give it , quaere , whether the oyle wherein catterpillars or brayed garlick have beene boyled well , rubbed about the ●tock of the t●ee , may not make those reptilia abhor the a●cending , or whether the juce of rew so applyed , have not the like vertue . the driving locusts from the vine is done by fumigation , as either fi●ing of old oxe dung , galbanum ● old shooe soles● harts-horne , womens haire ; but that which they propose las● , i conceive to bee the best , namely , to plant pionie neare them . to prevent pismires . pismires , who divers times fret in sunder the wood of the vine , even to the very marrow , will not at all approach it , if you anoynt and rub the stock with the dung of kine , or grease of asses . the bay-tree , hasell-tree , and coleworts beare a particular enmity to the vine , and expresse it by eff●cts when planted neare ; this i cannot believe to bee out of any magicall antipathy , but rather that these ( as the plum-tree ) are great and strong succors of juice , and happily drawing of the same , by which the vine is more particularly nourished , of which being cheated , it is no wonder if she expresse a decadency . the manner of the vintage . and now wee are come to that which is most acceptable to mankinde , the successefull fruit of his labours reaped in his vintage , which wee must not of a naturall g●eedinesse precipitate , till the g●apes bee of such a kindely ripenesse of age , that to let them continue on the vine longer were to lose them ; this ripenesse is visibly understood by a mutation in the branch and grape ; in the branch you shall perceive a manifest mutation by an incline to rednesse in the g●ape ; if it bee white it alters towards a yellow , if red towards a black colour ; nor are the taste and touch les●● discerners of such full m●turity ; for if they bee sweete in ta●te , and the liquor of a glutinous substance , cleaving to the finger ; wee may conclude that both they , and the time to gather them are of full ripenesse . there are also other signes , if the kernell expressed out of the grape betweene your fi●gers , come out cleane , an● altogether seperate from the flesh or pulpe of the vine , if after such expression ( gently performed ) the grape diminish nothing from his bignesse , &c. these all , or the most of them concurring , prepare for your harvest . yet in virginia , where the harvest is more abundant then the labourers , to prevent a glut of worke flowing upon few hands , and consequently not possible to bee throughly equ●lled : it will not bee amisse to use both anticipation by accelerating n●ture with artificiall meanes in some , and retardation by arresting the speede of growth in others , to accelerate ashes layd to the foot of vines , and those vines planted to something more advantage of an amorous sunne , will make them a●tecede the others , at the least by their advance of foureteene dayes ; the other in their naturall course following that sp●ce after , and the others more particularly retarded ( which may bee easily effected by the pruning of them later then the rest just upon their preparative to b●d ; which arresting the sap makes it afterwards ( though later ) returne with a greater abundance ) staying foureteene dayes later , there will bee compleately sixe weekes time for the gathering in of your vintage . and by this meanes you have your vineyard tilled or manured every third yea●e all over , which will bee no ingrat●full accession to its duration in fertility and strength : those of the most forward ripene●se this year , being retarded the next , and those of the naturall maturation husbanded in that manner , the next winter . the fittest season to gather them must bee in a serene unclouded sky ( the grapes having any raine or dew upon them when gathered , losing much of their perfect strength and goodnesse ; ) for the wine made of grapes throughly dryed in their collection , hath a greater priviledge of force and continuance : but before this collection bee attempted , all things fitting to receive y●ur vintage must bee prepared in cleanlinesse and order , viz. baskets , caske , and fat●s strongly hooped , tubs great and small , stands , presses , &c. and all scoured , washed , and furnished with their necessary instrum●nts and conveniencies . the grape gatherer must distinguish and seperate the leane , green , sower , withered , or rotten grapes , from those which are of absolute ripenesse and soundnesse . that the wine by such an uncomely confusion or mixture m●y not bee l●sse pure , sprightly , and healthfull , then it was intended by nature , such incon●iderate gatherers are sayd to bee of the divells sending , to spoyle gods provisions . nor should they confusedly mixe good with good , if of different quality , as to mingle that which is strong and ri●h , with which is small , but delicate . they prescribe that the grapes so gathered should bee left in the ground at least a day or two , and that uncovered , provided it raine not , by which meanes , say they , they will become much better , since the sunne dew , and earth , by this exposure taking from them what ever they have of bad unprofitable moysture , refine and purifie them● a cou●se as far as my span of reason can extend , so far from this promise of refining and purifying , that it absolutely tends to their corruption . have they wanted the sunne and dew when upon the stalk● ? could not the same sunne and dew which enripened them , refine and purifie them there ? as for the earths meliorating them , if melioration bee understood by putrifaction , 't is easily granted ; apples that lye on the ground are so meliorated , that is to say rotted , and shall the grape a more delicate and tender fruit avoyd it ? this is by way of digression , but it is necessary ; for without this caution a modest man which reades with an obedient judgement any bookes of these men , taking the authour for an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , subscribes to it , observes the prescription , and gaines a doctrine of future providence , by the losse of his present vintage . but after the grapes have remained a day or two in the house , it will bee time to put them into the fatt to bee trodden out equally . those which tread the grapes should before they go into the fatt have their feete and legges washed extreamely , and themselves covered with a shirt as well as drawers , that their sweat may not mixe with the wine , and that nothing in the act of eating fall from their mouths into it , they must bee punctuall in abstaining from eating of the grapes , while they are at this their labour . surely this way of treading the grape is derived from some abstenious man , who devised this stratagem under a pretence of expediting the worke ; but indeede to deter men from drinking that which is so uncomely prepared . i know they will alledge that by treading it flowes more naturally , and with all more pure forth , then that which is pressed ; but withall give mee leave , say that the very presse it selfe if it bee not too violently and greedily laboured , makes it glide forth altogether as naturally and purely , and which is more with greater equality ; for in the presse , all the grapes feele the impultion at once , and if the owner bee not too covetous to bring the drosse and gros●e parts of the grape to a second squeezing , and mixing with the first ; without dispute the wine so expressed is altogether as good and strong as that which is trodden , but i am certaine much more cleanly . the wine ( however ) being expressed must be poured , drosse , huskes , and all , into a fat to worke or boyle in , which it must doe for the space of foure and twenty houres at the least , if you will have it fine● delicate , and subtile ; but if you desire to have it strong and noble , let it worke in the fat foure or five day●s , with a covering over it , that so the vapour thereof may not exhale , or his force waste it selfe . the fat● or tub prepared , must have immediatly before his reception of the wine , a little bunch of vine branches laid before the tap-hole , which ( that it may not heave up with the wine ) must be kept downe with a cleane stone or brick , or which is better and lesse offensive , a ring of lead wound about it : this when you draw the wine will hinder the huskes or grapes from comming out with the liquor . your fat must not be full by halfe a foot or more , that the wine may have the more space to boyle or worke in . your wine invessel'd must not be filled up to the bung , nor the bung closed , that the wine may have the greater liberty of despumation , and rejecting whatever it findes reluctant to its owne nature . every day you must fill up what is expurged , and something more , till you finde the wine throughly appeased , and discharged of whatever might be obstructive to its generosity : nor must this caske be in the cellar , but either in the open aire , or in some barne where it has a liberall respiration ; besides the defects in caske cannot be so easily discovered when the wine is in the cellar , as in open places . when it is so throughly settled , that it hath given over all appetite or signe of boyling , you may have it committed to your cellar , which should stand upon the north here , ( in virginia upon the north-west as the coolest and driest angle ) paved with gravell or drye earth , which is lesse subject to moysture or exudations then brick , or especially stone , absolutely remote and unmolested by any ill odours of stables , sinkes , bathes , marshy places , &c. neither should it have any thing shut up or kept in it , which have any sent of acrimony or harshnesse , as cheese , garlick , onions , oyles , ( trane , neatsfoot , linseed , and others , not the salade-oyle ) it being observed , that nothing is more open or obnoxious to contagion then wine , especially when new . your vessells must be so rank'd in order that they touch not one another , by this meanes to leave a liberty of sight to foresee a misfortune , or prevent it when happened . they must be so close stopped in the bung with clay , that not the least irreption of aire may be capable to taint it , to which it is very subject . to cause new wine to bee quickly purged , put ( after this proportion in the re●● : ) to quarts of new wine , halfe a pint of strong vinegar , and within the space of three dayes it will bee fined . to preserve mustor new wine all the yeare , take that vine which voluntary di●tilleth from the grape , before it suffer the presse , and put it into a vessell pitch'd within and without the same day : let the vessell b● halfe full , and very well stop'd with plaster above ; and thus the new wine will continue a long while in his swe●tnesse . but to adde to this experiment and the continuance of the wine , you must hinder it from working , which you may well doe , if you put the vessell into some well or river , there to remaine thirty dayes ; for not having boyled it will continue alwayes sweet , and is preserved by the heat of the pitch . others prefer the burying of this vessell in moist gravell : and ( which in my opinion is the best ) others cover the vessell first with the dros●e of the wine presse , then heap upon it moyst gravell ; by which meanes● something interposing betwixt the extraordinary moysture and cold of the gravell , which might have some influxe upon the wine , your must preserved in an excellent meane of temper . to know if there be any water in the wine . the malice of servants sometimes swallowing downe their masters wine , and fearing to be discovered if the quantity be diminished , or the basenesse of the dealer to impose upon the merchant , makes both of them adulterate it with water , which not being discernable to the eye , may be made familiar to your knowledge by this experiment : take a withered rush , immerge it in the wine , after a small space draw it out againe : if the wine have been thus bastarded , you shall perceive the water cleaving to it . othe●wise , take raw and wilde peares● cutting , and cleansing them in the mi●st , or in ●ieu of them , mulberries , cast th●m into the wine● if they float●●he wine is neat and cleare from such sophistication ; if they subside there is water in it . some do● anoint a reed a pi●c● of wood , or paper , hay , or some other little bundle of herbs , or strawes with oyle , which if they drye , put into the wine , and after draw them out , if the wine have been embased with water , drop● thereof will gather unto the oyl● . another sure tryall is to cast uns●aked lime into the wine ; if there be any adulteration , the lime dissolves , if the wine be undevirginated , the lime collects thereby a harder cementation . others take of the wine , and inject it into a frying-pan wherein there is boyling oyle , and the wine ( if depured ) declares it with a loud noise , a●d frequent bubbles . to make another tryall , lay an egge into the wine , the egge descending , manifests the abuse , not descending , the wine is as the grape bled it . to seperate wine from water . but as the miserable man in the pit de●ired his friend not to question how he fell in , but to advise how he should get out : we will not be satisfied that there is water in the wine , but how it may be seperated from it ; which if we may believe the deliverers of it , who have published it to the world in their names , you must put into the vessell of wine melted allum , then stop the mo●th of the vessell with a spunge drenched in oyle , which done , turne the mouth of the vessell so stopped , downewards , and the water onely will come forth , leaving the wine pure : the reason of this i cannot give , and have onely read ( not seen ) the expeririment . the way to correct over much wa●erishnesse in wine . if glut● of raine have made the yeare so unseasonable , that the grape hath contracted a watry quality to the diminution of his winy goodnesse : or if it fall ou● that after the time of gathering them , there fall such store of raine , that the grapes instead of dewes are too much wetted , ( such is the profit of exposing the gathered clusters into the open aire for houres ) the remedy is to tread them quickly , and finding the wine weake , by tasting it after it hath been put into the vessell , and begun to boyle ther● , it must presently be changed , and drawne out into another vessell , for so the watr● part● that are in it will stay behinde in the bottome , yet the wine standing still charged , will be totally corrected , if you p●t to every fifteen quart● of wine , a pint and a halfe of salt. to make wine of an acceptable odour . if you will perfume your wine with a gratefull odour , by which the braine may be strengthened , as well as the heart exalted : take a few myrtle-ber●ies dry , bray them , and put them into ● little b●rrell of wine ; let it so rest , close stopped , ten dayes afterwards use it at pleasure . the like effect will follow , if you take the blossoms of the grapes ( those especially which growe upon the shrubby v●nes ) when the vine is in flower , and cast them into the wine , the brimmes of the wine-vessell being rub'd over w●th the leaves of the pine and cypresse tree , and this will give it a fragrancy delightfully odorate : or which is of equall facility , you may hang an orenge , or pomecitron , ( being of a convenient greatne●●e ) and prick it full of cloaves , and that in such sort as it may not touch the wine , shut up in all these applications , the vessell very close . if this like you not , take the simples of such mat●er as you would have your wine to smell of , infuse them in aqua vitae , the infusion may be repeated by percolation of the old herbs , and addition of new , till it have gotten a full and absolute perfection of those odours you desire , then poure the aqua vitae ( the herbs strained from it ) into the vessell of wine . to make cute . you may make the boyled wine called cute , if you boyle new wine that is good , lovely , and very sw●et unti●l the third part thereof bee consumed ; when it is growne cold put it into a vessell and use it . but to make this cute , that it may continue all the yeare , gather your grapes whole , and let them lye spread three dayes in the sunne , on the fourth about noone tread them . the liquour or sweet wine which shal runne out into the fatt before the dross●y substance come under the presse , must bee boyled one third as before ; then to every nineteene quarts of wine adde an ounce of ●rees or corne flag well brayed , straine this wine without the lees , which being done , it will continue sweet , firme , and wholesome . to cause troubled wines to settle . to cause troubled wines , and such as are full of lees to settle , poure into thirty quarts of wine , halfe a pint of the lees of oyle boyled , till the third part bee wasted , and the wines will immediately returne to their former settlement . otherwise , which is better and more easie , cast into the wine-vessell the whites of six or seven egges , and stirre them together very well with a stick . to know whether the wine will keepe long . the knowledge whether the wine will continue long or not in a good condition● is thus made apparent : when your wine is tunned up , you must within some time after change it into another vessell , leaving the lees behinde in the first ; which you must diligently stop from taking any vent whatsoever ; after some time you may looke into the lees with carefull animad version , whether they change or contract any ill sent or not , or whether they bre●d any gnats , or other such creatures ; if you espye none of these mutations or corrupt generation , repose your selfe with all confidence that your wine will continue pure to the lo●gest : but th●se symptomes discovered , will bee so many admonitions to dispose of that wine with the soonest , which is already by nature inclined to turne bad and corrupt ; others take a pipe of elder , or such other wood as may bee hollowed through , with which they receive the sent of the lees , and by them informe themselves how the wine is conditioned . a good pallate will divine of wines by the taste , namely th●● if the new wine bee sharpe and quick , they repose confidence in its goodnesse and continuance ; but if flat and heavy , then they expect nothing but the contrary to good qualities : againe , if the new wine ( when put into the vessells ) be fat and glewy , the sign is prosperous ; but if contrariwise , it be thinne and weake , it is an ●rgument that it will easily be turned , to keepe wine at all times . to effect this , you may cast roch-allum ( very finely powdred ) into the● vessell which you meane to put your new wine in , or bay salt very finely powdred : or pibble stones , and little flints taken out of some brooke , or which will retaine the spirits of the wine from evaporating ; more certainly salade oyle , so much as will cover the superficies of the wine . to make that wine sh●l not flowre . vvine will have no flower , if you put into it the flowers of the vine , gathered , and dryed , or the meale of fetches , cha●ging the wine into another vess●ll , when the meale or flowers are settled downe to the bottome . to prepare physicall wines . neither is this digression impertinent ; physitians are not so frequent in virginia , as in padua , or london , and were there more , yet t●e vast space of ground , those people take up in their scattred dwellings , makes the addresses to them very difficult : that therefore they may ( in absence of the physitian ) have some common remedies for common diseases ; i have thought fit to give them this accompt of medicinall wines out of lie●ault , all of them of excellent virtues , and easie preparations● the first shall be to make wines of wormewood . to which effect , take of sea-wormewood , or in default of that , common wormewood , especially that which hath the small stalke , and short leaves , eight drammes● stamp them● and binde them in a cloath which is not woven too thick , cast it into the vessell , pouring new wine upon it , making this accompt , that to every three pints of wine there must bee eight drams of wormewood ; continue this proportion in the filling of your vessell , which you must leave with the vent open , that the wine fall not a new to boyling . the use of this wine is good for the paine of the stomack and liver , and to kill wormes . to make wine of horehound . this wine being very soveraigne for the cough , must bee made in the time of vintage , to which purpose you must gather of the crops and tender stalkes of horehound , of that especially which growes in leane untilled places ; afterwards ca●se them to bee dryed in the sunne , make them up into bundles , tying them with a rush , sinke them in the vessell to quarts of new wine ; you must put eight pound of horehound to boyle therewith , after the wine is settled the horehound must bee taken out , and the wine stopt very diligently . the wine of anise and dill very good against the difficulty of the urine : the wine of peares against the flux of the b●lly ; the wine of bayes against the ach and wringings of the belly ; the wine of asarum bacchar against the jaundise , dropsies , and tertian agues ; the wine of sage against paines and weakenesse of the sinewes , are all made as the wine of wormewood . to make wine of betony . take betony● the leaves and seedes about one pound , put it into twenty quarts of wine , and at the expiration of the seven moneth , change the wine into new vessells . this most excellent wine aswageth the paine of the reines , breaketh the stone , and healeth the jaundise . to make the wine of hysop . take the leaves of hysop well stamped , tye them fast in a very fi●e cloth , and cast about one pound of them into twenty quarts of new wine ; this wine is peculiarly excellent against the diseases of the lungs , an old cough , and shortnesse of breath . wine of pomgranates , made of pomgranates that are scarce ripe , being throughly bruized , and put into a vessell of thick red wine , serveth of singular use against the fluxe of the belly : to which end also serve the wines made of services , mulberries , and quinces . the ancients had a very high opinion of treacle wine , from consideration of its extraordinary vertue in asswaging and healing the bitings of serpents , and other venemous beasts . nor had the vine solely this virtue in its grape , but in the leaves also stamped and applyed unto the grieved part . this vine is thus prepared : cleave three or foure fingers breadth of the plant you intend to set , take out the pith , and replenish the vacant part with treacle , afterwards set the cloven part covered and wrapt in paper . thus vines may bee made soporiferous , if you prepare them in the same manner with opium , as before with treacle , laxative by preparing it with some soluble purge . by this meanes you may have wine to taste like the greeke calabrian frontig●ac , or any other noble for its excellency ; if the lees purified and preserved bee inserted into the pith of the branch , aromatick , if to these le●s you adde compounds of cynamon● cas●ia , cloves , or what ever shall bee most agreeable to the nostrill and pallate . to remedy wines inclining to corrupt ; and first of wine beginning ●o soure . if you perceive wine beginning to waxe soure , put into the bottome of your ve●sell a pot of water well stopt , close the vessell , yet so as at a vent hole to receive and transmit a little aire : the third day draw out the pot , and you shall see a noble experiment of attraction , for the water will be stinking and the wine sound & neat . at what time , and by what accidents wine is most apt ●o corrupt , with its remedy . the season when wines are subject to turne or bee troubled , i● about the summer solstice , viz. the . of june , at the same time that the vine emits her blossome ; nor then alone , but sometimes about the dog-dayes● by reason of the variety of heates : generally the wine is in some sort of commotion , when a constant south winde disturbes the aire , whether it bee in winter or summer , in great and continued raines also , and windes in earthquake● or mighty thunder● . to keepe them f●om turning is by the injection of pan salt , when they boyle or worke , or else of the seed of smallage , barley-bran , the leaves of bay-trees , or of fennell seed brayed with the ashes of the vine brayed . the like effect have almonds cast into the wine , or the a●hes of the oake ; the meale of the white fetch both defends the wine from turning , and keepeth it in his soundnesse . allum broken in pieces the same , the worst application is of brimstone , lime , plaister , &c. to recover the wine when ●urned , must bee e●fe●ted either by changing the vessell , by beaten pepper ; or take whites of egges , beate them very well , and take the froth from thence arising of them , poure them into the ves●ell , which you must immediately roule after its infusion : or else take twelve kernells of old walnuts ( the virginian walnut i conceive exceeding proper ) rost them under the ashes , and while they are yet hot , draw a thread through them , hang them in the wine , where they must bee till the wine ( which will not fail ) recover its former colou● . if the wine become troubled , either the kernels of pine apples , or peaches , or the whites of egges , and a little salt will not faile to cleare and refine it : others take halfe a pound of allum , as much sugar , make a very small powder thereof , and cast it into the ●e●sell . to helpe wine that beginnes to wast and die . if you by manifest symptomes apprehend your wine suddenly inclining to degen●rate and corrupt , this course is prescribed : if it bee clarret , take the yelke of an egge , if white , the white ; adde to it three ounces of cleare bright stones taken out of ● running river , make them into a small powder , together with two ounces of salt , mingle all together , and ( the wine ●hifted into another vessell neat and cleane , not tainted with any smell beforehand ) cast in this compound ; mingle it with the wine five or sixe times the day , untill three or foure dayes bee past . this remedy is not prescribed when wine is absolutely spoyled , for then it would bee applyed to no purpose ; but that the carefull master should by his observation of it to such a disposition , prevent it by this experiment . to restore wine growne musty , unto his former purity . cast into the vessell cowes milke salted : some ( but to the infinite unhealthfullnesse of him that drinkes it ) attempt this restauration with allum , lime , and brimstone , a more undangero●s way is to infuse in it juniper-berries , and irees roots : yet if the wine should continue this ill senting quality , by having taken winde : let it bee rouled too and againe to awaken the spirits thereof , that they may the better disperse the strength of its infu●ion : afterwards set it againe upon his cantling , replenish the vessel and shut it close to prevent winde for the future . to preserve w●nes from sowring , may bee performed by your disposing of you● vessell in a place that is very coole and dry ( the v●ssels being very well filled and well stopped ) to prevent as well the emission of the spirits , by which the wine continues vigorous , as the admission of aire . but in regard all men are not the masters of such opportune conveniencies , being forced sometimes to make uses of places obnoxious to heate , and drawing one vessell a long time , cannot hinder the secret invasions of aire ; y●t if you perceive in time that your vine begines to harbour an acid or soure quality , you shall preserve it from falling into a full degree of sourene●se ; if you take a good piece of lard , wrap it well in a linnen cloath , tye it to a small cord● and let it downe by the bunghole into the middle of the wine , still letting it lower as the wine decreaseth . some advise● and not without a great apparence of reason , to put into the vessell , oyle olive , or salade , in such quantity , that it may onely cover the superficies of the wine : which oyle when the wine is drawne off from the lee● , may bee seperated from them , and preserved . to take ●way the waterishne●se and crude moisture of the wine , put into the vessell the leaves of the pomgranate-tree , though in my opinion such wine being easily knowne in the ●att , when first trodden , should be corrected by boyling , as afore . the remedy against venemous beasts falling into the wine , as adders rats , &c. is , so soone as the dead body is found , to burne it and cast the ashes into the same vessell , s●irring it about with a wooden stick : others give advice to put ●ot bread into the vessel which will attract all the venemous qualities to it selfe , and cleare the wine . of the olive . the vine and olive being such delightfull associates as to expresse a mutuall emulation for the glory of fertility when planted together . this treatise shall not divide them , they are both exhilaratives , the vine rejoyces the heart , the olive glads the countenance ; and that virginia may expresse the delight she affords to mankinde by being reinforced with this second sister of laughter , the olive ; this discourse particularly designed to her improvement , showes its planting and culture when planted . the olive tree , though it delight in a rich fat ground ; yet if he have a warme aire , and a south , or south-east wind to refresh him , will in all places testifie a bounteous gratitude for its scituation in an almost unlaboured for fertility : yet to prepare a place for this rich plant to prosper on , his prosperity being no small part of your owne , you must digge the pits where you intend to plant them , a yeare before such implanting ; in this pit burne some straw , or which is better castings of vine or brambles ( but no part of oake , there being such a particular enmity betwixt this tree , and the oake , that the olive not onely refuses its neighbourhood , but dies if planted in the place where the oake has beene rooted up ) or you may leave it to the sunne and raine , which will without such adustion exhale and purifie all infectious vapours : the place being provided to plant upon , we must next select our plant. select your plants from the shoots or branches of those olive trees which are yong , faire , and fertile : let them bee in thickne●se the circumference of an ordinary wrist , in length eighteene inches ; plant it the bigger end downewards into the earth , prepared as before , and ramme the mould , mingled with dung and ashes close about it : let it be digged every yeare in autumne . the time to plant it is in april or may , it must not be transplanted for the first five yeares , nor the bough● cut or pruned till it have attained eight . graft it not but upon it selfe , so will it beare fruit better in the species and number ; in its transplantation you must take up as much of the soyle with its roots , as you can possible , and when you reset it , give it the like scitu●tion for coast and quarter that it had before . olives are intended for two uses when gathered ; either to bee served up at the table in collation , or to make oyle of the largest sort of olive , is most proper for the table , the lesser more particularly convenient for oyle : they must bee gathered with the least offence to the tree that may bee , the bruising of the branches with poles as some use it in striking downe the fruit , makes the tree barren : the best way therefore is to ascend the tree by a ladder , in faire weather ( not so much for conveniency of the gatherer ; as for the profit comming from the olive , which is not to bee taken from the tree , but when it is exceeding dry ) and pulling them with your hand put them into a wicker basket , which you ●hall have carryed up with you to that purpose . those olives you intend to preserve or pickle , must not have that full ripenesse which is requisite for those you purpose to make oyle of . the olives which you keepe for banquets must be full of flesh , firme , fast , large , and ovall ; if you will pickle them , put them into an earthen pot , and cover them with salt brine or verjuice , or else with honey , vinegar , oyle and salt smally beaten . if you intend to keepe them long , by changing your salt brine constantly every two or three moneths , you may effect it . for the olives whereof you are to expresse your oyle , you must gather no more at one time then what may be made into oyle that day , and the day following : before you bring them to the presse let them be spred upon hurdles , well pick'd , and cul'd ; let the hurdles not be too thick set with twigs , that the lees and watry humor of the olive ( which if expressed with oyle would make it extreame full of faeculency , and corrupts it both in the nostr●ll and palate ) may expend , wa●te it selfe , and drop through ; some therefore that this malignant humor may have a full def●uxion before they bring the fruit to the presse , make a high and well-raised floore , with provision of partitions to keep every dayes gathering seperate ; ( which is , if your abundance be such that your presse is not able to discharge you of them dayly ) the bottome of these partitions m●st be paved with a declin● descent , that the moistnesse of the olives may flow away , and be received into gutters or little channels there provided for their transfluxe . the olives being thus prepared for the presse , and the presse readily provided of all things necessary , viz. of fat 's , vessels to receive your severall oyles , scoopes to draw , and empty out the oyle , covers great and small , spunges , pots to carry out the oyle , tyed about by bands or cords of hemp , or broome-barke ; the mill-stones , oyle-mills , pressers , and all other instruments serving thereunto being very well cleansed , and the aire having been before as well heated by a plentifull fire ; ( if it be not warme enough by its naturall scituation ) for the assistance of heat makes all oyly liquors resolve and runne more gently and freely , whereas cold astringes , and detaines it . this presse-house therefore ●hould be so seated , that it may enjoy a full admission and benefit of the south sunne , that we may stand in need of very little fire , if any at all , such heat being no more assistant to the expression , then ac●essary to the corruption of the oyle . carry your olives thus cleansed to the presse , under which put thē whole in new willow baskets ( the willow adding a beauteou● and innocent color to the oyl ; ) the willow also something staving off the rude strokes of the presse , that the olives may be bruised with as little violence , and as much leisure as possible : nor would it be inconvenient if their skin and fle●h were a little broken at the fir●t with a milstone , so set , that it should not breake the kernels , which would utterly spoyle the olive , taking them from the mill thus prepar'd : let them be stronglier bruised in the presse , and put foure pound of salt to every bushell of olives . the oyle which comes first is by much the best , and the●efore called virgin oyle : the second which comes with more violent expression is fitter for liniments then the table : but the last , which is extorted from the drosse , and stones , is of no use but for lampes ; or such sordid employment . the tuns and vessels wherein the oyle is to be put , must be well dress●d with pitch and gumme , made very clean with warme lees , and carefully dryed with a spunge , into which you may powre your oyle within thirty dayes after the expression of it , so much time being necessarily allowed for the settling the lees , which by that will have grounded upon the bottome . the cellars where the vess●ls of oyle are to be conserved , must be in a place of constant drynesse and coldnesse , heat and moysture being corrupters of the oyle ; provide therefore a cellar on the north coast of your house : and fo● the better and more neat preservation of your liquor , poure it rather into glasse vessels or ●arthen pots , which ( if they be made capacious ) are far more convenient then the pitcht retainers we forme●ly spoke of . accidents befalling oyle● with their remedies : and first to recover frozen oyle . if ( in the time of winter ) oyle doth freeze together with his lees , you must put into it twice boyled salt● which dissolves and clears your oyle from all further apprehension of danger ; nor need you entertaine a jealousie that it will be salt , since unctuous matters ( and especially oyle ) have seldome any relish of it . to keepe oyle from becomming ranke . vvhen the oyle begins to change from his first purity of taste to a disposed rankenesse ; the remedy is to melt an equall proportion of wax and oyle together , to which you are to mingle salt fried in oyle before ; this you must poure into the vessel , which composition above the prevention of it , when beginning to grow ranke , effects an entire restitution to its simple purenesse , when already affected . anniseeds cast into the vessell by a particular attraction performe the same operation . to purifie troubled oyle . some are of advice , that the applying it to the fire or sun recleares it . others , if the vessell be strong , cast into it boyling water : how these remedies agree with their former assertions , ( wherein they declare heat so unnaturall to oyle ) is beyond my reconciling : i for my part , should rather make an experiment of vineger , which being cast into the oyle by degrees , hath such a penetrating and inquirent faculty over all the parts , that it would without doubt recompose it . to recover oyle corrupted in the sent. to performe this , take green olives , pound them , free them from their stones , and cast them into the oyle : or else cast the crums of barley bread mixed with corne salt : otherwise , infuse in your oyle the flowers of melilot : or else hang in the vessell a handfull of the herb coriander , and if you finde the putrifying quality yet unexpelled , cast in divers times of the same herbe , and which is better , change his vessell ; this ill odour others drive away thus : they take grapes , pick out their kernells , stampe them , and with salt make them into a lumpe or lumpes , which you must cast into the vessell , and after ten dayes faile not to change it : which must necessarily be done after the application of any remedy to oyle growne ranke and putrified , the vessell still impairing what the remedy recovers . wee have done with the oyle olive , after the manner of whose expression may bee extorted any unctuous matter of fruits , plants , or seeds namely , walnuts , filberds , almonds ( both sweete and bitter ) nutmegs , the kernells of peaches , pine-apples , abricots , cherries , plums , pistaches , the seede of line , rape , cole , mustard , hempe , poppy , henbane , the seeds or pipins of apples , pears , cucumbers , gourds , melons , and other such like : but that wee may give the reader a more cleare dilucidation of the manner of preparation , wee shall briefely discover the method used in the expression of oyle from almond and nutmegs , which will easily make him apprehend all the rest● the particular reason which perswades mee to introduce the example of almonds , is becaus● i have purposed before i finish this concluding treatise , to discourse particularly o● the planting the almond . whose oyle if to bee taken inwards , is to bee thus expressed . pill the almonds after they have steeped some time in warme water , pound them in a mortar of stone or marble with a wooden pestle , make them up in little lumpes or loaves , which you may knead with you● hands against the vapour of warme water , or put them in a glasse vessell of a large content , for some foure or five houres : ( let the seate and glasse bee so contrived , that it may rather bee above the water to receive the vapour on its sides and bottome , then in it ) the almond being thus mollified by the disposition of the moisture , m●st bee put into a haire cloth or hempen bag , and laid in a presse , whose bottome must be wel heated , hollow , and bending downewards to give the better delabency for the oyl● thus expressed , you may bake the drossy part of the almonds under the ashes , wh●ch in time of necessity will serve for bread , of plenty for a dainty and fatning food to your poultry . this oyle is of soveraigne excellency to mitigate and remove the throwes and gripes of women newly delivered , and to aswage the paines of the collick or reines , taking it in two ounces of white wine , or one of aqua vita ; the line , cole , rape● wallnut , and other need not these curious preparations , and their cakes are of unm●tchable nourishment to fatten kine and other cattle . oyle of nutmegs . oyle of nutmeg ( which in the south part of virginia not subject to any inconveniences of cold would undoubtedly flourish ) is thus made : bray them with a wooden stamper , afterwards presse them out , the plankes being very well heated ; to extract it more rich , divide them into little heapes , and steep● them three dayes in very good wine , after dry them in the shaddow of the sunne two whole dayes , then heate them reasonably in a frying pan upon the fire , sprinkling them with rose water , and presently presse them . this i judge conveniently sufficient for oyles● let us descend to the planting of the almond-tree , which as it hath a peculiar excellency , so without dispute returnes a● ample profit . of the almond tree . though the almond tree delight particularly in gravelly places , of which virginia is too rich to afford a conveniency ; yet there is no dispute , but if the mould wherein you plant them bee mingled with oyster-shels , or such like , of which there is to bee found inexhaustible quantities , they will have a greater virtue then gravell to the quickning and ingerminating of this ●ree ; having the perplexed hardnesse of gravell and unctuousnesse of marle united . the soyle thus prescribed ; let the seat of your almond be in a hot place fully exposed to the south or south-west , and it will not onely flourish to your expectation , but its fruit will bee excellently qualified , and in vast abundance : it groweth very well of the stone , which because it cannot bee procured new should be kept close in a vessell of earth ; to be transported , set it as you would your peach ; it thrives very well too of the branch or scien , which must bee cut from the top of the tree , and planted as the olive , the earth rammed very hard about it , and prepared as before , both the stone and the scien should bee steeped for the space of twelve or foure and twenty houres in homed water ; the best season to set or plant it in virginia , is in october and november . this tree will bee of admirable use there , in regard that both that and the olive will hinder no undergrowing corne ; let neither this tree nor your olive grow above ten foot in the stock , and in this as in olives , if you see any branch aspiring higher then his neighbours , represse such ambition by cutting him o●f , otherwise hee will divert all the sap of the tree into his owne body , and leave his fellowes in a starving and perishing condition ; amongst which if you maintaine equality , they will altogether consent in gratitude to returne you a plentifull harvest . t●e barren almond tree will become fruitfull if you lay open his roots in winter , or else if you pierce some part of the stock close to the earth , and put through the hole a wedge of oake , watering it about with stale urine . the bitter almond will bee capable of bulcoration , if you lay round about his bared root swines dung tempered with urine , casting afterwards much mould upon it , this must bee practised yearly , till hee bee perfectly reclaimed , you will finde the same effect if you bore a hole in the stock of the tree , and put therein a wedge wrapped about with cloth dipped in hony. beasts by brousing and cropping of rhe first and tender branches , change the nature of sweet almonds into bitter almonds , are gathered when their huskes through the heate of the sunne begin to divide ; ( i should therefore advise that those made choice of to set , may bee taken before such exact ripenesse , that the heate of the sunne may not exhale their generating vigour ) if when you have beaten them downe you shell them altogether , and wash them in brine , they will become white , and bee preserved a long time ; cautionarily that you dry them in the sunne ; their repository or granaries must have good open admissories for an unmoist aire , and lye upon that coast that is most open to the north-west , being the driest winde in that country . the medicinall excellency of almonds , is , that they are good for those which are troubled with a clammy fleame in their throat , with w●ake lungs , and such as are subject to the gravell in the reines or difficulty of urine , they are great restorers to nature , and fortifie the parts tending to generation ; nor is it onely beneficiall in its fruit , for the gumme also of the almond tree arrests the spitting of blood . of the fig tree . the fig tree groweth with an unusuall celerity , as beginning to beare the second yeare from his planting , and is of that nature , that during a moneth or five weekes when grapes are ripe and good to eate , the figge also is at that season dayly mature , and fit for the pallate , it may bee planted as the vine , and affects the same soile ; such as have roots grow sooner , but without doubt the branches continue longer ; the order you observe in planting the vine adheare too in this , and it will p●osper . the fittest season to plant it is in october , and the succeeding moneth to the . or twentieth : you shall cause them in planting the be●ter to t●ke root , if you loosen the barque , or which is better bruise it gently at the nether end of the stemme about halfe a foot . to cause them to bee fertile , and bring forth fruits remarkable for fullnesse and verdure , put to his root rich mould beaten and tempered with the setlings of oyle olive , and mans dung , or which i like better then this stercoration if it have already a benine soyle , crop the tops and ends of the branches when they first spring . to reclaime a wild fig-tree , water him at the roots with win● and oyle mixed together . if you make á composition of an equall quantity of salt brine and water be●tow this irrigation in a small trench round about the body of the tree , your figges are prevented from unripe fallings . to have ea●ly figs , water the tree with oyle and pigions-dung , if your ambition be not only to have the earliest , but the latest , take away the fi●st buds , when they are about the bignesse of a beane . to keepe or preserve them , lay them in a pot of honey full and well stopped , but so that they neither touch the sides of the pot , nor one another . or take an earthen pot ( the figs being put in ) stop it close , and immerge this vessell to another f●ll of wine , no ●aint or corruption will possesse your figges so inclosed , while the wine retains his goodn●sse . the plant steeped in brine , or the end thrust into a sea onion , becomes much more fruitfull when planted . this fruit is of great vertue in making the belly soluble in abundance of nourishment and provocation of sweat , dryed and mingled with the flower of linseed or fenugreeke , it resolveth and killeth all impos●umes , and hard tumours , in decoctions it assists much in driving away of the cough , and difficulty of breath , which last vertue the fruit also expresseth very happily , if ste●ped in aqua vitae , the night precedent , and taken every morning during the dominion of this disea●e after you , the milke of the fig-tree dropt into the eare killeth the wormes in it , the leaves of the fig-tree rubbed doe provoke the hemorrhoides ; the juice of figs is of equall felicity in opening them , which to increase his excellency amends all roughnesse , ill conditioned scabs● small pocks , purpl●s , freckles , ringwormes , and other eye-sad blemishes of the face or body therewith anointed , being first tempered with the flower of parched barley , a little cotten wool dipped in this juice , and layd upon the aking tooth a●●wageth the paine . of the pomeganate tree . the pomegranate tree , which may be planted either from the branch or succour , is one of the most absolute encouragers of an idle person in the world ; provided , it be exempt from the intemperate operation of the cold , neither the torrid heat of the sun , nor the barrennesse of the soyle , shal make him forgoe his glorious rubies ; no culture or dressing is required by it : yet if it be set in a rich soyle , it will be sure to make an advantage of it to his owne flourishing , and your profit : the wine thereof ( for it affordeth wine as wel as excellency of fruit ) may be made after this manner . take the ripe kernels , freed and cleansed from their skins , put them into the presse , and exact the wine , keep it in vessels till it is fully fined from all working , which finished , distribute such a quantity if oyle as may float over all the top of the vessel , and this preserves it from sowring or corruption . the pomegranate apple put in a pot of new earth , well covered , and luted with clay , and set into an oven so long , till the fruit may be resolved into powder , is of very princely vertue ; for ( taking the weight of half a crown thereof in red wine ) it miraculously stops the bloudy flux . it is also good in divers diseases of women , which ( because they are more arcanely peculiar to that sex ) i shal forbear to speak of . of the quince tree . the quince tree groweth much sooner from the root then branches : it delighteth in a soyle of a moyst and cold nature , and would therefore be planted towards the more umbragious and coole corners of your garden . the garden , or reclaimed quince , beareth two sorts of fruits , to which curiosity hath assigned sexes , and they are called the quince and quincesse ; the male , which is the quince , is of a more wrinkled , drye , redolent fruit , and golden colour then the quincesse . if you graft the male upon the fe●ale , or ●convers● , the quinces thence proceeding will be tender , and may be eaten raw , which without such ●n hermaphroditisme must of necessity have beene prepared , to which nature , rather then to eate it crude hath de●igned it . the use of marmalade , and its preparation is so publickly known , that it is unnecessary to repeate it . it is not enough to enjoy the delight of these fruits for the summer onely : the winter too in reason should claime a part of our summer contentments , which cannot bee better expedited then by drying such fruits as are capable of are faction , and agreeable when dryed , the principall whereof are the vine or g●ape , the fig , the peach , and abricot . how to dry grapes , that they may bee kept . your grapes being at their just ripenesse , select the faire●t out of you● vineyard , for such quantity as you shall use , let them lye thin spread while you prepare a lye for them , made of faire water and ashes , proceeding onely from the cuttings of the vine without any other mixture of wood whatsoever : seeth this lye till you have made a strong and cleare liquor , then taking or straining away the ashes , put the liquor into a cleane caldron , set it againe over the fire till it bee ready to seeth ; then tying the stalkes of your grapes with thread , and fastening the thread to such sticks and in such order bunch by bunch , as chandlers use to dip their candles , which dip them into this lye foure or five severall times : which done , let them dry in the sunne● either so hanging on their sticks , of which is better upon lattices or hurdles of rods , or the like , untill they bee conveniently dry ; then barrell them , pressing them very hard and flat in the vessell , others dry them upon such lattices or hurdles without steeping them even as they c●me from the vine , and peradventure more successefully . how to drie figges . let them ( as the grape ) bee gathered very ripe ; then lay and spread them upon hurdles or lattices of reeds or osier joyned together● with rifts or vacancies betwixt the covering of those osiers , that the aire transpiring through those voyd spaces may assist the sunne in the drying them ; but you must bee cautious that during their exposure to the open aire no raine or dew incommodate them : when they are dry ba●rell with the same poise of pressure used to the grapes . others take a bigge reed or cane of two or three foot in length , boring little holes all the length of it , through which they put little sticks of two foot extent , being the small and sharpe upon which they thread the figs , till they are very full of them , and so hang the cane in the sunne , which dryed they barrell up using the same course as before . how to dry peaches and abricots of all sorts . when they are very ripe , pare off the upper skin , cleav● them into foure quarters , dry them as you did your fig●● barrell them and keepe them for the winter . the manner how you shall prepare them to eate is this ; pr●vide an earthen pot , and after you have washe● your peaches in faire water , put them into the pot with as much wine as will cover the peaches , then seeth them halfe a quarter of an houre . they may bee made ready without boyling thus ; let them inf●se three or foure dayes in wine , ( which way they are much better ) put to them beaten cynamon , and thus they will last a moneth in the wine , eaten every morning they are very wholesome , and provoke a good appetite . the fittest seasons for sowing of seeds . to prescribe rules according to our climate , to tha● of virginia , may have much of affection , but without all peradventures , little of wisdome . wee must therefore seeke for a nearer correspondence in parallells . having therefore seene some letters of an ancient date written by frenchmen , then employed in virginia , to their intrusters , wherein they confesse that of all the provinces of france : none came so neare to that noble countrey , as languedock and provence , two of the eyes of that kingdome , abounding withall the delights and delicacy that italy can pretend to , or spain● boast of ; i could not but apprehend that their times of sation and insition , of planting and replanting , might in some measure correspond with that place where the english are now s●ated , and having seene a regular distribution of the moneths and seasons in the yeare for sowing , grafting● and other offices belonging to the industrious lovers of agriculture ; i should both unsatisfie my owne conscience , and disoblige that countrey , and its christian inhabitants , if i did not publish it with the same resentment of affection i received it ; not that any should bee so pinioned to these precepts , that neither weather , inconveniency , or want of opportunity should make him recede from the punctuall observation of them : but i speake it out of a very strong confidence that the observations of the seasons according to these prescriptions will sort well with v●rginia in generall , and the planters in particular , to whom it is intended , and indeed it is as exact ● directory as any yet published . i am not ignorant that criticks will laugh at this ; much good doe it them● and why so many moneths for the same seed ? w●y so many repetitions ? my exceptionist forgets that wee not onely covet to have things early , but their continuance : will it offend him that wee have ar●ichokes in may ? and july both ? because wee may have cabbage , lettuse in april , shall wee bee forbidden to have any in may : the principall scope of this directer was to show how long such and such seedes might bee continued to bee sowen , and in what moneth and moone , if hee apprehend it not ; i can send him to no moneth , but that of june , nor moone , but that of midsommer . he that will sow seed , must know that , som● may 〈◊〉 ●owen at a●● times of the moneth and moone , as , asparagus , colewort of all sorts , spinage , lettuse , pa●s●ips , reddish . others would be sowed in a certaine moneth and moone● as there must bee sowen in february , the moone being — new full spike ga●like b●●age bug●●sse ch●●use cori●nder g●urds w●ter ●●esses m●●●●●ne pa●ma christi flower gen●le w●ite poppy pu●s●ane radish r●●ket rosemary sorrell double marigold thyme . anise viole●● b●ites ski●worts wh●te succory f●n● 〈◊〉 p●●●l●y . h●●y ●histle cole cabbage white cole green cole cucumbe●● h●rts-horn● samp●●● d●●rs graine spinage cabbage-lettuce m●l●●● onions la●ke●-he●le burnet leekes . old sow in march the moone being , new full garlick borage cher●ile cori●nder gourds m●joran● white poppy pu●s●in● radish sorr●ll double marigold thyme violets . anise blee●s skirwor●s succory ●en●●ll apples of love marvellous apples . artichoke● basil thi●●le● blessed thi●●le col● cabbage white cole greene cole citron● cucumbers harts-horne sampire di●rs grain● spinage g●lly● flowers hyf●op cabbage lettuse melons onyons flower gentle burnet leeke● sav●●y . old sow in april the moon being new majorane flower gentle thyme violet●● full apples of love marvellous apples . old artichokes cabbage cole citrons harts-horne sampire gilly flower● . in may in the old of the moon blessed thi●le . in june th● moone new go●rds radishes . old melo●s cucumbers . in jul● the moone full white succory cabbage lettu●e . old white succory cabbage lettu●e . in august the moone being full white succory . herbes growing of seedes that are sowne may bee transplanted at all times , except chervils , arrage , spinage , and persely , which are nothing worth when they are transplanted ; ever observed that such transplantation bee in a moist , rainy weather , otherwise they must bee very diligently watered . you may take notice that the choise and age of seedes is d●uble , in chusing them you are to regard that they bee ripe , full , heavy , firme , grosse , and of a good colour , not falling to powder through rottennesse or bruises . some grow bettter of new seedes , as leeks , cucumbers . others grow better of old seeds , as coriander , persley , savory , beets , origanum , cresses , spinage , poppey . further observe , that you must preserve from cold , lettuses , artichokes , basill , cabbage cole , diers graine , melons , fifteene dayes after they put forth from the earth . make ●ccount that seedes thrive and prosper much better , when they are sowen upon such dayes as are betweene the extreames of cold and heate , then in hot , cold or dry dayes . bee pleased to remember , that seedes must bee gathered in faire weather , in the wane of the moone . they must be kept some in boxes of wood , dry , and not layd upon the ground , but kept very cleane . bagges of leather , dry , and not layd upon the ground , but kept very cleane . vessels of earth , dry , and not layd upon the ground , but kept very cleane . others , as onions , in their huske . chibols , in their huske . leeks , in their huske . ●o do regularly , we sho●ld plant in the la●● of the moone . gather grafts in the la●t but one of the moone . graft two dayes after the change of the moone . an explication of the saw-mill , an engine , wherewith by force of a wheele in the water , to cut timber with great speed . this engine is very common in norway and mountaines of sweden , wherewith they cut gr●at quantity of deal-bords ; which engine is very necessary to be in a great towne or forrest , to cut timber , whether into planks or otherwise . this heer is not altogether like those of norway : for they make the piece of timber approch the sawes on certaine wheels with teeth ; but because of reparations which those toothd wheeles are often subject unto , i will omit that use : and in stead thereof , put two weights , about . or . pound weight a piece , whereof one is marked a. the other b. the cords wherewith the sayd weights doe hang , to be fastned at the end of the . peeces of moving wood , which slide on two other peeces of fixed wood , by the meanes of certaine small pulleys , which should be within the house , and so the sayd weights should alwayes draw the sayd peeces of moving wood , which advancing alway towards the sawes rising and falling , shall quickly be cut into . . or . peeces , as you shall please to put on saws , and placed at what distance you will have for the thicknesse of the planks or bords ye will cut : and when a peece is cut , then let one with a lever turne a rowler , wherto shall be fastned a strong cord which shall bring backe the sayd peece of wood , an● lift again the weights : and after put aside the peece already cut , to take againe the sawes against another peece of wood . which once done , the ingenious artist may easily convert the same to an instrument of threshing wheat , breaking of hempe or flax , and other as profitable uses . finis . the two charters granted by king charles iid to the proprietors of carolina with the first and last fundamental constitutions of that colony. charter ( ) england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the two charters granted by king charles iid to the proprietors of carolina with the first and last fundamental constitutions of that colony. charter ( ) england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) locke, john, - . carolina (colony). charter ( ) carolina (colony). constitution ( ) p. printed and are to be sold by richard parker ..., london : [ ] date of publication from wing. reproduction of original in huntington library. the first charter granted by king charles iid to the proprietors of carolina (march , ) -- the second charter (june , ) -- the fundamental constitutions of carolina (march , ; drawn up by john locke) -- copy of the fundamental constitutions of carolina (april , ). created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to 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(tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng constitutional history -- north carolina. constitutional history -- south carolina. north carolina -- history -- colonial period, ca. - -- charters. north carolina -- history -- colonial period, ca. - -- constitution. south carolina -- history -- colonial period, ca. - -- constitution. south carolina -- history -- colonial period, ca. - -- charters. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the two charters granted by king charles iid . to the proprietors of carolina . with the first and last fundamental constitutions of that colony . london : printed , and are to be sold by richard parker , at the vnicorn , under the piazza of the royal exchange . the first charter granted by king charles iid . to the proprietors of carolina . charles iid . by the grace of god , &c. to all to whom these presents shall come greeting . whereas , our right trusty , and right well-beloved cousins and counsellors , edward earl of clarendon , our high chancellor of england , and george duke of albemarle , master of our horse , and captain general of all our forces ; our right trusty and well-beloved william lord craven , john lord berkeley , our right trusty , and well-beloved counsellor , anthony lord ashley , chancellor of our exchequer , sir george carterett knight and baronet , vice-chamberlain of our houshold , and our trusty and well-beloved , sir william berkeley knight , and sir john colleton knight and baronet , being excited with a laudable and pious zeal for the propagation of the christian faith , and the enlargement of our empire and dominions , have humbly besought leave of us by their industry and charge , to transport and make an ample colony of our subjects , natives of our kingdom of england , and elsewhere , within our dominions , unto a certain country , hereafter described , in the parts of america not yet cultivated or planted , and only inhabited by some barbarous people , who have no knowledge of almighty god. and whereas , the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley , sir john colleton , have humbly besought us to give , grant and confirm unto them and their heirs , the said country , with priviledges and jurisdictions , requisite for the good government and safety thereof . know ye therefore , that we favouring the pious and noble purpose of the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton of our special grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , have given , granted and confirmed , and by this our present charter , for us , our heirs and successors , do give , grant and confirm unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs , and assigns , all that territory or tract of ground scituate , lying , and being within our dominions in america ; extending from the north end of the island called lucke island , which lyeth in the southern virginia seas , and within six and thirty degrees of the northern latitude ; and to the west as far as the south seas ; and so southerly , as far as the river st. matthias , which bordereth upon the coast of florida , and within one and thirty degrees of northern latitude , and so west in a direct line , as far as the south seas aforesaid ; together with all and singular ports , harbours , bays , rivers , isles and islets , belonging unto the country aforesaid . and also , all the soil , lands , fields , woods , mountains , ferms , lakes , rivers , bays and islets , scituate ▪ or being within the bounds or limits aforesaid , with the fishing of all sorts of fish , whales , sturgeons and all other royal fishes in the sea , bays , islets and rivers , within the premises , and the fish therein taken . and moreover , all veins , mines , quarries , as well discover'd as not discover'd , of gold , silver , gems , precious stones , and all other whatsoever ; be it of stones , metals or any other thing whatsoever , found , or to be found within the countries , isles and limits aforesaid . and furthermore , the patronage and avowsons of all the churches and chapels , which as christian religion shall increase within the country , isles , islets and limits aforesaid , shall happen hereafter to be erected ; together with license and power to build and found churches , chapels and oratories in convenient and fit places within the said bounds and limits ; and to cause them to be dedicated and consecrated , according to the ecclesiastical laws of our kingdom of england ; together with all and singular , the like , and as ample rights , jurisdictions , priviledges , prerogatives , royalties , liberties , immunities and franchises , of what kind soever , within the countries , isles , islets and limits aforesaid . to have , use , exercise and enjoy , and in as ample manner as any bishop of durham in our kingdom of england , ever heretofore have held , used or enjoyed , or of right ought , or could have , use or enjoy ; and them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns . we do by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , make , create and constitute the true and absolute lords and proprietors of the country aforesaid , and of all other the premises , saving always the faith , allegiance and sovereign dominion due to us , our heirs and successors , for the same ; and saving also the right , title and interest of all and every our subjects of the english nation , which are now planted within the limits and bounds aforesaid , ( if any be : ) to have , hold possess , and enjoy the said country , isles , islets , and all and singular , other the premises to them , the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilleam berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns for ever , to be holden of us , our heirs and successors , as of our mannor of east greenwich , in our county of kent , in free and common soccage , and not in capite , nor by kn●ghts service , yeilding and paying yearly to us , our heirs and successors , for the same , the yearly rent of twenty marks of lawful money of england , at the feast of all saints , yearly for ever . the first payment thereof , to begin , and to be made on the feast of all saints , which shall be in the year of our lord one thousand six hundred sixty and five , and also the fourth part of all gold and silver oar which within the limits aforesaid , shall from time to time , happen to be found . and that the country thus by us granted and described , may be dignifyed by us with as large titles and priviledges as any other parts of our dominions and terretories in that region . know ye , that we of our further grace , certain knowledge , and meer motion , have thought fit to erect the same tract of ground , country and island , into a province , and out of the fullness of our royal power and prerogative ; we do , for us , our heirs and successors , erect , incorporate and ordain the same into a province ; and do call it the province of carolina : and so , from henceforth , will have it called . and forasmuch as we have hereby made , and ordained the aforesaid edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , the true lords and proprieters of all the province aforesaid . know ye therefore moreover , that we reposing especial trust and confidence in their fidelity , wisdom , justice and provident circumspection for us , our heirs and successours , do grant full and absolute power by virtue of these presents , to them , the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , and their heirs for the good and happy government of the said province , to ordain , make , enact , and under their seals to publish any laws whatsoever , either appertaining to the publick state of the said province , or to the private utility or particular persons , according to their best discretion , of and with the advice , assent and approbation of the freemen of the said province , or of the greater part of them , or of their delegates or deputies , whom for enacting of the said laws , when and as often as need shall require , we will that the said edward earl of clarendon , george guke of albermarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton and their heirs , shall from time to time , assemble in such manner and form as to them shall seem best , and the same laws duely to execute upon all people within the said province and limits thereof , for the time being , or which shall be constituted under the power and government of them , or , any of them , either sailing towards the said province of carolina , or , returning from thence towards england , or any other of our , or forreign dominions , by imposition of penalties , imprisonment , or any other punishment ; yea , if it shall be needful , and the quality of the offence requires it , by taking away member and life , either by them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilliam berkeley , and sir john colleton , and their heirs , or by them , or their deputies , lieutenants , judges , justices , magistrates , officers and ministers , to be ordained , or appointed according to the tenor and true intention of these presents ; and likewise , to appoint and establish any judges , or justices , magistrates , or officers whatsoever , within the said province , at sea or land , in such manner and form , as unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkely , and sir john colleton , and their heirs , shall seem most convenient . also to remit , release , pardon , and abolish , ( whether before judgment , or after ) all crimes and offences whatsoever against the said laws , and to do all and every other thing and things which unto the compleat establishment of justice unto courts , sessions and forms of judicature , and manners of proceedings therein , do belong , although in these presents , express mention be not made thereof , and by judges , and by him , or them delegated to award , process , hold pleas , and determine in all the said courts and places of judicature , all actions , suits and causes whatsoever , as well criminal as civil , real , mixt , personal , or of any other kind or nature whatsoever ; which laws , so as aforesaid to be published , our pleasure is , and we do require , enjoyn and command , shall be absolute , firm and available in law , and that all the leige people of us , our heirs and successors within the said province of carolina , do observe and keep the same inviolably , in those parts , so far as they concern them , under the pains and penalties therein expressed , or to be expressed ; provided nevertheless , that the said laws be consonant to reason , and as near as may be , conveniently agreeable to the laws and customs of this our kingdom of england . and because such assemblies of free-holders cannot be so conveniently called , as there may be occasion to require the same ; we do therefore by these presents , give and grant unto the said earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley , and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , by themselves , or their magistrates in that behalf lawfully authorized , full power and authority from time to time , to make and ordain fit and wholesome orders and ordinances within the province aforesaid , to be kept and observed , as well for the keeping of the peace , as for the better government of the people there abiding , and to publish the same to all to whom it may concern ; which ordinances we do by these presents , streightly charge and command to be inviolably observed , within the said province , under the penalties therein expressed , so as such ordinances be reasonable and not repugnant , or contrary , but as near as may be , agreeable to the laws and statutes of this our kingdom of england , and so as the same ordinances do not extend to the binding , charging , or taking away of the right or interest of any person or persons , in their freehold goods , or chattels whatsoever . and to the end the said province may be the more happily increased by the multitude of people resorting thither , and may likewise be the more strongly defended from the incursions of savages , and other enemies , pirates and robbers ; therefore , we for us , our heirs and successors do give and grant by these presents , power , license and liberty unto all the leige people of us , our heirs and successors in our kingdom of england , or elsewhere within any other our dominions , islands , colonies , or plantations ( excepting those who shall be especially forbidden ) to transport themselves and families unto the said province , with convenient shipping , and ●itting provisions and there to settle themselves , dwell and inhabit , any law , statute , act , ordinance , or other thing , to the contrary in any wise , notwithstanding : and we will also , and of our more special grace for us , our heirs and successors do streightly enjoyn , ordain , constitute and command that the said province of carolina shall be of our allegiance , and that all and singular the subjects , and liege people of us , our heirs and successors transported , or to be transported into the said province , and the children of them , and of such as shall descend from them , there born , or hereafter to be born , be , and shall be , denizons and leiges of us , our heirs and successors of this our kingdom of england , and be in all things held , treated and reputed as the leige faithful people of us , our heirs and successors , born within this our said kingdom , or any other of our dominions , and may inherit , or otherwise purchase and receive , take , hold , buy and possess any lands , tenements , or hereditaments within the same places , and them may occupy possess and enjoy ▪ give , sell , aliene and bequeath ; as likewise , all liberties , franchises and priviledges of this our kingdom of england and of other our dominions aforesaid , and may freely and quietly have , possess and enjoy as our leige people born within the same , without the least molestation , vexation , trouble or grievance of us , our heirs and successors , any statute , act , ordinance or provision to the contrary notwithstanding . and furthermore that our subjects of this our said kingdom of england and other our dominions , may be the rather encouraged to undertake this expedition with ready and chearful minds ; know ye , that we of our special grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , do give and grant , by vertue of these presents , as well to the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilliam berkeley and sir john colleton and their heirs , as unto all others as shall , from time to time , repair unto the said province , with a purpose to inhabit there , or to trade with the natives of the said province , full liberty and license to lade and freight in any ports whatsoever , of us , our heirs and successors , and into the said province of carolina , by them , their servants and assigns , to transport all and singular their goods , wares and merchandizes ; as likewise , all sorts of grain whatsoever , and any other things whatsoever , necessary for the food and cloathing , not prohibited by the laws and statutes of our kingdoms and dominions , to be carry'd out of the same without any lett or molestation of us , our heirs and successors , or of any other of our officers or ministers whatsoever , saving also to us , our heirs and successors , the customs , and other dutys and payments , due for the said wares and merchandizes , according to the several rates of the places from whence the same shall be transported . we will also , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , do give and grant license by this our charter , unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley , and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , and to all the inhabitants and dwellers in the province aforesaid , both present and to come , full power and absolute authority to import or unlade by themselves , or their servants , factors or assigns , all merchandizes and goods whatsoever , that shall arise of the fruits and commodities of the said province , either by land or by sea , into any the ports of us , our heirs and successors , in our kingdom of england . scotland or ireland , or otherwise to dispose of the said goods in the said ports ; and if need be , within one year next after the unlading , to lade the said merchandizes and goods again into the same , or other ships , and to export the same into any other countries , either of our dominions , or forreign , being in amity with us , our heirs and successors , so as they pay such customs , subsidies and other dutys for the same to us , our heirs and successors , as the rest of our subjects of this our kingdom , for the time being , shall be bound to pay , beyond which , we will not that the inhabitants of the said province of carolina shall be any way charged . provided nevertheless , and our will and pleasure is , and we have further for the considerations aforesaid , of our more especial grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , given and granted , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , do give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilliam berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , full and free license , liberty and authority at any time , or times , from and after the feast of st. michael the arch-angel , which shall be in the year of our lord christ , one thousand six hundred , sixty and seven ; as well to import , and bring into any of our dominions , from the said province of carolina , or any part thereof , the several goods and commodities herein after mentioned ; that is to say , silks , wines , currants , raisons , capers , wax , almonds , oyl and olives , without paying or answering to us , our heirs or successors , any custom , impost or other duty , for , or in respect thereof , for and during the term and space of seven years , to commence and be accompted from and after the first importation of four tons of any the said goods in any one bottom ship or vessel , from the said province , into any of our dominions ; as also , to export and carry out of any of our dominions into the said province of carolina , custom-free , all sorts of tools which shall be useful or necessary for the planters there , in the accomodation and improvement of the premises , any thing before in these presents contained , or any law , act , statute prohibition , or other matter or thing heretofore had , made , enacted or provided or hereafter to be had , made , enacted , or provided to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding . and furthermore , of our more ample and especial grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , we do for us , our heirs and successors , grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilliam berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , full and absolute power and authority to make , erect and constitute within the said province of carolina , and the isles and islets aforesaid , such and so many sea-ports , harbours , creeks and other places , for discharge and unlading of goods and merchandizes out of ships , boats and other vessels , and for lading of them in such and so many places , and with such jurisdictions , priviledges and franchises , unto the said ports belonging , as to them shall seem most expedient ; and that all and singular , the ships , boats and other vessels , which shall come for merchandizes , and trade into the said province , or shall depart out of the same , shall be laden and unladen at such ports only as shall be erected and constituted by the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , and not elsewhere any use , custom , or any thing to the contrary in any wise , notwithstanding . and we do furthermore will , appoint and ordain by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , do grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkely , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , that they the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilliam berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , may from time to time , for ever , have and enjoy the customs and subsidies in the ports , harbours , creeks and other places within the province aforesaid , payable for goods , merchandizes and wares there laded , or to be laded or unladed , the said customs to be reasonably assessed upon any occasion by themselves , and by and with the consent of the free people there , or the greater part of them , as aforesaid ; to whom we give power by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , upon just cause and in a due proportion to assess and impose the same . and further , of our especial grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , we have given , granted and confirmed , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , do give , grant and confirm unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilliam berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , full and absolute license , power and authority , that the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett . sir vvilliam berkley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , from time to time , hereafter for ever , at his and their will and pleasure , may assign , alien , grant , demise or enfeoft the premises or any parts or parcells thereof to him or them , that shall be willing to purchase the same ; and to such person or persons , as they shall think fit , to have , and to hold to them the said person or persons , their heirs and assigns in fee simple or fee tayle , or for term of life or lives , or years to be held of them , the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley , and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , by such rents , services and customs , as shall seem meet to the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , and not immediately of us , our heirs and successors : and to the same person and persons , and to all and every of them , we do give and grant by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , license , authority and power , that such person or persons , may have or take the premises , or any parcel thereof , of the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkely , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , and the same to hold to themselves , their heirs or assigns , in what estate of inheritance whatsoever , in fee simple , or in fee tayle , or otherwise , as to them and the said earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , shall seem expedient . the statute made in the parliament of edward , son of king henry , heretofore king of england , our predecessor , commonly called , the statute of quia emptores terrae ; or any other satute , act , ordinance , use , law , custom , or any other matter , cause or thing heretofore published or provided to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding . and because many persons born or inhabiting in the said province , for their deserts and services may expect , and be capable of marks of honour and favour , which in respect of the great distance cannot conveniently be conferred by us ; our will and pleasure therefore is , and we do by these presents , give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , willliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , full power and authority to give and conferr unto , and upon such of the inhabitants of the said province , as they shall think , do , or shall merit the same , such marks or favour , and titles of honour , as they shall think fit , so as these titles of honour be 〈…〉 conferred upon any the 〈◊〉 of this our kingdom of 〈◊〉 . and further also , we do by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , give and grant , license to them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , full power , liberty and license to erect , raise and build within the said province and places aforesaid , or any part or parts thereof , such and so many forts , fortresses , castles , cities , borroughs , towns , villages and other fortifications whatsoever , and the same or any of them to fortify and furnish with ordinance , powder , shot , armory and all other weapons , ammunition , habiliments of war , both offensive and defensive , as shall be thought fit and convenient for the safety and welfare of the said province , and places , or any part thereof , and the same , or any of them , from time to time , as occasion shall require , to dismantle , disfurnish , demolish and pull down , and also to place , constitute and appoint in , or over all , or any of the said castles , forts , fortifications , cities , towns and places aforesaid , governours , deputy governours , magistrates , sheriffs , and other officers , civil and military , as to them shall seem meet , and to the said cities , burroughs , towns , villages , or any other place , or places , within the said province , to grant letters or charters of incorporation , with all liberties , franchises , and priviledges requisite , and usual , or to , or within any corporations within this our kingdom of england granted , or belonging ; and in the same citties , burroughs , towns and other places , to constitute , erect and appoint such , and so many markets , marts and fairs , as shall in that behalf be thought fit and necessary ; and further also , to erect and make in the province aforesaid , or any part thereof , so many mannors as to them shall seem meet and convenient , and in every of the same mannors to have and to hold a court-baron with all things whatsoever , which to a court-baron do belong , and to have and to hold views of franck pledge and court-leet for the conservation of the peace , and better government of those parts , within such limits , jurisdictions and precincts , as by the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkely , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , or their heirs , shall be appointed for that purpose , with all things whatsoever , which to a court leet , or view of franck pledge ; do belong , the said court to be holden by stewards , to be deputed and authorized by the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , or their heirs , or by the lords of other mannors and leets for the time being , when the same shall be erected . and because that in so remote a country , and scituate among so many barbarous nations , and the invasions as well of salvages as other enemies ; pirates and robbers may probably be feared ; therefore we have given , and for us , our heirs and successors do give power by these presents , unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns by themselves , or their captains , or other their officers to levy , muster and train all sorts of men , of what condition , or wheresoever born in the said province , for the time being ; and to make war and pursue the enemies aforesaid , as well by sea , as by land ; yea , even within the limits of the said province , and by god's assistance , to vanquish and take them , and being taken , to put them to death by the law of war , or to save them at their pleasure ; and to do all and every other thing , which unto the charge and office of a captain general of an army , belongeth , or hath accustomed to belong , as fully and freely as any captain general of an army hath ever had the same . also , our will and pleasure is , and by this our charter , we give unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir gorge carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , full power , liberty and authority in case of rebellion , tumult , or sedition ( if any should happen ) which god forbid either upon the land within the province aforesaid or upon the main sea , in making a voyage thither , or returning from thence , by him and themselves , their captains , deputies or officers , to be authorized under his or their seals , for that purpose : to whom also for us , our heirs and successors , we do give and grant by these presents , full power and authority to exercise martial law against mutinous and seditious persons of those parts , such as shall refuse to submit themselves to their government , or shall refuse to serve in the wars , or shall fly to the enemy , or forsake their colours or ensigns , or be loyterers or straglers , or otherwise howsoever offending against law , custom or discipline military , as freely , and in as ample manner and form as any captain general of an army , by virtue of his office , might , or hath accustomed to use the same . and our further pleasure is , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , we do grant unto the said earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , and to the tenants and inhabitants of the said province of carolina , both present and to come , and to every of them , that the said province and the tennants and inhabitants thereof , shall not from henceforth , be held or reputed a member , or part of any collony what●oever , in america or elsewhere , now transported or made , or hereafter to be transported or made ; nor shall be depending on , or subject to their government in any thing , but be absolutely separated and divided from the same : and our pleasure is , by these presents , that they be separated , and that they be subject immediately to our crown of england , as depending thereof for ever . and that the inhabitants of the said province , nor any of them , shall at any time hereafter , be compelled or compellable , or be any ways subject , or liable to appear or answer to any matter , suit , cause , or plaint whatsoever , out of the province aforesaid , in any other of our islands , collonies or dominions in america or elsewhere , other than in our realm of england and dominion of wales . and because it may happen , that some of the people and inhabitants of the said province , cannot in their private opinions conform to the publick exercise of religion according to the liturgy , form and ceremonies of the church of england , or take and subscribe the oaths and articles made and established in that behalf ▪ and for that the same , by reason of the remote distances of these placees will we hope , be no breach of the unity , and uniformity , established in this nation . our will and pleasure therefore is , and we do by these presents for us , our heirs , and successors , give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley , and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , full and free license , liberty and authority , by such legal ways and means as they shall think fit to give and grant unto such person and persons , inhabiting , and being within the said province , or any part thereof , who really in their judgments , and for conscience sake , cannot , or shall not conform to the said liturgy and ceremonies , and take and subscribe the oaths and articles aforesaid , or any of them , such indulgences and dispensations , in that behalf , for , and during such time and times , and with such limitations and restrictions as they the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir vvilliam berkely and sir john colleton , their heirs , or assigns , shall in their discretion think fit , and reasonable , and with this express proviso , and limitation also , that such person and proviso , to whom such indulgencies and dispensations shall be granted as aforesaid , do , and shall from time to time , declare , and continue all fidelity , loyalty and obedience to us , our heirs and successors , and be subject and obedient to all other the laws , ordinances and constitutions of the said province , in all matters whatsoever , as well ecclesiastical as civil , and do not in any wise disturb the peace and safety thereof , or scandalize , or reproach the said liturgy , forms and ceremonies , or any thing relating thereunto , or any person or persons whatsoever , for , or in respect of his , or their use , or exercise thereof , or his , or their obedience , or conformity thereunto . and in case it shall happen , that any doubts or questions should arise concerning the true sense and understanding of any word , clause or sentence , contained in this our present charter , we will ordain and command , that at all times , and in all things , such interpretation be made thereof , and allow'd in all and every of our courts whatsoever , as lawfully may be adjudged most advantageous and favourable to the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , their heirs and assigns , although express mention be not made in these presents , of the true yearly value and certainty of the premises , or any part thereof , or of any other gifts and grants made by us , our ancestors , or predecessors , to them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir william berkeley and sir john colleton , or any other person , or persons whatsoever , or any statute , act , ordinance , provision , proclamation , or restraint heretofore had , made , published , ordained , or provided , or any other thing , cause , or matter whatsoever , to the contrary thereof , in any wise notwithstanding . in witness , &c. witness the king , at vvestminster , the four and twentieth day of march , in the fifteenth year of our reign . per ipsum regem . the second charter granted by king charles iid . to the proprietors of carolina . charles iid . by the grace of god , &c. whereas , by our letters patents , bearing date the four and twentieth day of march ; in the fifteenth year of our reign , we were graciously pleas'd to grant unto our right trusty , and right well-beloved cousin and counsellor edward earl of clarendon , our high chancellor of england , our right trusty , and right intirely beloved cousin and counsellor , george duke of albemarle , master of our horse , our right trusty , and well beloved william , now earl of craven , our right trusty and well-beloved counsellor , john lord berkeley , our right trusty , and well-beloved counsellor , anthony lord ashley , chancellor of our exchequer , our right trusty and well-beloved counsellor sir george carterett knight and baronet , vice-chamberlain of our houshold , our right trusty and well-beloved , sir john colleton knight and baronet , and sir william berkeley knight , all that province , territotory , or tract of ground , called carolina , scituate , lying and being within our dominions of america , extending from the north end of the island , called luke island , which lyeth in the southern virginia seas , and within six and thirty degrees of the northern latitude ; and to the west , as far as the south seas ; and so respectively as far as the river of mathias , which bordereth upon the coast of florida , and within one and thirty degrees of the northern latitude , and so west in a direct line , as far as the south seas aforesaid . now , know ye , that we , at the humble request of the said grantees in the aforesaid letters , patents named , and as a further mark of our especial favour towards them , we are gratiously pleased to enlarge our said grant unto them , according to the bounds and limits hereafter specifyed , and in favour to the pious and noble purpose of the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton ▪ and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , all that province , territory , or tract of ground , scituate , lying , and being within our dominions of america aforesaid , extending north and eastward , as far as the north end of carahtuke river , or gulet , upon a streight westerly line , to wyonoake creek , which lyes within , or about the degrees of thirty six , and thirty minutes northern latitude , and so west , in a direct line as far as the south seas ; and south and westward , as far as the degrees of twenty nine inclusive northern latitude , and so west in a direct line , as far as the south seas ; together with all and singular ports , harbours , bays , rivers and islets , belonging unto the province or territory , aforesaid . and also , all the soil , lands , fields , woods , mountains , ferms , lakes , rivers , bays and islets , scituate , or being within the bounds , or limits , last before mentioned ; with the fishing of all sorts of fish , whales , sturgeons , and all other royal fishes in the sea , bays , islets and rivers , within the premises , and the fish therein taken ; together with the royalty of the sea , upon the coast within the limits aforesaid . and moreover ▪ all veins , mines and quarries , as well discovered as not discover'd , of gold , silver , gems and precious stones , and all other whatsoever ; be it of stones , mettal , or any other thing found , or to be found within the province , territory , islets and limits aforesaid . and furthermore , the patronage and avowsons of all the churches and chappels , which as christian religion shall encrease within the province , territory , isles and limits aforesaid , shall happen hereafter to be erected ; together with license and power to build and found churches , chappels and oratories in convenient and fit places , within the said bounds and limits ; and to cause them to be dedicated and consecrated , according to the ecclesiastical laws of our kingdom of england ; together with all and singular , the like , and as ample rights , jurisdictions , priviledges , prerogatives , royalties , liberties , immunities and franchises , of what kind soever , within the territory , isles , islets and limits aforesaid . to have , hold , use , exercise and enjoy the same as amply , fully , and in as ample manner as any bishop of durham in our kingdom of england , ever heretofore had , held , used , or enjoyed , or of right ought , or could have , use , or enjoy ; and them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton , and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns ; we do by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , make , create and constitute the true and absolute lords and proprietors of the said province , or territory , and of all other the premises , saving always the faith , allegiance and sovereign dominion due to us , our heirs and successors , for the same ; to have , hold , possess and enjoy the said province , territory , islets , and all and singular , other the premises , to them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , for ever , to be holden of us , our heirs and successors , as of our mannor of east greenwich , in kent , in free and common soccage , and not in capite , or by knights service , yeilding and paying yearly to us , our heirs and successors , for the same the fourth part of all goods and silver oar , which within the limits hereby granted , shall from time to time , happen to be found , over and besides the yearly rent of twenty marks and the fourth part of the gold and silver oar , in and by the said recited letters patents reserved and payable . and that the province , or territory hereby granted and described , may be dignifyed with as large titles and priviledges as any other parts of our dominions and territories in that region . know ye , that we , of our further grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , have thought fit to annex the same tract of ground and territory , unto the same province of carolina ; and out of the fulness of our royal power and prerogative , we do for us , our heirs and successors , annex and unite the same to the said province of carolina . and forasmuch as we have made and ordained , the aforesaid edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , the true lords and proprietors of all the province or territory aforesaid . know ye therefore moreover , that we reposing especial trust and confidence in their fidelity , wisdom , justice and provident circumspection for us , our heirs and successors , do grant full and absolute power , by virtue of these presents , to them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkeley ▪ and their heirs and assigns , for the good and happy government of the said whole province or territory , full power and authority to erect , constitute , and make several counties , baronies , and colonies , of and within the said provinces , territories , lands and hereditaments , in and by the said recited letter , patents , and these presents , granted , or mentioned to be granted , as aforesaid , with several and distinct jurisdictions , powers , liberties and priviledges . and also , to ordain , make and enact , and under their seals , to publish any laws and constitutions whatsoever , either appertaining to the publick state of the said whole provi●●● or territory , or of any distinct or particular county , barony or colony , of or within the same , or to the private utility of particular persons , according to their best discretion , by and with the advice , assent and approbation of the freemen of the said province or territory , or of the freemen of the county , barony or colony , for which such law or constitution shall be made , or the greater part of them , or of their delegates or deputies , whom for enacting of the said laws , when , and as often as need shall require , we will that the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , and their heirs or assigns , shall from time to time , assemble in such manner and form as to them shall seem best : and the same laws duly to execute upon all people within and the said province or territory , county , barony or colony the limits thereof , for the time being , which shall be constituted under the power and government of them , or any of them , either sailing towards the said province or territory of carolina , or returning from thence towards england , or any other of our , or forreign dominions , by imposition of penalties , imprisonment , or any other punishment : yea , if it shall be needful , and the quality of the offence require it , by taking away member and life , either by them , the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkeley and their heirs , or by them or their deputies , lieutenants , judges , justices , magistrates , or officers whatsoever , as well within the said province as at sea , in such manner and form as unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , and their heirs , shall seem most convenient : also , to remit , release , pardon and abolish , whether before judgement or after , all crimes and offences whatsoever , against the said laws ; and to do all and every other thing and things , which unto the ●ompleat establishment of justice , unto ●o●●ts , sessions and forms of judicature , and manners of proceedings therein , do bel●●g , al●●● in these presents , express 〈…〉 made thereof , and by judges , to 〈…〉 process , ●●●d pleas , and determine 〈…〉 judicature all actions ▪ suits and causes whatsoever , as well criminal as civil , real , mixt , personal , or of any other kind or nature whatsoever : which laws so as aforesaid , to be published . our pleasure is , and we do enjoyn , require and command , shall be absolutely firm and available in law ; and that all the leige people of us , our heirs and successors , within the said province or territory , do observe and keep the same inviolably in those parts , so far as they concern them , under the pains and penalties therein expressed , or to be expressed ; provided nevertheless , that the said laws be consonant to reason , and as near as may be conveniently , agreeeble to the laws and customs of this our realm of england . and because such assemblies of free-holders cannot be so suddenly called as there may be occasion to require the same . we do therefore by these presents , give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , by themselves or their magistrates in that behalf , lawfully authorized , full power and authority from time to time , to make and ordain fit and wholsome orders and ordinances , within the province or territory aforesaid , or any county , barony or province , of or within the same , to be kept and observed , as well for the keeping of the peace , as for the better government of the people there abiding , and to publish the same to all to whom it may concern : which ordinances we do , by these presents , streightly charge and command to be inviolably observed within the same province , countys , territorys , baronys and provinces , under the penalties therein expressed ; so as such ordinances be reasonable and not repugnant or contrary , but as near as may be agreeable to the laws and statutes of this our kingdom of england ; and so as the same ordinances do not extend to the binding , charging or taking away of the right or interest of any person or persons , in their freehold , goods or chattels , whatsoever . and to the end the said province or territory , may be the more happily encreased by the multitude of people resorting thither , and may likewise be the more strongly defended from the incursions of savages and other enemies , pirates and robbers . therefore , we for us , our heirs and successors , do give and grant by these presents , power , license and liberty unto all the leige people of us , our heirs and successors in our kingdom of england , or elsewhere , within any other our dominions , islands colonies or plantations ; ( excepting those who shall be especially forbidden ) to transport themselves and families into the said province or territory , with convenient shipping , and fitting provisions ; and there to settle themselves , dwell and inhabit , any law , act , statute , ordinance , or other thing to the contrary in any wise , notwithstanding . and we will also , and of our especial grace , for us , our heirs and successors , do streightly enjoyn , ordain , constitute and command , that the said province or territory , shall be of our allegiance ; and that all and singular , the subjects and leige people of us , our heirs and successors , transported , or to be transported into the said province , and the children of them , and such as shall descend from them , there born , or hereafter to be born , be , and shall be denizens and leiges of us , our heirs and successors of this our kingdom of england , and be in all things , held , treated and reputed as the leige faithful people of us , our heirs and successors , born within this our said kingdom , or any other of our dominions ; and may inherit , or otherwise purchase and receive , take , hold , buy and possess any lands , tenements or hereditaments , within the said places , and them may occupy , and enjoy , sell , alien and bequeath ; as likewise , all liberties , franchises and priviledges of this our kingdom , and of other our dominions aforesaid , may freely and quietly have , possess and enjoy , as our leige people born within the same , without the molestation , vexation , trouble or grievance of us , our heirs and successors , any act , statute , ordinance , provision to the contrary , notwithstanding . and furthermore , that our subjects of this our said kingdom of england , and other our dominions , may be the rather encouraged to undertake this expedition , with ready and chearful means . know ye , that we , of our especial grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , do give and grant , by virtue of these presents , as well to the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley and their heirs , as unto all others as shall , from time to time , repair unto the said province or territory , with a purpose to in habit there , or to trade with the natives thereof ▪ full liberty and license to lade and freight in every port whatsoever , of us , our heirs and successors ; and into the said province of carolina , by them , their servants and assigns , to transport all and singular , their goods , wares and merchandizes ; as likewise , all sort of grain whatsoever , and any other thing whatsoever , necessary for their food and cloathing , not prohibited by the laws and statutes of our kingdom and dominions , to be carried out of the same , without any lett or molestation of us , our heirs and successors , or of any other our officers or ministers whatsoever ; saving also to us , our heirs and successors , the customs , and other duties and payments due for the said wares and merchandizes , according to the several rates of the places from whence the same shall be transported . we will also , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , do give and grant license by this our charter , unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkeley , their heirs and assigns , and to all the inhabitants and dwellers in the province or territory aforesaid , both present and to come , full power and absolute authority to import or unlade by themselves , or their servants , factors or assigns , all merchandizes and goods whatsoever , that shall arise of the fruits and commodities of the said province or territory , either by land or sea , into any the ports of us , our heirs and successors , in our kingdom of england , scotland or ireland , or otherwise , to dispose of the said goods , in the said ports . and if need be , within one year next after the unlading , to lade the said merchandizes and goods again into the same , or other ships ; and to export the same into any other countrys , either of our dominions or forreign , being in amity with us , our heirs and successors , so as they pay such customs , subsidies and other duties for the same to us , our heirs and successors , as the rest of our subjects of this our kingdom , for the time being , shall be bound to pay . beyond which we will not that the inhabitants of the said province or territory , shall be any ways charged . provided , nevertheless , and our will and pleasure is , and we have further , for the considerations aforesaid , of our 〈…〉 certain knowledge and meer motion , given and granted , and by these presents , for 〈…〉 heirs and successors , do give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , full and free license , liberty , power and authority , at any time or times , from and after the feast of s● michael the arch-angel , which shall be in the year of our lord christ , one thousand six hundred , sixty and seven ; as we●● to import and bring into any our dominions from the said province of carolina , or any part thereof , the several goods and commodities herein after mentioned ; that is to say , silks , wines , currants , raysons , capers , wax , almonds , oyl and olives , without paying or answering to us , our heirs and successors , any custom , impost , or other duty , for , or in respect thereof , for an during the time and space of seven years to commence and be accompted from and after the first importation of four tons of any the said goods , in any one bottom ship or vessel , from the said province or territory , into any of our dominions ; as also , to export and carry out of any of our dominions into the said province or territory , custom-free , all sorts of tools , which shall be useful or necessary for the planters there , in the accomodation and improvement of the premises , any thing before in these presents contained , or any law , act , statute , prohibibition , or other matter or thing , heretofore had , made , enacted or provided , or hereafter to be had , made , enacted or provided , in any wise notwithstanding . and furthermore , of our more ample and especial grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , we do for us , our heirs and successors , grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkeley , their heirs and assigns , full and absolute power and authority to make , erect and constitute within the said province or territory , and the isles and islets aforesaid , such and so many sea-ports , harbours , creeks and other places for discharge and unlading of goods and merchandizes out of ships , boats , and other vessels , and for lading of them in such and so many places , 〈…〉 such jurisdictions , priviledges and franchises , unto the said ports belonging , as to them shall seem most exped 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 ngular , the ships , boats and other vessels , which shall come for merchandizes , and trade into the said province or territory , or shall depart out of the same , shall be laden and unladen at such ports only , as shall be erected and constituted by the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkley , their heirs and assigns , and not elsewhere , any use , custom , or any thing to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding . and we do furthermore will , appoint and ordain , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , do grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkely , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , that they the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkeley , their heirs and assigns , may from time to time , for ever , have and enjoy the customs and subsidies in the ports harbours , creeks and other places within the province aforesaid , payable for the goods , merchandizes and wares there laded , or be laded or unladed , the said customs to be reasonably assessed to upon any occasion by themselves , and by and with the consent of the free people , or the greater part of them , as aforesaid ; to whom we give power by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , upon just cause and in a due proportion to assess and impose the same . and further , of our especial grace , certain knowledge and meer motion , we have given , granted and confirmed , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , do give , grant and confirm unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkeley , their heirs and assigns , full and absolute power , license and authority , that they the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett . sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkley , their heirs and assigns , from time to time , hereafter for ever , at his and their will and pleasure , may assign , alien , grant , demise or enfeoff the premises or any part or parcell thereof to him or them , that shall be willing to purchase the same , and to such person and persons , as they shall think fit , to have , and to hold to them the said person or persons , their heirs and assigns in fee simple or in fee tayle , or for the term of life or lives , or years to be held of them , the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , by such rents , services and customs , as shall seem fit to them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , and not of us , our heirs and successors : and to the same person and persons , and to all and every of them , we do give and grant by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , license , authority and power , that such person or persons , may have and take the premises , or any parcel thereof , of the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , vvilliam earl of craven , john lord berkely , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , and the same to hold to themselves , their heirs or assigns , in what estate of inheritance soever , in fee simple , or in fee tayle , or otherwise , as to them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkley , their heirs and assigns , shall seem expedient . the statute in the parliament of edward , son of king henry , heretofore king of england , our predecessor , commonly called , the statute of quia emptores terrar ; or any other satute , act , ordinance , use , law , custom , or any other matter , cause or thing heretofore published or provided to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding . and because many persons born and inhabiting in the said province for their deserts and services may expect , and be capable of marks of honour and favour , which in respect of the great distance cannot conveniently be conferred by us ; our will and pleasure therefore is , and we do by these presents , give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , 〈◊〉 heirs and assigns , full power and authority to give and conferr unto , and upon such of the inhabitants of the said province , or territory , as they shall think , do , or shall merit the same , such marks of favour , and titles of honour , as they shall think fit , so as their titles or honours be not the same as are enjoyed by , or conferred upon any of the subjects of this our kingdom of england . and further also , we do by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , give and grant , license to them the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , full power , liberty and license , to erect , raise and build within the said province and places aforesaid , or any part or parts thereof , such and so many forts , fortresses , castles , cities , burroughs , towns , villages and other fortifications whatsoever ; and the same or any of them to fortify and furnish with ordnance , powder , shot , armour and all other weapons , ammunition and habiliments of war , both defensive and offensive , as shall be thought fit and convenient for the safety and welfare of the said province , and places , or any part thereof ; and the same , or any of them , from time to time , as occasion shall require , to dismantle , disfurnish , demolish and pull down ; and also to place , constitute and appoint in , or over all , or any of the said castles , forts , fortifications , cities , towns and places aforesaid , governours , deputy governours , magistrates , sheriffs and other officers , civil and military , as to them shall seem meet ; and to the said cities , burroughs , towns , villages , or any other place , or places , within the said province or territory , to grant letters or charters of incorporation , with all liberties , franchises and priviledges requisite , or usual , or to , or within this our kingdom of england granted , or belonging ; and in the same citties , burroughs , towns and other places , to constitute , erect and appoint such , and so many markets , marts and fairs , as shall in that behalf be thought fit and necessary ; and further also , to erect and make in the province or territory aforesaid , or any part thereof , so man mannors with such signories as to them shall seem meet and convenient , and in every of the same mannors to have and to hold a court-baron with all things whatsoever , which to a court-baron do belong , and to have and to hold views of franck pledge , and courts-leet , for the conservation of the peace , and better government of those parts , with such limits , jurisdiction and precincts , as by the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkely , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton , and sir william berkeley , or their heirs , shall be appointed for that purpose , with all things whatsoever , which to a court leet , or view of franck pledge ; do belong , the same courts to be holden by stewards , to be deputed and authorized by the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton , and sir william berkeley or their heirs , by the lords of the mannors and leets , for the time being , when the same shall be erected . and because that in so remote a country , and scituate among so many barbarous nations , the invasions as well of salvages as other enemies , pirates , and robbers may probably be feared ; therefore we have given , and for us , our heirs and successors do give power by these presents , unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs or assigns by themselves , or their captains , or other officers to levy , muster and train up all sorts of men , of what condition soever , or wheresoever born , whether in the said province , or elsewhere , for the time being ; and to make war and pursue the enemies aforesaid , as well by sea , as by land ; yea , even without the limits of the said province , and by god's assistance , to vanquish and take them , and being taken , to put them to death by the law of war , and to save them at their pleasure ; and to do all and every other thing , which to the charge and office of a captain general of an army belongeth , or hath accustomed to belong , as fully and freely as any captain general of an army hath had the same . also , our will and pleasure is , and by this our charter , we do give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william lord craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir gorge carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , full power , liberty and authority in case of rebellion , tumult , or sedition ( if any should happen which god forbid ) either upon the land within the province aforesaid , or upon the main sea , in making a voyage thither , or returning from thence , by him and themselves , their captains , deputies or officers , to be authorized under his or their seals , for that purpose : to whom also for us , our heirs and successors , we do give and grant by these presents , full power and authority to exercise martial law against mutinous and seditious persons of those parts ; such as shall refuse to submit themselves to their government , or shall refuse to serve in the wars , or shall fly to the enemy , or forsake their colours or ensigns , or be loyterers or straglers , or otherwise howsoever offending against law , custom , or military discipline , as freely , and in as ample manner and form as any captain general of an army , by virtue of his office , might , or hath accustomed to use the same . and our further pleasure is , and by these presents , for us , our heirs and successors , we do grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton , and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , and to the tenants and inhabitants of the said province , or territory , both present and to come , and to every of them , that the said province , or territory , and the tennants and inhabitants thereof , shall not from henceforth , be held or reputed any member , or part of any collony whatsoever , in america or elsewhere , now transported or made , or hereafter to be transported or made ; nor shall be depending on , or subject to their government in any thing , but be absolutely separated and divided from the same : and our pleasure is , by these presents , that they be separated , and that they be subject immediately to our crown of england , as depending thereof for ever . and that the inhabitants of the said province or territory , nor any of them , shall at any time hereafter , be compelled or compellable , or be any ways subject , or li●●●● to appear or answer to any matter , suit , cause , or plaint whatsoever , out of the province or territory aforesaid , in any other of our 〈◊〉 , collonies or dominions in america , or elsewhere , other than in our 〈◊〉 of england and dominion of wales . and because it may happen , that some of the people and inhabitants of the said province , cannot in their private opinions conform to the publick exercise of religion according to the liturgy , forms and ceremonies of the church of england , or take or subscribe the oaths and articles made and established in that behalf : and for that the same , by reason of the remote distances of those places will as we hope , be no breach of the unity , and conformity , established in this nation . our will and pleasure therefore is , and we do by these presents for us , our heirs , and successors , give and grant unto the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , full and free licence , liberty and authority , by such ways and means as they shall think fit , to give and grant unto such person and persons , inhabiting , and being withi the said province or territory , hereby or by the said recited letters patents , mentioned to be granted as aforesaid , or any part thereof , such indulgencies and dispensations , in that behalf , for , and during such time and times , and with such limitations and restrictions as they the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir vvilliam berkely , their heirs , or assigns , shall in their discretion think fit and reasonable . and that no person or persons , unto whom such liberty shall be given , shall be any way molested , punished , disquieted , or called in question for any differences in opinion or practise , in matters of religious concernment , who do not actually disturb the civil peace of the province , county or colony , that they shall make their abode in . but all and every such person and persons , may from time to time , and at all times , freely and quietly have and enjoy his and their judgments and consciences , in matters of religion , throughout all the said province , or colony , they behaving them selves peaceably , and 〈◊〉 this liberty to licentiousness , nor to the civil injury or outward disturbance of others . any law , statute or clause contained , or to be contained , 〈◊〉 or customs of our realm of england to the contrary hereof : any 〈◊〉 notwithstanding . and in case it shall happen , that any doubts or questions should arise concerning the true sense and understanding of any word , clause , or sentence , contained in this our present charter , we will , ordain , and command , that at all times , and in all things , such interpretations be made thereof , and allow'd in all and every of our courts whatsoever , as lawfully may be adjudged most advantageous and favourable to the said edward earl of clarendon , george duke of albemarle , william earl of craven , john lord berkeley , anthony lord ashley , sir george carterett , sir john colleton and sir william berkeley , their heirs and assigns , although express mention &c. witness our self at westminster , the thirtieth day of june , in the seventeenth year of our reign . per ipsum regem . the fundamental constitutions of carolina . our sovereign lord the king having out of his royal grace and bounty , granted unto us the province of carolina , with all the royalties , proprieties , jurisdictions and privileges of a county palatine , as large and ample as the county palatine of durham , with other great privileges ; for the better settlement of the government of the said place , and establishing the interest of the lords proprietors with equality , and without confusion , and that the government of this province may be made most agreeable to the monarchy under which we live , and of which this province is a part ; and that we may avoid erecting a numerous democracy , we the lords and proprietors of the province aforesaid , have agreed to this following form of government , to be perpetually established amongst us , unto which we do oblige our selves , our heirs and successors , in the most binding ways that can be devised . § . . the eldest of the lords proprietors shall be palatine , and upon the decease of the palatine , the eldest of the seven surviving proprietors shall always succeed him . § . . there shall be seven other chief offices erected , viz. the admirals , chamberlains , chancellors , constable , chief-justices , high-stewards and treasurers ; which places shall be enjoy'd by none but the lords proprietors , to be 〈◊〉 at first 〈…〉 upon the vacancy of any one of the seven great 〈…〉 , or otherwise , the eldest proprietor shall 〈…〉 the said place . § . . the whole province shall be 〈◊〉 into counties ; each county shall consist of eight 〈◊〉 , eight baronies , and four precincts , each precinct shall consist of six colonies . § . . each signiory , barony and colony , shall consist of twelve thousand acres , the eight signiories being the share of the eight proprietors , and the eight baronies of the nobility , both which shares being each of them one fifth part of the whole , are to be perpetually annex'd the one to the proprietors , the other to the hereditary nobility , leaving the colonies , being three fifths , amongst the people ; that so in setting out , and planting the lands , the ballance of the government may be preserved . § . . at any time before the year one thousand seven hundred and one , any of the lords proprietors shall have power to relinquish , alienate , and dispose to any other person , his proprietorship , and all the signiories , powers , and interest thereunto belonging , wholly and intirely together , and not otherwise . but after the year one thousand seven hundred , those who are then lords proprietors , shall not have power to alienate , or make over their proprietorship , with the signories and privileges thereunto belonging , or any part thereof , to any person whatsoever , otherwise than as in § . . but it shall all descend unto their heirs male ; and , for want of heirs male , it shall all descend on that landgrave or cassique of carolina , who is descended of the next heirs female of the said proprietor ; and for want of such heirs , it shall descend on the next heir general ; and for want of such heirs , the remaining seven proprietors , shall , upon the vacancy , chuse a landgrave to succeed the deceased proprietor , who being chosen by the majority of the seven surviving proprietors , he and his heirs successively shall be proprietors , as fully to all intents and purposes as any of the rest . § . . that the number of eight proprietors may be constantly kept ; if upon the vacancy of any proprietorship , the seven surviving proprietors shall not chuse a landgrave to be a proprietor , before the second biennial parliament after the vacancy ; then the next biennial parliament but one , after such vacancy , shall have power to chuse any landgrave to be proprietor . § . . whosoever after the year one thousand seven hundred , either by inheritance or choice , shall succeed any proprietor in his proprietorship , and signiories thereunto belonging , shall be obliged to take the name and arms of that proprietor whom he succeeds ; which from thenceforth shall be the name and arms of his family and their posterity . § . . whatsoever landgrave or cassique shall any way come to be a proprietor , shall take the signiories annex'd to the said proprietorship ; but his former dignity , with the baronies annexed , shall devolve into the hands of the lords proprietors . § . . there shall be just as many landgraves as there are counties , and twice as many cassiques , and no more . these shall be the hereditary nobility of the province , and by right of their dignity be members of parliament . each landgrave shall have four baronies , and each cassique two baronies , hereditarily and unalterably annexed to , and settled upon the said dignity . § . . the first landgraves and cassiques of the twelve first counties to be planted , shall be nominated thus ; that is to say , of the twelve landgraves , the lords proprietors shall each of them separately for himself , nominate and chuse one ; and the remaining four landgraves of the first twelve , shall be nominated and chosen by the palatine's court. in like manner of the twenty four first cassiques , each proprietor for himself shall nominate and chuse two , and the remaining eight shall be nominated and chosen by the palatine's court ; and when the twelve first counties shall be planted , the lords proprietors shall again in the same manner nominate and chuse twelve more landgraves , and twenty four cassiques for the twelve next counties to be planted ; that is to say , two thirds of each number by the single nomination of each proprietor for himself , and the remaining one third by the joint election of the palatine's court , and so proceed in the same manner till the whole province of carolina be set out and planted , according to the proportions in these fundamental constitutions . § . . any landgrave or cassique at any time before the year one thousand seven hundred and one , shall have power to alienate , sell , or make over to any other person , his dignity , with the baronies thereunto belonging , all entirely together . but after the year one thousand seven hundred , no landgrave or cassique shall have power to alienate , sell , make over , or lett the hereditary baronies of his dignity , or any part thereof , otherwise than as in § . . but they shall all entirely , with the dignity thereunto belonging , descend unto his heirs male ; and for want of heirs male , all entirely and undivided , to the next heir general ; and for want of such heirs , shall devolve into the hands of the lords proprietors . § . . that the due number of landgraves and cassiques may be always kept up , if upon the devolution of any landgraveship or cassiqueship , the palatine's court shall not settle the devolved dignity , with the baronies thereunto annexed , before the second biennial parliament after such devolution , the next biennial parliament but one after such devolution shall have power to make any one landgrave or cassique in the room of him , who dying without heirs , his dignity and baronies devolved . § . . no one person shall have more than one dignity , with the signiores or baronies thereunto belonging . but whensoever it shall happen , that any one who is already proprietor , landgrave , or cassique , shall have any of these dignities descend to him by inheritance , it shall be at his choice to keep which of the dignities , with the lands annexed , he shall like best ; but shall leave the other , with the lands annexed , to be enjoyed by him , who not being his heir apparent , and certain successor to his present dignity , is next of blood. § . . whosoever by right of inheritance shall come to be landgrave or cassique , shall take the name and arms of his predecessor in that dignity , to be from thenceforth the name and arms of his family and their posterity . § . . since the dignity , of proprietor , landgrave , or cassique , cannot be divided , and the signiories or baronies thereunto annexed must for ever all entirely descend with , and accompany that dignity , whensoever for want of heirs male it shall descend on the issue female , the eldest daughter and heirs shall be preferred , and in the inheritance of those dignities , and in the signiories or baronies annexed , there shall be no co-heirs . § . . in every signiory , barony , and mannor , the respective lord shall have power in his own name to hold court-leet there , for trying of all causes both civil and criminial ; but where it shall concern any person being no inhabitant , vassal , or leetman of the said signiory , barony , or mannor , he upon paying down of forty shillings to the lords proprietors use , shall have an appeal from the signiory or barony court , to the county court , and from the mannor court to the precinct court. § . . every mannor shall consist of not less than three thousand acres , and not above twelve thousand acres in one entire piece and colony ; but any three thousand acres or more in one piece , and the possession of one man , shall not be a mannor , unless it be constituted a mannor by the grant of the palatine's court. § . . the lords of signiories and baronies shall have power only of granting estates not exceeding three lives , or thirty one years , in two thirds of the said signiories or baronies , and the remaining third shall be always demesne . § . . any lord of a mannor may alienate , sell , or dispose to any other person , and his heirs for ever , his mannor , all entirely together , with all the privileges and leetmen thereunto belonging , so far forth as any other colony lands , but no grant of any part thereof , either in fee , or for any longer term than three lives , or one and twenty years , shall be good against the next heir . § . . no mannor , for want of issue male , shall be divided amongst co-heirs ; but the mannor , if there be but one , shall all entirely descend to the eldest daughter and her heirs . if there be more mannors than one , the eldest daughter first shall have her choice , the second next , and so on ; beginning again at the eldest , till all the mannors be taken up ; that so the privileges which belong to mannors being indivisible , the lands of the mannors to which they are annexed , may be kept entire , and the mannor not lose those privileges , which upon parcelling out to several owners , must necessarily cease . § . . every lord of a mannor , within his mannor , shall have all the powers , jurisdictions , and privileges , which a landgrave or cassique hath in his baronies . § . . in every signiory , barony , and mannor , all the leet-men shall be under the jurisdiction of the respective lords of the said signiory , barony , or mannor , without appeal from him . nor shall any leet-man or leet-woman have liberty to go off from the land of their particular lord , and live any where else , without license obtained from their said lord , under hand and seal . § . . all the children of leet-men shall be leet-men , and so to all generations . § . . no man shall be capable of having a court-leet or leet-men , but a proprietor , landgrave , cassique , or lord of a mannor . § . . whoever shall voluntarily enter himself a leet-man in the registry of the county court , shall be a leet-man . § . . whoever is lord of leet-men , shall upon the marriage of a leet-man or leet-woman of his , give them ten acres of land for their lives , they paying to him therefore not more than one eighth part of all the yearly produce and growth of the said ten acres . § . . no landgrave or cassique shall be try'd for any criminal cause , in any but the chief-justice's court , and that by a jury of his peers . § . . there shall be eight supreme courts . the first called , the palatine's court , consisting of the palatine , and the other seven proprietors . the other seven courts of the other seven great officers , shall consist each of them of a proprietor , and six councellors added to him . under each of these latter seven courts shall be a college of twelve assistants . the twelve assistants of the several colleges shall be chosen ; two out of the landgraves , cassiques , or eldest sons of proprietors , by the palatine's court ; two out of the landgraves , by the landgraves chamber ; two out of the cassiques , by the cassiques chamber ; four more of the twelve shall be chosen by the commons chamber , out of such as have been , or are members of parliament , sheriffs , or justices of the county court , or the younger sons of proprietors , or eldest sons of landgraves of cassiques ; the two other shall be chosen by the palatine's court , out of the same sort of persons out of which the commons chamber is to chuse . § . . out of these colleges shall be chosen at first by the palatine's court , six councellers , to be joined with each proprietor in his court ; of which six , one shall be of those who were chosen into any of the colleges by the palatine's court , out of the landgraves , cassiques , or eldest sons of proprietors , one out of those who were chosen by the landgraves chamber , and one out of those who were chosen by the cassiques chamber , two out of those who were chosen by the commons chamber , and one out of those who were chosen by the palatine's court , out of the proprietors younger sons , or eldest sons of landgraves , cassiques , or commons , qualified as aforesaid . § . . when it shall happen , that any councellor dies , and thereby there is a vacancy , the grand council shall have power to remove any councellor that is willing to be removed out of any of the proprietors courts to fill up the vacancy , provided they take a man of the same degree and choice the other was of , whose vacant place is to be filled up . but if no councellor consent to be removed , or upon such remove , the last remaining vacant place in any of the proprietors courts , shall be filled up by the choice of the grand council , who shall have power to remove out of any of the colleges , any assistant , who is of the same degree and choice that councellor was of , into whose vacant place he is to succeed . the grand council also shall have power to remove any assistant that is willing , out of one college into another , provided he be of the same degree and choice . but the last remaining vacant place in any college , shall be filled up by the same choice , and out of the same degree of persons the assistant was of , who is dead or removed . no place shall be vacant in any proprietors court above six months . no place shall be vacant in any college longer than the next session of parliament . § . . no man , being a member of the grand council , or of any of the seven colleges , shall be turned out but for misdemeanor , of which the grand council shall be judge , and the vacancy of the person so put out shall be filled , not by the election of the grand council , but by those who first chose him , and out of the same degree he was of , who is expelled . but it is not hereby to be understood , that the grand council hath any power to turn out any one of the lords proprietors , or their deputies , the lords proprietors having in themselves an inherent original right . § . . all elections in the parliament , in the several chambers of the parliament , and in the grand council , shall be passed by balotting . § . . the palatine's court shall consist of the palatine , and seven proprietors , wherein nothing shall be acted without the presence and consent of the palatine or his deputy , and three others of the proprietors or their deputies . this court shall have power to call parliaments , to pardon all offences , to make elections of all officers in the proprieters dispose , and to nominate and appoint port-towns : and also shall have power , by their order to the treasurer , to dispose of all publick treasure , excepting money granted by the parliament , and by them directed to some particular publick use : and also shall have a negative upon all acts , orders , votes , and judgments , of the grand council and the parliament , except only as in § . . and . and shall have all the powers granted to the lords proprietors , by their patent from our sovereign lord the king , except in such things as are limited by these fundamental constitutions . § . . the palatine himself , when he in person shall be either in the army , or in any of the proprietors courts , shall then have the power of general , or of that proprietor in whose court he is then present , and the proprietor , in whose court the palatine then presides , shall during his presence there be but as one of the council . § . . the chancellor's court , consisting of one of the proprietors and his six councellors , who shall be called vice-chancellors , shall have the custody of the seal of the palatinate , under which all charters of lands or otherwise , commissions and grants of the palatine's court , shall pass . and it shall not be lawful to put the seal of the palatinate to any writing which is not signed by the palatine , or his deputy , and three other proprietors , or their deputies . to this court also belongs all state matters , dispatches and treaties with the neighbour indians . to this court also belongs all invasions of the law , of liberty of conscience , and all disturbances of the publick peace upon pretence of religion , as also the licence of printing . the twelve assistants belonging to this court shall be called recorders . § . . whatever passes under the seal of the palatinate , shall be register'd in that proprietor's court to which the matter therein contained belongs . § . . the chancellor or his deputy shall be always speaker in parliament , and president of the grand council , and in his and his deputy's absence , one of his vice-chancellors . § . . the chief-justice's court , consisting of one of the proprietors and his six councellors , who shall be called justices of the bench , shall judge all appeals in cases both civil and criminal , except all such cases as shall be under the jurisdiction and cognizance of any other of the proprietors courts , which shall be tried in those courts respectively . the government and regulation of the registries of writings and contracts , shall belong to the jurisdiction of this court. the twelve assistants of this court shall be called masters . § . . the constables court , consisting of one of the proprietors and his six councellors , who shall be called marshals , shall order and determine of all military affairs by land , and all land-forces , arms , ammunition , artillery , garrisons and forts , &c. and whatever belongs unto war. his twelve assistants shall be called lieutenant-generals . § . . in time of actual war , the constable , whilst he is in the army , shall be general of the army , and the six councellors , or such of them as the palatine's court shall for that time or service appoint , shall be the immediate great officers under him , and the lieutenant-generals next to them . § . . the admiral 's court , consisting of one of the proprietors and his six councellors called consuls , shall have the care and inspection over all ports , moles , and navigable rivers , so far as the tide flows , and also all the publick shipping of carolina , and stores thereunto belonging , and all maritime affairs . this court also shall have the power of the court of admiralty ; and shall have power to constitute judges in port-towns , to try cases belonging to law-merchant , as shall be most convenient for trade . the twelve assistants belonging to this court shall be called pro-consuls . § . . in time of actual war , the admiral whilst he is at sea , shall command in chief , and his six councellors , or such of them as the palatine's court shall for that time and service appoint , shall be the immediate great officers under him , and the pro-consuls next to them . § . the treasurer's court , consisting of a proprietor , and his six councellors , called vnder-treasurers , shall take care of all matters that concern the publick revenue and treasury . the twelve assistants shall be called auditors . § . . the high-stewards court , consisting of a proprietor and his six councellors , called comptrollers , shall have the care of all foreign and domestick trade , manufactures , publick buildings , work-houses , high-ways , passages by water above the floud of the tide , drains , sewers and banks , against inundations , bridges , posts , carriers , fairs , markets , corruption or infection of the common air or water , and all things in order to the publick commerce and health ; also setting out and surveying of lands ; and also setting out and appointing places for towns to be built on in the precincts , and the prescribing and determining the figure and bigness of the said towns , according to such models as the said court shall order , contrary or differing from which models , it shall not be lawful for any one to build in any town . this court shall have power also to make any publick building , or any new high-way , or enlarge any old high-way , upon any man's land whatsoever ; as also to make cuts , channels , banks , locks , and bridges , for making rivers navigable , or for draining fens , or any other publick use . the damage the owner of such lands ( on or through which any such publick thing shall be made ) shall receive thereby , shall be valued , and satisfaction made by such ways as the grand council shall appoint . the twelve assistants belonging to this court , shall be called surveyors . § . . the chamberlain's court , consisting of a proprietor and his six councellors , called vice-chamberlains , shall have the care of all ceremonies , precedency , heraldry , reception of publick messengers , pedegrees , the registry of all births , burials , and marriages , legitimation , and all cases concerning matrimony , or arising from it ; and shall also have power to regulate all fashions , habits , badges , games , and sports . to this court also it shall belong , to convocate the grand council . the twelve assistants belonging to this court , shall be called provosts . § . . all causes belonging to , or under the jurisdiction of any of the proprietors courts , shall in them respectively be tryed , and ultimately determined , without any farther appeal . § . . the proprietors courts shall have a power to mitigate all fines , and suspend all executions in criminal causes , either before or after sentence in any of the other inferior courts respectively . § . . in all debates , hearings or trials , in any of the proprietors courts , the twelve assistants belonging to the said courts respectively , shall have liberty to be present , but shall not interpose unless their opinions be required , nor have any vote at all ; but their business shall be , by the direction of the respective courts , to prepare such business as shall be committed to them ; as also to bear such offices , and dispatch such affairs , either where the court is kept , or elsewhere , as the court shall think fit . § . . in all the proprietors courts , the proprietor , and any three of his councellors shall make a quorum ; provided always , that for the better dispatch of business , it shall be in the power of the palatine's court to direct what sort of causes shall be heard and determined by a quorum of any three . § . . the grand council shall consist of the palatine and seven proprietors , and the forty two councellors of the several proprietors courts , who shall have power to determine any controversies that may arise between any of the proprietors courts , about their respective jurisdictions , or between the members of the same court , about their manner and methods of proceeding : to make peace and war , leagues , treaties , &c. with any of the neighbour indians : to issue out their general orders to the constable's and admiral 's courts , for the raising , disposing , or disbanding the forces by land or by sea. § . . the grand council shall prepare all matters to be proposed in parliament . nor shall any matter whatsover be proposed in parliament , but what hath first passed the grand council ; which after having been read three several days in the parliament , shall by majority of votes be passed or rejected . § . . the grand council shall always be judges of all causes and appeals that concern the palatine , or any of the lords proprietors , or any councellor of any proprietor's court , in any cause which otherwise should have been tried in the court in which the said councellor is judge himself . § . . the grand council by their warrants to the treasurer's court , shall dispose of all the money given by the parliament , and by them directed to any particular publick use . § . . the quorum of the grand council shall be thirteen , whereof a proprietor or his deputy shall be always one . § . . the grand council shall meet the first tuesday in every month , and as much oftner as either they shall think fit , or they shall be convocated by the chamberlain's court. § . . the palatine , or any of the lords proprietors , shall have power under hand and seal , to be registred in the grand council to make a deputy , who shall have the same power to all intents and purposes as he himself who deputes him , except in confirming acts of parliament , as in § . . and except also in nominating and chusing landgraves and cassiques , as in § . . all such deputations shall cease and determine at the end of four years , and at any time shall be revocable at the pleasure of the deputator . § . . no deputy of any proprietor shall have any power whilst the deputator is in any part of carolina , except the proprietor , whose deputy he is , be a minor. § . . during the minority of any proprietor , his guardian shall have power to constitute and appoint his deputy . § . . the eldest of the lords proprietors , who shall be personally in carolina , shall of course be the palatine's deputy ; and if no proprietor be in carolina , he shall chuse his deputy out of the heirs apparent of any of the proprietors , if any such be there ; and if there be no heir apparent of any of the lords proprietors above one and twenty years old in carolina , then he shall chuse for deputy any one of the landgraves at the grand council ; and till he have by deputation under hand and seal chosen any one of the forementioned heirs apparent or landgraves to be his deputy , the eldest man of the landgraves , and for want of a landgrave , the eldest man of the cassiques , who shall be personally in carolina , shall of course be his deputy . § . . each proprietor's deputy shall be always one of his own six councellors respectively ; and in case any of the proprietors hath not in his absence out of carolina a deputy , commissionated under his hand and seal , the eldest nobleman of his court shall of course be his deputy . § . . in every county there shall be a court , consisting of a sheriff and four justices of the county , for every precinct one . the sheriff shall be an inhabitant of the county , and have at least five hundred acres of freehold within the said county ; and the justices shall be inhabitants , and have each of them five hundred acres apiece freehold within the precinct for which they serve respectively . these five shall be chosen and commissionated from time to time by the palatine's court. § . . for any personal causes exceeding the value of two hundred pounds sterling , or in title of land , or in any criminal cause , either party , upon paying twenty pounds sterling to the lords proprietors use , shall have liberty of appeal from the county court unto the respective proprietor's court. § . . in every precinct there shall be a court , consisting of a steward and four justices of the precinct , being inhabitants , and having three hundred acres of freehold within the said precinct , who shall judge all criminal causes , except for treason , murther , and any other offences punishable with death , and except all criminal causes of the nobility ; and shall judge also all civil causes whatsoever ; and in all personal actions , not exceeding fifty pounds sterling , without appeal : but where the cause shall exceed that value , or concern a title of land , and in all criminal causes , there , either party , upon paying five pounds sterling to the lords proprietors use , shall have liberty of appeal to the county court. § . . no cause shall be twice tried in any one court , upon any reason or pretence whatsoever . § . . for treason , murther , and all other offences punishable with death , there shall be a commission , twice a year at least , granted unto one or more members of the grand council , or colleges , who shall come as itinerant judges to the several counties , and , with the sheriff and four justices shall hold assizes to judge all such causes : but upon paying of fifty pounds sterling to the lords proprietors use , there shall be liberty of appeal to the respective proprietor's court. § . . the grand-jury at the several assizes , shall , upon their oaths , and under their hands and seals , deliver in to the itinerant judges , a presentment of such grievances , misdemeanors , exigences , or defects which they think necessary for the publick good of the county ; which presentment shall by the itinerant judges , at the end of their circuit , be delivered in to the grand council at their next sitting . and whatsoever therein concerns the execution of laws already made , the several proprietors courts in the matters belonging to each of them respectively shall take cognizance of it , and give such orders about it , as shall be effectual for the due execution of the laws . but whatever concerns the making of any new law , shall be referred to the several respective courts to which that matter belongs , and be by them prepared and brought to the grand council . § . . for terms , there shall be quarterly such a certain number of days , not exceeding one and twenty at any one time , as the several respective courts shall appoint . the time for the beginning of the term in the precinct court , shall be the first monday in january , april , july and october ; in the county court , the first monday in february , may , august and november ; and in the proprietors courts , the first monday in march , june , september and december . § . . in the precinct court no man shall be a jury-man under fifty acres of freehold . in the county court , or at the assizes , no man shall be a grand jury-man under three hundred acres of freehold ; and no man shall be a petty jury-man under two hundred acres of freehold . in the proprietors courts no man shall be a jury-man under five hundred acres of freehold . § . . every jury shall consist of twelve men ; and it shall not be necessary they should all agree , but the verdict shall be according to the consent of the majority . § . . it shall be a base and vile thing to plead for money or reward ; nor shall any one ( except he be a near kinsman , not farther off than cousin-german to the party concern'd ) be permitted to plead another man's cause , till before the judge in open court he hath taken an oath , that he doth not plead for money or reward , nor hath nor will receive , nor directly nor indirectly bargain'd with the party whose cause he is going to plead , for money or any other reward for pleading his cause . § . . there shall be a parliament , consisting of the proprietors , or their deputies , the landgraves and cassiques , and one freeholder out of every precinct , to be chosen by the freeholders of the said precinct respectively . they shall sit altogether in one room , and have every member one vote . § . . no man shall be chosen a member of parliament , who hath less than five hundred acres of freehold within the precinct for which he is chosen ; nor shall any have a vote in chusing the said member that hath less than fifty acres of freehold within the said precinct . § . . a new parliament shall be assembled the first monday of the month of november every second year , and shall meet and sit in the town they last sat in , without any summons , unless by the palatine's court they be summon'd to meet at any other place . and if there shall be any occasion of a parliament in these intervals , it shall be in the power of the palatine's court to assemble them in forty days notice , and at such time and place as the said court shall think fit ; and the palatine's court shall have power to dissolve the parliament when they shall think fit . § . . at the opening of every parliament , the first thing that shall be done , shall be the reading of these fundamental constitutions , which the palatine and proprietors , and the rest of the members then present , shall subscribe . nor shall any person whatsoever sit or vote in the parliament , till he hath that session subscribed these fundamental constitutions , in a book kept for that purpose by the clerk of the parliament . § . . in order to the due election of members for the biennial parliament , it shall be lawful for the freeholders of the respective precincts to meet the first tuesday in september every two years , in the same town or place that they last met in to chuse parliament-men , and there chuse those members that are to sit the next november following , unless the steward of the precinct shall by sufficient notice thirty days before , appoint some other place for their meeting , in order to the election . § . . no act or order of parliament shall be of any force , unless it be ratified in open parliament during the same session , by the palatine or his deputy , and three more of the lords proprietors , or their deputies , and then not to continue longer in force but until the next biennial parliament , unless in the mean time it be ratified under the hands and seals of the palatine himself , and three more of the lords proprietors themselves , and by their order publish'd at the next biennial parliament . § . . any proprietor or his deputy may enter his protestation against any act of the parliament , before the palatine or his deputy's consent be given as aforesaid , if he shall conceive the said act to be contrary to this establishment , or any of these fundamental constitutions of the government . and in such case , after a full and free debate , the several estates shall retire into four several chambers , the palatine and proprietors into one , the landgraves into another , the cassiques into another , and those chosen by the precincts into a fourth ; and if the major part of any of the four estates shall vote , that the law is not agreeable to this establishment , and these fundamental constitutions of the government , then it shall pass no farther , but be as if it had never been proposed . § . . the quorum of the parliament shall be one half of those who are members , and capable of sitting in the house that present sessions of parliament . the quorum of each of the chambers of parliament , shall be one half of the members of that chamber . § . . to avoid multiplicity of laws , which by degrees always change the right foundations of the original government ; all acts of parliament whatsoever , in whatsoever form passed or enacted , shall at the end of a hundred years after their enacting , respectively cease and determine of themselves , and without any repeal become null and void , as if no such acts or laws had ever been made . § . . since multiplicity of comments , as we ●●a● of laws , have great inconveniences , and serve only to obscure and perplex ; all manner of comments and expositions on any part of these fundamental constitutions , or any part of the common or statute law of carolina , are absolutely prohibited . § . . there shall be a registry in every precinct , wherein shall be enrolled all deeds , leases , judgments , mortgages , and other conveyances , which may concern any of the land within the said precinct ; and all such conveyances not so entred or registred , shall not be of force against any person nor party to the said contract or conveyance . § . . no man shall be register of any precinct , who hath not at least three hundred acres of freehold within the said precinct . § . . the freeholders of every precinct shall nominate three men , out of which three the chief justice's court shall chuse and commission one to be register of the said precinct , whilst he shall well behave himself . § . . there shall be a registry in every signiory , barony , and colony ▪ wherein shall be recorded all the births , marriages , and deaths , that shall happen within the respective signiories , baronies , and colonies . § . . no man shall be register of a colony that hath not above fifty acres of freehold within the said colony . § . . the time of every one's age that is born in carolina , shall be reckoned from the day that his birth is entred in the registry , and not before . § . . no marriage shall be lawful , whatever contract and ceremony they have used , till both the parties mutually own it before the register of the place , where they were married , and he register ●● with the names of the father and mother of each party . § . . no man shall administer to the goods , or have right to them , or enter upon the estate of any person deceased , till his death be registred in the respective registry . § . . he that doth not enter in the respective registry , the birth or death of any person that is born , or dies in his house or ground , shall pay to the said register one shilling per week , for each such neglect , reckoning from the time of each birth or death respectively , to the time of registring it . § . . in like manner the births , marriages , and deaths of the lords proprietors , landgraves , and cassiques , shall be registred in the chamberlain's court. § . . there shall be in every colony one constable , to be chosen annually by the freeholders of the colony : his estate shall be above a hundred acres of freehold within the said colony , and such subordinate officers appointed for his assistance , as the county court shall find requisite , and shall be established by the said county court. the election of the subordinate annual officers shall be also in the freeholders of the colony . § . . all towns incorporate shall be governed by a mayor , twelve aldermen , and twenty four of the common-council . the said common-council shall be chosen by the present housholders of the said town ; the aldemen shall be chosen out of the common-council , and the mayor out of the aldermen by the palatine's court. § . . it being of great consequence to the plantation , that port-towns should be built and preserved ; therefore whosoever shall lade or unlade any commodity at any other place but a port-town , shall forfeit to the lords proprietors for each tun so laden or unladen , the sum of ten pounds sterling , except only such goods , as the palatine's court shall licence to be laden or unladen elsewhere . § . . the first port-town upon every river , shall , be in a colony , and be a port-town for ever . § . . no man shall be permitted to be a freeman of carolina , or to have any estate or habitation within it , that doth not acknowledge a god , and that god is publickly and solemnly to be worshipped . § . . as the country comes to be sufficiently planted and distributed into fit divisions , it shall belong to the parliament to take care for the building of churches , and the publick maintenance of divines , to be employed in the exercise of religion , according to the church of england , which being the only true and orthodox , and the national religion of all the king's dominions , is so also of carolina , and therefore it alone shall be allowed to receive publick maintenance by grant of parliament . but since the natives of that place who will be concerned in our plantation , are utterly strangers to christianity , whose idolatry , ignorance , or mistake , gives us no right to expel , or use them ill ; and those who remove from other parts to plant there , will unavoidably be of different opinions concerning matters of religion , the liberty whereof they will expect to have allowed them , and it will not be reasonable for us , on this account , to keep them out ; that civil peace may be maintained amidst the diversity of opinions , and our agreement and compact with all men , may be duly and faithfully observed , the violation thereof upon what pretence soever , cannot be without great offence to almighty god , and great scandal to the true religion which we profess ; and also that jews , heathens , and other dissenters from the purity of christian religion , may not be scared and kept at a distance from it , but by having an opportunity of acquainting themselves with the truth and reasonableness of its doctrines , and the peaceableness and inoffensiveness of its professors , may by good vsage and perswasion , and all those convincing methods of gentleness and meekness , suitable to the rules and design of the gospel , be won over to embrace , and unfeignedly receive the truth ; therefore , any seven , or more persons agreeing in any religion , shall constitute a church or profession , to which they shall give some name , to distinguish it from others . § . . the terms of admittance and communion with any church or profession , shall be written in a book , and therein be subscribed by all the members of the said church or profession ; which book shall be kept by the publick register of the precinct where they reside . § . . the time of every ones subscription and admittance , shall be dated in the said book , or religious record . § . . in the terms of communion of every church or profession , these following shall be three , without which no agreement or assembly of men , upon pretence of religion , shall be accounted a church or profession , wiehin these rules : i. that there is a god. ii. that god is publickly to be worshipped . iii. that it is lawful , and the duty of every man , being thereunto called by those that govern , to bear witness to truth ; and that every church or profession shall in their terms of communion set down the external way whereby they witness a truth as in the presence of god , whether it be by laying hands on , or kissing the bible , as in the church of england , or by holding up the hand , or any other sensible way . § . . no person above seventeen years of age , shall have any benefit or protection of the law , or be capable of any place of profit or honour , which is not a member of some church or profession , having his name recorded , in some one and but one religious record , at once . § . . no person of any other church or profession , shall disturb or molest any religious assembly . § . . no person whatsoever , shall speak anything in their religions assembly , irreverently or seditiously , of the government or governours , or state-matters . § . . any person subscribing the terms of communion in the record of the said church or profession , before the precinct register , and any five members of the said church or profession , shall be thereby made a member of the said church or profession . § . . any person striking out his own name , out of any religious record , or his name being struck out by any officer thereunto authorized by each church or profession respectively , shall cease to be a member of that church or profession . § . . no man shall use any reproachful , reviling , or abusive language , against the religion of any church or profession , that being the certain way of disturbing the peace , and of hindring the conversion of any to the truth , by engaging them in quarrels and animosities , to the hatred of the professors and that profession , which otherwise they might be brought to assent to . § . . since charity obliges us to wish well to the souls of all men , and religion ought to alter nothing in any man 's civil estate or right , it shall be lawful for slaves as well as others , to enter themselves , and be of what church or profession any of them shall think best , and thereof be as fully members as any freeman . but yet no slave shall hereby be exempted from that civil dominion his master hath over him , but be in all other things in the same state and condition he was in before . § . . assemblies , upon what pretence soever of religion , not observing and performing the abovesaid rules , shall not be esteemed as churches , but unlawful meetings , and be punished as other riots . § . . no person whatsoever , shall disturb , molest or persecute another for his speculative opinions in religion , or his way of worship . § . . every freeman of carolina shall have absolute power and authority over his negro slaves , of what opinion or religion soever . § . . no cause , whether civil or criminal , of any freeman , shall be tried in any court of judicature , without a jury of his peers . § . . no person whatsoever shall hold or claim any land in carolina by purchase or gift , or otherwise , from the natives or any other whatsoever , but meerly from and under the lords proprietors , upon pain of forfeiture of all his estate , moveable or immoveable , and perpetual banishment . § . . whosoever shall possess any freehold in carolina , upon what title or grant soever , shall at the farthest from and after the year one thousand six hundred eighty nine , pay yearly unto the lords proprietors for each acre of land , english measure , as much fine silver as is at this present in one english penny , or the value thereof to be as a chief rent and acknowledgment to the lords proprietors , their heirs and successors for ever . and it shall be lawful for the palatine's court by their officers at any time , to take a new survey of any man's land , not to out him of any part of his possession , but that by such a survey the just number of acres he possesseth , may be known , and the rent thereupon due , may be paid by him . § . . all wrecks , mines , minerals , quarries of gems , and precious stones , with pearl-fishing , whale-fishing , and one half of all ambergreece , by whomsoever found , shall wholly belong to the lords proprietors . § . all revenues and profits belonging to the lords proprietors , in common , shall be divided into ten parts , whereof the palatine shall have three , and each proprietor one ; but if the palatine shall govern by a deputy , his deputy shall have one of those three tenths , and the palatine the other two tenths . § . . all inhabitants and freemen of carolina above seventeen years of age , and under sixty , shall be bound to bear arms , and serve as soldiers whenever the grand council shall find it necessary . § . . a true copy of these fundamental constitutions shall be kept in a great book by the register of every precinct , to be subscribed before the said register . nor shall any person , of what condition or degree soever , above seventeen years old , have any estate or possession in carolina , or protection or benefit of the law there , who hath not before a precinct register subscribed these fundamental constitutions in this form : i a. b. do promise to bear faith and true allegiance to our soveraign lord king charles the second , his heirs and successors ; and will be true and faithfull to the palatine and lords proprietors of carolina , their heirs and successors , and with my utmost power will defend them , and maintain the government according to this establishment in these fundamental constitutions . § . . whatsoever alien shall in this form , before any precinct register subscribe these fundamental constitutions , shall be thereby naturalized . § . . in the same manner shall every person at his admittance into any office , subscribe these fundamental constitutions . § . . these fundamental constitutions , in number a hundred and twenty , and every part thereof , shall be and remain the sacred and unalterable form and rule of government of carolina , for ever . witness our hands and seals , the first day of march , . rules of precedency . . the lords proprietors , the eldest in age first , and so in order . . the eldest sons of the lords proprietors , the eldest in age first , and so in order . . the landgraves of the grand council , he that hath been longest of the grand council first , and so in order . . the cassiques of the grand council , he that hath been longest of the grand council first , and so in order . . the seven commoners , of the grand council that have been longest of the grand council , he that hath been longest of the grand council first , and so in order . . the youngest sons of proprietors , the eldest first , and so in order . . the landgraves , the eldest in age first , and so in order . . the seven commoners , who next to those before mentioned have been longest of the grand council , he that hath been longest of the grand council first , and so in order . . the cassiques , the eldest in age first , and so in order . . the seven remaining commoners of the grand council , he that hath been longest of the grand council first , and so in order . . the male line of the proprietors . the rest shall be determined by the chamberlain's court. copy of the fundamental constitutions of carolina . agreed on by all the lords proprietors , and signed and sealed by them , ( the original being sent to carolina by major daniel : ) april the eleventh , . our late sovereign lord king charles iid , having out of his royal grace and bounty , granted unto us , the province of carolina , with all the royalties , properties , jurisdictions and priviledges of a county palatine , as large and ample as the county palatine of durham , with other great priviledges ; for the better settlement of the government of the said place , and establishing the interest of the lords proprietors with equality , and without confusion ; and that the government may be made most agreeable to the monarchy under which we live , and of which this province is a part ; and that we may avoid erecting a numerous democracy , we the lords proprietors of the province aforesaid , with the advice and consent of the landgraves and cassiques and commons in this present parliament assembled , have agreed to this following form of government , to be perpetually establish'd amongst us , unto which we do oblige our selves , our heirs and successors , in the most binding ways that can be devised . . the proprietor's court shall consist of the palatine , and seven proprietors ; wherein nothing shall be acted without the presence and consent of the palatine , and three others of the lords proprietors : this court shall have power to call and dissolve parliaments , to pardon all offences , to make elections of all offices in the proprietor's disposal , to nominate and appoint port towns ; and also , shall have power by their order , to the treasurer , to dispose of all publick treasure , excepting money granted by the parliament , and by them directed to some particular publick use : and also , shall have a negative upon all acts , orders , votes and judgments of the parliament . and shall have all power granted to the lords proprietors , by their patent , from our sovereign lord the king , except in such things as are limited by these fundamental constitutions . . during the absence of the palatine and proprietors from carolina , the governour , commissionated by the proprietors , together with their respective deputies , shall be the proprietor's court there , and shall have all the powers above mentioned , excepting in pardoning offences , and constituting port-towns . . in the proprietor's court , the palatine , and any three of the proprietors or the governour , and any three of the proprietor's deputys shall make a quorum . . no deputy of any proprietor shall have any power , whilst the deputator is in any part of carolina , except the proprietor ( whose deputy he is ) be a minor. . during the minority of any proprietor , his guardian shall have power to constitute and appoint his deputy . . there shall be a parliament , consisting of the proprietors or their deputies , by themselves , the landgraves and cassiques in the upper house , and the freeholders out of every county , to be chosen by the freeholders of the said county , respectively ; together with the citizens and burgesses , to be elected by the cities and borroughs ( which shall be hereafter created ) in the lower house . . and since all power and dominion is most naturally founded in property , and that it is reasonable that every man , who is empowered to dispose of the property and estate of others , should have a property of his own , whereby he is tyed in interest to the good and welfare of that place and government , whereby he is entrusted with such power ; it is therefore declared and appointed , that no person shall be admitted , or shall continue to sit or vote in parliament as a landgrave , who has not actually taken up , and has in his possession at least , _____ acres , part of the land granted him in his patent and _____ slaves , or in the possession of his tennants , _____ acres of land. and whose real and personal estate shall not be worth at least , _____ pounds : nor as a cassique to sit or vote in parliament , who has not actually taken up , and has in his possession at least , _____ acres , part of the land granted him in his patent and _____ slaves , or in the possession of his tenants _____ acres of land. and whose real and personal estate shall not be worth at least , _____ pounds . no person shall be admitted , or continue to sit or vote in parliament as a representative of the commons of carolina , who is not possess'd of at least , _____ acres of land : and whose real and personal estate is not worth _____ pounds . . no person shall be capable of giving his voice for the election of a member to serve in parliament , that is not actually possess'd of _____ acres of land , and is a housholder , and has a family , and whose real and personal estate does not amount to _____ pounds . . the present number of the representatives of the commons shall be _____ who ( as the country shall encrease ) shall also proportionably be encreased , if the commons do so desire , but shall in no future time be encreased , beyond one hundred . . and pursuant to that just maxim of government above mentioned , and for the preservation of the ballance of power , according to the proportion of the property , it is declared and appointed , that the number of the representatives of the people to be sent from any county or place , shall be more or less , according to the charges born , and money paid by each respective division of the country , in the last general assessment foregoing such election . . the landgraves and cassiques who compose the upper-house , shall not at any time exceed half the number of the commons . . the landgraves and cassiques shall be created by the lords proprietors letters patents , under their great seal , by the joynt election of the proprietors , or a quorum of them , which shall be the hereditary nobility of the province of carolina ; and by righ● of their dignity , be members of the upper-house of parliament , each landgrave shall have _____ acres of land , to be taken up in _____ several counties and each cassique _____ acres of land to be taken up in _____ several counties , and the said honour and dignity shall descend to the eldest son , unless by deed or will devis'd to any other of the sons , or for want of sons to the eldest daughter ; unless as aforesaid ; and for want of such to the next heir ( unless devised as aforesaid by deed or will ) to be attested by three credible witnesses , whereof one at least to be of the nobility ) to any other person . . and to the end , that such an order of persons being made noble , and invested with great powers and privileges , whereby to engage them in a more particular affection towards this settlement and country of carolina , may not fall into contempt , or be any ways injurious to the constitution of the government , it is declared and appointed that whatsoever landgrave or cassique , his heirs and successors , shall not be qualified as in article th , and so be excluded from the aforesaid priviledge of sitting and voting in the upper house , and shall continue defective in the said qualification for the space of forty years successively , such landgrave or cassique , his heirs and successors shall from thenceforth be for ever utterly excluded , and his or their dignity , honour , priviledge and title of landgrave or cassique shall cease and be utterly lost , and the letters patents of creation of such dignity shall be vacated . . and in order to the due election of members for the biennial parliament , it shall be lawful for the freeholders of the respective precinct to meet the first tuesday in september every two years , in the same town or place they last met in , to choose parliament-men , and there to choose those members that are to sit ▪ next november following , unless the proprietors court shall by sufficient notice _____ days before , appoint some other place for their meeting . . a new parliament shall be assembled the first monday of the month of november every second year , and shall meet and sit in the town they last sat in , without any summons , unless by the proprietors court in carolina they be summoned to meet at any other place , and if there shall be occasion of a parliament in these intervals , it shall be in the power of the proprietors court to assemble them in _____ days notice , and at such time and place , as the court shall think fit . . at the opening of every parliament , the first thing that shall be done , shall be the reading of these fundamental constitutions , which the palatine and the proprietors , and the members then present , shall subscribe ; nor shall any person whatsoever sit or vote in the parliament , till he has in that session subscrib'd these fundamental constitutions , in a book kept for that purpose , by the clerk of the parliament . . any act or order of parliament that is ratifyed in open parliament , during the same session , by the governor and three more of the lords proprietors deputies , shall be in force , and continue till the palatine himself and three more of the lords proprietors themselves signifie their dissent to any of the said acts or orders , under their hands and seals . but if ratified under their hands and seals , then to continue according to the time limited in such act. . the whole province shall be divided into counties by the parliament . . no proprietor , landgrave or cassique , shall hereafter take up a signory or barony that shall exceed four thousand acres or thereabouts for a proprietor or landgrave ; and two thousand acres or thereabouts , for a cassique in one county . . no cause , whether civil or criminal , of any freeman , shall be tryed in any court of judicature , without a jury of his peers . . no landgrave or cassique shall be tryed for any criminal cause in any but the chief justices court , and that by a jury of his peers , unless a sufficient number of such cannot be legally had , and then to be supplyed by the best and most sufficient free-holders . . if upon the decease of the governor , no person be appointed by the lords proprietors to succeed him , then the proprietor's deputies shall meet and choose a governor , till a new commission be sent from the lords proprietors , under their hands and seals . . ballotting shall be continued in all elections of the parliament , and in all other cases where it can conveniently be used . . no man shall be permitted to be a freeman of carolina , or to have any estate or habitation within it , that does not acknowledge a god , and that god is publickly and solemnly to be worshipped . . as the country comes to be sufficiently planted and distributed into fit divisions , it shall belong to the parliament to take care for the building of churches , and the publick maintenance of divines to be employed in the exercise of religion , according to the church of england , which being the only true and orthodox , and the national religion of the king's dominions , is so also of carolina , and therefore it alone shall be allowed to receive publick maintenance by grant of parliament . . any seven or more persons agreeing in any religion , shall constitute a church or profession , to which they shall give some name to distinguish it from others . . the terms of admittance and communion with any church or profession , shall be written in a book , and therein be subscribed by all the members of the said church or profession , which shall be kept by the publick register of the precinct wherein they reside . . the time of every one's subscription and admittance , shall be dated in the said book of religious records . . in the terms of communion of every church or profession , these following shall be three , without which no agreement or assembly of men upon pretence of religion shall be accounted a church or profession , within these rules : i. that there is a god. ii. that god is publickly to be worshipped . iii. that it is lawful , and the duty of every man , being thereunto called by those that govern , to bear witness to truth , and that every church or profession shall in their terms of communion set down the external way whereby they witness a truth as in the presence of god , whether it be by laying hands on , or kissing the bible , as in the church of england , or by holding up the hand , or any sensible way . . no person above seventeen years of age , shall have any benefit or protection of the law , or be capable of any place of profit or honour , who is not a member of some church or profession , having his name recorded in some one , and but one religious record at once . . no person of any church or profession shall disturb or molest any religious assembly . . no person whatsoever shall speak any thing in their religious assembly , irreverently or seditiously of the government or governour , or of state-matters . . any person subscribing the terms of communion in the records of the said church or profession before the precinct register , and any five members of the said church or profession , shall be thereby made a member of the said church or profession . . any person striking out his own name out of any religious records , or his name being struck out by any officer thereunto authorized by each church or profession respectively , shall cease to be a member of that church or profession . . no man shall use any reproachful , reviling or abusive language against the religion of any church of profession , that being the certain way of disturbing the peace , and of hindering the conversion of any to the truth , by engaging them in quarrels , and animosities , to the hatred of the professors and that profession , which otherwise they may be brought to assent to . . since charity obliges us to wish well to the souls of all men , and religion ought to alter nothing in any man 's civil estate or right , it shall be lawful for slaves as well as others , to enter themselves , and be of what church or profession any of them shall think best , and thereof be as fully members as any freeman ; but yet no slave shall hereby be exempted from that civil dominion his master had over him , but be in all other things in the same state and condition he was in before . . assemblys upon what pretence soever of religion , not observing and performing the abovesaid rules , shall not be esteemed as churches , but unlawful meetings , and be punished as other riots . . no person whatsoever shall disturb , molest or prosecute another for his speculative opinions in religion , or his way of worship . . every freeman of carolina shall have absolute power and authority over his negro slave , of what opinion or religion soever . . any person at his admittance into any office or place of trust whatsoever , shall subscribe these fundamental constitutions in this form : i a. b. do promise to bear faith and true allegiance to our soveraign lord king william , and will be true and faithful to the palatine and lords proprietors of carolina , their heirs and successors , and with my utmost power will defend them , and maintain the government according to this establishment , in these fundamental constitutions . these fundamental constitutions in number forty one , and every part thereof shall be and remain the inviolable form and rule of government of carolina , for ever . witness our hands and seals , this eleventh day of april , . bath palatine . a. ashley . craven . bath for the lord carterett . william thornburgh for sir john colleton . tho. amy. william thornburgh . finis . a relation of a discovery lately made on the coast of florida (from lat. to deg. min. north-lat.) / by william hilton, anthony long and peter fabian, in the ship adventure, which set sayl from spikes bay, aug. . . and was set forth by several gentlemen and merchants of the island of barbadoes ; giving an account of the nature and temperature of the soyl, the manners and disposition of the natives, and whatsoever else is remarkable therein ; together with proposals made by the commissioners of the lords proprietors to all such persons as shall become the first setlers on the rivers, harbors, and creeks there. hilton, william, d. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing h estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a relation of a discovery lately made on the coast of florida (from lat. to deg. min. north-lat.) / by william hilton, anthony long and peter fabian, in the ship adventure, which set sayl from spikes bay, aug. . . and was set forth by several gentlemen and merchants of the island of barbadoes ; giving an account of the nature and temperature of the soyl, the manners and disposition of the natives, and whatsoever else is remarkable therein ; together with proposals made by the commissioners of the lords proprietors to all such persons as shall become the first setlers on the rivers, harbors, and creeks there. hilton, william, d. . long, anthony. fabian, peter. [ ], p. printed by j.c. for simon miller ..., london : . "licensed june . . roger l'estrange"--t.p. verso. reproduction of original in the huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng south carolina -- description and travel. north carolina -- description and travel. cape fear river (n.c.) - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jason colman sampled and proofread - jason colman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion licensed june . . roger l'estrange . a relation of a discovery lately made on the coast of florida , ( from lat. . to deg. min. north-lat . ) by william hilton commander , and commissioner with capt. anthony long , and peter fabian , in the ship adventure , which set sayl from spikes bay , aug. . . and was set forth by several gentlemen and merchants of the island of barbadoes . giving an account of the nature and temperature of the soyl , the manners and disposition of the natives , and whatsoever else is remarkable therein . together with proposals made by the commissioners of the lords proprietors , to all such persons as shall become the first setlers on the rivers , harbors , and creeks there . london , printed by j. c. for simon miller at the star neer the west-end of st. pauls , . a true relation of a voyage , upon discovery of part of the coast of florida , from the lat. of deg. to deg. m. north lat. in the ship adventure , william hilton commander , and commissioner with captain anthony long and peter fabian ; set forth by several gentlemen and merchants of the island of barbadoes ; sailed from spikes bay , aug. . . after sixteen days of fair weather , and ▪ prosperous windes , wednesday the instant , four of the clock in the afternoon , god be thanked , we espied land on the coast of florida , in the lat . of deg . min. being four leagues or thereabouts to the northwards of saint ellens , having run five hundred and fifty leagues ; and to the westward of the meridian of barbadoes , three hundred thirty and one leagues . this evening and the night following we lay off and on : thursday the th instant , in the morning , we stood in with the land , and coasted the shoar to the southward , ankering at nights , and sending our boat out a mornings , till we came into the lat . of deg . but found no good harbour that way . on sunday the th instant , we tacked , and stood northward : and on wednesday the second of september , we came to an anchor in five fathoms at the mouth of a very large opening of three leagues wide , or thereabouts , in the lat . of deg . min. and sent our boat to sound the channel . on thursday the third , we entered the harbour , and found that it was the river jordan , and was but four leagues or thereabouts n. e. from port royal , which by the spanyards is called st. ellens : within land , both rivers meet in one . we spent some time to sound the chanels both without and within , and to search the rivers in several branches , and to view the land. on saturday the fifth of september , two indians came on board us from the n. e. shoar , whom we entertained courteously , and afterwards set them on shoar . on sunday the sixth , several indians came on board us , and said they were of st. ellens ; being very bold and familiar ; speaking many spanish words , as , cappitan , commarado , and adues . they know the use of guns , and are as little startled at the firing of a peece of ordnance , as he that hath been used to them many years : they told us the nearest spanyards were at st. augustins , and several of them had been there , which as they said was but ten days journey ; and that the spanyards used to come to them at saint ellens , sometimes in canoa's within land , at other times in small vessels by sea , which the indians describe to have but two masts . they invited us to come to st. ellens with our ship , which they told us we might do within land. munday the september , our long-boat went with twelve hands within land to st. ellens . on wednesday the th , came five indians on board us ; one of them pointing to another , said , he was the grandy captain of edistow : whereupon we took especial notice of him , and entertained him accordingly , giving him several beads , & other trade that pleased him well : he invited us to bring up our ship into a branch on the n. e. side , and told us of one captain francisco , and four more english that were in his custody on shoar ; whereupon we shewed him store of all trade , as beads , hoes , hatchets and bills , &c. and said , he should have all those things if he would bring the english on board us ; which he promised should be done the next day . hereupon we wrote a few lines to the said english , fearing it to be a spanish delusion to entrap us . in the dark of the same evening came a canoa with nine or ten indians in her with their bowes and arrows , and were close on board before we did discern them : we haled them , but they made us no answer , which increased our jealousie : so we commanded them on board , and disarmed them , detaining two of them prisoners , and sending away the rest to fetch the english ; which if they brought , they should have theirs again . at length they delivered us a note written with a coal , which seemed the more to continue our jealousie , because in all this time we had no news of our long-boat from st. ellens , which we feared was surprized by the indians and spanyards . but to satisfie us that there were english on shoar , they sent us one man on board about twelve of the clock in the night who related to us the truth of the matter , and told us they were cast away some four or five leagues to the north-ward of the place we then rode , on the th of july past , being thirteen persons that came on shoar , whereof three of them were kill'd by the indians . on thursday the th of september the long-boat returned from st. ellens , which presently we sent on shoar to fetch the other english , the indians delivering us three more ; and coming abroad themselves , we delivered them their two men . then we demanded of the chief commander where the rest of our english were : he answered , five were carried to st. ellens , three were killed by the stonohs , and the other man we should have within two dayes . we replyed to him again , that we would keep him and two more of his chief men , till we had our english that were yet living ; and promised them their liberty , with satisfaction for bringing us the english . now to return to the businesse of our design ; the entertainment we had at s. ellens put us in great fear of the indians treachery ; for we observed their continual gathering together , and at last began with stern-look'd countenances to speak roughly to us , and came to search our mens bandileers and pockets ; yet inviting us to stay that night with them : but we made a sudden retreat to our boat , which caused the indian king to be in a great rage , speaking loud and angry to his men ; the drift of which discourse we understood not . that which we noted there , was a fair house builded in the shape of a dove-house , round , two hundred foot at least , compleatly covered with palmeta-leaves , the wal-plate being twelve foot high , or thereabouts , & within lodging rooms and forms ; two pillars at the entrance of a high seat above all the rest : also another house like a sentinel-house , floored ten foot high with planks , fastned with spikes and nayls , standing upon substantial posts , with several other small houses round about . also we saw many planks , to the quantity of three thousand foot or thereabouts , with other timber squared , and a cross before the great house . likewise we saw the ruines of an old fort , compassing more than half an acre of land within the trenches , which we supposed to be charls's fort , built , and so called by the french in , &c. on monday , september . one english youth was brought from st. ellens aboard us by an indian , who informed us that there were four more of their company at st. ellens , but he could not tell whether the indians would let them come to us : for saith he , our men told me , that they had lately seen a frier and two spanyards more at st. ellens , who told them they would send soldiers suddenly to fetch them away . this day we sayled up the river with our ship to go through to st. ellens . on tuesday the instant , three indians came on board ; one of them we sent with a letter to the english prisoners there . on wednesday the d . we sent out boat and men to sound the chanel , and finde out the most likely way to st. ellens with our ship by combeheh . in the mean time came many canoa's aboard us with corn , pumpions , and venison , deer-skins , and a sort of sweet-wood . one of our men looking into an indian basket , found a piece of spanish rusk : it being new , we demanded of the indian where he had it ; who said , of the spaniards . in the interim , while we were talking , came a canoa with four indians from st. ellens , one standing up , and holding a paper in a cleft stick ; they told us they had brought it from the spanish captain at st. ellens . we demanded how many spaniards were come thither ; who said , seven , and one english-man : we received their letter writ in spanish , but none of us could read it : we detained two of the chiefest indians , one of them being the kings son of s. ellens , and that kept one of the english prisoners ▪ the other two we sent away with a letter to the spaniard , wherein we gave him to understand , that we understood not his letter ; and told the indians , when they brought the english , they should have their men again , with satisfaction for their pains . on thursday , instant , we sayling further up the river to go through , at last came to a place of fresh water , and anchored there , sending our boat ashoar with a guard to get water . towards night came the first indian that we sent to st. ellens with a letter to the english , who brought us another letter from the spaniards , and an answer of ours from the english , writ in the spaniards letter . the spaniard sent us a quarter of venison , and a quarter of pork , with a complement , that he was sorry he had no more for us at that time . we returned him thanks , and sent him a jug of brandy ; and withal , that we were sorry we understood not his letter . this night about twelve of the clock we had a most violent gust of winde , but of no long continuance . on friday september , we weighed , and returned down the river six leagues , or thereabouts , because we perceived the indians had gathered themselves in a body from all parts thereabouts , and moved as the ship did : and being informed by an indian , that the spaniards would be there the next day ; we took in fire-wood , and continued there that night , at which time one of our indian prisoners made his escape by leaping over-board in the dark . on saturday the . we weighed , and stood down to the harbours mouth , and stayed there till monday the . in all which time came no one to us , though we stay'd in expectation of their coming continually ; therefore put out to sea , concluding their intentions not to be good . being out of the river jordan , we directed our course s. w. four leagues or thereabouts for port-royal , to sound the chanel without from the poynts of the harbour outwards ; for we had sounded the harbour within from the points inward when our boat was at st. ellens : and now being athwart the harbours mouth , we sent our boat with the mate and others , who found the n. e. and e. n. e. side of the opening of port-royal to be sholes and breakers to the middle of the opening ; and three leagues or thereabouts into the sea , from the side aforesaid , is unsafe to meddle with : but the s. w. and w. side we found all bold steering in n. n. w. two or three miles from the s. w. shoar , sayling directed with the s. w. head-land of the entrance of port-royal : the said head-land is bluft , and seems steep , as though the trees hung over the water : but you must note , that if you keep so far from the s. w. side , that you stand in n. n. w. with the bluft head aforesaid , you shall go over the out-skirt of the e. n. e. sholing , and shall have but three or four fathom for the space of one league or thereabouts , and then you shall have six and seven fathoms all the way in : but if you borrow more on the s. w. side , till you have brought the s. w. head of the entry to bear n. n. e. you shall have a fair large chanel of six , seven , and eight fathoms all the way in , and then five , six , seven and eight fathoms within the harbour , keeping the chanel , and standing over to the northward : we supposed that it flows here as at the river jordan , because they are but four leagues asunder , and flows s. e. and n. w. seven foot and half , and sometimes eight foot perpendicular : the mouth of port-royal lyes in deg . min. lat . now as concerning the entrance of the river jordan , lat . deg . min. or thereabouts , you shall see a range of breakers right against the opening , two or three leagues off the s. w. point ; which you must leave to the northward , and steer in with the said s. w. point , giving a range of breakers that runs from the said point a small birth , and you shall have two , three , and four fathoms at low water ; and when you come one mile from the point aforesaid , steer over directly to the n. e. point , and you shall have six or seven fathom all the way . vvithin the n. w. point is good anchoring : you shall have five fathoms fair aboard the shoar : and you shall have five , six , seven , and eight fathoms , sayling all along upon the river , ten leagues , and a large turning chanel : it flows here s. e. and n. w. seven foot and a half , and eight foot at common tydes . the river grandy , or as the indians call it edistow , lyes six leagues or thereabouts from the river jordan , and seems to be a very fair opening : but because the chief indian of that place was on board us , and the countrey all in arms , we not knowing how the winde might crosse us , it was not thought fit to stay there : but some of those english that had lived there , being prisoners , say , that it is a very fair and goodly river , branching into several branches , and deep , and is fresh water at low tide within two leagues of the mouth ; it seeming to us as we passed by , a good entrance large and wide , lat . deg . min. in or thereabouts . now our understanding of the land of port-royal , river jordan , river grandie , or edistow , is as followeth : the lands are laden with large tall oaks , vvalnut and bayes , except facing on the sea , it is most pines tall and good : the land generally , except where the pines grow , is a good soyl , covered with black mold , in some places a foot , in some places half a foot , and in other places lesse , with clay underneath mixed with sand ; and we think may produce any thing as well as most part of the indies that we have seen . the indians plant in the worst land , because they cannot cut down the timber in the best , and yet have plenty of corn , pumpions , water-mellons , musk-mellons : although the land be over-grown with weeds through their lazinesse , yet they have two or three crops of corn a year , as the indians themselves inform us . the country abounds with grapes , large figs , and peaches ; the woods with deer , conies , turkeys , quails , curlues , plovers , teile , herons ; and as the indians say , in winter , with swans , geese , cranes , duck and mallard , and innumerable of other water-fowls , whose names we know not , which lie in the rivers , marshes , and on the sands : oysters in abundance , with great store of muscles ; a sort of fair crabs , and a round shel ▪ fish called horse ▪ feet ; the rivers stored plentifully with fish that we saw play and leap . there are great marshes , but most as far as we saw little worth , except for a root that grows in them the indians make good bread of . the land we suppose is healthful ; for the english that were cast away on that coast in july last , were there most part of that time of year that is sickly in virginia ; and notwithstanding hard usage , and lying on the ground naked , yet had their perfect healths all the time . the natives are very healthful ; we saw many very aged amongst them . the ayr is clear and sweet , the countrey very pleasant and delightful : and we could wish , that all they that want a happy settlement , of our english nation , were well transported thither , &c. from tuesday the th of september , to friday the second of october , we ranged along the shoar from the lat . deg . min. to the lat . deg . min. but could discern no entrance for our ship , after we had passed to the northwards of deg . min. on saturday the third instant , a violent storm came up , the winde between the north and the east ; which easterly windes and fowl weather continued till monday the th . by reason of which storms and fowl weather , we were forced to get off to sea to secure our selves and ship , and were horsed by reason of a strong current , almost to cape hatterasse in lat . deg . min. on monday the th aforesaid we came to an anchor in seven fathom at cape fair-road , and took the meridian-altitude of the sun , and were in the lat . deg . min. the winde continuing still easterly , and fowl weather till thursday the th instant ; and on friday the th , the winde being at n. w. we weighed , and sailed up cape fair-river , some four or five leagues , and came to an anchor in six or seven fathom ; at which time several indian came on board , and brought us great store of fresh-fish , large mullets , young bass , shads , and several other sorts of very good well-tasted fish . on saturday the th , we went down to the cape to see the english cattel , but could not finde them , though we rounded the cape : and having an indian guide with us , here we rode till the th instant ; the winde being against us , we could not go up the river with our ship ; in which time we went on shoar , and viewed the land of those quarters . on saturday we weighed , and sayled up the river some four leagues or thereabouts . sunday the th , we weighed again , and towed up the river , it being calm , and got up some fourteen leagues from the harbours mouth , where we mored our ship. on monday the october , we went down with the yoal to necoes , an indian plantation , and viewed the land there . on tuesday the th , we rowed up the main river with our long-boat and twelve men , some ten leagues or thereabouts . on wednesday the th , we rowed up about eight or nine leagues more . thursday the th was foul weather , of much rain and winde , which forced us to make huts , and lye still . friday the th , we proceeded up the main river , seven or eight leagues . saturday the , we got up three or four leagues more , and came to a tree that lay athwart the river : but because our provisions were neer spent , we proceeded no further , but returned downward the remainder of that day ; and on monday the second of november , we came aboard our ship. tuesday the third , we lay still to refresh ourselves . on wednesday the th , we went five or six leagues up the river to search a branch that ran out of the main river towards the n. w. in which branch we went up five or six leagues : not liking the land , we returned on board that night about midnight , and called that place swampy-branch . thursday the fifth instant , we staid aboard ; on friday the th we went up greens river , the mouth of it being against the place we rode with our ship. on saturday the th , we proceeded up the said river some fourteen or fifteen leagues in all , and found that it ended in several small branches ; the land for the most part being marshy and swamps , we returned towards our ship , and got aboard in the night : sunday the th instant we lay still , and on monday the th we went again up the main river , being well provided with provisions and all things necessary , and proceeded upwards till thursday noon th instant , at which time we came to a place where two islands were in the middle of the river , and by reason of the crookednesse of the river at that place , several trees lay athwart both branches , which stopped up the passage of each branch , that we could proceed no further with our boat ; but we went up the river side by land some three or four miles , and found the river to enlarge it self : so we returned , leaving it as far as we could see up a long reach running n. e. we judging our selves from the rivers mouth north near fifty leagues ; we returned , viewing the land on both sides the river , and found as good tracts of land , dry , well wooded , pleasant and delightful as we have seen any where in the world , with great burthen of grasse on it , the land being very level , with steep banks on both sides the river , and in some places very high , the woods stor'd with abundance of deer and turkies every where ; we never going on shoar , but saw of each also partridges great store , cranes abundance , comes , which we saw in several places ; we heard several wolves howling in the woods , and saw where they had torn a deer in pieces . also in the river we saw great store of ducks , t●ile , vvidgeon , and in the woods great flocks of parrakeeto's ; the timber that the woods afford for the most part consisting of oaks of four or five sorts , all differing in leaves , but all bearing akorns very good : we measured many of the oaks in several places , which we found to be in bignesse some tvvo , some three , and others almost four fathoms ; in height , before you come to boughs or limbs , forty , fifty , sixty foot , and some more , and those oaks very common in the upper parts of both rivers ; also a very tall large tree of great bignesse , which some do call cyprus , the right name we know not , growing in swamps . likewise walnut , birch , beech , maple , ash , bay , willough , alder and holly ; and in the lowermost parts innumerable of pines , tall and good for boards or masts , growing for the most part in barren sandy ground , but in some places up the river in good ground , being mixed amongst oaks and other timber . we saw several mulberry-trees , multitudes of grape-vines , and some grapes which we did eat of . vve found a very large and good tract of land on the n. w. side of the river , thin of timber , except here and there a very great oak , and full of grasse , commonly as high as a mans middle , and in many places to his shoulders , where we saw many deer and turkies ; also one deer with very large horns , and great in body , therefore called it stag-park ▪ it being a very pleasant and delightful place , we travelled in it several miles , but saw no end thereof . so we returned to our boat , and proceeded down the river , and came to another place some twenty five leagues from the rivers mouth on the same side , where we found a place no lesse delightful than the former ▪ and as far as we could judge , both tracts came into one . this lower place we called rocky-point , because we found many rocks and stones of several bignesse upon the land , which is not common . we sent our boat down the river before us ; our selves travelling by land many miles , were so much taken with the pleasantnesse of the land , that travelling into the woods so far , we could not recover our boat and company that night . on sunday the morrow following we got to our boat , and on monday the th of november , we proceeded down to a place on the east-side of the river some twenty three leagues from the harbours mouth , which we call'd turkie-quarters , because we killed several turkies thereabouts . vve viewed the land there , and found some tracts of good land , and high , facing upon the river about one mile inward , but backwards some two miles all pine-land , but good pasture-ground : we returned to our boat , and proceeded down some two or three leagues , where we had formerly viewed , and found it a tract of as good land as any we have seen , with as good timber on it . the banks of the river being high , therefore we called it high-land point . having viewed that , we proceeded down the river , going on shoar in several places on both sides ▪ it being generally large marshes , and many of them dry , that they may more fitly be called medows : the wood-land against them is for the most part pine , and in some places as barren as ever we saw land , but in other places good pasture ▪ ground , and on tuesday the th instant , we got aboard our ship , riding against the mouth of green's river , where our men are providing wood , and fitting the ship for the sea : in the interim , we took some view of the land on both sides of the river there , finding some good land , but more bad , and the best not comparable to that above . friday the th instant was foul weather , yet in the afternoon we weighed , and went down the river some two leagues , and came to anchor against the mouth of hilton's river , and took some view of the land there on both sides , which appeared to us much like unto that at green's river . monday . we went with our long-boat well victualled and manned up hilton's river ; and when we came three leagues or thereabouts up the said river , we found this and green's river to come into one , and so continued for four or five leagues , which causeth a great island betwixt them . we proceeded still up the river , till they parted again , keeping up hilton's river on the lar-board side , and followed the said river five or six leagues further , where we found another large branch of green's river to come into hilton's , which maketh another great island . on the star-board side going up , we proceeded stil up the river some four leagues , and returned , taking a view of the land on both sides , and now judge our selves to be from our ship some eighteen leagues w. and by w. one league below this place came four indians in a canoa to us , and sold us several baskets of akorns , which we satisfied for , and so left them ; but one of them followed us on the shoar some two or three miles , till he came on the top of a high bank , facing on the river , we rowing underneath it , the said indian shot an arrow at us , which missed one of our men very narrowly , and stuck in the upper edge of the boat , which broke in pieces , leaving the head behind . hereupon we presently made to the shoar , and went all up the bank except four to guide the boat ; we searched for the indian , but could not finde him : at last we heard some sing further in the woods , which we thought had been as a chalenge to us to come and fight them . we went towards them with all speed , but before we came in sight of them , we heard two guns go off from our boat , whereupon we retreated with all speed to secure our boat and men : when we came to them , we found all well , & demanded the reason of their firing the guns : they told us that an indian came creeping on the bank as they thought to shoot at them , therefore shot at him a great distance with swan-shot , but thought they did him no hurt , for they saw him run way . presently after our return to the boat , while we were thus talking , came two indians to us with their bows and arrows , crying bonny , bonny : we took their bows and arrows from them , and gave them beads , to their content . then we led them by the hand to the boat , and shewed them the arrow-head sticking in her side , and related to them the businesse ; which when they understood , both of them manifested much sorrow , and made us understand by signes , that they knew nothing of it : so we let them go , and marked a tree on the top of the bank , calling the place mount-skerry . we looked up the river as far as we could discern , and saw that it widened it self , and came running directly down the countrey : so we returned , and viewed the land on both sides the river , finding the banks steep in some places , but very high in others . the banks sides are generally clay , and as some of our company doth affirm , some marle . the land and timber up this river is no way inferiour to the best in the other , which we call the main river : so far as we discovered , this seems as fair , if not fairer than the former , and we think runs further into the countrey , because there is a strong current comes down , and a great deal more drift-wood . but to return to the business of the land and timber : we saw several plats of ground cleared by the indians after their weak manner , compassed round with great timber-trees ; which they are no ways able to fall , and so keep the sun from their corn-fields very much ; yet neverthelesse we saw as large corn-stalks or bigger , than we have seen any where else : so we proceeded down the river , till we found the canoa the indian was in who shot at us . in the morning we went on shoar , and cut the same in pieces : the indians perceiving us coming towards them , run away . we went to his hut , and pulled it down , brake his pots , platters , and spoons , tore his deer-skins and mats in pieces , and took away a basket of akorns : so we proceeded down the river two leagues , or thereabouts , and came to another place of indians , bought akorns and some corn of them , and went downwards two leagues more : at last we espied an indian peeping over a high bank : we held up a gun at him ; and calling to him , said , skerry : presently several indians appeared to us , making great signes of friendship , saying , bonny , bonny , and running before us , endeavouring to perswade us to come on shoar ; but we answered them with stern countenances , and said , skerry , taking up our guns , and threatning to shoot at them ; but they cryed still bonny , bonny : and when they saw they could not prevail , nor perswade us to come on shoar , two of them came off to us in a canoa , one padling with a great cane , the other with his hand ; they came to us , and laid hold of our boat , sweating and blowing , and told us it was bonny on shoar , and at last perswaded us to go ashoar with them . as soon as we landed , several indians , to the number of near forty lusty men , came to us , all in a great sweat , and told us bonny : we shewed ▪ them the arrow-head in the boats-side , and a piece of the canoa which we had cut in pieces : the chief man of them made a large speech , and threw beads into our boat , which is a signe of great love and friendship ; and made us to understand , when he heard of the affront which we had received , it caused him to cry : and now he and his men were come to make peace with us , making signes to us that they would tye his arms , and cut off his head that had done us that abuse ; and for a further testimony of their love and good will towards us , they presented to us two very handsom propet young indian women , the tallest that we have seen in this countrey ; which we supposed to be the kings daughters , or persons of some great account amongst them . these young women were ready to come into our boat ; one of them crouding in , was hardly perswaded to go out again . we presented to the king a hatchet and several beads , also beads to the young women and to the chief men , and to the rest of the indians , as far as our beads would go : they promised us in four days to come on board our ship , and so departed from us . when we left the place , which was presently , we called it mount-bonny , because we had there concluded a firm peace . proceeding down the river two or three leagues further , we came to a place where were nine or ten canoa's all together ; we went ashoar there , and found several indians , but most of them were the same which had made peace with us before : we made little stay there , but went directly down the river , and came to our ship before day . thursday the th of november , the winde being at south , we could not go down to the rivers mouth : but on friday the th , we weighed at the mouth of hilton's river , and got down one league towards the harbours mouth . on sunday the th , we got down to crane-island , which is four leagues or thereabouts above the entrance of the harbours mouth . now on tuesday the first of december , we made a purchase of the river and land of cape-fair , of wattcoosa , and such other indians as appeared to us to be the chief of those parts : they brought us store of fresh-fish aboard , as mullets , shads , and other very good fish : this river is all fresh-water fit to drink . some eight leagues within the mouth , the tide runs up about thirty five leagues , but stops and riseth a great deal farther up ; it flowes at the harbours mouth s. e. and n. w. six foot as neap-tides , and eight foot at spring-tides : the chanel on the easter-side by the cape-shoar is the best , and lyes close aboard the cape-land , being three fathoms at high-water , in the shallowest place in the chanel just at the entrance ; but as soon as you are past that place half a cables length inward , you shall have six or seven fathoms , a fair turning chanel into the river , and so continuing four or five leagues upwards ; afterwards the chanel is more difficult in some places six or seven fathoms , four or five , and in other places but nine or ten foot , especially where the river is broad . when the river comes to part , and grows narrow , there is all chanel from side to side in most places ; in some places you shall have five , six , or seven fathoms , but generally two or three , sand and oaze . we viewed the cape-land , and judged it to be little worth , the woods of it shrubby and low , the land sandy and barren ; in some places grass and rushes , and in other places nothing but clear sand : a place fitter to starve cattel in our judgement , then to keep them alive ; yet the indians , as we understand , keep the english cattle down there , and suffer them not to go off the said cape , as we suppose , because the countrey - indians shall have to part with them , and as we think , are fallen out about them , who shall have the greatest share . they brought aboard our ship very good and fat beef several times , which they could afford very reasonable ; also fat and very large swine , good cheap penny-worths : but they may thank their friends of new-england , who brought their hogs to so fair a market . some of the indians brought very good salt aboard us , and made signes , pointing to both sides of the rivers mouth , that there was great store thereabouts . we saw up the river several good places for the setting up of corn or saw-mills . in that time as our businesse called us up and down the river and branches , we kill'd of wild-fowl , four swans , ten geese , twenty nine cranes , ten turkies , forty duck and mallard , three dozen of parrakeeto's , and six or seven dozen of other small fowls , as curlues and plovers , &c. vvhereas there was a writing left in a post at the point of cape-fair river , by those new-england-men that left cattel with the indians there , the contents whereof tended not only to the disparagement of the land about the said river , but also to the great discouragement of all those that should hereafter come into those parts to settle : in answer to that scandalous writing , we whose names are under-written do affirm , that we have seen facing on both sides of the river , and branches of cape-fair aforesaid , as good land , and as well timbred , as any we have seen in any other part of the world , sufficient to accommodate thousands of our english nation , lying commodiously by the said river . on friday the th of december , the winde being fair , we put out to sea , bound for barbadoes ; and on the th day of january , / , we came to anchor in carlisle-bay ; and after several known apparent dangers both by sea and land , have now brought us all in safety to our long-wish'd-for and much desired port , to render an accompt of our discovery , the verity of which we aver . anthony long. william hilton . peter fabian . a copy of the spanyard's first letter . i am come to this town of infidel - indians , to seek some english , which my governour and captain-general , don alonso de arangows , de colis , cavallier , and knight of the order of st. james , for his majesty , had notice that there was a ship lost in that port in which you are , that the men might not run any hazard of their lives , as those with me here have . don adeleyers , with the governor of the garison of s. augustine , are gone to ransome and free the subjects of the king your master , charles the second : wherefore i advise you , that if these indians ( although infidels and barbarians ) have not killed any of the christians , and do require as a gift or courtesie for those four men , four spades , and four axes , some knives , and some beads , and the four indians which you have there , you deliver them , and that for their sakes that shall sayl on this coast : you may send a boat , who when she comes athwart the port of st. ellens , may hoist an ancient twice or thrice , and i will do the same . the shortnesse of the dispatch i desire , for i want provision for my soldiers , and the way is large . your servant desires you would give me a speedy answer ; and what may be done in your service , i shall do very willingly : and if you have none that can interpret the spanish tongue , you may write in your own , for here are your countrey-men that can understand it : but if you can , let it be in spanish . from the capt. alanso argucles . from st. ellens the of septemb . . the copies of our letters sent to the english and spaniards at st. ellens , with the answer of mr. william davis , and the spaniards also , here inclosed . loving friends and country-men , vvee are come up the river with our ship , and are resolved to come through by combiheh , to st. ellens , and to get you away by fair means , or otherways . if that will not do , we have five of your company already : and the captain of edistow , and one more are prisoners with us , whom we intend to keep till we have rescued all the english prisoners out of the hands of the indians . send us word by this bearer what you know concerning the spanyards ; for the youth morgan tells us , that the spanyards are come with soldiers to fetch you away . fail not to inform us how things are . nothing else at present , but remain your friend and servant will , hilton . from on board the adventure , septemb. . . an answer to the spanyards letter not understood . honoured sir , whereas wee received a letter from you the contents whereof we understand not , because none of us could read spanish : our businesse is to demand and receive the english prisoners from the hands of the indians , and then they shall have their indians which we have detained on board , with satisfaction for their pains . we understand not at present that we have any businesse with you . not else at present , but remain your friend and servant in what i may , will. hilton . from on board the adventure , septemb. . . to his honoured friend the spanish captain at st. ellens . an answer to mr. william davis his lines written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the spanyard's letter , viz. mr. william davis , wee received your lines in the spanish letter , but hear nothing of your coming to us ▪ let your keepers send you , and that without delay ; for you may assure them , that we will be gone , and carry the indians away with us , except they send the english suddenly on board , and then they shall have their indians upon our receipt of the english . not else at present , but thank the spanish captain for the pork and venison he sent us . remain your loving friend will. hilton . from on board the adventure , september . . to mr. william davis at st. ellens : sir , wee have received your second letter ▪ and give you no answer , for the reason mentioned in our former letter to you . please to inform the indians , that if they bring not the english prisoners on board us without further delay , we are resolved to carry their indians we have on board away : but if they will bring the english , they shall have theirs , with satisfaction . also we thank you for your venison and pork . not else at present , but remain sir , your friend and servant in what i may will. hilton . from on board the adventure septemb. . . to his honoured friend , the spanish captain at st. ellens . a copy of the spanyard's second letter . my governour and capt. general , as soon as he had news that a ship , by nation english , was lost in that port in which you now are , sent me with soldiers of the garison of st. augustine in florida , as they have at other times done , to free them from death ; for which cause i came to this port of st. ellens , where i found all these indians in a fright , fearing that you will do them some mischief : so having found four men of those that were lost , i thought good to advise you , that you might carry them in your company , giving some gifts to those indians which they desire ; which is , four spades , four axes , some knives , and some beads . this they desire , not as payment , but onely as an acknowledgment of a kindness for having saved their lives ; which they have always done as naturals who have given their obedience to the king our master . and they do also desire you to let go those four indians which are there : you may send a boat when you discover the points of st. ellens ; may hoist an ancient two or three times , and i will do the same . i desire your answer may be sodain ; for i am scarce of provisions , and the way is somewhat long : and if you have no body who understands spanish , you may write in english , for here are your countreymen who will interpret it . by the captain alanso arguiles . from st. ellens , septemb. . . proposals made to all such persons as shall undertake to become the first setlers on rivers , harbours , or creeks , whose mouth or entrance is southwards or westwards of cape st. romana in the province of carolina , and execute the same at their own hazard and charge of transportation , ammunition , and provision , as is hereafter expressed , &c. i. imprimis , it is agreed and consented to by us thomas mudyford , and peter colleton , esquires , who are impowered by the lords proprietors to treat in their behalf ; that in consideration of the good service which captain anthony long , captain william hilton , and mr. peter fabian have done in making so clear a discovery on that coast , they shall each of them enjoy to them and their heirs for ever one thousand acres of land apiece upon the said river , harbour , or creeks , on such places as they shall desire , not taken up before . ii. item , to master pyam blowers , and master john hancock , five hundred acres apiece , in manner as 〈…〉 ship , one hundred acres apiece in manner as aforesaid . item , 〈…〉 ship , one hundred acres apiece in manner as aforesaid . iv. item , 〈◊〉 every person that hath subscribed and paid , or hath subscribed and shall pay within two moneths next after the date hereof , unto the treasurer appointed by the committee for defraying the charge of the 〈◊〉 discovery , and towards the publique stock , five hundred : acres of land , besides what they are otherwayes to receive and enjoy each ▪ for every thousand pounds of sugar , and so for greater or lesser quantity proportionably , to possesse and enjoy the same in manner as aforesaid ▪ the said adventurers having promised , that the severall and respective persons above-intended , shall within five years next ensuing , have one person white or black , young or 〈◊〉 transported at their charge as aforesaid , on that or 〈◊〉 other parcel of land in the province , for every hundred of acres of land that is or shall be due to them for their adventures as aforesaid : but when once taken up , to settle the same within one year after it is once taken up , or lose the land. v. item , to every person that goes , or sends an agent at his or their own cost with the first ship or fleet , or within six weeks next after the first ship or fleet that shall be set out from this island ( none to be accompted as first setters but such as do send in the first fleet ) armed with a good fire-lock , ten pounds of powder , and twenty pounds of bullet , or lead , and victualled for six moneths , shall have one hundred acres of land , and the like quantity of acres for every man servant that he carrieth so armed and provided , to the person at whose charge they shall be transported as aforesaid . vi. item , to every person that shall second the first undertakers , that is to say , shall go within two months went after those that are accompted as first setlers , armed and provided as aforesaid , seventy acres of land , and seventy acres for every man-servant that he or they shall carry or send armed and provided as aforesaid . vii . item , to every person provided as aforesaid , that shall go within two years after the first undertakers , fifty acres of land , and as much to him or them for every man-servant he or they shall carry or send , armed and provided as aforesaid . viii . item , to every free-woman above the age of twelve years , that shall go , or be carried thither within the first five years , forty acres of land. ix . item , to all male-children above the age of fourteen years ▪ the same quantity that is allowed to free-men , and on the same conditions . x. item , the lords proprietors will grant unto every parish one hundred acres of land for the church and other publique uses . xi . item , to every person that hath subscribed , and shall pay to the above mentioned discovery , who shall go or send an agent within the first five years next after the first setlers , forty acres of land ; and as much to them for every man-servant they shall carry or send within that time armed and provided as aforesaid , and the like quantity for all others so transporting themselves or servants within the first three years , who are not subscribers . xii . item , to every man-servant that shall go with the first undertakers , fifty acres of land ; and to such as go with the second adventurers thirty acres , and for all other servants that shall go within the first five years , twenty acres , and for every woman-servant ten acres , to become due at the expiration of the first term of their servitude in that countrey . xiii ▪ item , to the owner of every negro-man or slave , brought thither to settle within the first year , twenty acres ; and for every woman-negro or slave , ten acres of land ; and all men-negro's , or slaves after that time , and within the first five years , ten acres , and for every woman-negro or slave , five acres . xiv . item , that all the before-mentioned parcels of land given , or to be given , allotted or granted to any person or persons whatsoever , shall be held and enjoyed to them , their heirs and assigns for ever , in free and common soccage , according to the tenure of east ▪ greenwich within the county of kent , within the kingdom of england ( and not in capite , or by knights-service ) paying as a fine once for all to the lords proprietors , or their agents impowered to receive the same , one half-peny per acre for every acre of land that is or shall be taken up as aforesaid , or the value of the said half-peny per acre , when the person who is to receive it shall receive his deed or copy of record for his land so taken up ; and in lieu of all , and all manner of rents , services , fines , taxes and impositions whatsoever , one ear of indian corn for every hundred acres of land so taken up , at a certain time and place prescribed , if lawfully demanded . xv. item , it is further agreed , that every person shall or may take up their land , or any part thereof , where they please , in any place not before taken up : provided they do therein submit to such method as the governor and council for the time being shall judge most safe and convenient . xvi . item , that the lords ▪ proprietors shall grant to the free-holders the priviledge of choosing an annual assembly , wherein by the consent of the said lords , or their delegates , they shall be impowered to make lawes , and them confirm , publish , and abrogate , as in the great charter is expressed ; and that the assembly may lawfully , without the consent of the governour , complain to the said lords of such grievances as lye upon the people . xvii . item , that for asmuch as the lords proprietors or their delegates may not be at all times there present , to consent to such lawes as are or shall be thought necessary ; in such case all lawes and orders made by the governour , council and assembly , shall be in forte untill the denyal thereof by the lords proprietors shall be to them signified under their hands in writing . xviii . item , that the said free-holders shall have the freedome of trade , immunity of customes , and liberty of conscience , and all other priviledges made good unto them as amply and as fully as is at large expressed in the great charter granted to the said lords proprietors from his majesty . finis , virgo triumphans, or, virginia in generall, but the south part therof in particular including the fertile carolana, and the no lesse excellent island of roanoak, richly and experimentally valued : humbly presented as the auspice of a beginning yeare, to the parliament of england, and councell of state / by edward williams, gent. williams, edward, fl. . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) virgo triumphans, or, virginia in generall, but the south part therof in particular including the fertile carolana, and the no lesse excellent island of roanoak, richly and experimentally valued : humbly presented as the auspice of a beginning yeare, to the parliament of england, and councell of state / by edward williams, gent. williams, edward, fl. . ferrar, john, d. . [ ], p. printed by thomas harper, for john stephenson, and are to be sold at his shop ..., london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. the material for this work was communicated to williams by john farrer or ferrar. cf. "to the reader." eng silkworms -- early works to . north carolina -- description and travel -- early works to . south carolina -- description and travel -- early works to . virginia -- description and travel -- early works to . virginia -- history -- colonial period, ca. - . roanoke island (n.c.) a r (wing w ). civilwar no virgo triumphans: or, virginia in generall, but the south part therof in particular: including the fertile carolana, and the no lesse excell williams, edward f the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the f category of texts with or more defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion virgo trivmphan● or , virginia in generall , but the south part therof in particular : including the fertile carolana , and the no lesse excellent island of roanoak , richly and experimentally valued . humbly presented as the auspice of a beginning yeare , to the parliament of england , and councell of state . by edvvard williams , gent. london , printed by thomas harper , for john stephenson , and are to be sold at his shop on ludgate-hill , at the signe of the sunne , . to the supreme authority of this nation , the parliament of england . right honorable : this dedication in it selfe unworthy the honour of an addresse to your grandeurs , and of a foile too dead i●●h●ddow to approach neere your most vigorous luster , reposes it selfe yet upon a confidence that in imitation of that god ( of whom you are in power the proper representatives ) who vouchsafed graciously to accept a p●ore paire of turtles from those whose abilities could not ascend t● a more rich oblation , you will be pleased to cast a favourable aspect upo● this humble offering , as proceeding from a gratefull cleere and sincere intention , whose desire being strong●y passionate to present your hono●rs with something more worthy the auspice of a beginning yeare , is circumscribed by a narrownesse of abilities and fortunes . and indeed my lownesse had prompted me to have found out a more humble patron for this treatise ; but since the interest of that nation you have so happily restored to its just and native liberty is the principall ayme intended in it , since the publick acknowledgement of the world unites in this common testimony , that god hath subscribed to all your heroick and christian undertakings with his own broad seal of victory● with his owne field word , go on and prosper : led you through the red sea of bloud into the land of canaan , into the harvest and vintage of israel , since pharoah and his mighty ones have been swallowed up in the rapid current in the hideous cataracts of their ambit●ous opposition ; and have by loud and convincing testimonies ( testimonies attracting the admiration of your friends , and confounding the malice of your enemies ) made it a blessed object of your consideration , that the preservation and fixure requires a bl●ssing no lesse sublime , and a vert●e no less● ex●l●●d , then the acquisiti●n and tenure of conquests , m●de good in the 〈◊〉 christ●ndome by vindicating the english honour up●n the brittish ocean with a ●u●ssant navy , a formidable subject of ●●●●●ment to the forraine enemies of your sion , by a strong winged prosecution of the irish assassinates , a spacious lettred example to teach english mutineers what they may expect by the re● sentence of justice upon irish rebells : all indeavours holding forth the way to improve the interest of this nation , are improperly addressed to any other then your selves , who as you have been the unexampled instruments of our unpinion● liberty , ought to be the sole iudges of whatsoever may relate to our future felicity . we should have suspected the sincerity of history in its delineation of the majesty which sat upon that august , and venerable roman senats , after having made the land tremble under the terrour of their armies , the sea to labour under the burthen of their numerous navies , after having delivered all power oppressing the universall liberty to the revenging beak of their victorious eagles● and minted the governments of the world by the rom●n standard ; had not the concentrici●y of your undertakings had not the homogeniousnesse of your actions and felici●y , vindicated and asserted the honour of antiquity , and raysed your reputations upon so high a wing of glory , that posterity will be los● in the same mist of jealousie and incredulity of your owne augustnesse , yet for ever want the revivall of such examples the restauration of such presidents to confirme them . and to the end you may in all things either parallell or transcend that romane greatnesse , of which you are the inimitable exemplary , who inriched the heart and strengthned the armes of their dominions by dispersing colonies in all angles of their empire , your pious care hath already layd a most signall foundation by inviting incouragemen● to undertakers of that nature : in the pursuit whereof let me beg the liberty in this paper , under your honours patronage to publish the many pressing and convincing reasons which have and may induce you to prosecute a designe of such universall concernment . . it will disburthen this nation of many indigent persons , who having formerly perhaps enjoyed a fulnesse of abused or ●orfeyted plenty , & at the present reduced to an inequality of such subsistence , are commonly prompted to their own● and other me●s ruine by making the high way●s ( which should be as publike and inviolable a sanctuary as the most sacred places ) an ambuscado to innocent travellers , by which interruption of passages , there is commonly occasioned a decay and disincouragement of commerce , and dayly examples informe us , that prisons at present are almost as full of crimi●all as indebted persons . . it will take off all parish charges , in providing for destitute minors and orphans , whereof there are at presen● a burthensome multitude , wherby the parishes so freed , m●y with greater alacrity and ability , part with c●ntributory moneys to maintaine , recrui●e , and incourage your armies and navies . . those orphans so provided for may by gods blessings upon their labours become happy and wealthy instruments , advantagious to the place of their nativity in particular , and their whole nation in generall . whereas the condition of their birth and the usuall way of exposing them● makes them capable of no more gainfull calling then that of day-labourers , or which is more frequent hereditary beggers . . the republick in its present constitution abounding with so dangerous a number of male contents , who commonly like shrubs under high and spreading cedars , imagine the spacious height of others to be the cause of their owne lownesse , may by this means be honourably secured , and such men removing their discontents with their persons , will have a brave and ample theater to make their merits and abilities emergent , and a large field to fow and reape the fruit of all their honest industrious and publick intentions . . it will to admiration increase the number of ships and sea-men , ( the brazen wall of this nation ) all materialls to advance navigation , being abundantly to be furnished out of those countries , and the more ingenious passengers by conference and disputation with the k●owing mariner , will take a great delight , satisfaction , and ambition , to attaine to the theory of that knowledge , while the lesse capable being accustomed and assigned to an usuall part in the toyle thereof , and instructed by the ordinary seaman , will bee brought to a good readinesse therein and speedy perfection . . all materialls for shipping , as timber , cordage , sailes , iron , brasse , ordnance of both mettals , and what ever else we are necessitated ●o supply our wants with out of the e●sterne countries , who make it not unusuall to take advantages of their neighbours necessitie , a●d often times upon a pretence of difference or misintelligence betwixt us , embrace an occ●sion to over-rate or over-custome their commodities , or ( a reall quarrell widening ) sell it to other nations from whence we are forced to supply our selves at a second or third market . . it will give us the liberty of storing a great pa●t of europe with a larger plenty of incomparably better fish , then the holander hath found meanes to furnish it withall , and will make us in no long tract of time , if industriously prosecuted , equall , if not transcend him in that his most benificiall staple . . it will be to this common wealth a standing and plentifull magazine of wheat , rice , coleseed , r●peseed , flax , cotton , salt , pot-ashes , sope-ashes , sugars , wines , silke , olives , and what ever single is the staple of other nations , shall be found in this joyntly collected . . it will furnish us with rich furrs , buffs , hides , tallow , biefe , pork , &c. the growth and increase of cattell i● this nation , receiving a grand interuption and stop , by killing commonly very hopefull yong breed to furnish our markets , or store our shipping , meerly occasioned by want of ground to feed th●m , whereas those provinces afford such a large proportion of rich ground , that neither the increase of this or the succeeding age can in any reasonable probability overfeed the moiety . . by it many of your honours reformadoes and disbanded souldiers being dismist with the payment of such part of their arrears as your owne judgement ( guided by the rule of your immense disbursements ) shall thinke a convenient recompence , by transporting themselves thither may change their desperate fortunes into a happy ●ertainty of condition , and a contented livelyhood , which will be a means not only to disburden this republick ( as before ) but to remove all those clamors usualy disturbing your publick consultations , and to win upon them by your bounty to invert all those fearfull imprecations , with which they would ( as much as in them lies ) unblesse your proceedings , into a joyfull and fervent concurrence of prayers to the almighty to shoure downe blessings upon your heads , who , next under him , are the glorious and visible instruments of their increasing happinesse . . it will be a generous and moving incouragement to all industrious and publick spirits , to imploy those parts with which god and nature hath blessed them in the discovery of such happy inventions as may drive on hopefull designs with a lesser number of hands then is usually assigned to them , which issues of the brain are legitimate and geniall to beginning plantations , where the greatest want is that of people : but for our own or other popular kingdoms where we are commonly overprest with a greater multitude of labourer● then imployers , by much lesse acceptable , since our indigent people look upon such engins meerly as monoppolies to engrosse their livelihood . it will adde a very considerable increase to the revenue of your honours own customs , and i shal assume the liberty in all humility to offer up to your more advised deliberation by way of supplement to your incomes , whether such malefactors as the letter of the law doo●s to death , yet leaves a latitude for extent of mercy in the bosome of the judges , whose release oftentimes proves not only ruinous to them so discharged , since not seldome they returne to their vomit , but pernicious to the common-wealth reinvaded by their insolencies and disorders , might not be made instrumentally serviceable to the state , if ( as it is frequent in other countrey● , where they are condemned to the gallies ) by way of reparation for their crime , they were sentenced to serve a quantity of years according to the nature of their offences , which expired , they should enjoy all immunities with others , and by this course be reduced and accustomed to a regular course of life . of these a thousand transported and employed by an understanding improver , would by their labour advance an income of forty thousand pounds sterling per annum , at the least , and so proportionably according to their number . that all these , and many inestim●ble benefits may have their rise , increase , and perfection from the south parts o● virginia , a country unquestionably our own , devolved to us by a just title , and discovered by john cabot at the english expences who found out and tooke seisure , together with the voluntary submission of the natives to the english obedience of all that continent from cape florida northward , the excellent temper of the aire , the large proportion of ground , the incredible richnesse of soile , the admirable abundance of minerals , vegetables , medicinall drugs , timber , scituation , no lesse proper for all european commodities , then all those staples which entitle china , persia , and other the more opulent provinces of the east to their wealth , reputation , and greatnes ( besides the most christian of all improvements , the converting many thousands of the natives ) i● agreed upon by all who have ever viewed the country : to which the judgement of the most incomparable ralegh may be a convincing assertion , whose preferring of that country before either the north of virginia or new-england , though it may sufficiently command my submission and acquiescence ; yet for more particular satisfaction be pleased to accept these reasons for such praelation . . the apparent danger all the colonies may be in if this be not possessed by the english , to prevent the spaniard , who already hath seated himself on the north of florida , and on the back of virginia in , where he is already possessed of rich silver mines , and will no doubt vomit his fury and malice upon the neighbour plantations , if a prehabitation anticipate not his intentions , which backt with your authority , he understands too much of your power , and is too sadly acquainted with your admirable successes and generous resolutions , not to sit downe by any affronts offered to those under the wings of your protection , to attempt any thing against such who are immediately your owne colony , lest thereby he administers matter of a fire , to which his own fortunes in the indies must be a fewel , and himselfe raked up in its ashes . . but the south of virginia having a contiguous ledge of at the least one hundred ilands , and in the middest of those the incomparable roanoak , the most of them at the same distance from the continent that the i le of wight is from hampshire , all of hazardous accesse to forrainers , and affording a secure convenience from surprizall by the natives , will if possessed and protected by your power , be as an inoffensive nursery to receive an infant colony , till by an occasion of strength and number , we may poure our selves from thence upon the mayneland , as our ancestors the saxons from the isle of tanet into brittaine . . it dispences a moderate equality of heat and cold between the two violent extreams thereof in barbadoes and new england . it will admit of all things producible in any other part of the world , lying in the same parallel with china , persia , japan , cochinchina , candia , cyprus , sicily , the southern parts of greece , spain , italy , and the opposite regions of africa . . it hath besides all timber for shipping , the best and reddest cedars● and cypresse trees that may be found in any countrey . . and lastly , the planting of this collony will open a most compendious passage to the discovery of those more opulent kingdomes of china , cochinchina , cathaya , japan , the phillipines , summatra , and all those beauteous and opulent provinces of the east indies , which beyond dispute lye open to those seas which wash the south-west parts of virginia , through whose bosome all those most precious commodities which enable the chinesie , cathayan , persian , and indostant empires , may more conveniently , speedily , with more security and lesse expences be transported thence from spawhawn , of other remoter provinces to gombroon , by a long dangerous and expensive caravane , and from thence to surat , where when arrived the doubling of the line , calentures , scurvies , with a long train of diseases and famine attend its transportation into our owne countrey . . whereas by expandeing our selves to both sides and seas of virginia , our commerce to those noble nations lies open in short and pleasant voyages to the encouragement , enriching and delight of the s●amen , and personal adventurers , who will share in the delicacies and profits of those kingdoms , without participating in the miseries attending our present voyages thither . the cargason being easily conveyed , by much the greater part of the way , through navigable rivers , and from the eastern shore of virginia in a month , or at the largest six weekes time into england . and by this meanes the hollander , spanyard , and portugall , who ( by the supine negligence of this nation , and its merchant adventurers ) do with insufferable insolence lord over us in both the indies , when they shall to the unknitting of their joints perceive by your nursing care ●ver the infancy of your colonies , that they are arrived under your au●pice , to cover both the seas with numerous navies , and your honours eye of indulgence and providence waking to their security , will be content laying aside all other passions to wave future affronts and injuries , or fall ● deserved sacrifice to your offended justice . and that this addresse may appear the more seasonable , i have ( without any privity or relation to his person ) taken leave to intimate to your honours , that there is a gentleman whom the publick reputation and testimony of those who have the happines to know him render of excellent abilities , integrity , and a never shaken affection to your cause● in all its crisis and dangers● through which god with a clew of successe hath been your conduct ) who hath already undertaken for the transportation of some men thither , and only waits for your honours approbation and authority , the world taking notice , hopes and encouragement from thence , that as this colony is like to be the eldest of your legitimate daughters in that nature , so by your indulgence she shall have the happynesse not to be the yongest in your affection . may that god who hath begirt your house with a grove of lawrell , continue the advance of those victories till the whole nation be crowned with olives : may no sin , no ingratitude of ours divert his protecting ●and from us , his assistant arme from you : may the generations to come in admiration of your vertue and gratitude for their by you● derived happines , make every heart your monument , wherein to embalme your memory whilst the histories of all nations and times enrich their annals with your names as the most serious and triumphant part of all examples and transactions . and lastly may your owne thankfulnes to him from whom these dispensations of mercy have distilled like the dew of hermon upon your ●eads and borders , so continue in your bosoms , that when you shal be ripe for translation , he whose instruments you are , may welcom you with the approbation of , well done good and faithfull servant , which are the undisguised wishes of your honours most humble , obedient , and faithful servant . ed. williams . to the conservers and enlargers of the liberties of this nation , the lord president , and counsell of state . my lords : there is the same nearenesse of relation betwixt your lordships and the parliament of england , which is betwixt the sunne and sun-beames . they from their illustrious luminary dispensing . you disposing those bounties of warmth and animation , which have enriched the common-wealth with all the ornaments of verdure , repullulation and beauty , which at present she is in production of , and by the blessing of the sun of righteousnes ( guiding and fortifying your virtuall and healthfull influences ) may arrive to an absolute perfection , and be perpetuated to their happinesse , to your glory . this introduction which acknowledges so much of your power and greatnes , may make people admire why a treatise of this meanes for form and delivery , a presenter of such inconsiderablenes for parts and fortunes , should presume to cast themselves upon your lordships protection . but my lords , such disincouragements cannot direct any who know humility , and a condescending clemency are the ordinary attendants upon your extraordinary virtues , which take into their patronage the restauration of the publick liberty , and the felicity of nations . the scope of it is the publick benefit of a nation ; to whom should it be dedicated , but to its supporters , to its atlantes , to those who designe the aggrandissement of it in their counsels , perfectionate that designe by their armies ? it were impatriotisme not to publish it , sacriledge to addresse it to any other . it is an indeleble brand to the high-nam'd policy of the . henry , who gave away as rich provinces as any the eye of the world views to spain from england , out of avarice , incredulity or contempt ( or indeed all of them together ) of columbus his motion and condition . your lordships move in too high a sphere of prudence and circumspection to become his seconds in that his heresie of wisdom . and who knows but providence has reserved the present opportunity to your times , that under his conduct and auspice you might be designed his glorious instruments of promoving a worke which carries in its bosome the advancement of the gospel , by reduci●g the natives , in its forehead the enlargement of the english greatnesse by extending its empire . my lords , the parliament of this nation , and your selves ( like the twins of hipocrates ) having an inviolable correspondence of teares and smiles , of di●asters and blessings of life and death together , the threads of both your humane emergencies twisted and wound up in the same bottome , makes it impiety to divide the apprecation of blessings . all which may be fitly and mutually added is , that your living persons and posthume counsels may be had in just reverence and due estim●tion : that you may shine like luminaries in our english hemisphere , while the sun compleats his dayly , the moone her nightly circles , till a totall dissolution of nature usher in the great day appointed for a generall audit ; where when an account is to be given of humane actions , may the memory of your owne illustrious generous , and christian undertakings be a cordi●ll to your consciences , the justice and publick conducement of them , a reproach to others , who have abused equall talents of parts and power , and the divine approbation of their sincerity , a conviction to all those who know not how to be gratefull for their owne , or the generall happinesse . and these as they ought to be the publick exorations of all truly english ; so in particular are they the devout wishes of , my lords , your most humble and faithfull servant , edvvard williams . to the reader . it is not out of any particular vanity , to publish my many imperfections in print , nor am i to my best selfe understanding , infected with the disease which domineers in this scribling age , if the publicke benefit of the nation , to which by the condition of our birth , we ow a particular duty , had not bee●e the cleere and uninteressed center of my intentions , i should be too sensible of my owne weakne●se , to expose my selfe to the pity of the wise , the criticisme of the capricious , or the laughter of the ignorant ; and above all to be fastened by the ●ares upon a post , to beg a six penny contribution to buy me , to the trouble of their eyes and patience . ill bookes having the same unhappinesse which followes bloud-shot eyes , the very inspection of whom oftentimes contracts the disease alwayes a kind of abhorrency to the beholder . but my aymes are more publicke : he which reads this● shall discover the beauties of a long neglected virgin the incomparable roanoake , and the adja●ent excellencies of carolana , a country whom god and nature has indulged with blessings incommunicable to any other region . heere you may take view of an island and maine , fertile to admiration , and ( which is more admirable in workes of this nature ) nothing but incorrupted truth in her discovery . it shewes a way to the wealthy to improve their riches , to the necessitous and such as have lost their old , the meanes to erect new fortunes : in a word , it delivers an expedient to this common wealth , how it may shake off the disease growing upon her poverty and decay of trading . nothing but hands and hea●ts wanting to make this country a magazine of all things to the nation , a sanctuary to the afflicted , a treasure to the indigent , and an inimaginable revenue to the adventurers , all grounded upon those never-fayling foundations of reason and experience . neither doe i appropriate the honour ( if any due ) of being the sole author of this tractate , the whole substance of it full of good wishes and generall intentions , was communicated to me by a gentleman of merit and quality , upon perusall o● which , i found an obligation upon m● not to b●ry those advantages which may arise to our ●ountry by keeping it lockt up in silence : the gentl●mans nam● whose permission i obtayned to make it publicke , is mr. john farrer of g●ding in huntingdonshire , a persō of quality & fortunes , who has made good his affections to that incomparable co●ntry , by hazarding a considerable s●mme towards the advancing of the first plantation , and is yet so good a patriot to be ready i● promoving any good designe in the southerne parts of the ( there ) unequald countrey . nor is there heere inserted any thing but what my owne experience of the place , and a publike consent of uninterested authors and people , will subscribe to ; there is little of mine in this , but the language , and some few additionall collections● the substance is entirely the gentlemans above mentioned , which i thought fit to declare , that the reader may ascribe and owe what ever is materially good to him ; what is lesse acceptable or unskilfull in the contrivement , to the imperfections of edvvard williams . virginia in generall , but particularly carolana , which comprehends roanoak , and the southerne parts of virginia richly valued . the scituation and climate of virginia is the subject of every map , to which i shall refer the ●uriosity of those who desire more particular information . yet to shew that nature regards this ornament of the new world with a more indulgent eye then she hath cast upon many other countreys , whatever china , persia , iapan , cyprus , can●y , sicily , greece , the sou●h of italy , spaine , and the opposite parts of africa , to all which she is parallel , may boast of , will be p●oduced in this happy countrey . the sam● boun●y of summer , the same milde remission of winter , with a more virgin and unexhausted soyle being materiall a●guments to shew that modesty and truth receive no diminution by the comparison . nor is the present wildnesse of it without a particular beauty , being all over a naturall grove of o●kes , pines , cedars , cipresse , mulberry , chestnut , laurell , sassafras , cherry , plum-trees , and vines , all of so delectable an aspect , that the melanchollyest eye in the world cannot looke upon it without contentm●nt , nor content himsefe without admiration . no shrubs or u●derwoods choake up your passage , and in its season your foot can hardly direct it selfe where it will not be died in the bloud of large and delicious strawberries : the rivers which every way glide in deepe and navigable chan●els , betwixt the brests of this uberous countrey , and contribute to its conveniency beauty and fertility , labour with the multitude of their fi●hy inhabitants in greater variety of species , and of a more incomparable delicacy in tast and sweetnesse then whatever the european sea can boast of : sturgeon of ten feet , drummes of sixe in length ; conger , e●les , trout , salmon , bret , mul●et , cod , herings , perch , lampreyes , and what ever else can be desired to the satisfaction of the most voluptuous wishes . nor is the land any lesse provided of native flesh , elkes bigger then oxen , whose hide is admirable buffe , flesh excellent , and may be made , if kept domesticke , as usefull for draught and carriage , as oxen. deere in a numerous abundance , and delicate venison , racoones , hares , conyes , bevers , squirrell , beares , all of a delightfull nourishment for food , and their furres rich , warme , and convenient for clothing and merchandise . that no part of this happy country may bee ungratefull to the industrious , the ayre it selfe is often clouded with flights of pigeo●s , partridges , blackbirds , thrushes , dottrels , cranes , hernes , swans , geese , brants , duckes , widgeons , oxeyes , infinites of wilde turkeyes , which have beene knowne to weigh fifty pound weight , ordinarily forty . and the native corne of the country maiz , is so gratefull to the planter , that it returneth him his entrusted seed with the increase of or hu●dred interest , so facilely planted , that one man in hours may prepare as much ground , and set such a quantity of corne , that he may be secure from want of bread all the yeere following , though he should have never so large an appetite to consume it , and have nothing else to live upon . nor is it above three , or at the mo●t foure months intervall betwixt the time of planting and gathering : plan●ed in march , april , or may , it is ready for the barne in june , july , and august ; and of this by a provident management , you may have yeerely three or foure harvests . the stalk bruised yields a juice as big as rice , pleasant as sugar , and the green ears boyled in such juice is comparable in agreeablenesse to the palats to what ever our pease , sp●ragus , or hartichoke , hath eyther for satisfaction or delicacy . nor is the corne difficult in preservation , for in six or seven yeares there is scarce any sensibility of its corruption . but lest our p●lats should have so much of curiosity as to dislike what ever is not native to our owne country , and wheat is justly esteeme● more proper this happy ●oyle , though at the first too rich to receive it , after it hath contributed to your wealth by diminution of its owne richnesse , in three or foure crops of rice , flax , indian corne , coleseed , or rapeseed , will receive the english wheat with a gratefull retribution of thirty for one increase , every acre sowed with wheat will produce six , seven , or eight quarter of the graine intrusted . and though mr. bullocke be pleased to under-rate at it halfe the crowne the bushell , which in the canaries ●ill yeeld ten and twelve shillings , and in spaine eight , yet even in that proportion you are recompenced with six , seven , or eight pound the acre , of which two men by a discreet division of their time , will plow , reape , and in at the least acres . which though it may appeare a matter of admiration , yet i shall easily make it apparant by the following narration , in which such is the exactnesse of the ayre in this country , that you may have five successive harvests of the same grain in different seasons . for though a man and a boy with much ease may plow an acre every day , the ground being pliable of a rich blacke and tender mold , and no frosts or snowes , no usuall droughts or raines to hinder the going of the plow , yet i shall allow a month for the plowing of twelve acres , and thus plowing in september , october , november , december , and january , you may have your severall harvests in june , july , august , and september , which may easily bee inned by the same hands the labour not falling in a glut upon them , but the corne ripening according to its severall seasons . and thus by two mens labours onely you have a gratefull returne of at the least three hundred and sixty quarters of wheat , which will at that under rate formerly mentioned , viz s . d . yeeld so many pounds sterling : nor is there such difficulty in the threshing , as may be at first sigh't suspected , since it may easily be tread out with oxen , as it is usuall in italy and other countries . the first wheat being reaped , if you desire a croppe of barley , the same land plowed in iuly , will returne its ripe increase in september , so that from one and the same piece of ground you may have the benefit of two different harvests . but the rice ( for production of which this countrey is no lesse proper then those lands which have the greatest reputation of fertility ) sowed , ●eelds a greater encrease with the same labour acres of this plowed if valued but at s . d . the bushell , will yeeld l . all done by two men and a teame of oxen , who may by other labour in the intervall betwixt the committing the seed to ground , and its ripening , fall upon cole●seed or rape-seed , infinitely rich commodities with the same facility . the objection , that the countrey is overgrowne with woods , and consequently not in many yeares to bee penetrable for the plough , c●●●ies a great feeblenesse with it . for there are an immense quantity of indian fields cleared already to our hand by the natives , which till wee grow over populous may every way be abundantly sufficient , but that the very clearing of ground carries an extraordinary benefit with it , i wil make apparent by these following reasons . . if wee consider the benefit of pot-ashes growne from ten to fifty pound the tunne , within these twenty yeares , and in all probability likely to encrease by reason of interdicting trade betwixt us and the muscovite , from whence we used to supply our selves ; we shall finde the employment of that very staple will raise a considerable summe of money , and no man so imployed can ( if industrious ) make his labour lesse then one hundred pound , per annum : for if wee consider that those who labour about this in england give twelve pence the bushell for ashes , if wee consider to how many severall parts of the countrey they are compelled to send man and horse before they can procure any quantity to fall to worke upon● if wee consider some of the thriftiest , and wise , and understanding men , fell wood on purpose for this commodity , and yet notwithstanding this brigade of difficulties finde their adventures and labours answered with a large returne of profit , wee who have all these things , already at our owne doore without cost , may with a confidence grounded upon reason expect an advantage much greater , and a clearer profi● . nor can wee admit in discretion , that a large qu●ntity of those should not finde a speedy market , since the decay of tymber is a defect growne universall in europe , and the commodity such a necessary s●aple , that no civill nation can be conveniently without it . nor are pipestaves and clapboard a despicable commodity , of which one man may with ease make fifteene thousand yearely , which in the countrey it selfe are sold for l . in the canaries for twenty pound the thousand , and by this meanes the labour of one man will yeeld him l . per annum , at the lowest market . if all this be not sufficient to remove the incumbrance of woods , the saw mill may be taken into consideration , which is in every respect highly beneficiall by this timber for building houses , and shipping may be more speedily prepared , and in greater quantity by the labour of two or three men , then by a hundred hands after the usuall manner of sawing . the plankes of walnut-trees for tables or cubbords , cedar and cypresse , for chests , cabinets , and the adorning magnificent buildings , thus prepared will be easily transported into england , and sold at a very considerable value . but that in which there will be an extraordinary use of our woods is the iron mills , which if once erected will be an undecaying staple , and of this forty servants will by their labour raise to the adventurer foure thousand pound yearely : which may easily be apprehended if wee consider the deerenesse of wood in england , where notwithstanding this great clog of difficulty , the master of the mill gaines so much yearely , that he cannot but reckon himselfe a provident saver . neither does virginia yeeld to any other province whatsoever in excellency and plenty of this oare : and i cannot promise to my selfe any other then extraordinary successe and gaine , if this noble and usefull staple be but vigourously followed . and indeed it had long ere this growne to a full perfection , if the treachery of the indians had not crushed it in the beginning , and the backwardnesse of the virginia merchants to reerect it , hindred that countrey from the benefit arising from that universall staple . but to shew something further , what use may be made of woods besides the forementioned wallnut oyle , at the least a fourth part of the trees in viginia being of that species , is an excellent staple , and very gainefull to the industrious labourer . nor is it a contemptible profit that may be made of woods , if by boaring holes in divers trees , of whose vertues wee are yet ignorant , and collecting the juce thereof , a scrutiny be made which are fit for medicinall liquor and balsomes ; which for gummes , perfumes , and dyes , and heere i may justly take occasion to complaine of our owne sloth and indulgence , if compared to the laborious spanyard , who by this very practice have found out many excellent druggs , paints , and colours , meerely by bru●zing and grinding woods , probably convenient for such experimen●s : which if boyled , and a white peece of cloth s●eeped in the boyling liquor● will by its tincture discover what colour it is capable to give , and if many should faile in the tryall , yet does it not fall under the probability , but that divers noble and usefull mysteries of nature may be discovered by some such perforations and scrutinies . nor are the many berries commonly of an excellent collour and lustre unfit for such experiments ; since the labour is little or nothing , and the issue if succesfull of remarkable advantage . and this the spanyard hath experimented to the encrease of gaine and reputation ; and above this is so signally curi●us and industrious , that he hath disco●ered many rare and delightfull colours , not onely by the meanes before mentioned , but by bruizing and boyling divers fish-shells , the brightnesse and variety of colours giving him a just reason to pursue such curious examens . the french relations of their voyages to canada , tell us , that the indians and themselves falling into a contagious disease , of which phisitians could give no reason or remedy , they were all in a short space restored to their health meerely by drinking water , in which saxifrage was infused and boyld , which was then discovered to them by the natives , and wee justly entertaine beliefe that many excellent medicines either for conservation of nature in her vigour or restauration in her decadence may be communicated unto us , if projection of this stampe be so much incouraged by hopes of reward or honour , as to be put in practice . by this improvement of woods , the ground comming to bee cleared , wee have a soile fit to produce what ever is excellent in nature , the vine and olive which naturally simpathize together , will thrive beyond beliefe , nor need it be any interruption to tillage , since the vintage and harvest alwayes fall but in different reasons . that wild vines runne naturally over virginia , ocular experience declares who delighting in the neighbourhood of their beloloved mulberry-trees inseparable associates over all that countrey , and of which in this their wildnesse wines have beene made , of these wines if transplanted and cultivated , there can be made no doubt but a rich and generous wine would be produced : but if wee set the greeke cyprian candian or calabrian grape , those countries lying parallell with this , there neede not be made the smallest question● but it would be a staple which would enrich this countrey to the envy of france and spaine , and furnish the northerne parts of europe , and china it selfe where they plant it not , ( of which more heereafter ) with the noblest wine in the world , and at no excessive prices . and from this staple 't is not unworthy of our most serious con●ideration , what an occasion of wealth would flow upon this nation : virginia when well peopled being able to match spaine in that his soveraigne revenue , and the state by addition to their customes for exportation thereof according to the mode of france and spaine , would in no short time be sensible of this most inestimable benefit : to which if wee joyne the profits of our olives● wee may ( gods favourable hand blessi●g our industry ) be the happiest nation in europe . nor need wee be at that charge for caske under which spain● labours , where ever wee cast our eyes upon this fortunate countrey wee may finde timber proper for it . for the advance of which noble staple , i should propose that the greeke , and other rich vines , being procured from the countries to which they are geniall , every planter in that countrey might be enjoyned to keepe a constant nursery , to the end when the ground is cleared , that they may be fit for removal , and the vineyard speedily planted . further that some greeke , and other vignerous might be hired out of those countries to instruct us in the labour , and lest their envy , pride , or jealousie of being layd aside when their mysterie is discovered , may make them too reserved in communicating their knowledge , they may be assured , besides the continuance of their pension of a share in the profits of every mans vintage , which will the more easily perswade them to be liberall and faithfull in their instructions , since the publick advance of this designe cannot miscarry without a sensible losse to their particular interest . that before their going over a generall consultation may be had whith them what ground is proper , what season fit , what prevention of casualties by bleeding or splitting , what way to preserve or restore wine when vesseld , which species of wine is fittest for transportation over , or retention in the countrey , which for duration , which for present spending : it being in experience manifest that some wines refine themselves by purge upon the sea , others by the same meanes suffer an evaporation of their spirits , joyne to this that some wines collect strength and richnesse , others contract feeblenesse and sowernesse by seniority . these consultations drawne to a head by some able person , and published to be sent over in severall copies to virginia , by the inspection of which people might arrive at such competent knowledge in the mystery , that the reservation or jealousies of those vignerons , could not but be presen●ly● perceived and prevented . but from hence no occasion should bee derived to breake or fall short of any contract made with those vignerons , who are to be exactly dealt with in performance of articles , every way made good unto them , with all just respects to win upon them , and the non-performance of this hath beene the originall cause why virginia at this day doeth not abound with that excellent commodity . those contracted with as hired servants for that imployment , by what miscariage i know not , having promise broken with them , and compelled to labour in the quality of slaves , could not but expresse their resentment of it , and had a good colour of justice to conceale their knowledge , in recompence of the hard measure offered them , which occasioned the laying aside of that noble staple , the diligent prosecution whereof , had by this time brought virginia to an absolute perfection in it , and to a great degree of happinesse and wealth which would attend it . and had this beene as happily followed as it was prudently intended● that excellent country had not hung downe its desolate head in so languishing a condition as the disr●spect cast upon her , till of late yeares had reduced her to . nor had the poore planter ( who usually spends all the profits of his labour in forraigne wines ) been impoverished by the want of it : but with delight might have shaded himselfe under his vine , reaped the benefit of it in autumne , and buried all the memory and sense of his past labours in a cheerfull rejoycing by his owne harth with the issue of his owne vineyard . and from hence might barbadoes , st. christophers , and all our islands in the indies , have richer , better , and by much cheaper , wines transported to them from a place much neerer in distance then spain or the canaries ) and which doubles the benefit such intercourse together , would draw them to an association in power as well as communication of staples . were this brought to a just perfection no other nation could upon a quarrell betwixt us , and spaine , and france , reape a benefit by selling us their wine at a third market . and what wee vend now for it ( that being made native to us ) might be returned in bullion , to the apparent enriching of the common-wealth , and the impoverishing of our enemies , or at the least friends deservedly suspected . all authours of agriculture unanimously consent that neither arable pasture , meadow , or any other grounds are so benigne genuine , or proper for planting vines in , as those cleared lands are , wherein not shrubs , but tall trees were standing . and wee must want a parallell in any part of the world to compare with virginia for tall and goodly timber-trees cleared of all under woods , to which when cleared your vines may be remov●d ( the very removeall of them , as indeed of all other , giving an addition to their perfection ( the excellency of transplantation being more particularly insisted upon heereafter . ) but in the clearing of these woods it will be a saving of labour , and a delight to the vine , besides other profits following to leave the mulberry trees standing there , being such a happy correspondence together such a mutuall love ingrafted in them by nature , that wee well may conclude with this axiome , that the same nature joynes all her excellencies together by an association of simpathies . nor does she wave that her happy order in incomparable virginia , where the soile and climate that fits the one , is equally amiable to the other , their loves and hates happily according , what the one shunnes , the other flies from , what the one affects , challenges the others embraces , and were not this soile and climate most geniall and proper nature her selfe ( whose production● are never uselesse ) would never have crowned the virgin brow of this unexampled countrey , with such a universall plenty of them , or with such a voluntary league have united them every where together . virginia compared to persia . but to illustrate this with another argument : let us compare this felicity-teeming virginia , as it is scituated from degrees of latitude to ● with other countries , ●eated in the same degrees which opens us a method of observing what commodities nations so planted abound with , which found wee shall discover in this excellent virgin a disposition ingrafted by nature to be mother of all those excellencies , and to be equall ( if not superio● ) as well in all their noble staples , as in nea●enesse to their particular enricher the perpetually auspicious sunne . and this to whom virginia owes the publication and po●tract of her incomparable beauty ; mr. harri●t the noble mathematician delivers us by a happy instance in finding out for her ● noble sister of the same latitude , the most glorious persia , innobled as much by thi● comparison as in her empire . and those who have travelled and viewed persia ; unanimously relate wonders of her admirable fertility in all sorts of graine and fruits , with an unexpressible abund●nce of silke and wines : in which this her rich-bosomed sister claimes an equality in her plenty of mulberries , silke , and gums , vines , maiz , rice , and all sorts of graine : onely as a fuller-dowryed sister she merits a priority in fertility , pleasure , health , and temperature , a virgin countrey , so preserved by nature out of a desire to show mankinde fallen into the old age of the creation , what a brow of fertili●y and beauty she was adorned with when the world was vigorous and youthfull , and she her selfe was unwounded with the plough-shares , and unweakened by her numerous futur● teemings . another eye●witnesse of this victorious empire , delivers to memory that go●●●●● in a province of that countrey , is so incomparably fruitfull , that dearths are never knowne , nor famine ever suspected in it● th●t in one onely city called e●y● there is such an inestimable store of silke , that there might be bought in one day in that city as much silke as will lode three thousand camells . and he is little conversant with experience or history , who is ignorant that the abundance of silke native to that countrey and climate , is almost the sole staple of that mighty empire , by which never tobe exhausted treasure of silkes the sinewes and vitalls of the persian empire , the sophy to the generall good of christendome , keepes both the hornes of the ottoman moone from compleating their ambitious circle . and if the english east-india company of merchants were not wrong-byassed by the factions and sinister ambition of some men in authority amongst them , a great part of that wealthy staple might be transported into england , and by that meanes dispersed over all parts of europe to the enriching and honour of this nation . the digression upon this parallell hath diverted me from ampliation upon the publick benefit , which may devolve into this republick by the olive , which being genuine to the vine , will by a happy consent of nature indisputably flourish in a vast abundance , and by a transportation into the warmer regions , where the heate or scarcity of cattle causeth a like indigence of butter , will be a staple of inestimable value , and of no smaller conducement to our owne shipping , into those provinces neere the equinox , or in those voyages where the doubling of the line either putrifies , or makes it of a taste little pleasing or agreeable to the palate . virginia compared to china . but to leave persia and descend to a more wealthy and powerful parallell , the richest and mightiest empire in the world , lies in the same latitude and climate with our fortunate virginia ; namely china , divided from it only by the southsea , and ( which will bee a part of another discourse ) not of any long distance from it , agreeing with it in multitude of staples . china is stored with an infinite number of mulberry trees to feede silkewormes with , and vends silke in such a vast proportion , that in one onely city lempo , which some call liempo , the portugeses , have with no small admiration , observed that one hundred and sixty thousand pound weight of silk hath beene caried out in one shippe in the onely space of three moneths . into camb●la the chiefe city of tartary ( as authors of great repute and credit , and one who was personally there , reports ) there comes ●very day from china , a thousand waggons laden with silke . nor is china lesse happy in its multitude of navigable rivers , in its wonderfull fertility of all sorts of graine , maiz , rice , &c. of which it receiveth every yeere three or fo●re most plentifull harvests . rivers stored with an incredible quantity of fish and fowle , enriched a●d ennobled with numerous mines of gold , silver , brasse , iron , and other mettalls , quicksilver , nitre , all●m , pretious stones , p●arles , muske , cotton , sugars , rubarb , china root , vast proportions of flax , furres extraordinary rich . to this happinesse of soile and situation , they associate an equall felicity of parts and industry , by which they pretermit not one span of ground which they assign not to particular and profitable uses , and by an ingenious division of the ground according to the quality of the soyle , designe the drier part for wheat and barly , that which is more visited with an improving moysture , to rice and sug●r ; ascents and mountaines to grov●s of pines and chestnuts , betweene which are planted maiz panicle , and all kinde of pulse . in other proper places are mulberry groves , gardens● orchards , flax , and in a word no spot of ground misimployed from its proper advantage . and that virginia is parallell in neerenesse of staples , as well as neighbourhood to the sunne , to that celebrated empire , what multitudes of fish to satisfie the most voluptuous of wishes , can china glory in which virginia may not in justice boast of ? what fowles can she make ostentation of , in which virginia can be esteemed inferiour ? can china , insolent with her prosperity , solely lay clayme to a more singular honour for her affluence in maiz and other grain , for the maintenance and luxury of her plenty-wanton inhabitants , without an open injury to her equall , to her mayden sister , to our incomparable virginia ? are her mulberries springing from a voluntary bounty of nature lesse numerous or usefull then those to which china hath added all the assistance which could be expected from advantages of transplantation , or an industrious people ? if china will descend to particulars , to compare quantity and quality of fish and fowle , let her shew us turkies of pound weight , let her instance an example of one hundred and fifty fowle , to reward the labour of three charges of shot and powder , let her publish a president so worthy of admiration ( and which will not admit beliefe in those bosomes where the eye cannot be witnesse of the action ) of five thousand fish taken at one draught neere cape charls , at the entry into ches●peak bay , and which swells the wonder greater , not one fish under the measure of two feet in length . what fleets come yeerely upon the coasts of new found land , and new england for fish , with an incredible returne ? yet t is a most assured truth , that if they would make experiment upon the south of cape cod , and from thence to the coast of this happy countrey , they would find fish of a greater delicacy , and as full handed plenty , which though foraigners know not , yet if our owne planters would make use of it , would yield them a revenue which cannot admit of any diminution , whilest there are ebbes and flouds , rivers feed and receive the ocean , or nature fayles in ( the elementall originall of all things ) waters . there wants nothing but industrious spirits and incouragement , to make a rich staple of this commodity ; and would the virginians but make salt pits , in which they have a greater convenience of tides ( that part of the universe by reason of a full influence of the moone upon the almost limitlesse atlantick causing the most sp●cious fluxes and refluxes , that any shore of the other divisions in the world is sensible of ) to leave their pits full of salt-water , and more friendly and warme sunbeames to concoct it into salt , then rochel , or any parts of europe . yet notwithstanding these advantages which prefer virginia before rochel , the french king rayses a large proportion of his revenues out of that st●ple yearly , with which he supplyes a great part of christendome . and if from this staple the miserable french can procure a subsistence , some of them a comfortable livelyhood , notwithstanding all the private oppressions of their grinding landlords , the publick tallies , subsidies , aides , imposts , and other hard titles of authorized rapine . what shall wee imagine the freeborne english in a countrey where he owes no rent to any but to god and nature , where he has land to satisfie his desires in its extent , his wishes in its fertility , where free-quarter is a word onely understood by report , may expect of profit and content both in this staple of salt , in that of wines made in those countries , where either the spanish insolence and exactions , the french extortions , or the turkish imperiall robberies , though in the highest degrees of exorbitance , are not of force so to disincourage the inhabitants from attendance upon the vineyard , which notwithstanding all those horse-leach●● of imposition , returnes them such a profit as make them keepe ● middle path betweene the ●scent of riches , and precipice of poverty . nor would it be such a long intervall ( salt being first made ) betwixt the undertaking of this fishing , and the bringing it to perfection ; for if every servant were enjoyned to practise rowing , to be taught to handle sailes , and trimme a vessell , a worke easily practised , and suddainely learned , the pleasantnesse of weather in fishing season , the delicacy of the fish , of which they usually feede themselves with the best , the encouragement of some share in the profit , and their understanding what their owne benefit may bee when their freedome gives them an equallity , will make them willing and able fisher-men and seamen . to adde further to this , if wee consider the abundance , largenesse , and peculiar excellency of the s●urgeon in that countrey , it will not fall into the least of scruples , but that one species will bee of an invaluable profit to the buyer , or if wee repeate to our thoughts the singular plenty of herrings and mackarell , in goodnesse and greatnesse much exceeding what ever of that kinde these our seas produce , a very ordinary understanding may at the first inspection perceive that it will be no great difficulty to out-labour and out-vye the hollander in that his almost onely staple : which wee may also sell at a cheaper market then in common estimation ; if wee revolve the salt to be our owne , which they buy from france , or fetch from the isle of may , and that the very fraight of passengers ( of which allured by this improvement , and the publick approbation , there will be constant multitudes ) in our owne shippes will at the least defray fourths of the charges . i should not unwillingly heare ( though i dispaire ever to know it for a certainety ) that china did exceede us in fishing ; for were it granted , wee should not imagine those wa●ry inhabitants so circumscribed and limited to one part of the ocean especially the same climate and latitude , inviting them as not to visit our opposite shore of southwest virginia in as great variety and plenty . and to the more curious and able persons i shall offer what singular object it were of variety and plenty , if they would take the advantage of some tides and seasons , when the resort of fish is greatest to stoppe the returne of them out of some creeke perpetually flowing with salt by sl●ces , or such other invention : heere would those great ones generate and produce till even they laboured with their owne multitude , if permitted to increase two or three yeares , who might with very small charge be maintained , and yearely render to the proprie●●r an ocean of fish in a narrow confine of water . nor were it unworthy the labour to make an experiment whether the s●urgion himselfe might not receive a kinde of domestication in that narrow circumscript●on , especially if wee let it descend into our thoughts , that ( by small perforations in the sluces he perpet●ally admits a renovation and change of salt water ) he may receive the same benefit of liberty , namely variety of water , which he delights in when unconfined , and admitting the originall breeder not to thrive well by such imprisoning , yet customes ascending as high as nature in the breed , would make that familiar to them , which peradventure might have been offensive to the first spawner , and should they delight ( as in some seasons of the yeare fishes doe vary their resorts ) at any time in fresh water ; a large pond digged neare having either springs to fe●●e it , or raines to fill it , might by communication of a sluce receive both them and salmon , when they s●eke after the freshes . and that fishes may be unwilded , and become domestick , history will sufficiently informe us , wherein are delivered reports of some who growne more particularly intelligent , were distinguisht by names , and understood themselves so called : and mar●iall in one of his epigrams to caes●r , ( i meane domitia● ) tells the prince speaking of fishes so instructed , quid quod nomen habe●t & ad magistri nomen quisque sui venit citatus ? and further , manumque lambit , a thing , which though a poet , and con●equently bold , ev●n to untruths , yet he durst never have obtruded upon caesar , whom himselfe makes a party in the experiment . and to adde something to what hath formerly beene delivered of balsomes and colours , why from the livers and most unctuous parts of those more delicate fishes , may not curiosity finde a means to extract an oyle ; which ( if it be not medicinall , though i am enclined by severall reasons to bel●ene the affirmative ) may notwithstanding artificially distilled after its first extraction prove a delic●cy for the tables of princes and great ones , especially for sauces , and other confections which luxury hath found out for the irritation of dull and retreating appetites . but i cannot believe it to be deprived of its particular virtue in physicall operations , and the industrious conclusions of our ancestors have by such probations discovered many rich mysteries of nature ; whilst wee either glutted with our owne plenty of receipts , or out of a too fond a reverence wee pay to antiquity acquiesce in their prescriptions , as in the ne plus ultra , the hercules pillars of wisedome , beyond which there were no passage , or else feare every innovation brings inconveniences in his traine , which opinion if it had possessed those our ancestors , the world had continued in ignorance , and must for ever have layne sick of an incurable folly in the fooles hospitalls . for what concernes the flax of china , that wee may not lose the smallest circumstance of parallell with virginia , nature her selfe hath enriched this her bosome favourite with a voluntary plant , which by art , industry , and transplantation may be multiplyed and improved to a degree of as plentifull , but more excellent nature : which because of its accession to the quallity of silke , wee entitle silke grasse : of this queene elizabeth had a substantiall and rich peece of grograine made and presented to her . of this mr. porey in his discovery of the great river chamonoak , to the south of iames river delivers a relation of infinite quantity , covering the surface of a vast forest of pine-trees , being . miles in length . it had beene wished that the injun●tion given to every planter to set so many thousand plants of this kinde had been effectually prosecuted : the intermission whereof hath beene a prejudice not easily imaginable : nor is it yet too late to effect it , and in all probability by transplantation it may thrive beyond comparison larger , and the skinne of it growne more tender and delicate , may arrive to some equality with the labour of the silke-worme , if it be managed by such rules of nature best sute with its production . for hempe there is a naturall kinde of hempe , a species of flagg in that countrey , from which being boyled you may strippe a long and fine skinne , not onely proper for cordage● but the ●iner sort singularly usefull for linnen ; of this two hundred weight hath beene sent into e●gland , of which hath beene made excellent cordage , and very good linnen . this , by observation of the soile it growes in , and transplanted into grounds of like , but richer property , would together with tht silke-grasse make a staple of admirable returne and profit ; provided every planter had an injunction for this , as well as the former to sow or set a convenient proportion , to which his owne profit ( quickned with the imposition of a mulct in case of neglect ) would easily invite him . and by this meanes would virginia not onely furnish her owne people , but supply other nations with stuffes and linnen . to the brasse of china , wee shall oppose the virginian copper ( or gold , for yet it is doubtfull ) for by a concurrent relation of all the ●ndians , justified to severall english of quality , particularly to the earle of southampton in mr. poryes narrative , to sir william berkely , all seconding mr. heriots report , that within ten dayes west toward the setting of the sunne , the natives of that countrey gathered a kinde of a red sand falling with a streame issuing from a mountaine , which being washed in a sive , and set upon the fire speedily , melts and becomes some copper , which they shew us , but as they say much softer . we shall only suppose it to be copper , contrary to the opinion of divers knowing men , who apprehend it for a richer metall ; but melting with such ease two parts in five turning to a solid metall , the other three parts being peradventure not any thing of the oare , but onely such rubbidge , as joyned to the oare in rouling , and this falling meerely from the superficies of the mountaine , yet a rich copper ; what eye enlightned with the smallest beame of reason , will not conclude it for an extraordintry accession of wealth to this countrey ? and why may not the intralls of this minerall be gold , since the skinne and crust of it is copper ? nature her selfe oftentimes dealing after the mode of divers great men , delighting to lay an unregarded outside over her richest linings . to proceed in contin●ation of our compa●ison with china , if it abound more in visible silver ( of which with our abundance of staples may quickly put us into a ●ondition of entring into completion with ) yet cannot virginia in all probabili●y be destitute of that metall : for besides divers conjectures grounded upon naturall circumstances : mr. gage in his relation of the indies , as●ures us that the spanyards have found out a rich silver mine on the back side of florida westward , in degrees of latitude , and the farther they extend their search northward , the more rich and pure the mines discovered improve themselves . nor shall wee plead inferiority in pearles with china or persia , since mr. heriot assures us of a large quantity of pearles found amongst the natives , spoyled by their ignorance in boring of them , and defacing their orientall lustre , by exposing them to the fire . these were found amongst the indians at roanoak , and the relations of the natives on all hands unanimously concur that the south and west of this opulent countrey was stored with such abundance and variety , that the indians used to make and adorne babies with them : and one of the english had collected a bracelet of very orientall pearle , to the number of five thousand , which were all lost in the returne to england . if china suppose a merit of precedency in muske , virginia may justly oppose them with her musk rat , or muscassus , which in all probability cannot but be the same ; for it is a tradition received into the number of truths , that the confection of their muske in that countrey is bruizing and burying a certaine creature to putrefaction , of which this odour is effected , and it is very open to conjecture that this musk-rat or muscassus , whose flesh and skinne are extraordinary redolent and durant , and of which there is an infinite plenty , by such order may be brought to the same perfection . neither is it so improbable that this odour should proceed from putrefaction , which is naturally an abhorrence to the nosthrill : for if you apply too neare to the substance of the muske , there is an occult subolency of such a putrefactive originall . neither are all excretions of nature in themselves offensive to the sense of smelling , for the fluxe of the civet-ca● is accounted amongst our most soveraigne perfumes : and this experimented will be a staple of noble use , and no lesse benefit . nor shall wee yeeld the laurell of preeminence in richnesse of furres to china , if the furres of beavers , otters , martines , and above all black foxes ( which are upon some part of this continent ) may pretend any title to richnesse : and yet have wee beene hitherto so supinely negligent to permit the dutch and the french to carry away most of this pretious commodity , to trade in our rivers , under-sell us , and which discovers either an ●mplacable malice or insatiable avarice , trade with those indians ( of whom wee have no reason to nourish any great confidence ) for muskets and powder . to conclude , what ever else china may presume to boast of : whether nitre , allum , quicksilver , rhubarb , and china root , of which some wee have already discovered : if wee consider the parallell in latitude , the equality of temperate climate , the parity in soile , and its fertility , the similitude in brave navigable rivers , the unanimous congruity and consent in divers knowne commodities , wee shall have an ample basis to ground conjectures upon , that what ever singularity of nature that nation may imagine her selfe victorious over others , will be found equall in this garden of the world , this aemulous rivall of china , virginia : and the chineses may with as great justice deny the europeans the benefit of both eyes , as boast that they precede in any thing except antiquity of habitation and a long experienced industry , this great luminary of the new world virginia . what ever other commodities , the novelty of inhabiting this amorous virgin hath made it appeare defective in , as sugar , indigo , cotton , ginger , and other advantageous staples , wee shall appeale to all who have seene this unexampled countrey ; ( we meane roanoak , and the more southerne parts , and those countries towards the fertile mangoack ) whether it be guilty of any contrariety , distemper , or extremity , which might hinder their production . the sunne , which in other countreys makes his visit in flames and droughts , heere casts his auspicious beames , and by an innocent and complementall warmth , courts the bosome of this his particular favourite , hastening and disposing its wombe for ripe productions , which salute him in an absolute perfection . winter snowes , frosts , and other excesses , are heere only remembred , never known . the purling springs and wanton rivers every where kissing the happy soyle into a perpetuall verdure , into an unwearied fertility : no obstructions in your expectations , attempt and hope them , prosecute and enjoy them . nor have we in design to lay any imputation upon the barbadoes , which already aboundeth to admiration , with the staples last mentioned , yet it will become our charity to wish the country as healthfull , as it is fruitfull ; that it may answer the expectation and merit of its most industrious and publicke spi●ited planters● who have given a brave example to all , by the effects of their industry and unwearied constancy . from a thing almost lost to memory , ( at the least to reputation ) they have raysed the honour of that island , to be a subject of admiration for wealth and staple , and that so little a circumference of ground should be able to vent the value of two hundred and fifty thousand pound yeerely , as so●e merchants have maintayned , not only addes to the weight and measure of their just estimation , but increases the favourable wishes of all ●overs of industry , that they had a larger proportion of ground to improve upon . and if an invincible sloth doth not possesse us in virginia , ( wee meane the south ) why should not wee rayse an equall or greater profit upon as fertile and convenient a soile ? especially if we consider the populousnesse of the place , has so raysed the price of land there , which we have heere gratis , where number of inhabitants doe so little take from our abundance , that they adde to our wealth , security and plenty , and the sole meanes to increase and improve upon staples . we have made it apparant that what ev●r china hath of st●ple or delicacy , is produced or producible in this above-example virgin . but to shew that even china her selfe must in some t●i●gs giv● plac● to this more happy mayden , te●ra sigillata , or lemnia , ( as peculiar an income to the grand signiors treasury , as that of salt is to the french kings ) and of which china can no way boast , is native to this cou●trey ; vin●s are eyther not naturall , neglected , or not understood by the chineses , but in this incomparable soyle the grape presents it selfe every where to your delighted prospect . and what shadow can there be of scruple that wines well cultivated , and issuing from a rich grape , will not be as commodious a staple to that voluptuous and gluttonous nation , who wanton away their wealth in banquets , as the wines of france and spai● are to the more northerne and lesse abstenious nations of europe ? there needs no objection be made against this staple ; for the southw●st part of virginia being once discovered , the sea laid open and that passage compleat in all its numbers , the pleasure of the commerce , the richnesse of returnes , and the extraordinary quicknes of the profit , will invite so m●ny to come over and plant that commodious quarter of virginia , that as we shall never labour with too numerous a multitude of inhabitants , so we shall not have any great occasion to complaine of the pa●city of planters . nor is tobacco in those indian seas ( especially cured as in virginia , and of that strength and excellency ) a commodity of inconfiderable commerce , particularly if wee call to minde what gayne there is by the exchange for indian commodities , so that any ordinary understanding may comprehend that although tobacco should yeeld but three pence the pound in india , yet by way of barter with those nations where the returne quadruples the value in england , the gaynes gotten by it might be very considerable . but if we may beleeve printed relations ( and the person delivering it so cleerely , is , in my opinion , worthy of all credit ) tobacco from surat to moco yeeld ten for one profit , returned in eastridge feathers to england you have six to one profit ; but this is for those planters who are so infected with that disease of the countrey , that they cannot admit of any other staple , though more gainefull and lesse laborious . yet is not tobacco without its vertues : for the spaniard hath found out , besides the use of it in smoke , ( or the smoky use ) that the juice thereof ( when greene ) applyed to any wound cut , sore , and without any distinction , whether greene , festered , or cankered , will heale it speedily , and almost miraculously ; the leafe bruised or stamped , and applied to any bite or sting of a venemous quality , to any wound made by a poysoned arrow , the green leafe heated in hot ashes , and layd upon any part of the body afflicted with aches , will worke effects answerable to the most powerfull operations of nature . the benefit and part of the silke-worme mystery treated of . but to show to the world that wee may equall the best of the westerne kingdomes in this noble mystery of nature the silke-g worme : that france and italy are much below this mignon of glory and profit , the universally advantageous virginia , wee shall ●pon those in●●llible demonstrations of nature , make evident , having the clew of truth , reason , and modesty to direct us . it will not be denied by any , whose forehead is not too brazen , that no countrey is so proper for adventitious as its owne native commodities● the seeds of things suffer a deterioration by changing the propriety of that soile which was geniall to them , and the exact order of nature suffers a diminution , if wee imagine any other climate or region more proper for the perfection of any thing , then where it is originally produced . t●lli●r aff●rmes that this mystery of the silke-worme hath not been experimented in europe above a thousand yeares , being transmitted to our climate out of the asiatick world , in so much that italy hath not beene above yeares enriched with this industrious creature , france received it from italy , and it is observed , that the warmer the region , by so much larger and stronger encrease and texture receive they from the labour of this admirable and naturall weaver . france being of a colder temper then italy , their wo●mes are weaker , in the more northerne part of that kingdome from one ounce of seed they profit five or sixe pound of silke increase , worth at the least ● os . per pound , in languedock , and the warmer provinces the same quantity is increased to , , or l . but in brescia , of calabria seede , they use usually to make eleaven or twelve pound of silke from the same originall proportion . the poore people in both those kingdomes buy their mulberry leaves to feede this profitable and industrious spinner , and the very charge of those leaves amounts to a full halfe of all other their expences . the nobility of italy and france ( the grand duke of tuscany himselfe , descending into a part of this profit ) make up a considerable part of their revenue from their trees , the leaves of every one b●ing valued according to their goodnesse and quality , from five shillings to twenty and upwards , so that divers make an income of three , four , five , sometimes a thousand pounds per annum from the sole profit of their mulberry trees . the grand duke from the sale of his , rayses an income communibus annis , of sixty thousand duca●s , yet divers gentlemen in italy make a larger increase of profit , by setting out their mulberry trees to necessitous people , for halfe the gaine arising from the worme so fed . those poore contribute their seed , employ their labour , and are at all expences in bringing the silke to perfection ; yet notwithstanding when completed , the gentleman who sets out his trees , divides the moyety of the entire profit , for the hire of his leaves only , y●t are these people , ma●gre this difficulty , comfortable gayners . and the same tellier is bold to affirme , that non obstante the disagreeablenesse of the country to that worme , in the kingdome of france from the sole revenue now of silke , arises a greater intrade then from their corne , oyle and woad put together , which grow in that kingdome in vast proportions . and another french author affirmeth , that the benefit of the silke-worme , ( of which france hath had no triall till within these fifty yeeres ) ariseth to four millions per annum , ste●ling , and this he pretends to have all circumstances of truth and certainty , drawne from an exact computation to confirme it . if france ( an almost improper countrey for this improvement ) can rayse within the verge of fifty yeeres , so large and numerous a revenue , what shall we imagine italy ( a warmer region , and by much more convenient , although not altogether native for this inriching creature ) may meerely upon this staple returne in their treasury , having besides the advantage of climate , a hundred and fifty yeeres precedency in the mystery , and their seed more s●rong , better fed , and lesse subject to diseases and casualties ? but virginia a countrey which nature hath no lesse particul●●ly assigned for the production , food , and perfection of this creature then persia or china stored naturally with infinites of mulberry-trees , some so large that the leaves thereof have by frenchmen beene esteemed worth l● in which the indigenall and naturall worme hath beene found as bigge as wallnuts , and thriving , in the south thereof in admirable plenty and excellence ; if this mystery were but duly followed , and industriously promoved , might be a magazine for all the westerne world , and singly in her selfe outvy france , spaine , and italy , in all their advantages collected . heere the leaves are onely sold by nature , who requires no other satisfaction then industry to make use of her bounty . timber to erect their fabricks is provided , and costs no more then preparing a benevolent sunne , and a serene sky● contributing their indulgence to its perfection . no n●rrow assignation of ground ( richer then the most fertile france or italy can pretend to , or boast of ) to plant those trees on , if not neare enough to the setled plantations ; in briefe , all the conveniences imaginable to assist and advance this to the noblest commerce in the world , if neglect and sloth make us not ingratefull to our selves , and nature , by abusing our selves , by not using her bounty . to further this happy designe , let us d●scend into an unequall comparison : let us compare our most incomparable virginia , where the mulberry and the worme are aboriginall to italy , where they are onely adventitious : let us imagine our owne worme of that strength and greatnesse onely equall to those of brescia and italy , where the usuall of come from sixe ounces of seede is , o● at least pound weight of silke , and adhearing to this parallell ; let us see the apparency in the profit● a man and a boy , if their hands be not sleeping in their pockets , will feede as many wormes as come of sixe or eight ounces of seed till they be past their foure first sicknesses , and within some dayes of spinning : indeed the last dayes require a more extraordinary diligence and attendance , a more frequent and carefull feeding , because in that time they conceive , gather , and store up the disposing matter from whence the silke comes , which by an incomprehensible mystery of nature , they after as it were vomit out of their mouthes , and spinne out of their bowells . at this more particular season , there is a necessity of adding the labour of three or foure helpes more ( to which women or children are as proper as men ) which is an inconsiderable accession considering the gaine arising from it . that you may know the reason why women , children , lame and impotent persons are as ●itting to attend the last fourteene dayes , as men , will appeare by their labour , which is nothing but to feede them within doores , cleanse , dry and perfume their lodgings , with some strengthning● but not overstrong odour . and as one skilfull in this noble mystery is sufficient for the employing , overseeing , and directing hundreds under him , so ( the skill being rather experimentally to be taught , then built upon long and ambiguous precepts ) he may bee able to perfect all those under him , within the five or six weeekes time of their imployment in the full understanding the mystery . and the better to incourage both the teacher and learner of the mystery , the master should be invited by reward to be liberall in communicating his knowledge , and those under his instruction encouraged by arguments of honour and profit proposed to the best proficient , would disperse seeds of emulation and diligence , since every one would imploy himselfe seriously to engrosse and appropriate to himselfe the reputation and advantage in the victory . and in boyes and children , disputations frequently set on foot , with some slight distinction of merit , would make all that are ingeniously disposed , quicken their observation and diligence , to gaine the credit of prelation . though to take off all disincouragement or despayre , from those lesse apprehensive and docible , in this noble and gainefull trade of silke , there is no such absolute necessity layd upon them to be supersticiously and precisely curious in observing the booke rules , and written precepts , that upon the omission or unpunctuall observation of any of those precepts in hatching , lodging , feeding , and tending of the silke-wormes , wee should imagine such minute deviations might occasion an improsperity or generall failing : for wee will admit something may be wanting either in materialls , accommodation , or precisenesse of knowledge ; yet may the worke ( a higher and irresistible cause not interrupting it ) prosper and succeede , notwithstanding such defect , to the great contentment and gaine of them which keepe them . let us imagine it to be granted that the indigency of the person improving the incommodiousnesse of the place , or want of house-roome , which the bookes exactly tye us to , be in many things preterr●gular ( though such a supposition may fall upon any other part of the world more justly then virginia , where all materialls and conveniency answer our exactest wishes ) yet will dayly examples confirme us , that in languedoc , provence , and other parts of france , and as many in spaine and italy , amongst the common sort of that exaction tyred people , that one poore low-rooft cottage , and one roome in it is all the house extent they have to take their sleepe in , dresse their miserable dyet , and serve themselves of for use and retirement ; yet does this industrious creature ( such are the blessings with which god rewards the sweat of industry ) thrive as happily ( and sometimes answer labour with a greater fellcity ) as tho●e which the curiosity of richer persons fit with all commodiousnesse of chamber feeding , and attending , which is a speaking enco●ragement that no man should despaire , but reposing a cheerefull confidence in the blessing of the almighty , with this resolution , that what ever meanes , what ever curiosity , art , or precept , may contribute towards the preparing and fa●ilitation of a worke , yet the end , the event must depend on his eternall goodnesse to crowne it , and all our labours projected with never so great a talent of humane wisdome and experience , must conclude with this never failing truth : that except the lord build the house their labour is but lost that build it● except the lord keepe the city , the watchman watches but in vaine . wee must therefore lift up our hearts and eyes with thankefullnesse unto the hills , unto the mountaine of israel , and rock of david , from whence those streames of blessings must acknowledge their sole , their originall fountaine , which may serve as an admonition , that neither the whole , nor any part of the worke should be begunne without applying our devotions to him : let it therefore be the morning omen to the worke , and the evening auspice , lord prosper the worke of our hands , prosper good lord our handy workes . after the reposall of this confidence in god ; let him apply himselfe with his greatest industry and ability , with this comfort and assurance , that he cannot but make a considerable returne : though wee should be much injurious to art ( the noble right hand and midwife to nature ) if wee should deny a more promising probability of a riper and fuller gaine the more curious and observant he is in following all the approved experiments , rules , directions , and precepts thereunto belonging . but the chiefest aime and intention of those rules are to illustrate the perfection of this art , and to informe your knowledge , and better your future experience and preventionall care , if any misadventure arrive , or miscarriage in the silke-wormes , or if they prosper not equally this yeare with the last ; for by inspection upon them you may understand the cause and reason of such misadventure , and with it the remedy ; and this also takes away all dispaire or disincouragement for men , commonly men till they are convinced in the naturall cause of a disaster or failing attribute , all such mischances to nature , or else impute the non-thriving to their owne misfortune by a ridiculous opinion that they are not ordained to be fortunate in this or that mystery , so freequently does fortune incurre the blame of humane neglect or ignorance . besides wee are to imprint in our knowledge , that no rules c●n have so much of generality and exactnesse , which will not admit of deviations arising from some particular and variable circumstances . wee must not therefore conforme the nature of the climate to our rules , but our rules to it , in which wee must resume to your deliberation how , and in what one climate differs from another , how the constitution of this yeare varies from the next , or the precedent , the immediocrities of heate , cold , drought , and moisture , serenity , or mists , &c. the manner of their lodgings , the quality of the winde to be admitted or excluded : to ●emper a season inclining to a preternaturall coolenesse with an artificiall heate , to refresh and infrigidate the aire in times of immoderate heate , by admitting the cooling aire and windes proceeding from a cooler quarter , and this to be observed with a more particular care ; when they spinne their silke , that creature then being very obnoxious to be stifled with too much heat . there must be likewise a providentiall regard in a moist season , that the mulberry leaves be carefully dryed after their gathering , before they be administred for food to the silke-worme : but if the season pertake more of drought it will be wisedome to let the leaves lye and shade a little after their gathering , that they may have them coole and refreshing , and in seasons of temperature and continued droughts , it may be very requisite to water the roots of the mulberry-tree , which will be a refreshing to the leaves , and this is usually practised in spaine ; especially if the mulberry-tree be seated in a hot or dry ground , which otherwise must not be so prescribed without particular caution . nor is it below our consideration to weigh the condition of the place in which the mulberry is planted , if in a sower foule or wet soile to collect what inconvenience that food may bring unto your worme , and therefore if your necessity will admit it to avoyd such wholly , if not to use them with such qualifications as may make them l●ast offensive . after having regard to the nature of the ground your tree receives ●ts juce from , the quality of the season , in which you gather them ; it falls next to your consideration to compare the kinde and nature of the tree , together with the kinde and nature of their seed , worme , and silke , and directing your selfe by an exact observation of particular circumstances , so to make exceptions , and to order every thing with judgement and discretion thereafter , that your bookes and experience may by that meanes walke hand in hand together . but time and observations will affoord you many experiments , out of which perhaps some more rules of art may be framed , in divers particulars , more consenting to the country and climate of virginia . which finding , after good triall thereupon made , it will become the reputation of a good patriot in generall , and a good master of a family in particular , to digest them into such a regular order and method , that the publication thereof may be a common benefit to all , and a private memoriall to particulars . for since in persia and china it does not fall under likelihood , that they can oblige themselves to observe all particulars in its strictest limitation , where such an infinite quantity of silke passeth through the hands of the people , it is very agreeable to reason that in a climate of the same nature and parallell , namely virginia , there may be rules found out of far l●sse brevity● and more pertinency , then have yet been considered or published . and yet where all these rules are curiously observed , they make not on●ly in spaine and italy , but in the colder parts of france a far greater gaine ( the quantity of adventure and time considered ) by thus chargeably fe●ding of silk-wormes , then by any other commodity whatsoever . but to avoid that inconvenience of fetching leaves a far off , or attending the growth of your owne mulberries , or that necessity which makes the poorer sort of our owne miserable people to lodge them in that roome which is their kitchin , their chamber , their all . with what ease and conveniency may there be a house set up in the middle of a grove of mulberries , naturally growing , where the silkewormes , in a dry cabinet of boords , after the maner of sicily , may be kept ( described more largely in the bookes which treat of this silkeworme , then can bee expected in this paper ) set up with stones in it , in case the countrey and season require it , eyther to correct the ill sents , or ( if so be they are seated in cold● moyst , or shady places , of which your owne sense and experience will quickly acqu●int you ) to give the ayre a temper and qualification , which if not prevented , may destroy your worke by killing the silkeworme . and this lodge built for them , the season of the yeere will invite your selfe and family ( i meane such part of your family as you assigne to this worke ) to lodge there also , the time being at the most but six weekes , and for the first moneth , one third of your family will be sufficient to feed them , but the last . dayes ; the other . thirds will be requisit that the wormes may bee more often and plentifully fed● the well feeding at that time contributing much to their strength and perfection , and consequently to the improving your expected silke , both in quantity and quality . that all may be invited and courted to this undertaking , in this glorious countrey , nature hath left us destitute of no materialls . to erect these slight silken lodgings , will be no more expences , then your labour ; nor is that any greater , then to cut out some posts and studdes , fit them , and set them up● then to cleave and saw out small quarters , rafters , plankes , pales , and boards , to make and set up the sides of the house , in stead of more substantiall walls , and to cover the roofe in stead of tile . for the effecting of all which with the le●ser trouble , that countrey affords abundance of woods , which will runne out , slit , and cleave into long lengths and br●adths , which by the directnesse of the ground will rive in a manner , as if they had beene sawen for the worke . all which must be so close layd , joyned , and nayled together , the one still lapt over the other , that no winde or raine may penetrate therein to offend that labo●rious creature , and this may easily be prevented , if such chinkes and open places as you shall discover bee stopped up with lome , clay , and lime , of which materialls in those countreyes you will finde no want . and to this purpose the indian mats , and the like things may be made good use of in this way , which will be sure to keepe out winde and perhaps raine : but to these things your owne inventions , pro re nata , will abundantly furnish you with matter of preventing casualties : nor will it bee unseasonable to repeat the extraordinary convenience of saw-mills , which in this case will be in a high degree serviceable to you , and of this the whole colony will be beneficially sensible in boards , ●lankes , housing , silk-worm-lodgings , timber , shipping , and all particular kinde of uses . and this once erected , with what speed may such a house be clapped up together , with a few nailes ●ne lopping over another , either long like a bowling-alley , that the functions of the family may be distinct , and no offensive heat or sent disturbe the worme in his curious operations . or being in doubt of surprisall , some families going into the woods together may equally joyne together , and those woodden houses ( still observing that the roomes where the wormes are may be set end and end together , that so the kitchins and their lodgings may be still the two extreames ) may be cast into the forme of a fort which pall●sadoed , and your house sentinelled by halfe a dozen of good dogges , wil be a sufficient defence against all the natives of the countrey . and this may be in case they worke not in common , which if by compact they agree upon , the lodging for the wormes may be cast in the middle of such a circle , the timber houses round about shading them from over much heat , wind or moisture , and the necessary fires there made , will throughly cleere the ayre of all vapours and mists which may disorder this innocent spinner . the silke harvest ready , and the encrease brought to a just estimation : the cohabitors may according to the agreement made betwixt them , returne with their dividends , and this removall into the woods will have the same nature of content which the citizens take in a time of vacation and city wearinesse ●citizens being never so weary as when they have no worke ) to visit the delights of the countrey , though with different ends ; since these in their voyages of pleasure expend , the other both save and encrease their stock and treasure . these boards ( the worke ended ) being taken downe are serviceable for seaven yeares together , and easily erected or renewed . i am not altogether of advice , that the indians be hired to assist you in these remoter workes , as sensible how apt they and the divell t●eir tutor may be to embrace an occasion of being treacherous ; but if they could be brought to worke by parties ( well watched and spyes amongst themselves set over them ) in the middest of our most populous plantatio●s , with their wives and childr●n , who will easily runne through this curious , but not heavy labour and may be sufficient pawnes for the indian fidelity , if cunningly divided , they would be very serviceable in this kinde for a small reward , and peradventure might be made great use of for this worke heereafter by undertaking it themselves , which may be manifested for these reasons . . first , the indian is naturally curious and very ingenious , which they shew in all their works and imitations : the only thing that frights them from bringing any work to perfection , is the labour attending it . . but to feed his curiosity , there is nothing in the world more proper then this curious atome of nature the silkeworme : to see this untaught artist spin out his transparent bowels , labour such a monument out of his owne intralls , as may be the shame , the blush of artists , such a robe that solomon in all his glory might con●esse the meannesse of his apparell , in relation to the workemen , c●nnot but bring them to admiration ; and that those spi●i●s whose t●oughts are of a higher wing then ordinary , may bee convinced of a divine power of the hand of god in the creation : which gaynd upon him , it will not be impossible to drive him to an acknowledgement of redemption , if private ends or any other respect then that to gods glory , possesse not those who should cover a multitude of sinnes , by winning a soule to his creator , and forcing him from the jawes of his destroyer . . in this curiosity there is little or no labour ( a thing which they abhorre ) their women and children will bee sufficient to goe through with it : and if they could but be brought to it , our t●ade with them for silke would be of greater consequence , then all their furs or other commodities put together . . by this meanes it were possible to fasten cloaths upon them , which if once it were effected , that which mr. bullocke excellent patly calls , the universall not of nature . ambition would cement them to a more orderly course of life , and one still striving to outvie the other in bravery of habits : there would be no labour under heaven like this , to reduce them to civility , the toyle thereof being inconsiderable● and the profit great to him in respect of his now trifling merchandise : and to us by trading with them , might bee returned for ● . the pound at the most in commodities . . by this means would he be brought to plant great quantities of mulberry trees round about his plantation , which according to hi● constant inconstancy , evermore shifting , would necessarily , our ●wne numbers increasing , fall into our hands and possession , or if he should against the tide of his nature abide by them , yet a very inconsiderable trifle would buy the propriety from him . . the silkeworme harvest lighting at such a season of the year , wherein he by improvidence hath wasted all his bread-corne , at which time he usually retires into the woods to seeke a thinne s●bsistence , by the allurement of this great profit he would undoubtedly s●ay at his plantation , and allow us a share in his increase of silke , for such provision of maiz as would maintaine him , and this would be a large accession of profit to the english . . admitting virginia in its whole extent from cape henry southward ( as a worke so easily compassed , and such profit ensuing thereupon , especially to the weroances or reguli● who have many wives , slaves , and children , would hardly faile from being a universall labour ) to containe in all thirty thousand people , of which the fourth part or more men , if this staple be followed by them , and our vigilance preventing any traffick of other nations with them , it will yeeld the colony of course a trade with them worth cleare a hundred thousand pound per annum . neither doe i comprehend a sufficient reason why in so happy a climate as that of virginia ; there may not be a double silke harvest : this i am sure of , that there are secrets in nature of retardation as well as acceleration of springs , and both being industriously brough● to the experiment , the acceleration ante●eeding the first spring , and the retardation postvening the latter by three weekes , ( which may easily be effected by election and distinction of ground to plant in ) and at the latter end of the harvest the seeds being disposed and ripened for production , will without doubt produce an effect answerable to the most inestimable profit intended by it . that the election of ground may doe this , wee may see by freequent examples betwixt things well cultivated , and that which is never transplanted from its first wildnesse , and there are many presidents round about us , where in one and the same towne● one and the same fruit have oftentimes three weekes distance of time betwixt their unequ●ll maturity ; the naturall warmenesse or coldnes of the ground occasioning the advance or procrastination of fruits according to its severall disposition . nor can such a course be any interruption to harvest or vintage , both comming much after the season of the silke-worme , though i should ( in submission to better judgement ) conceive that with transplantation of trees ( such as they would have come later then ordinary , for that purpose being loosed from the ground neare upon the as●●nt of their sap would spring for that season according to ●heir expectation later then is usuall , and the next yeare its novelty of ground having made it wanton will come much earlier , and more improved then those whose fixure to the place of its first pullulation keepes it selfe to its former constancy , and by this meanes the later harvest would not be at the most three weekes time a●ter the ( usuall ) income of the first . and without doubt the chineses and persian could not vend such vast quantities of silke , with which they fa●shion so huge a part of the world with one single harvest , which though wee are at present ignorant of , yet what should discourage us from delivering such conjectures to a tryall , since the examen of it is not without probability , nor the discovery without an extraordinary certainety of profit ? those who will object that notwithstanding ● years practice italy hath not discovered this mystery , or if discovered , found it destitute of successe , may be pleased to receive this answer : that there is an immense disproportion betwixt the happyest region of italy , and the south of the excellent virginia . italy ( and that annually ) is subject much to inclemency of winters , in respect of our more temperate maiden , where snows and black swans are alike prodigies ; the cold there is rather like a phletomy to tame the plethorick abundance of springs , then dead it : nor are the springs of italy so early as ours in that climate , and the mulberry shooting forth later then all other t●ees by much , may by this meanes of transplantation and heat of soile , be equall with the first , and by that early apparence give day-light to this and other more abstruse magnalia . i have ins●sted so much the longer upon this mystery of the silk-worme , because ( if it were handled by a better pen , judgement , and ability ) it is every way noble and sublime , so much worthy the knowledge , not onely for the benefit ( which is extraordinary rich how ever ) but for the admiration of nature , who hath ab●eviated all the volum● of her other miracl●s into this her little , but exact epitome , like that artist who contracted the whole body of iliads and odysses into a nutshell . besides what wee have sayd of silke wee shall find the indian profitable to himselfe , and as in the staple of wines , of which when he has received the whole knowledge , wee cannot make the least tittle of doubt , but he will with all eagernesse prosecute it : first , because it concernes his belly , to which no people unde● heaven are more indulgent ; and secondly , his wife and children who plant his corne may take the charge of the vineyard with not much more labour . but that which turnes to our advantage is , that the indian communicating the knowledge of the grape to his neighbours , and they transmitting it all along as far as new spain , will stir up the spanish jealousie to interdict all viti-culture amongst them , and as far as the extent of his power can fathome to prosecute severely all such natives as shall make it a subject of their industry to the prejudice of spaine . this must of necessity make strong combinations and leagues against the spanish tyranny , which though they are not of themselves able to shake off , yet will the spanyard feare to extend himselfe further ( except in such strength as at present his condition denies him ) knowing the indians untinguishable thirst of revenge , and his laying hold of all opportunities to put it in execution , with all the powers of his understanding cruelty and malice . and thus shall the spanyard in case he attempts our supplantation be constantly discovered by the siding indian , and if there be a necessity to prevent his malice , by turning his designe upon his owne head , infinite occasion of intelligence may wee have from the enraged native , how to attaque him in his strongest security , where either the distance or impassability of the way will make him confident and carelesse . further use may be made of the native in fishing after pearle , to which if wee allure him by a constant trade with him for them , his owne profit will quickly enlighten his desire of more , and that desire quicken his industry . that virginia affordes multitude of pearles , mr. lane is sufficient to give publick information , where he tells us a relation delivered to him of a weroance , who had so great quantity of pearle , and did so ordinarily take the same , as that not onely his owne skinnes that he weareth , and the better sort of his gentlemen and followers are set with the sayd pearle ; but also his beds and houses are garnished with them , and that he hath such quantity of them that it is wonder to see : these are mr. lanes words exactly . nor is there any difficulty in the discovery of this , or ingrossing the trade ; especially since wee are the masters of the countrey , and if any other nation should attempt to partake in the benefit of our trade , the strength of virginia is at present such as may repell by violence , all forraigne incroachments upon their trade and livelyhood . the indians unanimously consent that twenty two mil●s beyond the falls , is a rocke of chrystall , and this they evidence by their a●rowes very many whereof are headed with it . and that dayes journey from thence , is a rocke or hill of silver oare . beyond which , over a ledge of hills , by a concurrent relation of all the indians , is the sea , which can be no other but that sea which washes the shore of china , &c. that this report of a great sea southwest beyond the mountains , cannot have the least of fiction or confederacy , since all the indians from canada to florida , doe unjarringly agree in the relation , is obvious to the meanest apprehension . the discovery whereof , if we fall upon it by degrees , will bee a worke of no long time or difficulty , but the unexpressible profit and glory of the action , will rayse the noble head of this above example countrey to such a high zenith of wealth , power , and lustre , that it will be reputed a very remarkable degree of felicity to any nation which shall reach to such a verticall point of glory , as to bee reputed but our second in these most noble considerations . by this meanes what wealth can there be in those richest provinces of the world , in those countries which nature created for h●r cabinets of excellency , which we shall not discover ? what discover without a power of appropriation ? what opulency do●s china teeme with which shall not be made our owne by the midwifry , by the juno lucina of this virtuall passage ? this by a happy transmigration , by an innocent magick will convert that countrey , ( which by a swelling denomination , yet without not some preten●e of reason its natives call by a title signifying all under heaven ) into our maid of admiration and envy virginia . her silke-worm shall spinne for carolana , her cloth of gold be weaved for roanoak . the english name shall keepe company with the sunne , and those nations who owe him a particular adoration shall honour it as the next thing sacred . the e●sterne nations oppressed with the slavery of those ill●strious horseleeches their princes , will come under our shadow , and by a thicke repayre to our most glorious and happy mayden , live with us in that liberty , which nature in their creation intended to the noblest of his creatures mankind . and by this recourse all those curiosities of art , in which those easterne nations transcend europe , will bee conveyed to us with their persons . cattell and horse in which they abound , will bee sold to us for nothing , for european trifles , whilest the more necessary stapl●s of this our westerne world , will be sold at advantages not convenient to be mentioned . the voyage short , easie , rich , and pleasant . no doubling of the line , no calentures , s●urvies , or other long passage diseases , to affright or distast the laborious seaman : whereas now the enfeebling and destroying of mariners is almost an unavoidable consequence of those long and dangerous , rather circumferences● then voyages . but lest we should sing a paean before a victory , it will not bee unworthy our labour to discourse what meanes m●y be used in this discov●ry . which if it should misse in its prosecution , ( for which fayling there is not the least shadow of probability ) yet might carry a vast profit to recompence all your paynes and expences . that it must not bee attempted at the first heat , but must have more recourses then one to the fire of a triall , will bee made apparent by these reasons . first , the inconveniency or non feysibility of carrying so much provision as will serve the discoverers , whose number , in my opinion , cannot bee lower then two hundred , if wee let slide into our deliberation the many unknowne nations , through whose territories we are to make our passage , and which by common estimation , are much more numerous in the inland , then marine countreyes . next admit wee undertake and compasse it with such a number , yet the discovery not being capable of secresie amongst such a multitude of undertakers , the publick resentment of such a felicity approaching , not suffering people to be silent ; wee should have this arrive to the spanyards knowledge , who will roule all stones under heaven to dispossesse or prepossesse , and indeed the danger his peru , chili and philippines , by such seating , may lie obnoxious to , will adde spurres to his inclination to prevent us , which till wee bee in in a condition to resist , may be effected with our absolute ruine . the safest way therefore is , by degrees to steale upon the design , and take our way thither , by ceasing of places of advantage , very frequently found in that contry , which we may progressionaly fortifie at every twenty or five and twenty miles distance , and to these places we may constantly ●end supplies of victu●lls and ammunition , not only for the men there garrisond , but for our owne reception and maint●nance in the discovery : and these men standing continu●lly upon their guard , may ( i meane those most rem●te ) by conference with the indians , discover with much ease , of what distance , what accesse , what harbours , what frequentation , and by what people the neighbour sea consists of ; to take with them exemplars of all mineralls , drugges , dies , colours , birds and beasts , drawne ●o the life in colours , which ( by an invitation of reward ) will be a surer meanes of discovery , ( if any such be ) then by multitudes of people , whose number commonly ( as in the ●x●mple of fernando soto in florida ) hastens no other discovery , but that of unavoydable famine , and being usually , either through nec●ssity , or a disordred maner of living irregular and ●ngoverned , fright the inhabitants from all commerce and conference or else make them join in a confederacy to abuse and remove them by telling their unwelcome company , golden lies , and miracles of countreys farther distant , where they are likely to find small satisfaction for their covetousnes or hunger . reason and experience will cond●mne us of folly , if wee should refuse to profit by commendable examp●es , though proc●eding from enemies or friends suspected : it will be therefore an incitement irreproveable to commend to our owne imitation the custome which the industrious spanyard practiseth in his designe of discoveries : every one of the associates carry a little horne abou● their necks in such journeys , by which meanes if the errour of the night or thickenesse of the woods occasion any separation betw●x● them , or an ambuscado of enemies make the passage doubtfull , by winding of that horne , p●esently notice is given to the rest , who upon receiving the sound give the ●irst winder notice of their residence , to which they may repaire , or testifie their apprehension and readinesse to prevent all hostile stratagems . the same indefatigable nation in their passage over rivers , presently make themselves light canoas after the indian mode , with which entring themselves and swimming their horses ( whose heads they keepe above water by a coller fastened to the boat ) they overcome difficulties of currents , which to any other but those seem● insuperable , and indeed their labour in this kinde show them of admirable resolution and constancy . though wee may entertaine grounds of hope and confidence , that this discovery of the south sea may be made without any tedious land-journey , since it is certaine that from the great confluence of waters in the gulfe of st. laurence , foure mighty rivers receive their sourse , the first whereof pouring it selfe north into canada , another running eastward into the sea called hunsons river , the third running westward into the maine are already discovered , but the fourth upon which wee have reason to fixe high expectation be●ding southward to florida , washes all the backside of virginia , and may in all probability discharge it selfe into the south ocean , which if it suit with our conjectures , virginia will have by that meanes a double accession of security and convenience . for our security it will be a naturall bar betwixt us and the jealous spanyard , who if he shou●d injustly continue the possession of ou● florida , which is indisputably english ; yet thus dividided from us by a vast river full of ●slands , and places convenient to command the channell fortified and maintained by our nation , he is too full of providence and caution to attaque us , if once in so good a posture . for the conveniency which sufficiently speakes it selfe the ease of transportation by water , and all in our owne chanell , the saving of land charges , and probability of a more speedy passage , are prespicuous arguments to commend it . and to confirme the probabilities of this passage by the lake the more strongly , the indians of canada confessed to iames cartier that it is but a moneths sayling , from thence to go to a land where cynanon and cloves are gathered . others told the same person , that from the place where they left their pinnace , there is a river which goeth south-west , from whence there is a whole moneths sayling to go to a certaine land , where there is neither ice no● snow seene , where the inhabitants doe continually war one against the other , where there is great store of orenges , almonds , nuts , and apples , with many other sorts of fruits . what ever beliefe other men bestow upon this relation , i know not ; but tru●ly in such a generall concordance of reports , where there can b● no roome left for confederacy or designe , to be perswaded of the truth therein , cannot have any vitious tincture of facility or credulity . but it is time to remit these high and noble atchievements to the prosecution of those who have more power and ability , who may give such a discovery the honour of their names , and transfer a perpetuall illustrious memory to posterity , we shall onely suppose it faisible and hope the effects will answer such supposition . which if it should faile , why may not virginia in her future felicity of silke be a new china and persia to europe ? why may not all the spicery of the east flourish with an equall successe in this our most justly tempered climate ? already can virginia boast of cinamon , which if transplanted might not be inferiour unto any ? why may not the cloves perfume virginia with as aromatick redolency as the philipine gardens . our aire is more serene , better tempered then theirs , nor have we any more sense of winter to hinder the ascent of sap then the moluccians , if it be any thing more harsh in cold , yet is it but a check to a peradventure too forward spring . what multitude of flowers have our late gardens in england seen non native to this soyle or climate ? fruits thought solely proper to italy and spaine flourish here to the envy of those count●ies , who see often times the colonies in a happier degree of prosperity then the mother , for fruit and flowers . but these designements must be the daughters of time , curiosity and industry , to whom away may be made passab●● , and easie , by that uncabinetting and deciphring of nature , garden philosophy , what harsh disposition in the world will not be lenified and refined by these curious conclusions ? dioclesian could postpose the science of governing mankinde to the knowledge of managing his scions , to see those plants grow up , which his own laureld hand had set , watred and attended● and accordingly flourish , was in a manner the production of so many children , who in this have the advantage , that their florescence is not subject to selfe-deprivation , give them but an acceptable ground● a bounteous aire , and an arriding sunne and they answer the most exact desires of the setter or ingrafter ; but children , let them have all the auxiliares of a full fortune , warmth of education , and heat of encouragement , by some private disease of the genius , by some secret malignity in nature , or its right hand custome , seldome or neuer thrive according to the wishes of the parent , they are either too ranke with insolence , too much parched with rashnesse , or withered with infamy and luxury , that those which planted them instead of delight in that which they esteemed their masterpeece , have nothing but a spring of indignation , or an autumn of melancholly to answer their expectation , and are so far from contentment at their groweth that they would have reckoned it amongst the smiles of their fortunes , that no warmth of theirs had contributed to their production , no indulgence to their continuance and education . these allu●ements are for those whose delights onely are interested and denoted to this retired activity ; but those who looke further will finde ( that which is rarely or never contingent to other contentments ) this pleasure to be attended with an inestimable p●ofit , and one of the most certaine returnes in nature : but this fertility-labouring countrey , especial●y in its southerne beauties , in its roanoak excellencies , like to a princesse , all compos'd of bounty , suffers no addresse to be made unsatisfied . gentle winters to court your seed , warme springs to marry them to perfect masculine ripenesse , nothing but ingratitude and indiligence to delay or divert its liberality , hitherto ( like those confined virgins in a barbarous seraglio ) it hath suffered the imputation or injury of sterility by a non-complacency in its savage amourists , the abundance of perfection having put them into a satiety or incapacicy of enjoyment . the truth of this being abundantly manifest , an apparent profit and delight inviting the able and industrious ; necessity must be the next argument to those whose poverty can pleade no excuse for their indiligence ; yet this laborious necessity is not so ingratefull as in england , and in other more thick-peopled countries , what ever you sweat for in this bounteous region , is crowned with a recompence amazing your expectation ; such things as make poverty and life wearisome , contempt of , or impossibility of any melioration to their condition are things heere never charged upon honest indigence , or denyed to a commendable industry , nor can they palliate their sleepe and sloth with a pretence of wanting materialls to worke upon , or plead that such things as should employ them must be first had out of england , since there is enough abundantly and naturally in that unpresidented countrey to employ their industry , to enrich their labour . though silke●grasse is unquestionably a staple which will bee neighbour to the profit of the silke-worme , though the naturall hempe-flagge may be a merchandize in time equal to english flax , though the sarsaparilla be an extraordinary vendible commodity , though pipestaves be so beneficiall● , that with not many drops an extraordinary workeman may make his labour worth sixty pounds per annum . though he has fish there , and in such abundance that the attending diligently upon two seasons , onely returnes him a reward of one hundred pound sterling in sturgion , salmon , herings , mackrell : pot-ashes a rich and never decaying staple , &c. yet since against this an objection may be made what course they may take for their provisionall subsistence . those who apprehend such doubts will be pleased to receive this answer , in which if they are sensible of reason they cannot faile to receive satisfaction . there is no man will ever be denyed the loane of corne for his house-spending , and seed till the harvest ; if he be a single man he may prepare as much ground if cleared , and set as large quantitie of corne for his owne spending and repayment of what borrowed , in two dayes space as will abundantly suffice him twelve moneths . admit there be no cleared ground , yet if he but unbarke the trees one foot round after the indian mode to prevent the shade occasioned by the leaves , which such unbarking quite destroyes , the corne ( set betwixr those trees ) will thrive and prosper exceedingly , and their greund thus prepared will last seaven or more yeares successively , and this worke cannot last him above five dayes at the longest . if he have a family , his wife and children will be able to beare part in that labour , and many others . for provision of flesh , if he can use his peece he may , even at his labour in the woods , have opportunity of killing venison , hares , wild-foule ( in their season innumerable ) and fish , of which the r●vers are all times plentifully furnished , and of great delic●cy ; if in all this abundance he is yet apprehensive of famine , wee shall refer him to the number of those who are afraid to be starved for meat in a cooks shop . besides what a small summe of money will buy your cattell , and swine in virginia ? whose feeding co●ts them nothing but thankes to god , who has spread that superficies of that noble ●ountrey with perpetuall friut and verdure . poultry in infinite variety and plenty , the forbearance of whose encrease for a small terme of years will make them so numerous , that they may alwayes have a full table . the w●st indie potatoe ( by much more delicate and large then what wee have heere growing● besides that it is a food excellently delicious and strongly nourishing , fixes himselfe wherever planted , with such an irradicable fertility , that being set it eternally grows : of this an extraordinary pleasing and strong drinke may bee composed . nor is the maiz l●sse commendable for bread then malting , of both which in its use it ●ffordeth a peculiar goodnesse and convenience : and i am much to learne how a poore man can in justice complaine of want , when he is as it were besieged with such plenty : this for provision may abundantly satisfie , but if he can be content to forbeare debauches and profusenesse for t●e first three yeares he may by any of the meanes aforesaid arrive to such a condition of ●hriving . that he may allow himselfe a large latitude of expences ( that first three yeares once expired ) without much empairing his fortun●s . but since all men either by constitution of age , oppression of yeares , or different education , are unable o● improper for the fi●●●et or hatchet , i shall offer them a way which may be lesse laborious and peradventure more gainefull ; yet before i descend to this , i must take leave by digression to enlarge something which i have already hinted on , nam●ly the benefit of transplantation . the removing and transposition of wild plants , doth with an ●xperimented happinesse wonderfully mitigate and engentile their 〈◊〉 noble nat●●e ; whether ( as an a●thour delivers it very elegantly ) it be by reason that the nature of plants , as of men , is desirous of novelty and peregrination , or because that at their parting from their former grounds they leave there that ranke wildnesse virulency and ill quality from the forest , where is first rooted the grate●ull novelty and allurement of a well cultivated s●yle makes it receive a new by exiling it from the old savagenesse and indomestication of its first seat and nature . since then the removing of wild plants addes so much to their improvement and melioration confirmed by naturall reason and unerring experience : why may not the diligent labour by removeall and transposing this excellent staple of silke grasse , make it thrive equally in greatnesse and goodnesse , there needes no more art to be used then th●t of comparing the soile ( transplantations int● worse grounds being naturally improsperous ) and though there appeare now somewhat of trouble ( though nothing of lab●ur ) in peeling the silky skinne of , yet that it may be broken as flaxe or cleared by some instrument ( the commodity richly rewarding the nobility of any invention ) to this purpose ; time and further experience will no doubt to the publick enriching of the colony and this nation make apparent . in this any one which is not sworne a servant to ease and sloth , may with a small toile reape a considerable profit . next , what will n●t those vines produce if well husbanded after their transplantation , and in this most delightfull labour the gain is so appareut that almost the blindest judgement may perceive it . orenges , lemons , pine-aples , plantanes , peaches , apricocks , peares , aples , in a word all sort of excellent fruits will grow there in full perfection ; you may sleepe whilst they are growing , after their setting or engrafting , there needes no more labour but your prayers , that they may prosper , and now and then an eye to prevent their casualties , wounds or diseases . sugars , indigos , cotton , and ginger , require a greater industry ; but if wee consider the difference betwixt the two climates of barbadoes and virginia , the immoderate heate of the first and the exact temper of the other , the labour though it may require as frequent handling , yet is by much lesse toylesome . in a word , if a man be yet timerous of a thriving condition in this countrey ; i shall with his pardon believe him , distrustfull of gods providence ; or if he be so vitiously disposed as to hope after a land where he may enjoy an undisturbed plenty without the sweat of his browes , the maps are so extreamely d●ficient in the description of such a countrey , that i must desire him to looke for a new world and kingdome , for such an easie accommodation . if any make an objection why this countrey stored with all these riches , furnished with all these staples , hath so long held downe her head in the lownesse of a desperate condition ? why being capable to crowne her browes with garlands of roses and plenty , she sate desolate amongst the willowes of neglect and poverty ? let them but recall their memory , how by the prevailency of g●ndamore the co●poration w●s dissolved , their patent cancelled , to which if wee adde the cooperation of the indian treachery in their first massacre , they will cease their wonder at its languishing condition● and convert it to a full admiration , how that colony could ever raise her endangered head out of those gulfes of distraction , in which the gold of spaine , the disincouragement of the court , the discontent of the better sort of planters , and the desperate negligence of the more inconsiderable had in humane opinion irrecoverably involved her . but the incomparable virgin hath raised her dejected head , cleared her enclouded reputation , and now like the eld●st daughter of nature expresseth a priority in her dowry ; her browes encircled with opul●ncy to be believed by no other tri●ll , but that of expeperience , her unwounded wombe full ●f all those treasuries which indeere provinces to respect of glory , and may with as great justice as any countrey the sunne honours with his eye-beames , ●ntitle her selfe to an affinity with eden , to an absolute perfection above all but paradize . and this those gentlemen to whom she vouchsaf●s the honour of her embraces , when by the blessings of god upon their labou●s s●ted with the beauty of their cornefield , they shall retire into their groves checkered with vines , olives , mirtles , from thence dilate themselves into their walkes covered in a manner , paved with orenges and lemmons , whence surfeited with variety , they incline to repose in their gardens upon nothing lesse perfumed then rose● and gilly-flowers . when they shall see their numerous heards wanton with the luxury of their pasture , confesse a narrowne●se in their barnes to receive their corne , in bosomes to expresse fully their thank●fulnesse to the almighty authour of these blessings , will ch●arefully confesse : whilst the incomparable roanoak like a queene of the ocean , encircled with an hundred attendant islands , and the most majestick carolana shall in such an ample and noble gratitude by her improvement repay her adventurers and creditors with an interest so far transcending the principall . a valuation of the commodities growing and to be had in virginia : valued in the year , . and since those times improved in all more or lesse , in some ⅓ , in others ½ , in many double , and in some treble . iron , ten pounds the tun . silke coddes , two shillings six pence the pound . raw silk , s . d . the pound , now at s . and . per pound . silke grasse to be used for cordage , d . the pound : but we hope it will serve for many better uses , and so yeeld a far greater r●te , wherof there can never be too much planted . of this q. elizabeth had a silke gowne made . hemp , from s . to s . the hundred , flax , from s , to s . the hundred . cordage , from s . to s . the hundred . cotton wooll , d . the pound . hard pitch , s . the hundred . tarre , s . the hundred . turpentine , s . the hundred . rozen , s . the hundred . madde● crop , ●s . the hundred : course madder , s . the hundred . woad , from s . to the hundred . annice seeds , s . the hundred . powder sugar , panels , muscavadoes an● whites , s● . and l . the hundred . s●urgeon , and caveare , as it is in goodnesse . salt , s . the weight . mastick , s . the pound . salsa perilla wild , l . the hundred . salsa perilla domestick , l . the hundred . red earth allenagra , s . the hundred . red allum , called carthagena a●lum , s . the hundred . roach allum , called romish allum , s . the hundred . berry graine , ●s . d the pound : the powder of graine , s . the pound : it groweth on trees like holly berries . masts for shipping , from s . to l . a peece . pot-ashes , from s . the hundred , to . now . and s . the hundred . sope-ashes , from s . to s . the hundred . clapboord watered , s . the hundred . pipe staves , l . the thousand . rape-seed oyle , l . the tun , the cakes of it feed kine fat in the winter . oyle of walnuts , l . the tun . linseed oyle● l . the tun . saffron , s . the pound . honey , s . the gallon . waxe , l . the hundred . shomacke , s . the hundred , whereof great plenty in virginia , and good quantity will be vented in england . fustick yong , s . the hundred . fustick old , s . the hundred , according to the sample . sweet gums , roots , woods , berries for dies and drugs , send of all sorts as much as you can , every sort by it sel●e , there being great quantities of those things in virginia , which after proof made , may be heere valued to their worth . and particularly , we have great hope of the pocoon root , that it will prove better then madder . sables , from s . the payre , to s . a payre . otter skin● , from s . to s . a piece . l●zernes , from s . to a piece . martins the best , s . a piece . wild ca●s , ● d . a piece . fox skins , ●d . a piece . muske rats skins , s . a dozen : the cods of them will serve 〈◊〉 good perfumes . bever skins that are full growne , in season , are worth s . a piece . bever skins , not in season , to allow two skins for one , and of the lesser , three for one . old bever skins in mantles , gloves or cap● , the more worne , the better , so they be full of fur , the pound weight is s . the new bevers skins are not to bee bought by the pound , because they are thicke and heavy leather , and not so good for use as the old . pearles of all sorts that ye can find : ambergreece as much as you can get : cristall rocke : send as much as you can , and any sort of minerall stones , or earth that weighs very heavy . preserve the walnut trees to make oile of , & cut them not down● so also preserve your mulberry and chestnut trees very carefully . in the month of june , bore holes in divers sorts of trees , wherby you shall see what gums they yield , and let them bee well dried in the sun every day , and send them home in very dry caske . finis . carolina, or, a description of the present state of that country and the natural excellencies thereof viz. the healthfulness of the air, pleasantness of the place, advantage and usefulness of those rich commodities there plentifully abounding, which much encrease and flourish by the industry of the planters that daily enlarge that colony / published by t.a., gent ... amy, thomas. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing a aa estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) carolina, or, a description of the present state of that country and the natural excellencies thereof viz. the healthfulness of the air, pleasantness of the place, advantage and usefulness of those rich commodities there plentifully abounding, which much encrease and flourish by the industry of the planters that daily enlarge that colony / published by t.a., gent ... amy, thomas. [ ], p. printed for w.c., and to be sold by mrs. grover ..., london : . item incorrectly attributed to thomas ash in wing. entry for a cancelled in wing ( nd ed.). reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng north carolina -- description and travel. south carolina -- description and travel. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion carolina ; or a description of the present state of that country , and the natural excellencies thereof , viz. the healthfulness of the air , pleasantness of the place , advantage and usefulness of those rich commodities there plentifully abounding , which much encrease and flourish by the industry of the planters that daily enlarge that colony . published by t. a. gent. clerk on board his majesties ship the richmond , which was sent out in the year . with particular instructions to enquire into the state of that country , by his majesties special command , and return'd this present year , . london , printed for w. c. and to be sold by mrs. grover in pelican court in little britain , . to the reader . reader , yov may please to understand , that the first discovery of this country was at the charge of king henry the the seventh , as you will find in this book ; and that as it hath pleased god to add such a jewel to the crown of england , so i doubt not but in a few years it will prove the most beneficial to the kingdom in general of any colony yet planted by the english , which is the more probable from the great concourse that daily arrives there . from the other plantations , as well as from england , ireland , &c. being drawn and invited thither by the healthfulness of air , delicacy of fruits , the likelyhood of wines , oyls and silks , and the great variety of other natural commodities within specified , which well considered , will sufficiently evidence the truth of what i assert ; that i may contribute what lies in my power for a further satisfaction to those gentlemen that are curious concerning the country of carolina , they may find a small description thereof , with a map of the first draught , published by mr. richard blome , and printed for dorman newman in the year . in octavo , and one larger in mr. ogleby's america ; since the publishing of these , there is by order of the lords proprietors newly published in one large sheet of paper , a very spacious map of carolina , with its rivers , harbors , plantations , and other accommodations , from the latest survey , and best informations ; with a large and particular description of the entrances into ashley and cooper rivers ; this map to be sold for s. by joel gascoyne , near wapping old stairs , and robert green in budge row london , . a compleat discovery of the state of carolina , in the year . the discourses of many ingenious travellers ( who have lately seen this part of the west indies ) have for salubrity of air , fertility of soyl , for the luxuriant and indulgent blessings of nature , justly rendred carolina famous . that since my arrival at london , i have observed many with pleasing idaeas and contemplations , as if ravisht with admiration , discourse of its pleasures : whilst others more actively prest and stimulated , have with vehement and ardent desires willingly resolved to hazard their lives , families , and fortunes , to the mercy of wind , seas and storms , to enjoy the sweets of so desirable a being . having spent near three years abroad , in which time i had a fair opportunity of a survey of great part of our english america . you my worthy friend , knowing in what character i went abroad , and understanding of my being at carolina , did obligingly request ( that at leisure ) i would collect such notices of my own whilst there , with those remarques and observations which i had learnt from the most able and ingenious planters , who have had their residence on the place from its first being coloniz'd : you desiring to be assured whether the true state of the country did answer the reports of common fame . which in compliance with , and in obedience to your commands , i have undertaken . carolina derives her name either from our present illustrious monarch , under whose glorious auspices it was first establisht an english colony , in the year one thousand six hundred and seventy , and under whose benign and happy influence it now prospers and flourishes . or from charles the ninth of that name king of france , in whose reign a colony of french protestants were transported thither , at the encouragement of gaspar coligni , admiral of that kingdom ; the place of their first settlement named in honour of their prince arx carolina ; but not long after , that colony , with monsieur ribault their leader , were by the spaniard at once cut off and destroy'd . since which , nor french , nor spaniard have made any attempt for its re-settlement . carolina is the northermost part of the spacious and pleasant province of florida ; it lies in the northern temperate zone , between the latitude of twenty nine , and thirty six degrees , and thirty minutes : it 's bounded on the east , with the atlantick , or northern , on the west , with the pacifick or southern ocean , on the north , with virginia , on the south , with the remaining part of florida . the air of so serene and excellent a temper , that the indian natives prolong their days to the extremity of old age. and where the english hitherto have found no distempers either epidemical or mortal , but what have had their rise from excess or origine from intemperance . in july and august they have sometimes touches of agues and fevers , but not violent , of short continuance , and never fatal . english children there born , are commonly strong and lusty , of sound constitutions , and fresh ruddy complexions . the seasons are regularly disposed according to natures laws ; the summer not so torrid , hot and burning as that of their southern , nor the winter so rigorously sharp and cold , as that of their northern neighbours . in the evenings and mornings of december and january , thin congealed ice , with hoary frosts sometimes appear ; but as soon as the sun elevates her self , above the horizon , as soon they disappear and vanish ; snow having been seen but twice in ten years , or from its first being settled by the english . the soil near the sea , of a mould sandy , farther distant , more clayey , or sand and clay mixt ; the land lies upon a level in fifty or sixty miles round , having scarce the least hill or eminency . it 's cloathed with odoriferous and fragrant woods , flourishing in perpetual and constant verdures , viz. the lofty pine , the sweet smelling cedar and cyprus trees , of both which are composed goodly boxes , chests , tables , scrittores , and cabinets . the dust and shavings of cedar , laid amongst linnen or woollen , destroys the moth and all verminous insects : it never rots , breeding no worm , by which many other woods are consumed and destroyed . of cedar there are many sorts ; this in carolina is esteemed of equal goodness for grain , smell and colour with the bermudian cedar , which of all the west indian is esteemed the most excellent ; that in the caribbe islands and jamaica being of a courser kind , oyl and the spirit of wine penetrating it ; but with this they make heading for their cask , which the sharpest and most searching liquors does not pierce . with the berry of the tree at bermudaz , by decoction , they make a very wholesome and sovereign drink . this tree in the sacred writ is famous , especially those of lebanon , for their stately stature ; but those in the west indies i observed to be of a low and humble height . the sassafrass is a medicinal tree , whose bark and leaves yield a pleasing smell : it profits in all diseases of the blood , and liver , particularly in all venereal and scorbutick distempers . there are many other fragrant smelling trees , the myrtle , bay and lawrel , several others to us wholly unknown . fruit trees there are in abundance of various and excellent kinds , the orange , lemon , pomegranate , fig and almond . of english fruits , the apple , pear , plumb , cherry , quince , peach , a sort of medlar , and chesnut . wallnut trees there are of two or three sorts ; but the black wallnut for its grain , is most esteem'd : the wild wallnut , or hiquery-tree , gives the indians , by boyling its kernel , a wholesome oyl , from whom the english frequently supply themselves for their kitchen uses : it 's commended for a good remedy in dolors , and gripes of the belly ; whilst new it has a pleasant taste ; but after six moneths , it decays and grows acid ; i believe it might make a good oyl , and of as general an use as that of the olive , if it were better purified and rectified . the chincopin tree bears a nut not unlike the hazle , the shell is softer : of the kernel is made chocolate , not much inferiour to that made of the cacoa . the peach tree in incredible numbers grows wild : of the fruit express'd , the planters compose a pleasant refreshing liquor ; the remainder of the fruit serves the hogg and cattle for provision . the mulberry tree every-where amidst the woods grows wild : the planters , near their plantations , in rows and walks , plant them for use , ornament and pleasure : what i observed of this fruit was admirable ; the fruit there , was full and ripe in the latter end of april and beginning of may , whereas in england and europe , they are not ripe before the latter end of august . a manufactory of silk well encouraged might soon be accomplisht , considering the numerousness of the leaf for provision , the clemency and moderateness of the climate to indulge and nourish the silk-worm : to make tryal of its success , was the intention of those french protestant passengers transported thither in his majesties frigat the richmond being forty five the half of a greater number design'd for that place ; but their design was too early anticipated : the eggs which they brought with them being hatch'd at sea , before we could reach the land , the worms for want of provision were untimely lost and destroyed . the olive tree thrives there very well . mr. james colleton , brother to sir peter , one of the honourable proprietors , brought an olive stick from fyall , ( one of the western islands ) cut off at both ends to carolina , which put into the ground , grew and prospered exceedingly ; which gave so great an encouragement , that since i left the place , i hear that several more were brought there , there being great hopes , that if the olive be well improved , there may be expected from thence perhaps as good oyl as any the world yields . vines of divers sorts , bearing both black and gray grapes , grow , climbing their highest trees , running and over-spreading their lower bushes : five kinds they have already distinguish'd , three of which by re-plantation , and if well cultivated , they own , will make very good wine ; some of which has been transported for england , which by the best pallates was well approved of , and more is daily expected , 't is not doubted , if the planters as industriously prosecute the propagation of vineyards as they have begun ; but carolina will in a little time prove a magazine and staple for wines to the whole west indies ; and to enrich their variety , some of the proprietors and planters have sent them the noblest and excellentest vines of europe , viz. the rhenish , clarret , the muscadel and canary , &c. his majesty to , improve so hopeful a design , gave those french we carried over their passage free for themselves , wives , children goods and servants , they being most of them well experienced in the nature of the vine , from whose directions doubtless the english have received and made considerable advantages in their improvements . trees for the service of building houses and shipping , besides those and many more which we have not nam'd ; they have all such as we in england esteem good , lasting , and serviceable , as the oak of three sorts , the white , black and live oak , which for toughness , and the goodness of its grain is much esteemed : elm , ash , beech , and poplar , &c into the nature , qualities and vertues of their herbs , roots and flowers , we had little time to make any curious enquiry : this we were assured by many of the knowing planters , that they had variety of such whose medicinal vertues were rare and admirable . the china grows plentifully there , whose root infus'd , yields us that pleasant drink , which we know by the name of china ale in england : in medicinal uses it 's far more excellent . monsieur tavernier , in his late voyages to persia , observes that nation , by the frequent use of water in which this root is boyl'd , are never troubled with the stone or gout : it mundifies and sweetens the blood : it 's good in fevers , scurvy , gonorrhaea , and the lues venerea . they have three sorts of the rattle-snake root which i have seen ; the comous or hairy , the smooth , the nōdous , or knotted root : all which are lactiferous , or yielding a milkie juice ; and if i do not very much in my observations err , the leaves of all these roots of a heart had the exact resemblance : they are all sovereign against the mortal bites of that snake , too frequent in the west indies : in all pestilential distempers , as plague , small pox , and malignant fevers , it 's a noble specifick ; when stung , they eat the root , applying it to the venemous wound ; or they boyl the roots in water ; which drunk , fortifies and corroborates the heart , exciteing strong and generous sweats ; by which endangered nature is relieved , and the poyson carried off , and expelled . gardens as yet they have not much improved or minded , their designs having otherwise more profitably engaged them in settling and cultivating their plantations with good provisions and numerous stocks of cattle ; which two things by planters are esteemed the basis and props of all new plantations and settlements ; before which be well accomplished and performed , nothing to any purpose can be effected ; and upon which all intentions , manufactories , &c. have their necessary dependance . but now their gardens begin to be supplied with such european plants and herbs as are necessary for the kitchen , viz. potatoes , lettice , coleworts , parsnip , turnip , carrot and reddish : their gardens also begin to be beautified and adorned with such herbs and flowers which to the smell or eye are pleasing and agreable , viz. the rose , tulip , carnation and lilly. &c. their provision which grows in the field is chiefly indian corn , which produces a vast increase , yearly , yielding two plentiful harvests , of which they make wholesome bread , and good bisket , which gives a strong , sound , and nourishing diet ; with milk i have eaten it dress'd various ways : of the juice of the corn , when green , the spaniards with chocolet , aromatiz'd with spices , make a rare drink , of an excellent delicacy . i have seen the english amongst the caribbes roast the green ear on the coals , and eat it with a great deal of pleasure : the indians in carolina parch the ripe corn , then pound it to a powder , putting it in a leathern bag : when they use it , they take a little quantity of the powder in the palms of their hands , mixing it with water , and sup it off : with this they will travel several days . in short , it 's a grain of general use to man and beast , many thousands of both kinds in the west indies having from it the greater part of their subsistence . the american physicians observe that it breeds good blood , removes and opens oppellations and obstructions . at carolina they have lately invented a way of makeing with it good sound beer ; but it 's strong and heady : by maceration , when duly fermented , a strong spirit like brandy may be drawn off from it , by the help of an alembick . pulse they have of great variety , not only of what europe yield , viz. beans , pease , callavance , figolaes , and bonavist , &c. but many other kinds proper to the place , and to us unknown : green pease at the latter end of april , at my being there , i eat as good as ever i did england . strawberries rasberries , bill-berries , and blackberries grow frequently up and down the woods . hemp and flax thrives exceeding well ; there grows a sort of wild silk pods , call'd silk-grass , of which they may make fine and durable linnen . what wheat they have planted has been rather for experiment and observation , whether it would be agreeable to the soil and climate , than for any substance for themselves , or for transportation abroad ; what they have sown , the planters assured us grew exceeding well ; as also barly , mr. linch an ingenious planter , having whilst we were there very good growing in his plantation , of which he intended to make malt for brewing of english beer and ale , having all utensils and conveniencies for it . tobacco grows very well ; and they have of an excellent sort , mistaken by some of our english smoakers for spanish tobacco , and valued from to s. the pound ; but finding a great deal of trouble in the planting and cure of it , and the great quantities which virginia , and other of his majesties plantations make , rendring it a drug over all europe ; they do not much regard or encourage its planting , having already before them better and more profitable designs in action . tarr made of the resinous juice of the pine ( which boyl'd to a thicker consistence is pitch ) they make great quantities yearly , transporting several tuns to barbadoes , jamaica , and the caribbe islands . indigo they have made , and that good : the reason why they have desisted i cannot learn. to conclude , there grows in carolina the famous cassiny , whose admirable and incomparable vertues are highly applauded and extolled by french and spanish writers : it is the leaves of a certain tree , which boyl'd in water ( as we do thea ) wonderfully enliven and envigorate the heart , with genuine easie sweats and transpirations , preserving the mind free and serene , keeping the body brisk , active , and lively , not for an hour , or two but for as many days , as those authors report without any other nourishment or subsistance , which , if true , is really admirable ; they also add , that none amongst the indians , but their great men and captains , who have been famous for their great exploits of war and noble actions , are admitted to the use of this noble bevaridge . at my being there i made enquiry after it ; but the ignorance of the planter did not inform me . sponges growing on the sandy shoars , i have gathered good and large ; for which samos in times past was famous , supposed by the ancients to be the only place in the world where they grew : a courser sort i have seen pull'd up by fishers , fishing among the rocks of the island of berbadoes . ambergrise is often thrown on their shoars ; a pretious commodity to him who finds it , if native , and pure in worth and value it surpasses gold ; being estimated at and pound the ounce , is not adulterated . what it is i shall not decide , leaving it to the judgment of the more learned , whether it be the excrement of the whale , because sometimes in dissecting and opening their bodies it 's there discovered . i think as well it may be argued the excrements of other creatures , birds and some beasts greedily desireing and affecting it , especially the fox , who eating it , by digestion it passes through his body ; after some alteration it 's again recover'd , and is that which we call fox ambergrise . others , that it is a bitumious substance , ebullating or boiling up from the bottom of the sea , and floating on the surface of the waters , is condensed by the circumambient air : of which opinion is the learned sennertus . some that it is a plant of a viscous oleaginous body , really growing at the bottom of the sea , the swift and violent motion of the waters in storms causing an eradication or evulsion of the plant , forcing it to the adjacent shoars ; that its most plentifully found after storms is certain : if true , as an intelligent man informed me , who lived many years at the bermudaz , and among the behama islands , who saw at the behama a piece of ambergrise weighing thirty pound ( for its bigness famous in those parts ) having perfect and apparent roots , equal to the body in worth and goodness . others , that it 's the liquid resinous tears of some odoriferous tree , hanging over seas or rivers , coagulated in that form which we find it . dr. trapham , an ingenious physitian in jamaica , differs little from this last opinion , thinking it the gummous juice of some fragrant plant which grows on rocks near the sea , whose trunks broken by the rude and boysterous waves , emit that precious liquor . in medicinal and physical uses it has a high esteem , being prescribed in the richest cordials , admirable in the languishes of the spirit faintings , and deliquium of the heart ; given as the last remedy to agonizing persons . in perfumes of linnen wollen , gloves , &c. there is none esteemed more costly or precious . it s of different colors , black , red , the nutmeg , and gray color are held the best . the great encrease of their cattel is rather to be admired than believed : not more than six or seven years past the country was almost destitute of cows , hogs and sheep , now they have many thousand head. the planter in winter takes no care for their provision , which is a great advantage ; the northern plantations obliging the planters to spend great part of their summer to provide fodder and provision for their cattle , to preserve them from starving in the winter . the cows the year round brouzing on the sweet leaves growing on the trees and bushes , or on the wholesome herbage growing underneath : they usually call them home in the evening for their milk , and to keep them from running wild . hogs find more than enough of fruits in the summer , and roots and nuts in the winter ; from the abundance of their feeding , great numbers forsake their own plantations , running wild in the woods , the tyger , wolf , and wild cat , by devouring them , oftentimes goes share with the planter ; but when the stock encreases and grows strong , the older surround the younger , and boldly oppose , and oftentimes attack their invaders . their sheep bears good wooll ; the ewes at a time often have or lambs ; they thrive very well , the country being so friendly to their natures , that it 's observed , they are neither liable or incident to any known disease or distemper . of beasts bearing furrs , they have great store of variety , whose skins serve the indians for cloathing and bedding , and the english for many uses , besides the great advantage made of them , by their being sent for england . deer , of which there is such infinite herds , that the whole country seems but one continued park , insomuch , that i have often heard captain matthews , an ingenious gentleman , and agent to sir peter colleton for his affairs in carolina , that one hunting indian has yearly kill'd and brought to his plantation more than an , sometimes head of deer . bears there are in great numbers , of whose fat they make an oyl which is of great vertue and efficacy in causing the hair to grow , which i observed the indians daily used , by which means they not only keep their hair clear and preserved from vermine , but by the nourishing faculty of the oyl , it usually extended in length to their middles . there are bevors , otters , foxes , racoons , possums , * musquasses , hares and coneys , squirrels of five kinds , the flying squirrel , whose delicate skin is commended for comforting , if applied to a cold stomack , the red , the grey , the fox and black squirrels . leather for shoes they have good and well tann'd : the indians have also a way of dressing their skins rather softer , tho' not so durable as ours in england . birds the country yields of differing kinds and colours : for prey , the pelican , hawk , and eagle , &c. for pleasure , the red , copped and blew bird , which wantonly imitates the various notes and sounds of such birds and beasts which it hears , wherefore , by way of allusion , it 's call'd the mocking bird ; for which pleasing property it 's there esteem'd a birds for food , and pleasure of game , are the swan , goose , duck , mallard , wigeon , teal , curlew , plover , partridge , the flesh of which is equally as good , tho' smaller than ours in england . pigeons and parakeittoes : in winter huge flights of wild turkies , oftentimes weighing from twenty , thirty , to forty pound . there are also great stocks of tame fowl , viz. geese , ducks , cocks , hens , pigeons and turkies . they have a bird i believe the least in the whole creation , named the humming bird ; in bigness the wren being much superiour , in magnitude not exceeding the humble bee , whose body in flying much resembles it , did not their long bills , between two and three inches , and no bigger than needles , make the difference . they are of a deep green , shadow'd with a murry , not much unlike the color of some doves necks , they take their food humming or flying , feeding on the exuberant moistures of sweet odoriferous leaves and flowers . i have frequently seen them in many parts of the west indies , but never observed them to have any musical air , but a loud note to admiration , crying chur , chur , chur , &c. which at the distance of half a mile is plainly heard : their eggs , of which they produce three or four young at a time , not unlike small white pease : they continue between the tropiques the whole year round , as i have observed at berbadoes and jamaica ; but i am informed , that in the more northern parts of america they sleep the whole winter ; at berbadoes the jews curiously skin these little birds , filling them with fine sand , and perfuming their feathers , they are sent into europe as pretty delicacies for ladies , who hang them at their breasts and girdles . there are in carolina great numbers of fire flies , who carry their lanthorns in their tails in dark nights , flying through the air , shining like sparks of fire , enlightning it with their golden spangles . i have seen a larger sort at jamaica , which dr. heylin in his cosmography , enumerates amongst the rarities and wonders of hispaniola , an island under the king of spain , distant between and leagues from jamaica : these have two lights above their eyes , and a third in their tails ; in dark-nights they shine like candles : for which i have often at a distance mistaken them , supposeing them to have been the lights of some adjacent plantation ; and in this i have not been the first that has been so deceived . amongst large orange trees in the night , i have seen many of those flies , whose lights have appeared like hanging candles , or pendant flambeaus , which amidst the leaves and ripe fruit yielded a sight truly glorious to behold : with of these included in a glass bottle , in a very dark night i have read very small characters : when they are kill'd , their igneous , or luminous matter does not immediately , ( till half an hour , or an hour after their deaths ) extinguish . as the earth , the air , &c. are enrich'd and replenished with the blessings of the most high , the seas and rivers of the same bounty equally participate in the variety of excellent and wholesome fish which it produces , viz. sturgeon , of whose sounds , iceing glass , of whose roes caviare are made : mullet , a delicious sweet fish , of whose roes or spawn botargo is made : whale , salmon , trouts , bass , drum , cat-fish , whose head and glaring eyes resemble a cat ; it 's esteem'd a very good fish ; it hath a sharp thorny bone on its back , which strikes at such as endeavor to take it : which by seamen is held venemous ; yet i saw one of our seamen , the back of whose hand was pierced with it , yet no poysonous symptoms of inflammation or rancor appear'd on the wound , which quickly heal'd , that i concluded it was either false , or that of this fish there were more kinds than one : plaice , eels , crabs , prawns twice as large as ours in england : oysters of an oblong or oval form ; their number inexhaustible ; a man may easily gather more in a day than he can well eat in a year ; some of which are margiritiferous , yielding bright round oriental pearl . the tortoise , more commonly call'd by our west indians the turtle , are of three sorts , the hawks-bill , whose shell is that which we call the turtle or tortoise shell ; the green turtle , whose shell being thin is little regarded ; but its flesh is more esteemed than the hawks-bill tortoise : the loggerhead turtle , or tortoise has neither good shell or flesh , so is little minded or regarded . they are a sort of creatures which live both on land and water . in the day usually keeping the sea , swiming on the surface of the water , in fair weather delighting to expose themselves to the sun , oftentimes falling asleep , lying , as i have seen several times , without any motion on the waters , till disturbed by the approach of some ship or boat , being quick of hearing , they dive away . in the night they often come ashore to feed and lay their eggs in the sand , which once covered , they leave to the influence of the sun , which in due time produces her young ones , which dig their passage out of the sand immediately making their way towards the water . at this season , when they most usually come ashore , which is in april , may and june , the seamen or turtlers , at some convenient distance watch their opportunity , getting between them and the sea , turn them on their backs , from whence they are unable ever to rise , by which means the seamen or turtlers sometimes turn or in a night , some of , , weight : if they are far distant from the harbor or market to which they design to bring them , they kill , cutting them to pieces , which salted , they barrel : this is the way of killing at the caymana's , an island lying to leeward of jamaica . turtle , barrel'd and salted , if well condition'd , is worth from to shillings the barrel . if near their market or harbor they bring them in sloops alive , and afterwards keep them in crauls , which is a particular place of salt water of depth and room for them to swim in , pallisado'd or staked , in round above the waters surface , where , upon occasion they take them out , and kill them , and cutting them to pieces , sell their flesh for two pence or three pence the pound : the belly , which they call the callope of the turtle , pepper'd and salted , or roasted and baked , is an excellent dish , much esteemed by our nation in the west indies : the rest of the flesh boil'd , makes as good and nourishing broath , as the best capon in england , especially if some of the eggs are mixt with it ; they are some white , and others of a yellow or golden colour , in largeness not exceeding a walnut , wrapt in a thin skin or membrane , sweet in taste , nourishing and wholesome : and of this property , that they never grow hard by boiling : the liver is black ; it freely opens and purges the body : if little of it be eaten , it dies the excrements of a deep black colour : the fat in color inclines to a sea green ; in taste it 's sweet and luscious , equalling , if not surpassing the best marrow , if freely eaten it deeply stains the urine of its color : it 's of a very penetrating piercing quality , highly comended in strains and aches : of it the turtlers oftentimes make an oyl , which in lamps burns much brighter and sweeter than common lamp or train oyl . in general , the flesh is commended for a good antiscorbutique and an antivenereal diet ; many in the former , and some that have been far gone in consumptions , with the constant use alone of this diet , have been thoroughly recovered and cured in or months . it hath hearts , by thin pellicules only separated , which has caused some to philosophize on its amphibious nature , alluding to those participating and assimulating qualities which it has to the rest of the universe , it swiming like a fish , laying eggs like a fowl , and feeding on grass like an ox. this i am assured of , that after it 's cut to pieces , it retains a sensation of life three times longer than any known creature in the creation : before they kill them they are laid on their backs , where hopeless of relief , as if sensible of their future condition , for some hours they mourn out their funerals , the tears plentifully flowing from their eyes , accompanied with passionate sobs and sighs , in my judgment nothing more like than such who are surrounded and overwhelmed with troubles , cares and griefs , which raises in strangers both pity and compassion . compleatly six hours after the butcher has cut them up and into pieces , mangled their bodies , i have seen the callope when going to be seasoned , with pieces of their flesh ready to cut into stakes , vehemently contract with great reluctancy rise against the knife , and sometimes the whole mass of flesh in a visible tremulation and concussion , to him who first sees it seems strange and admirable . there is farther to the southward of carolina , especially about the shoars and rivers of hisniola and cuba a fish in nature something like the former , call'd the manacy or sea-cow , of an extraordinary bigness , sometimes of pound weight : it feeds on the banks and shoar sides on the grassy herbage , like a tortoise ; but that which is more wonderful of this creature is , that she gives her young ones suck from her duggs ; she is headed like a cow , of a green colour , her flesh by some esteemed the most delicate in the world , sweeter than the tenderest veal , sold at jamaica , where it 's sometimes brought for d. the pound : it hath a stone in the head which is a gallant remedy against the pains and dolors of the stone ; so are the bones of its body to provoke urine , when pulveriz'd and exhibited in convenient liquors . it s skin makes excellent whips for horses , if prudently us'd , which are very serviceable and lasting ; with one of these manaty strapps , i have seen a bar of iron cut and dented : it cuts so severe and deep , that by the publick authority at jamaica , masters are forbidden and prohibited with it to strike their white servants . there is in the mouth of their rivers , or in lakes near the sea a creature well known in the west indies , call'd the alligator or crocodile , whose scaly back is impenitrable , refusing a musquet bullet to pierce it , but under the belly , that or an arrow finds an easie passage to destroy it : it lives both on land and water , being a voracious greedy creature , devouring whatever it seizes on , man only excepted , which on the land it has not the courage to attacque , except when asleep or by surprize : in the water it 's more dangerous ; it sometimes grows to a great length , from to foot , having a long mouth , beset with sharp keen teeth ; the body when full grown as large as a horse , declining towards the tail ; it 's slow in motion , and having no joynt in the vertebraes or back bone , but with its whole length is unable to turn , which renders it the less mischievous ; yet nature by instinct has given most creatures timely caution to avoid them by their strong musky smell , which at a considerable distance is perceiveable , which the poor cattle for their own preservation make good use of : their flesh cuts very white ; the young ones are eatable ; the flesh of the older smells so strong of musk ▪ that it nauseates ; their stones at least so called , are commended for a rich lasting perfume . mettals or minerals i know not of any , yet it 's supposed and generally believed , that the apalatean mountains which lie far up within the land , yields ore both of gold and silver , that the spaniards in their running searches of this country saw it , but had not time to open them , or at least , for the present were unwilling to make any farther discovery till their mines of peru and mexico were exhausted , or as others , that they were politically fearful that if the riches of the country should be exposed , it would be an allure to encourage a foreign invader , poverty preserving , riches oftentimes the cause that property is lost , usurped and invaded ; but whether it be this or that reason time will discover . the natives of the country are from time immemorial , ab origine indians , of a deep chesnut colour , their hair black and streight ; tied various ways , sometimes oyl'd and painted , stuck through with feathers for ▪ ornament or gallantry ; their eyes black and sparkling , little or no hair on their chins , well limb'd and featured , painting their faces with different figures of a red or sanguine colour , whether for beauty or to render themselves formidable to their enemies i could not learn. they are excellent hunters ; their weapons the bow and arrow , made of a read , pointed with sharp stones , or fish bones ; their cloathing skins of the bear or deer , the skin drest after their country fashion . manufactures , or arts amongst them i have heard of none , only little baskets made of painted reeds and leather drest sometimes with black and red chequers coloured . in medicine , or the nature of simples , some have an exquisite knowledge ; and in the cure of scorbutick , venereal , and malignant distempers are admirable : in all external diseases they suck the part affected with many incantations , philtres and charms : in amorous intrigues they are excellent either to procure love or hatred : they are not very forward in discovery of their secrets , which by long experience are religiously transmitted and conveyed in a continued line from one generation to another , for which those skill'd in this faculty are held in great veneration and esteem , their religion chiefly consists in the adoration of the sun and moon : at the appearance of the new moon i have observed them with open extended arms then folded , with inclined bodies , to make their adorations with much ardency and passion : they are divided into many divisions or nations , govern'd by reguli , or petty princes , which our english call cacicoes : their diet is of fish , flesh , and fowl , with indian maiz or corn ; their drink water , yet lovers of the spirits of wine and sugar . they have hitherto lived in good correspondence and amity with the english , who by their just and equitable cariage have extreamly winn'd and obliged them ; justice being exactly and impartially administred , prevents jealousies , and maintains between them a good understanding , that the neighbouring indians are very kind and serviceable , doing our nation such civilities and good turns as lie in their power . this country was first discover'd by sir sebastian cabott , by the order , and at the expence of king henry vii . from which discovery our successive princes have held their claim , in pursuance to which , in the seventeenth year of his majesties reign it was granted unto his grace george duke of albemarle , unto the right honourable edward earl of clarendon , william earl of craven , john lord berkley , anthony lord ashley , now earl of shaftsbury , to the honourable sir george carteret , and sir john colleton knights and baronetts , to sir william berkley knight , with a full and plenipotentiary power , to colonize , enact laws , execute justice , &c. the regalia's of premier sovereignty only reserved . the principal place where the english are now settled lies scituated on a point of land about two leagues from the sea , between ashly and cooper rivers , so named in honour to the right honourable the earl of shaftsbury , a great patron to the affairs of carolina . the place called charles town , by an express order from the lord proprietors in the year one thousand six hundred and eighty , their ordnance and ammunition being removed thither from old charles town , which lay about a league higher from ashly river , both for its strength and commerce it 's very commodiously scituated from many other navigable rivers that lie near it on which the planters are seated ; by the advantage of creeks , which have a communication from one great river to another ; at the tide or ebb the planters may bring their commodities to the town as to the common market and magazine both for trade and shipping . the town is regularly laid out into large and capacious streets , which to buildings is a great ornament and beauty . in it they have reserved convenient places for building of a church , town-house and other publick structures , an artillery ground for the exercise of their militia , and wharfs for the convenience of their trade and shipping . at our being there was judged in the country a or souls ; but the great numbers of families from england , ireland , berbadoes , jamaica , and the caribees , which daily transport themselves thither , have more than doubled that number . the commodities of the country as yet proper for england , are furrs and cedar : for berbadoes , jamaica and the caribbee islands , provisions , pitch , tarr and clapboard , for which they have in exchange sugar , rumm , melasses and ginger , &c. such things which are proper and requisite for the planter to be stored with before he leaves england for his better settlement there at his arrival , chiefly servants : all kind of iron work for the clearing of land , pruning of vines , for the kitchen and for building . commodities proper for the merchant to transport thither for his advantage , cloathing of all kinds , both linnen and woollen , hats , stockins , shoes ; all kind of ammunition , guns , fowling-pieces , powder , match , bullet , nails , locks & knives ; all haberdashers ware ; cordage , and sails for shipping , spirits and spices , viz. cloves , nutmegs ▪ and cinnamon . finally , to encourage people to transport themselves thither , the lord proprietors give unto all masters and mistresses of families , to their children , men-servants and maid-servants , if above sixteen years of age , fifty to all such under forty acres of land to be held for ever , annually paying a peny an acre to the lord proprietors to commence in years after it 's survey'd . sir , thus in an abstract i have given you the draught of this excellent country , begining with its name , scituation , &c. and when first settled , regularly proceeding to the nature of the soil , quality of the air , the diseases and longaevity of its inhabitants , the rarity of its produce in trees , fruits , roots and herbs , beasts , fish , fowl and insects ; the nature and disposition of the indians , the progress the english have made since their first settlement , what commodities they abound with , in what defective ; in all which from the truth i have neither swerved nor varied : indeed in some other things i might have farther enlarged and expatiated , which i shall refer to a personal discourse , when i have the honour to wait upon you again ; in the mean time i am your humble servant t. a. finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * it 's a little creature feeding on sweet herbs , whose codds scent as sweet and strong as musk , lasting a long time , if handsomly inclosed in cotton wooll .