a literal Character by any of their present Languages: And though
possibly it might be at first a real Character, that is each of them
compounded of such Strokes or Marks as by their Figures, Positions
and Numbers in the square, denoted the several Philosophical
Ingredients, that made up the Notion of the whole Character, as the
Book _Ye-Kim_ seems to shew by giving Rules as I conceive for the
Order and Significancy of places in the Square, _&c._ Yet I think
it not difficult to make it a Literal, or at least a Syllabical
Character, and legible into a Language somewhat after the manner of
the Universal Character I mentioned before. And tho' this would not
be the primitive Language for which it was made, yet for the present
uses of it (the chiefest of which is the assisting and refreshing the
Memory, and helping the Imagination by proper Sounds) it might be as
good: Wherein the single Characters might be Monosyllables and the
compounded Dissyllables, Trissyllables, _&c._ According to the Numbers
and Order of simple Characters in the square of the Compounded. And
I am apt to think that the present pronunciation of Languages, as of
_Hebrew_, _Syriack_, _Arabick_, _Greek_ and _Latin_, or any other
Language that has been so long Written, may be as much differing from
what it was 2000 Years since, as an Arbitrary one now invented, and
grounded on the Letters, might possibly be. And such an arbitrary
Pronunciation if generally agreed upon might serve _as well_ for a
help to learn the signification of Words, or _Word Combinations_ of
Characters, as if we now knew the exact primitive Pronunciations,
as critically as the _Masorethæ_ are said to have done that of the
_Hebrew_; and possibly also a _much better_, for that by such a one
a great many irregularities and difficulties of Pronunciation (which
are to be found in all Languages now spoken) might be omitted, and the
whole made exactly regular and easie, as might be shewn in the _Hebrew_
and _Greek_, and especially in the _Arabick_, whose difficulties are
sufficiently manifested by _Alphabetum Arabicum_, Printed at _Rome_
1592. Now as by such a Language the Character might be made effable
without Musical Tones or difficult Aspirations, so had we Dictionaries
of the signification of the Characters, we might as soon learn the
_Chinese_ Characters, as we can _Latin_, or any other Language to be
learn'd by Book, and not by speaking.
IMPRIMATUR,
_John Hoskyns_ Vice P. R. S.
_July_ 17_th._, 1686.
[Illustration: _The Roman Abacus out of Marcus Velserus_
_The Chinese Abacus from the Chinese Dictionary containing nine places
or degrees_
一二三四五六七八九
I 一 yĕ̇
II 二 th́
III 三 san̄
IV 四 sú
V 五 v̀
VI 六 lŏ̇
VII 七 ziĕ̇
VIII 八 pă̇
IX 九 kièn
X 十 xĕ̇
XI 十 xĕ̇
一 yĕ̇
X 十 xĕ̇
II 二 lh́
X 十 xĕ̇
III 三 san̄
X 十 xĕ̇
V 五 v̀
XX 廾 lh́xĕ̇
XX 二 lh́
十 xĕ̇
XXX 卅 san̄xĕ̇
XXX 三 san̄
十 xĕ̇
XXXX 四 sú
十 xĕ̇
L 五 v̀
十 xĕ̇
LX 六 lŏ̇
十 xĕ̇
LXX 七 ziĕ̇
十 xĕ̇
LXXX 八 pac
十 xĕ̇
100 白 pĕ̇
100 百 pĕ̇
200 二 lh́
白 pĕ̇
300 三 san̄
百 pĕ̇
400 四 sú
百 pĕ̇
1000 千 zien̄
2000 二 lh́
千 zien̄
3000 三 san̄
千 zien̄
10000 萬 ván
30000 三 san̄
萬 ván
CIↃ 千 zien̄
DC 六 lŏ̇
百 pĕ̇
LXXX 八 pă̇
十 xĕ̇
VI 六 lŏ̇
añus 年 nien̂
V 五 v̀
mensis 月 yuĕ
XIII 十 xĕ̇
die 三 san̄
日 gĕ̇
正
E
年 nien̂
五 v̀
人 gin̂
大 ta
先 sien̄
仁 gin̂
八 pă̇
之 chī̇
湯 tàm̄
若 jo
望 vàm
天 tìen̄
原 yuên
又 yéu
_I Senex Sculpsit_]
_A Letter from _F. A._ Esq; R. S. S. to the Publisher, with a Paper
of Mr. _S. Flowers_, containing the Exact Draughts of several
unknown Characters, taken from the Ruins at _Persepolis_._
_SIR_,
I here send you some Fragments of Papers put into my Hands by a very
good Friend, relating to antique and obscure Inscriptions, which were
retrieved after the Death of Mr. _Flower_, Agent in _Persia_ for our
_East-India_ Company, who, while he was a Merchant at _Aleppo_, had
taken up a Resolution to procure some Draught or Representation of
the admired Ruins at _Chilmenar_, pursuant to the third Enquiry for
_Persia_, mention'd in the _Philosophical Transactions_, pag. 420.
_viz._ _Whether there being already good Descriptions in Words of the
Excellent Pictures and _Basse Relieves_ that are about _Persepolis_
at _Chilmenar_, yet none very particular, some may not be found
sufficiently Skilled in those parts, that might be engaged to make a
Draught of the Place, and the Stories there Pictur'd and Carved_. This
Desire of the Royal Society, as I believe, it hinted at a Summary
Delineation, which might be perform'd by a Man qualifi'd in a few Days,
taking his own opportunity for the avoiding much Expence, (which you
know they are never able to bear:) So I cannot but think Mr. _Flower_
conceived it to be a Business much easier to perform than he found
it upon the Place, where he Spent a great deal of Time and Mony, and
dying Suddainly after, left his Draughts and Papers dispersed in
several Hands, one part whereof you have here, the rest its hoped may
in some Time be recovered, if Sir _John Chardin_'s exact and accurate
Publication of the entire Work do not put a period to all further
Curiosity, which I heartily wish.
_An Exact Draught or Copy of the several Characters engraven in
Marble at the Mountains of _Nocturestand_ and _Chahelminar_ in
_Persia_, as they were taken in _November 1667._ By Mr. _S.
Flower_._
_N_ 1. _N_ 2. These two Characters are engraven on the Breast of two
Horses cut out of the Mountain of Black Marble at _Nocturestand_,
distant a League from _Chahelmanare_, or the Ancient _Persepolis_, one
whereof is said to be _Alexander_'s, the other _Rustram_'s, (a Famous
Hero supposed to have lived about the time of _Cambises_.) Mr. _Fl._
_N_ 1. This Character hath some Similitude with the Ancient Hebrew,
but the _Persians_ would have it their own, tho' they understand not a
Letter. Mr. _F._
[Illustration:
ΤΟΥΤΟΤΟ ΡΟΣUΥΟΝ ΜΑΣΛΑΣΝΟΥ
ΘΕΟΥΑΡΖΑ......ΣΙΑΩΣΒΑΣΙΑΕΩΝ
ΑΡΙΑΝΩΝ....ΣΘΣΩΝΥΙΟΥ
ΘΕΟΥΠΑΠΑ..ΥΒΑ..ΕΩΣ
ΤΟΥΤΟΤΟ ΠΡΟΣΩΠΟΝ ΔΙΟΣΘΕΟΥ
_I Senex Sculpsit_]
_N_ 2. In these Lines the places are prickt where the Letters were
defaced and not Perceptible. Mr. _F._
_N_ 3. This is the (_Arabick_) _Persian_ Character engraven at
_Persepolis_ not above 500. years since, and is little different from
the Writing us'd at this day. Mr. _F._
_N_ 4. These two Lines were writ entire on _Rustram_'s Horse. Mr. _F._
_N_ 5. This Character, whether it be the Ancient Writing of the
_Gaures_ or _Gabrees_, or a kind of _Telesmes_, is found only at
_Persepolis_, being a part of what is there engraven in white Marble,
and is by no Man in _Persia_ legible or understood at this Day.
A Learned Jesuit Father, who deceased Three Years since, affirmed this
Character to be known and used in _Ægypt_. Mr. _F._
It seems written from the Left Hand to the Right, and to consist of
Pyramids, diversly posited, but not joined together. As to the Quantity
of the Inscriptions, _Herbert_ reckon'd in one large Table Twenty Lines
of a Prodigious Breadth. Of this sort here are distinct Papers each of
several Lines.
_N_ 6. This Character is likewise Engraved at _Persepolis_, of the like
Antiquity with the former. It has some Affinity with the _Syriack_
and _Arabick_, and has been pretended to be understood by some of the
_Padrees_. Mr. _F._
_A Letter from Monsieur _N. Witsen_ to Dr. _Martin Lister_, with
two Draughts of the Famous _Persepolis_._
This Ingenious and Inquisitive Gentleman having already often obliged
the World with Communications of his Discoveries, lately sent the
following Letter with the Draughts to Dr. _Lister_, who was pleased
to permit their Publication in these Tracts: The greatness of the
Curiosity we hope will recommend them to the Lovers of Antiquity,
little of those famous Remains having been yet publish'd, and those
that have been, but ill designed or graved. Monsieur _Witsen_'s Letter,
translated from the _French_, is as follows.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: Tsjihil mmar]
* * * * *
_SIR_,
Since I had the Honour of receiving your last, there came to my Hands
several curious _Shells_ from you, with a piece of _English Agate_,
and the Transactions of the Royal Society for the Month of _June_
last, for which Favours I return my humble Thanks. As to the Cockles
of the _Caspian_ Sea, and from the Mouth of _Wolga_, I have advice
from _Moscou_, that they are expected there this Winter: Mean while I
herewith send you some _Snail-Shells_, taken out of the River _Jaute_,
not far from the City of _Moscou_. Our Apothecaries make use of them
powdered, and probably for the same purpose as _Crabs-Eyes_. There
are some others likewise which are found in the Rivers of _Moscou_
and _Neglina_, and in the _Wolga_. Since you have been pleased to
communicate to me an Inscription found at _Persepolis_, I thought it
would be acceptable to send you the Draughts of part of the Ruins of
the Stone-work of that proud Palace, given me by the Person himself
that drew them upon the place. I should be much satisfied had I any
thing worthy of your Curiosity and the Publick, which you so often
oblige with your Discoveries, which justly merit mine and the Thanks of
all that esteem them as much as my self, who am the Cherisher of your
Friendship, and desirous to shew that I am,
_SIR_,
_Your most Humble and Obedient Servant_,
N. Witsen.
_Amsterdam_,
_Jan. 1. 1694._
_A Description of the Diamond-mines, as it was presented by the
Right Honourable the Earl Marshal of _England_, to the _R.
Society_._
The parts of the World known to contain _Diamonds_, are the Island
_Borneo_, and the Continent of _India extra & intra Gangem_: _Pegu_
is likewise reported to have several; but the King not potent, his
Country being but thinly inhabited, contents himself with his Mines
of _Rubies_, _Saphires_, _Topasses_, _Emeralds_, _Gold_, _Silver_,
_Brass_, _Tinn_ and _Lead_, and several other Commodities his Country
affords, in great plenty, rather than to suffer new enquiries to be
made, lest the Discovery of such an additional Treasure should invite
some of his Neighbours, more potent to invade him. But leaving the
description of other Places to those that know them better, I shall
only keep my self to the Coast of _Coromandel_, with which I am
acquainted, and having visited several of its Mines, am able to say
something thereof Experimentally.
The Diamond-Mines in these parts are generally adjacent to Rocky-hills,
or Mountains, whereof begins a great Ledge or Range near _Cape
Comorin_, extending in Breadth about 50 _English_ Miles, some
conjoyning, others scatter'd: and running thence in length quite
through _Bengula_. In, among, and near these Hills, in several places,
are known to be (as its believed most of them have) Mines; many of
them are possessed by petty Princes, or _Rajaes_, of the _Hundues_;
some driven thither for shelter by the _Mores_, who have taken the
greatest part of their Country from them; others never overcome, as the
_Rajaes_, on the Hills in and near _Bengala_, who admit of little or no
Commerce with their Neighbours, or passage through their Country, which
(being Barren, in few Places affording good Water, the ways craggy and
very toilsome, especially to an Army) the _Moors_ covet not, but let
them enjoy it peaceably; yet to prevent danger, they forbid digging (as
the King of _Pegu_ does) or dig some few Mines only very privately, so
that a great part of the Mines are unsearcht and concealed. But the
Kingdoms of _Golconda_ and _Visiapore_ contain in them scope enough
of ground, known to have Mines sufficient to furnish all the World
plentifully with Diamonds; but their Kings permit digging only in some
Places appointed, lest, as it is imagined, they should become too
common; and withal for fear of tempting the threatening greatness of
_Aurenge Zebe_; forbidding also those Places that afford the largest
Stones, or else keeping workmen in them for their own private uses: So
that but a very small quantity (in Comparison of what might be) and
those only of ordinary Size, are found.
In the Kingdom of _Golconda_ (as near as I can gather from the best
acquainted) are 23 Mines now employed, or that have been so lately,
viz. _Quolure_, _Codawillicul_, _Malabar_, _Buttephalem_, _Ramiah_,
_Gurem_, _Muttampellee_, _Currure_, _Ganjeeconeta_, _Luttawaar_,
_Jonagerree_, _Pirai_, _Dugulle_, _Purwillee_, _Anuntapelle_,
_Girrogeta_, _Maarmood_, _Wazzergerre_, _Munnemurg_, _Langumboot_,
_Whootoor_, _Muddemurg_, and _Melwillee_ or the New Mine.
_Quoloure_ was the first Mine made use of in this Kingdom. The Earth
is something Yellowish, not unlike the Colour of our Gravel dried; but
whiter in some Places where it abounds with smooth Pebbles, much like
some of those that come out of our Gravel-pits in _England_. They use
to find great quantities in the Vein, if it may properly be so called,
the Diamonds not lying in continued Clusters as some imagine, but
frequently so very scattering that sometimes in the space of ¼ of an
Acre of Ground, digged between two or three fathoms Deep, there hath
been nothing found; especially in the Mines that afford great Stones,
lying near the superficies of the Earth, and about three Fathoms deep;
deeper they could not dig for Water; it being in a Vale near a River.
In other places the Earth is mixt with rugged Stones, where they seldom
mine deeper, though in higher ground, before the Colour of the Earth
alters, and the Vein ceases; which they give a guess at by the small
Stones they find in the Earth, the principal Guide they have in the
discovery of the Mines.
The Diamonds found in these Mines are generally well-shaped, many of
them pointed, and of a good lively white Water; but it also produces
some _Yellow_ ones, some _Brown_, and of other colours. They are of
ordinary sizes, from about six in a _Mangelin_[18] (of which they find
but few) to five or six _Mangelins_, each; some of 10, 15, 20. they
find but rarely. They have frequently a bright and transparent skin,
inclining to a greenish Colour, though the heart of the Stone be purely
white; but the Veins of these Mines are almost worn out.
The Mines of _Codawillicul_, _Malabar_, and _Buttepallam_ consist of a
reddish Earth, inclining to an Orange-colour (with which it stains the
Cloaths of the Labourers that work in it) they dig about four Fathom
deep. They afford Stones generally of an excellent Water and crystaline
Skin; smaller sizes than those of _Quoloure_, _Ramiah_, _Gurem_, and
_Muttampelleo_; have a Yellowish Earth, like _Quolure_; their Stones
like those of the two former Mines, but mixt with many of a blue Water.
These five Mines being under the same Government with _Melwillee_,
where the Governour resides; He to draw the Adventurers and Merchants
near him, that he may be better informed of the Actions and Advantages,
and know the better how to Fleece them, the general practice of
Governours in these parts, has very lately forbid their use; and
commanded all to repair to his Residence, which they must obey, or fly
into another Government.
The next Mine in our way is _Currure_, the most famous of them all and
most Ancient.
It has been under Subjection of the King of _Golconda_; but about
25 Years, taken, with the Country of _Rarnaticum_, from the
_Hendue-Rajaes_, about that time, by the _Nabob_, _Meer Jumla_. In it
have been found Diamonds of a _size_ weight, which is about 9 Ounces
_Troy_ or 81½ _Pago's_ weight. It is only employed by the King for
his own private use: The Diamonds that are found in it, are very well
spread, large Stones (it yields few or none small,) they have generally
a bright Skin, which inclines to a pale Greenish colour, but within are
purely white. The Soil is Reddish as many of the others.
About sixty or seventy years ago, when it was under the Government of
the _Hundues_, and several Persons permitted to adventure in digging,
a _Portugeez_ Gentleman went thither from _Goa_, and having spent in
Mining a great sum of Mony to the amounts of 100000 _Pago's_, as 'tis
reported, and converted every thing he brought with him, that would
fetch any mony, even to what wearing Cloaths he could spare, while the
Miners were at Work for the last Days expence, he had prepared a cup of
Poison, resolving, if that Night he found nothing, to drink his last
with the conclusion of his Mony; but in the Evening the Workmen brought
him a very fair spread Stone of 20 _Pago's_ weight, in commemoration
whereof he caused a great Stone to be erected in the place, with an
Inscription ingraven on it, in the _Hundues_ or _Tellinga_ Tongue, to
the following effect, which remains to be seen to this day;
_Your Wife and Children sell, sell what you have,
Spare not your Cloaths, nay, make your self a Slave;
But money get, then to _CURRURE_ make hast;
There search the Mines, a Prize you'll find at last._
After which he immediately returned with his Stone to _Goa_.
* * * * *
Not far from _Currure_ are the Mines of _Lattawaar_ and _Ganjeconta_,
which are in the same Soil as _Currure_, and afford Stones not unlike:
But _Lattawaar_ hath many representing the great end of a Razor-blade,
thin on one side and thick on the other, very white and of an excellent
Water; but the best of the Mine is worn out, and _Ganjeconta_ employed
only to the Kings private use.
_Jonagerre_, _Pirai Dugulle_, _Purwillee_ and _Anuntapellee_, consist
also of Red earth, are now employed, and afford many large Stones;
part of them of a greenish Water, but the most absolute Mines are of
_Wazzergerre_ and _Munnemurg_, (the other rather representing Pits
than Mines;) for there they sink through high Rocks till they go so
far below their basis, that they can go no further for Water, in some
places 40 or 50 Fathom deep. The superficies of the Rocks consist of
hard, firm, white Stone, into which they cut a Pit like a Well, of
about 4 or 5, in some places 6 Foot deep, before they come to a crust
of a Mineral Stone, like the Mineral of Iron; when they fill the Hole
with Wood and keep as hot a Fire as they can there for two or three
Days, till they think it sufficiently heated; then they pour-in Water
till they have quencht it, which also slacks and mollifies both Stone
and Mineral; both being cold, they dig again, take out all the crumbled
stuff and dig up what they can besides, before they heat it anew; the
Crust seldom is thicker than three or four Foot, which ceasing, they
come to a Vein of Earth, that usually runs under the Rock two or three
Furlongs; sometimes much further: This they dig all out and search, and
if their first attempt prove successful, they go to Work again (digging
after the same manner) as deep as they can, till they come to Water;
for the drawing whereof, wanting the help of Engins, known in _Europe_,
they can go no deeper, although the Vein lie lower; all lumps of the
Mineral they break in pieces, and frequently find Diamonds enclosed
in them. To Work on these Mines is very expensive, but the advantage
is commonly answerable; yet in respect of the certain disburse, that
must be before any thing be found, they are not so much frequented
as others, where they may try their Fortunes with a smaller Stock.
The Earth they dig out is Red: Many large Stones are found here; the
smallest about 6 in a _Mangelleen_. They are mixt Waters, but the
greatest part good, only of ill-favoured shapes, many cragged pieces of
Stones, some as if they had been parts of very great ones, others with
pieces broken off them; yet I never heard of any that ever found two
seeming fellows, although they do those that look as if they had been
newly Broken.
In _Langumboot_ they dig as they do at _Wazzergerree_ and _Munnemurg_;
the Rock is not altogether so solid, but the Earth and Stones it
produces much alike.
_Wootoor_ should have been placed next to _Currure_, it lying near
it, and affording Stones of a like magnitude, shapes and waters; 'tis
employed only to the Kings use: And singular, in that its Diamonds are
found in black Earth.
_Muddemurg_ far exceeds all the rest for Diamonds of a delicate Shape,
Water, and bright transparent Skin, Proud, as it were, in discovering
their inward Beauties, with which no other Mine can compare; yet it has
also store of Veiny ones, but those likewise of so curious Shape and
Water, that its difficult to discover them from the good, especially
the small ones. It produces Stones of divers Magnitudes, from ten
and twelve in a _Mangelleen_, to six or seven _Mangelleens_ each,
and besides, some great ones. The Earth is Red, but its seated in
the Woods, and the Water so bad, that to all (except the People Bred
there) it presently occasions Fevers and destroys abundance, insomuch
that most of the Adventurers have forsaken it; notwithstanding which
it hath been more profitable than any of the rest, the Vein frequently
lying near the superficies of the Earth, seldom running deep, and is
better furnisht than any other yet discover'd. The River _Kishna_, of
excellent waters, is but 9 Miles distant; but the Miners or Merchants
are either poor that they cannot, or else over-awed by the Governour,
pretend to be and dare not be at the charges of fetching their Water
from thence. Divers are of the opinion, that, besides the Water, the
Town lying in a bottom, environ'd with Hills and Morass adjoyning, the
Air may be infected, and contribute to its unhealthfulness.
_Melwillee_ or the _New Mine_, so called, because it was but lately
found out (or at least permitted to be made use of) in the Year 1670.
it had then a Year employed the Miners, but it was forbidden, and lay
unoccupied till 1673, when complaint being made at _Quoleur_, that
the Vein was worn out, the King again licensed its settlement. The
Earth they Mine in, is very red, and many of the Stones found there,
have of it sticking to them, as if it had clung there while they were
of a soft glutinous Substance, and had not attained their hardness,
maintaining its Colour on its Skin (seeming to be roughened with
it) that it cannot be fetch'd out by grinding on a rough Stone with
Sand, which they make use of to clean them. The Stones are generally
well-shaped, their size from 5 or 6 in a _mangelleen_ to those of 14 or
15 each, and some bigger; but greatest quantities of the middle sorts:
Most of them have a thick dull Skin, incline to a yellowish Water, not
altogether so strong and lively as of the other Mines; very few of them
of a crystaline Water and Skin. They are reported to be apt to flaw in
splitting, which occasions these People to esteem them something softer
than the Product of many of the other Mines: Several that flatter by
their seeming whiteness when rough, discover their deceitfulness
having past the Mill, and too often a yellowish Tincture, to the
disappointment and loss of them that have cut them; but what they
want in goodness, is in part supplied by the plenty they find, which,
together with their properties, make them the cheaper. This being what
I have gathered, both by Experience of several of the places I have
seen, and the best Informations I could meet with, of the Mines in this
Kingdom; I shall now proceed to those in _Visiapore_.
_Visiapore_ is known to contain Mines enclosing Stones as large and
good as those of _Golconda_; but the King, for Reasons already given,
makes use but of the meanest: Whereby, as _Golconda_ is famous for the
largeness of those it affords, _Visiapore_ is noted for the smallest;
whose Mines, though they seldom or never render an Adventurer a Fortune
or Estate at once, as sometimes those of _Golconda_ do, by a great
Stone or several found together; yet they are more Populous and better
employed, the small Stones lying thicker in the Earth, so that the
generality are gainers, and few but they get their Expence; whereas
those of _Golconda_ dig away a considerable Estate and find nothing,
others not their Charges, and where one is a gainer, divers lose.
There are 15 Mines employed in the Kingdom of _Visiapore_, viz.
_Ramulconeta_, _Banugunnapellee_, _Pendekull_, _Moodawarum_,
_Cumerwillee_, _Paulkull_, _Workull_, _Lungeepoleur_, _Pootloor_,
_Punchelingull_, _Shingarrampent_, _Tondarpaar_, _Gundepellee_, _Donee_
and _Gazerpellee_.
In _Ramulconeta_ Mines in red Earth, about 15 or 16 Foot deep, they
seldom find a Diamond of a _mangelleen_ weight, but small to 20 or
30 in a _mangelleen_. They are generally of an excellent Crystalline
Water, have a bright clear Skin, inclining frequently to a pale
greenish Colour, are well shaped, but few of them, pointed ones. There
are also found among them several broken pieces of Diamonds, by the
Country People called _Shemboes_.
In _Banugunnapellee_, _Pendekull_, and _Moodawarum_, they dig as at
_Ramulconeta_, and in the same kind of Earth; they also afford Stones
much alike, being neighbouring Places.
_Cummerwillee_, _Paulkull_, and _Workull_, are not far distant, produce
Stones much alike out of the same coloured Earth, but very small ones
even to a hundred in a _mangelleen_.
_Lungepoleur_ Mines are of a yellowish Earth (like those of _Quoleur_,)
its Diamonds are generally well shaped, globular, few pointed, of a
very good Crystalline Water and bright Skins; many of them have a thick
dark Grass-green Skin, some spotted also with Black, that they seem all
foul, yet are not so, but within purely white and clean. Their sizes
are from 2 or 3 _mangelleens_ downwards, but few very small.
_Pootloor_ Mines are of reddish Earth, but afford Stones much like
those of _Lungepoleur_, only smaller, under a _mangelleen_; the general
sizes are of ½, ⅓, ¼, ⅙ of a _mangelleen_.
_Punchelingull_, _Shingarrampent_, and _Tondarpaar_, are also of red
Earth, their Diamonds not unlike those of _Quoleur_, only rarely or
never any large ones are found there.
_Gundepellee_ hath the same Earth with the former, and produces Stones
of equal Magnitude; but frequently of a pure Crystalline Water, wherein
they exceed the former.
_Donee_ and _Gazerpellee_ dig both in red Earth likewise, and afford
Stones alike, the greatest part whereof are of good Shapes and Waters.
They have also many _Shemboes_, and some of bad Waters, some brown,
which these People call soft or weak water'd, being esteemed of a
softer and weaker Body than others, by reason they have not so much
Life, when cut, and are subject to flaw in splitting, and on the Mill;
their general Product is in Stones of middle Sizes: But _Gazerpellee_
has besides many large ones, and is the only Mine noted for such in the
Kingdom of _Visiapore_. With which concluding the description of the
Mines, I shall give some Account how the Diamonds are found, and how
they handle the Earth to find them; which is as followeth.