Page:History of the Royal Society.djvu/190

 of Suachan, the last in the Kingdom of Martaban?

A. We know of none but such as drop from Trees, and come from diverse Places in Siam, Cambodia, Pegu, &c.

Q. 23.If the best Ambergrease be found in the Islands Socotora and Aniana, near Java? To endeavour the getting of more certain Knowledge, what it is; being reported to be bred in the Bottom of the Sea like to a thick Mud?

A. The best that is in the World comes from the Island Mauritius: and is commonly found, after a Storm. The Hogs can smell it at a great Distance; who run like mad to it, and devour it commonly before the People come to it. It is held to be a Zeequal Viscosity, which being dried by the Sun, turns to such a Consistence as is daily seen. Father Myavines Isaac Vigny a French Man in Oleron, hath been a great Traveller in his Time; and he told me, he failed once in his Youth through so many of these Zeequalen, as would have loaden ten thousand Ships; the like having been never seen: His Curiosity did drive him to take up some of those, which being dried in the Sun, were perceived to be the best Ambergrease in the World. I have seen one Piece which he kept for a Memento, and another Piece he sold for a 1300 lib. sterl. This being discovered, they set sail to the same Place where these Zeequalen appeared, and cruised there, to and fro, for the space of six Weeks, but could not perceive any more. Where this Place is situated, I do not know; but Monsieur Gentillot, a French Captain in Holland, can tell you.

Q. 24.To enquire of the Divers for Pearls staying long under Water, whether they do it by the assistance of Rh