Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/97

 2. The Air is there very salubrious, but of another temper on this, than on that side of the Mountains, which divide Japan. The Plague hath never been heard of there; but the small Pox and Fluxes are very frequent.

3. Their Mountains are fertil almost to the very top.

4. There are found almost all European sorts of Fruit, Peaches, Apricoks, Cherries, Prunes, Apples, Pears, and particularly Pipins, Bon Chretien-Pears. Besides these, there is an infinity of other Fruit; but almost none, but what is also found in some part or other of India.

5. Silver is there in its highest perfection, but not used in Trade; in which is seen nothing but Gold, and some small coyn of Brass; which latter they spoile by refining it too much. Steell also is there very good.

6. The temper of their Metals was formerly better than 'tis now; but yet they make Courtelas's or short Swords exceeding good.

7. The great Mountain of Japan is higher than the Pico in Teneriff, since being above 18. leagues distant from the Sea-side, it may be seen above 40. leagues off at Sea. There are 8. Vulcans or Fire-spitting mountains in Japan; and you cannot goe into the Campagne, but you discover one or other of them.

8. There are many Medicinal waters, and Hott-Springs there, which the Inhabitants use in their distempers. They have particular Medicines, but they let no Blood. They make much use of Causticks, by applying upon some nerve or other the powder of Artemisia or Mugwort, and Cotton, which they set on fire. They always drink their liquors warme.

9. There is so great a store of Venaison in Japan, that they care little for Cattle, though there be no want of them. They employ most Oxen for Ploughing; and they make no Butter nor Cheese, nor are they lovers of Milk. They have great plenty of Corn and Rice.

10. The Japonese are proper enough of stature, and not uncomely in features; they have somewhat prominent bellys. They are exceeding active, and want no Judgement; they are also military and valiant.

11. No Arts are to be met with amongsts them, that are not