Page:Description of the four parts of the world (2).pdf/16

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pal regions, viz. Barbary, Egypt, Numidia, Sarra, and the country of the Negroes and the dominion of Prestor John, and is in form like a pyramid reversed. It contains 1920 Italian miles, is very narrow, and by reason of the torrid zone lies a great pare uninhabited. It abounds with little brooks, cedar, and other trees, has store of delicate fruit, and is a land not to be despised.

Of EGYPT.

The air is hot and unwholesome, the soil as fertile as any in the world, occasioned by the overflowing of the Nile; but that it never rains here is a very vulgar error. The longest day is fourteen hours and a half, the shortest ten and a half. The commodities are sugar, flax, rice, &c. The Grand Seignor's government, and the religion Mahometism.

Of BARBARY.

The air temperate and healthful, and the soil fruitful. Its commodities are honey, wax oil, sugar, &c. Days near the same as Egypt. This country comprehends Morocco, Tunis, Algiers; all subject to the Grand Seignor, and profess Mahometism.