[5] This is the famous Timur-Beg, or Tamerlane the Great. - Astl.
[6] In the abstract of these travels, as given by Forster, this fire is
said to have been caused by lightning. - E.
[7] It is to be remarked, that the author of these travels was a Mahometan.
The circumstances of the idol temple, says the editor of Astleys
Collection, seems malicious; as, in his opinion, there are no images
in the imperial temples of Pe-king. I suspect the editor is mistaken;
for however strongly the philosophical sect of Confucius may be
convinced of the absurdity of idolatry, the religion of Fo is as
grossly idolatrous as any on the face of the earth; and it is to be
noticed, that the dynasty then reigning in China was native. - E.
[8] The emperor died in the same year; but after the departure of the
ambassadors. - Astl.
[9] No such name can be found among the cities of Pe-che-li or Shan-si
- Astl.
In the abstract given by Forster, this place is called Sekan or
Segaan; named in the maps Sigan-fou, or more properly Si-Ngan-Fou. - E.
[10] Or Kan-chew, in the province of Shen-si; otherwise called Kam-tsiu, or
Kan-tcheou, on the river Etchine. - Forst.
[11] This name is probably erroneously substituted for Sou-chew; as that is
the regular station for retracing their former journey, which the text
distinctly indicates to have been the case hitherto. - E.
[12] This month began on Thursday the twenty-fifth December, 1421. - Astl.
According to Forster, they recommenced their journey in the month of
January, 1421. - E.
[13] Probably taking their route by the lake of Lop, to the south of Little
Bucharia. - Astl.
[14] Called likewise Koton, Khateen, and Hotam, in Little Bucharia, or
Eastern Turkistan. - E.
[15] Named likewise Khasiger, Kashar, Cashgar, and Hasiker. - Forst.
[16] Probably the same with Anghein, on the river Sir. - Astl.
In Forsters abstract, this place is called Andigan, and the names of
Andischdan and Dedschan are said to be synonymous. - E.
CHAP. XVIII.
Voyage and Travels of Pietro Quirini into Norway, in 1431.[1]
INTRODUCTION.
Pietro Quirini, a Venetian nobleman, was a merchant and master of a ship
belonging to the island of Candia, which at that time was in the possession
of the Venetian republic. With a view both to fame and profit, he undertook
in 1431 a voyage from Candia to Flanders; and towards the end of autumn of
that year suffered shipwreck on the coast of Norway, not far from the
island of Rost. He wintered in that island, and in the following summer,
1432, travelled through Drontheim to Wadstena, in Sweden, and from thence
returned to Venice that year.
