CHAP. III.] FOREIGN TRADE. 441) 



wood, and there too they find the animal, the civet, 

 which yields musk. The islanders cultivate rice, coco- 

 nuts, and sugar-cane ; in the rivers is found rock 

 crystal, remarkable both for brilliancy and size, and 

 the sea on every side has a fishery of magnificent 

 and priceless pearls. Throughout India there is no 

 prince whose wealth can compare with the King of 

 Serendib, his immense riches, his pearls and his jewels, 

 being the produce of his own dominions and seas ; and 

 thither ships of China, and of every neighbouring 

 country resort, bringing the wines of Irak and Fars, 

 which the king buys for sale to his subjects ; for he 

 drinks wine and prohibits debauchery ; whilst other 

 princes of India encourage debauchery and prohibit 

 the use of wine. The exports from Serendib consist of 

 silk, precious stones, crystals, diamonds, and per- 

 fumes." 1 



1 EDEISI, G6ographie, Trad. JAITBERT, torn. i. p. 73. 



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