metimes carry them to great Men, as a present,
and do expect a reward.

[The King's Warrants how wrapped up.] The King when he sends any
Warrants or Orders to his Officers, hath his Writings wrapped up in
a way proper to himself, and none else do or may fold up their leaves
in that manner but He.

[They write upon two sorts of leaves.] They write upon the Tallipat
leaves Records or matters of great moment, or that are to be kept
and preserved: but for any ordinary business as Letters, &c. they
commonly use another leaf, called Taulcole. The leaves of which will
bear a better impression than the Tallipat, but they are more stubborn,
and harder than the other, and will not fold.

[Their Skill in Astronomy.] But to speak a little of their
Astronomy. They who have understanding in it, and practise it, are
the Priests of the highest Order, of which the present King's Father
was. But the common sort of Astronomers are the Weavers. These men
can certainly foretel Eclipses of the Sun and Moon. They make [Their
Almanacks.] Leet, that is Almanacks that last for a Month. They are
written upon a Tallipat leaf, a little above a foot long, and two
fingers broad. In them are told the Age of the Moon, and the good
Seasons and times to begin to Plough or to Sow, or to go a Journey,
or to take any work in hand. On this precise time they will be sure
to sprinkle their first Seed, tho they sow all their Field it may be
a Month after. And so they will begin to set forth at the very moment,
tho possibly they will not go till some days after.

These Astronomers tell them also when the old year ends to the very
minute. At which time they cease from all work, except the Kings,
which must not be omitted. They acquaint them also with the good hour
of the New year, they are to begin to work. At which time every Man
and Woman begins to do somewhat in their employment they intend to
follow the ensuing year. They have also another season directed them by
their Astronomers: that is, when to begin to wash their heads, which
is assigned to every one according to the time of their Nativities,
which Ceremony they observe very religiously.

[They pretend to know future things by the Stars.] These Astronomers,
or rather Astrologers, are skilful in the Knowledge of the Stars, and
Planets, of which they reckon nine: 'tis supposed they may add the
Dragon's Head and Tail. By which they pretend to foretel all things
concerning the health and recovery of Si