From this city of Chalichut to Lisbon is a distance of 3800 leagues,[355] and at the rate of 4½ miles to the league this makes 17,100 miles, and as much again for the return voyage. From this the time in which such a voyage can be made may be judged, it requiring from 15 to 16 months. [_Native Navigation._] The mariners of that part, namely the Moors, do not guide themselves by the Pole in navigating this gulf, but trust to quadrants of wood.[356] When they cross the gulf to that side, so they were told by the pilot, they leave a thousand or more islands[357] to the right; and whoever gets among these will be lost as there are many rocks (shoals), and I am inclined to think that they be those which were discovered by the King of Castile.[358] [_Prester John._] At the city of Chalichut they have some knowledge of Prester John,[359] but not much, as he is far away. These Christians believe that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, without sin, was crucified and killed by the Jews, and buried at Jerusalem. They also have some knowledge of the Pope of Rome, but know nothing of our faith beyond this. They [the people of Prester John] have letters and a written language. [_Articles of Commerce._] In this city are found many tusks of elephants, also much cotton, sugar and sweetmeats, and all the wealth of the world seems now to have been discovered. I presume that wine would prove a good article in these parts, and very acceptable to these Christians. Oil, too, is in demand. Justice is strictly administered in this city. Robbers, murderers, and other malefactors are incontinently impaled in the Turkish fashion; and whoever defrauds the king’s excise (customs) is punished by having his merchandise confiscated. Civet, musk, ambergris and storax are met with.[360] [_Spice Islands._] The island where the spices grow is called Zilon, and is 60[361] leagues from said city. In that island grow the trees which yield very good cinnamon; as also pepper.[362] However, there is still another island [in which spices grow]. Cinnamon and pepper also grow on the mainland, around this city, but the quality is inferior to the products of the islands. Ginger grows on the mainland, and is of very good quality. Cloves grow at a great distance. Of rhubarb there is much, and many other kinds of spices are found there, as also many almonds.[363] [_The Arabian Sea._] I stated above that the gulf was wholly peopled by Moors, but I have since[364] learnt that this is not the case. Only the shore on this side [the west], where is the city of Melinde, is wholly inhabited by white Moors, whilst the further [eastern] shore is peopled by Christian Indians, who are white as we are. Along the coast and throughout the mainland much corn, meat and fruit are produced.