That is, When ever that often sought for Northeast passage unto _China_ and _Japan_ shall be discovered; the hindrance whereof was imputed to _Nova Zembla_; for this was conceived to be an excursion of Land shooting out directly, and so far Northward into the Sea that it discouraged from all Navigation about it. And therefore Adventurers took in at the Southern part at a strait by _Waygatz_ next the Tartarian Shore: and, sailing forward they found that Sea frozen and full of Ice, and so gave over the attempt. But of late years, by the diligent enquiry of some Moscovites, a better discovery is made of these parts, and a Map or Chart made of them. Thereby _Nova Zembla_ is found to be no Island extending very far Northward; but, winding Eastward, it joineth to the Tartarian Continent, and so makes a _Peninsula_: and the Sea between it which they entred at _Waygatz_, is found to be but a large Bay, apt to be frozen by reason of the great River of _Oby_, and other fresh Waters, entring into it: whereas the main Sea doth not freez upon the North of _Zembla_ except near unto Shores; so that if the Moscovites were skilfull Navigatours they might, with less difficulties, discover this passage unto _China_: but however the English, Dutch and Danes are now like to attempt it again. * * * * * But this is Conjecture, and not Prophecy: and so (I know) you will take it. I am, _Sir_, etc. MUSÆUM CLAUSUM or Bibliotheca Abscondita: Containing some remarkable Books, Antiquities, Pictures and Rarities of several kinds, scarce or never seen by any man now living. TRACT XIII SIR, With many thanks I return that noble Catalogue of Books, Rarities and Singularities of Art and Nature, which you were pleased to communicate unto me. There are many Collections of this kind in _Europe_. And, besides the printed accounts of the _Musæum Aldrovandi_, _Calceolarianum_, _Moscardi_, _Wormianum_; the _Casa Abbellitta_ at _Loretto_, and _Threasor_ of S. _Dennis_, the _Repository_ of the Duke of _Tuscany_, that of the Duke of _Saxony_, and that noble one of the Emperour at _Vienna_, and many more are of singular note. Of what in this kind I have by me I shall make no repetition, and you having already had a view thereof, I am bold to present you with the List of a Collection, which I may justly say you have not seen before. The Title is, as above, _Musæum Clausum_, or _Bibliotheca Abscondita: containing some remarkable Books, Antiquities, Pictures and Rarities of several kinds, scarce or never seen by any man now living_. 1. Rare and generally unknown Books.