The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 / Page 45 (Color Image)

0045	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2

CHAP. KXXVII. THE KINGDOM OF TAIANFU

AcBALUC, whereat terminate in this direction the hunt-

ing preserves of the Emperor, within which no one

dares to sport except the Emperor and his family, and

those who are on the books of the Grand Falconer.

Beyond this limit any one is at liberty to sport, if he be

a gentleman. The Great Kaan, however, scarcely ever

went hunting iii this direction, and hence the game,

particularly the hares, had increased and multiplied to

such an extent that all the crops of the Province were

destroyed. The Great Kaan being informed of this,

proceeded thither with all his Court, and • the game that

was taken was past counting. ]1

Taianfu 2 is a place of great trade and great industry,

for here they manufacture a large quantity of the most

necessary equipments for the army of the Emperor.

There grow here many excellent vines, supplying great

plenty of wine ; and in all Cathay this is the only

place where wine is produced. It is carried hence

all over the country.3 There is also a great deal of silk

here, for the people have great quantities of mulberry-

trees and silk-worms.

From this city of Taianfu you ride westward again

for seven days, through fine districts with plenty of

towns and boroughs, all enjoying much trade and

practising various kinds of industry. Out of these

districts go forth not a few great merchants, who travel

to India and other foreign regions, buying and selling

and getting gain. After those seven days' journey you

arrive at a city called PIANFU, a large and important

place, with a number of traders living by commerce

and industry. It is a place too where silk is largely

produced.'

So we will leave it and tell you of a great city called

Cachanfu. But stay--first let us tell you about the

noble castle called Caichu.

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