Among other hazards, travellers must escape the Whirlpool of Impetuosity, avoid the Rocks of Jealousy and ensure they are not stranded in the Gulf of Self-Love or lost in the impenetrable Mists before the Rocks of Ice. Having safely negotiated the Settlement Isles and arrived at the Fort of Felicity they must be on their guard not to stray towards the Mountains of Deceit or fall into the Dead Lake of Indifference as they might finish up at Cat and Dog Harbour which lies opposite Divorce Island.
The map is surrounded by a broad legend providing a travelogue or guide to the territories shown in the map. Here are a couple of examples:
The Great Ocean of Love represents a period of life that all persons are supposed at some period or other to pass.
The Silly Isles are a group where travellers have been for many ages accustomed to stop to take a light repast; but this cannot be recommended, as the wind from this part frequently carry them to the opposite side, where lie the Floating Isles of Flattery, near to Coquet Island.
On the coast of the Barbarian Desert, near the Gulf of Self-Love, stands a large castle called Bachelor's Fort. The inhabitants are very domesticated and distinguished for their pecularities; they live upon the produce of their own country, never being able to establish trade with any other nation; this is partly due to the unfavourable harbour (Self-love) and although the Strait of Neveralter is but narrow, they know nothing of the continent or of the inhabitants who live so near them.
You will find more quotations from the map as chapter headings in my novel Perception & Illusion.
To view the map in greater detail, click on the image above.
Matrimonial Map Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland