Bread for the Poor. AND ADVANCEMENT OF THE English Nation. PROMISED By Enclosure of the Wastes and Common Grounds of ENGLAND: By Adam Moor, Gent. LONDON: Printed by R. & W. Leybourn, for Nicholas Bourn, in Cornhill, at the South entrance into the royal Exchange, 1653. THE publisher OF TAIS TREATISE To the Reader. Whilst all the World is big and busy with inventions of helping Nature to unlock her Cabinets, for a more liberal communicting of Her Treasures to mankind in all kinds; one of the main lets of attaining the scope seemeth to be that epidemical error of seeking the Key still afar off, when it hangs at our girdle, and trampling the present sure means in travel and search after Remote Uncertainties. This is the very thing our Author in a Generous zeal for the good of his country, worthily endeavoureth to convince all England of, showing very plainly, That we need not go far, nor veuture upon Improbabilities, much less Impossibilities, to enlarge and enrich this Nation within itself, by the improvement of a most considerable portion of Ground throughout the whole Land, with at least a fourfold Revenue, besides all manner of advantageousness thereby, for Rich and Poor, the State and Commons, if our senses will but suffer themselves to be persuaded of what doth lie within their Ken, and vouchsafe only to stoop a little for taking up the jewel. The same thing we know, hath often been hinted and wished for by many, and likewise assayed and improved by some few here and there to great advantage; but never yet (for any thing we could hear of) was it undertaken and handled so professedly plainly & fully, in but a few leaves, by any other public Author hitherto. And therefore, having by a special providence lighted upon him in this small Treatise, hid in obscurity, since his penning thereof and personal Decease, these thirty years (but we hope reserved unto a more improving Season.) we durst not, in Duty to the public, withhold him longer from the view and use thereof, for the good and service of this commonwealth: nothing doubting but as he will soon make known his own worth by his own words; so he will be entertained accordingly to the happy improvement of his right Christian and Noble aim, to relieve the poor in particular, and to advance the whole Nation in general, which God bless. To the most Illustrious, Most Honourable and Worthy Lords of the Wastes and Common grounds, and of the Lands which have right of Common in them, within the Commonwealth of England, and Dominion of Wales. Most Honoured, THe vehement desires of the discreeter sort to proceed in this subject, having been still crossed and cooled by the wilful opposition of vulgar Spirits, moved me to conceive that it might be a fruitful work to contract the grounds and reasons by which the difference might be compounded. That so the better part being armed, and (as yet) the greater disspoiled of all defence, the better may be made the greater, and the worst swallowed up in persuasion. The particulars of this labour (being tendered to me by experimental observations) I have here (in ragged weeds) bundled together: And (〈◊〉 they most concern you) have humbly cast them down at the foot of your grave judgements. May you please to pass by the rude composure, (for stuff and fashion are but trivials) I know the silly Volume is sincere, and hath set forth his reports with modesty. And (though it promise matter of high consequence) yet will Survey (I am assured) reprove me, for not giving the Subject its due I may not presume to persuade, where so due respects of public good and government have innated residence: only thus far; the Prize is great; the Breach discovered: And though the main battle join not to make a general surprise, yet may each Regiment (that will) win his share. Who then will not arm? Or who will be so unhappy, as not to come on to the assault, to fill up the Treasury of his own and the public fortune? Be you good to the poor: and then blessed be your enterprise, and the success happy: To which, and all your sacred and sage designments (to your utmost Posterities) ever may great Jehovah grant his holy Faxit, and continuance of happiness till his glorious coming. Your humble Servant, Adam Moor. To all Inhabitants, Tenants and Occupiers of Lands bordering on Wastes and common grounds, and by right of Common interessed therein, within the commonwealth of England, and Dominion of Wales: And to the poorer sort especially. AN idle Member in a commonwealth (as a drone in the beehive) is either actually cast out by Justice, or at least suffereth a divorce from the general affection. By this motive have I been incited (in this little Treatise) to cast my mite into the common Treasury, and by the same may you be moved to approve my wishes, wherein, as each of you hath particular interest, so will your demeanour prove you either a Bee or a drone. Neither may we account him a drone only that sitteth still and is idle, but him also (and worse) that is busy in hindering commodity. I have here made you a proposition, which hath long hung in the Balance to be determined, on the one side every man of discretion casting in a voice for the work; on the other side, divers (without ground) belching out imprudent contradictions. The Balance hath yet of this side been little stirred by reason the virtues of the other have been silent. But may verity present herself, it is hopeful the averse will forsake their vanity. You may behold in this glass your own country (England that bred you) complaining of wrong by her own children's oversight. Nay you may truly see yourselves and your children refusing and wanting the bread of comfort, that (as a good mother) she is willing and ready to give you. Let me entreat you therefore, to bestow the looking on it, but let it be with an honest heart, and an unprejudicating censure, and then will you acknowledge that the Book speaks truth, and that both England and yourselves do suffer. And let me thus a little reason with you. Why should it seem strange to you to question customs that are evil? whether doth your Garden yield you more fruit by digging and dressing it, or by letting it alone to bear fruit of itself? Or why should you love a desert more than a garden? or prefer the comfortless wilderness of Arabia, to the pleasant fruitful fields of Canaan? and what are Commons and Enclosures with us but the very like? whether is it a better spectacle without your doors to see a confused Common fruitless, naked, and desolate, or fields and vales of plenty, storing your houses and country with food and wealth? Or whether is it better for you to confess, I have no peculiar property in it, nor can I sell or dispose of it at my need; or the grant of my Tenement being expired, I am excluded; Or to say this is mine, I can let, sell, or dispose it at my pleasure, and so assure me a certain means and estate (out of nothing) wherein others have not to do? Doth not every man covet to have his own alone? Would any man admit of a partaker in his house, his horse, his ox, or his wife, if he could shun it? And why is it otherwise in land? But suppose you will say, you are all incorporate, and become one body, and so do use your Common as an inseparable spouse, to be your helper: why are you then so cuckolded by foreigners and strangers, and your Common used before your face, even as commonly as by yourselves? or indeed, (while you make it a common prostitute to every lust) how can you help it? were it not better therefore and more secure to take her home to your chamber, and keep her with a guard where she cannot be abused? which you may do by distinguishing each one's part properly to himself. But you will say, If our Commons should be divided, there will not be enough to content us. But hark ye, I suppose your Lordship hath a hundred Acres of Common; if this should be stretched into four hundred Acres, I trust you will confess it were much better: observe then in the Treatise, and you shall find it probable enough, that one hundred improved is much more profitable than four hundred in Common; where is the cause of your complaint then? or how is it that you are so overseen? can you have more content in one then in four? Or perhaps you will say, We shall never agree about parting it, one will think another hath too much, and he too little; one's part will be too good, another's too bad, another's too near, and his too far off, &c. But I will accommodate to your capacity a tale that may lead you to the better resolution of this doubt. A certain man dying left behind him divers sons, to whom he bequeathed his Garden, (being his whole estate) to hold in common amongst them all, shortly after an Artist by his skill had found that there was hidden in this garden a treasure of good value, and calling the brothers together, acquainted them with it, and told them, it might suffice to raise their low estates to good fortunes, persuading them to go in hand for the finding of it; one of them being more witty (or wicked) than the rest, had presently this crochet in his pate: quoth he, None of you all can dig or break the land without my consent; and therefore unless I may have my own demand in the share, you shall have no treasure there; the rest were not so stupid, but they had also presently got hold of the same shadow, and every one would have the greatest share, or else, forsooth, his land should not be broken; and thus they stoutly faced it out, till at length they wisely concluded, that in regard they could not agree about the partition, they would let all alone, and there should it rot ere they would fall out about it; and accordingly fools they lived, and died beggars; now I pray what would you have done in this case? I dare answer for you, that you would rather have taken any part then to have lost the whole. Even the same case is now before you. Let us see your wisdom, and how well you will construe such divisions. And to get the treasure each one take his part as near and as conveniently it may be allotted. Let me yet go a little further. How often are you put to hard and chargeable shifts for fodder for your cattle in long winters? yea, and sometimes starve them outright? and how fully will that want be repaired by this direction? How fearful and desperate is your want of bread upon the least defect of a full Harvest, wherein you must either be a prey to the sharking engrosser, and merciless hoarder, or tackle up to the Maritine parts for foreign musty corn, to save your lives? whereby you also exhaust your country of much money to your further misery, nay should our sins of commission, or of rejecting God's gifts pull down the failing but of one Crop, what should, or what could you do to be relieved? Verily, methinks you should so far rue your children's cries, and tears of the poor for bread, as it should bid you cease your trivial arguments, and hasten the prevention of such distresses. Thus may Pharaoh dream we be an Israel in want, and you a Joseph to provide for the seven years' famine. Thus may our honour, our wealth, our Nation be secured, and worthily advanced, and what should let? Will you be yet further persuaded. Do but ferry over then to the next shore, and The Low Countries. behold the little Bee, whose thighs were empty, and fortunes leave within your child's memory; now by her admirable industry and cheerful labours, so abounding in provisions, as makes her wonderful to the world, and her wealth unspeakable; she hath so fully argued the happiness of enclosure, which she hath of late years effected, that she now imparteth of her store to us, that might more amply have it of our own, if we would but practise her skill, and imitate her providence. But a fault must be known ere it can be reformed, and if when you have here read your error with the many mischiefs, losses, and detriments that you have long suffered, and see the much good promised, whereof every enclosure is a sure warrant; I know you will be wise, and may conclusions accord with my propositions on your behalf, so great will be your comfort and happiness in it, as you will seriously repent for past neglects; but let the charmer charm never so loud, the deafadder will not hear. As myself in such case have heard one say (being confuted upon argument of this subject) (whose shame I show you) that might enclosure prove never so happy to his Prince, his country, or his own particular, he would not consent. But let him go, if he had no more grace towards his Prince and country, nor wit for himself, we shall be sure to find him a weak opposer; and I doubt not but the foolish stubbornness of a few such will give the more lustre, and commendation to those many, whom judgement and discretion will direct aright. I will not feed you longer with promises, I know you long to see your profit, and will no longer be idle, and as your coherence herein will highly please God, and multiply his mercies on your labours; so will your comfort be unspeakable, and the pains over-satisfied with joy, of your unfeignedly well-wishing Author, ADAM Moor. All these following Books Printed by Nicholas Bourne at the South entrance of the royal Exchange. 1 SIr Frances Drakes four Voyages to the West-Indies, in 4ᵒ 2 Posthuma Fosteri, the description of a Ruler, on which is inscribed divers scales, and the uses thereof, with Propositions in Astronomy, Navigation, and Dialling, by Samuel ●oster, professor of Astronomy in gresham-college. 4o. 3 Anatomy of play, a small Tract against gaiming. 8o. 4 A full discovery of a soul Concealment, by William Baywell and John Brockedon. Discoverers and Plaintiffs against the Committee of Hartford, the Treasurers and paymasters there in the year 1643. Fol. 5 Popular errors, or the errors of the people in matter of physic, first written in Latin by James primrose Doctor in physic; to which is added a Treatise against the Antinomiall cup, translated into English by Robert Witty, Doctor in Thysick. 8o. 6 The Phrygian Fabulist, or the fables of Aesop, entracted from the Latin copy, and moralised by Leonard Willan, Cent. 8o. 7 A book of Use-money after the rate of six per Cent. also the discount of Leases, Annuities, and Reversions, by John Clavill accountant. 8o. 8 An Introduction to Merchants accounts, containing five distinct Questions, which may serve as an Appendix to the merchant's accounts that's lately reprinted, compiled by John Collings accountant, and Studies in the mathematics. 8o. Bread for the Poor: AND Advancement of the English NATION, BY Enclosure of the Waste and Common GROUNDS. IT was a right and proper speech of a Roman Bishop touching this Kingdom, Innocent 4. when he termed it verè hortus deliciarum, verè puteus inexhaustus. A very Garden of delights, and a very Well that cannot be exhausted. And that expressed with such confidence, that to each Attribute he gave a several varè, thereby concluding that his commendation was grounded on sure and evident reason. To search the foundation of which Attributes, we shall find it to be the Eden-like blessing received at the almighty's hand in his first Creation; who vouchsafed it so flourishing a sight, and garden-like condition, that therein it surpasseth others, and stands a Mirror to the world's Nations, looking over her walls to behold it. The pleasure and plenty by this speech intimated, issue from the virtue of the former Attribute Horius. For the nature of a Garden is to be the nursery of Plenty as well as of Delights; and as a Garden of all other improvements hath the pre-eminence in either; so in this denomination of England to be verè Hortus, it might be further concluded, a verè puteus inexhaustus. Now it having pleased God to put us into this Garden, what may we conceive he requireth of our part to be performed? To dream of the Golden Age, and feed on the Poets, Sponte suâ Tell us? To carouse the Nectar, and not plant the Vine? No, as Adam in Eden, so are we by that all-Creator placed in this Garden, To keep it and dress it, Gen. 2. 25. for the comfort, increase, and preservation of his people committed unto it, which indeed hath formerly been so well performed, that our Garden hath not only feasted her own family abundantly at home, but (to her honour and profit) relieved the wants of her neighbour-friends abroad, so strengthening and storing herself with life and wealth, that (when she enjoyed peace in her own house) as the imperial Lady of Europe's bounds, she ruled the Nations with an high hand; and not the proudest suitor enamoured of her beauty, nor the cruelest foe envying her fortunes, could ever execute the least attempt on her worth; witness the late happy atonement of York and Lancaster, whose hands conjoined, made so strong the arm of this Empire, that it hath always since (as in like case before) broken in pieces the highest head of power and practice that urged her to strike. But time producing alternities, and the many peaceful years of our Dread Caesar's Protection, begetting such multitudes of souls in the Tribes of our Israel, as former ages never saw: It now behooveth us to survey and search the angles of our Garden, and so to dress the desert and fruitless borders of it, that our increased charge be not unprovided for, nor by our neglect the family famished, that so late was the wonder of plenty to others: In which designment we shall find those unblessed lands, the Wastes and Common grounds of this Kingdom, extending themselves into so large a portion of our Garden, that they are both a blemish in the beauty of it, and the reason of want and weakness in our multiplied charge; and could the present abuse of them be discovered to the utmost, and the fruit of their improvement foreshowed, no member (I presume) of this State (nisi mentis inops, or Reipublicae inimicus) but would grieve at the one, and with the utmost posse of his abilities labour the other. But forasmuch as the state of them is of most men merely unconsidered; of some, somewhat understood, & yet but in an imperiect apprehension; of few or none at large or according to their certain condition: I have presumed (in zeal to my country) to collect the reasons that may lead us to some perfect understanding of them; hoping that when the well featured portraiture of their reformed body shall be more apparent to the judicious view of our imperial gardener, and his monarchical Family; it may please God to quicken it with the breath of life, and a perfect creation, to the relief, power, and honour of the whole Nation. But to omit relation of the several natures of these Lands throughout England particularly, (which vain tediousness (if not impossibility) may excuse,) I will chiefly encircle my reports of Wastes (ad suum esse) within the limits of the County of Somerset (my native soil) and some neighbouring parts, where mine eye and ear having been most conversant in observations of this subject, I can presume of a true and sincere account of the state of those Wastes. And yet shall I not be so punctually immured within the confines of that country, but that I may use of this discourse, the Mathematicians promise of their yearly almanacs: That it is calculated for the Meridian of Somerset, but may serve indifferently through all England. And though I cut my pattern by the Wastes of those parts only, yet may it please the Reader (observant of other wheresoever) to make use of these assertions: I am well assured he shall in some or most parts find them concurring with his own opinion, or gain reason of encouragement to the work in question, beyond that which former passages have occasioned him. There hath been a long observed rule with us, That people are nowhere more penurious than such as border on Common Lands: And this poverty we may find thrown down upon us by three main hands. I. The first of God's displeasure, which indeed is the reason of the rest, and hath in it all disprofits, for how can we expect his blessing on that which our own wilful idleness makes hateful to him? or why should he bless those that wittingly retain the curse of sin in their dwellings? II. The second of our own blindness, That while penury steals upon us we are so oculis capti, as not to see by what means it comes: but thus indeed we are deceived. The surmised benefit which Commoners depend on to proceed from these deserts falling short of their hopes, they sink insensibly in the vain opinion thereof; for they suppose these profits a great part and member of their living, according to which computation, they hoist sail into an higher Gale of expense than their Ship can endure, and while they dream of Midas his thrift, they starve in the delusions of their deceiving accounts, and the Eve-like help which they imagine their Commons are to their Enclosures, betrayeth all into the hands of beggary, as hereafter will further appear. III. The third of idleness, and this indeed is so consequent, that for this respect only, we may well enough presume that Wastes are more mischievous than beneficial to the republic. For our poorer people bordering on these Lands, account it to be a sufficient Trade of living to be only a Borderer: and so many Stratagems (forsooth) have they to get thrift here, that to seek other mysteries of gaining, were to incur the danger of sweat, and a laborious life. Here (say they) we can keep a horse or a cow (if we have any,) or if our estate will not reach to such a one, yet can we compass a goose or a swine, that in a year may yield us many a penny (God wot.) Here can we get a furze, a fern, a green bush, or a dried cowsharn, to keep ourselves close by the fire in a cold season, when your City-trades will not allow you no such ease, nor yield you fuel without your money. Here can we get wit by practising to beguile the silly Woodcock and his feathered fellows by tricks and traps of our own painful framing, the profit whereof shall sometimes keep us playing till our next wants enforce a new supply. Nay, whereas some suppose us to be poor, idle, and of no credit, we can be trusted with the oversight and charge of whole. Herds of cattle of the rich man's that dwells farther of, only when some are missing, he uncharitably suspects that by our birdings, or our seeking them (wittingly) where they are not, or our carelessness, of many such means, they are lost. And this often times is the thanks, that such ●lu●h-fists give us in recompense of our pains, may, can they get but any reasonable evidence (such is their conscience) they will not stick to call our very lives in question, whereby often endeth the travel of a nightwalker. Finally, if our issue and posterity amount to a whole score in a family, or how many soever, we have for them all as good an inheritance in these Lands, as he that hath an hundred cattle of his own to put in them, for a good ten acre Tenement: And why may not we in time (especially by such good helps as these) increase to a good stock also, and keep as many cattle as some others? And think you that we can advise ourselves no better, then to turn off our children to foolish (sweating) trades, whereby they shall lose this inheritance, and so choice and easy a means to get wealth? Or can any living wit devise a better course for these Commons, by which such an infinite number of numbers be now so well maintained and kept in action? No, 'twill cost more hot water to alter our custom, then can be made with all the spice in the great carrack, I warrant you. As for enclosure (which some talk of) the very rumor thereof will so impoverish the poor borderers, that before you go about it, you shall scarce find one of five of them worth a duck-egg. Well, I grant you, yet should a man wish you richer, I doubt not but you will thank him for it, though you refuse his offer, I will therefore proceed to tell you my opinion. The Wastes of this Country (by which we take our aim) are in their natural essence of two sorts. viz, Uplandish, and Marish. Two sorts of Wastes. And first of the first. The principal benefits of the uplandish Wastes Of the first. are reaped in the breeding and feeding (or you may say starving) of Horses, Neat and Sheep, and in cutting up Furze, Fernes, Heath, Bushments, and such like for fuel. I. 1. Horse. As for the keeping of the horses on these upland Wastes, it is thus: He that breedeth a Colt, assigneth him on these Commons to labour for his living, yet so far is he from sweating in this work, that though he travels the whole day for a course salad, he can hardly keep warmth enough to prevent death: And sometimes extremity of weather or other casualties robbeth the poor man of the sum and service, which he hoped his Colt (at time of growth) would have yielded to his purse and affairs. And then (having skored on his own back the reckoning of a peradventure-expense) his little back is sunk, and His poor estate shipwrackt. But the disadvantage that this ill husbandry is to the great State of our Nation, is a danger so fearful, that it craveth the best resolution for remedy; for whereas our breed of horse should be (for the service and safety of our State) large, strong, and able, these Commoners raising their Colts in this manner (by cold and famine) bring them to so unworthy and unserviceable a proportion, as they utterly disappoint the State of all expectation this way; and beside, do so cozen their private master of his right, that whereas three well-bred horses might perform his service and husbandry, he must keep five or six of these in continual diet for those uses, which is a bosom-wolf so gnawing his low estate, that his means are transacted from his own and his family's maintenance to the feeding of a feeble, hungry, unprofitable Teem. II. 2. Neat. The like observation is of their Neat, for the Borderers (in the scrambling at Thrift, to catch the most among their neighbours, they may turn out their young cattle to be nurtured in these Wastes, where if they also meet not death many ways there walking) they likewise grow to such brockish and starved stature, that instead of yielding the Owner his desired profit, they grieve his heart to behold them, and albeit (with the nature of lean creatures) they devour as much food as the greater cattle, yet when they are brought to the Shambles to lay down their principal duties, they deceive the commonwealth also, in yielding scarce half the measure that well bred cattle do: The Kine then (which should be the best Nurses of their Owners family) taking part (if not a great, or the greatest part) ☞ Kine. of their repast on these Lands, instead of feeding their Master's charge, starve both it and themselves; insomuch that should Pharaoh arise to behold these Herds, he would protest them to be the only breed and issue of his lean Kine, that left not a fair one undevoured. III. 3. Sheep. Their Sheep only find a little better entertainment than the greater cattle, by reason they naturally stand best in a thin sweet diet, yet through extremities are also usually pinched, and restrained from yielding the profit they would were their allowance better; and so much are their Flocks hindered by abuse of these Lands, that where Wastes are, we have not the third part of them we might, were the evils removed that so much shorten their feeding; and therefore in behalf of this our Golden cattle, that so courteously give us food and raiment, and with their own wealth, purchase unto us from others their more dainty commodities to content us: it were rather to be wished, that our best and utmost care should be used in multiplying their flocks, than they should want the least part of that relief which their true worth deserveth; in respect whereof I aim not this discourse at the rich Plains, only fit and already proper for this use, otherwise then the discreet occupier may find way to his further profit, (in this kind.) IV. 4. Fuel. Touching the fuel aforesaid, which we sometimes or somewhere get from these Lands, it is no great commodity in the worth of it; but so dearly purchased, that we may grieve to see so many goodly fields (assigned by God to feed us) burned up and blasted into the ashes of abuse; for it is true that the greatest part of many of these Wastes is overgrown with some, or most, or all of the forementioned curses, as Furze, Heath, &c. (lying, as we may say, under the Curse) insomuch Curses. as the least part only serveth to feed the cattle committed unto them; for where such a Waste is of the quantity of a thousand Acres, commonly eight hundred (though one be too much) are overspread with such matter, from which the fuel that is gotten may be worth (communibus annis) six pence an Acre, but seldom more, and most where nothing at all; and what benefit these are in respect of what may be according to the ensuing probabilities, let the Reader judge. V. 5 Stealing, &c. Touching Stealing, Straying, Surcharging, and other abuses here frequent, because they are more common in the marsh Wastes, I shall desire you to apply them here, as in the Discourse of those other lands they shall be offered. VI. 6. Boggs. Some of these Wastes are also in some part Moorish and Boggy; so as by all these inconveniencies, even whole countries (in many parts of this Nation) are swallowed up in desolation, which though former ages have not been pressed to look into by reason the ancient enclosures sufficed for their meaner charge, yet the great increase of people in our days, (as we have said) cannot but compel us (in duty to God and ourselves) to make the best use of our abilities for our relief and preservation. In consideration whereof (seeing these lands may be the best and only means to yield us supply) we must inquire what better course may be taken with them for this purpose. Which to be done by common husbandry we may not expect; partly, for that the nature of the vulgar (not so prompt to public, as their private benefit) will never cohere in such an order; partly, for that the land cannot by any such means be wrought to that perfection which private endeavours will effect. The principal and only means then to ripen Enclosure, the means of Reformation. the fruit of new hopes is Enclosure, and distribution of the Lands to private owners, which being appropriated to their particular uses, will then be cleansed and purged of the former deformities, and so fully improved by their careful industry, that it will undoubtedly yield them such advancement thereby, and consequently relief to the republic, as hereafter ensueth. I. 1. Increase of feeding. First, (according to the general virtue of Enclosures) it will be an exceeding increase of grass and feeding for cattle, and that so good, as our breeds both of Horse, Neat, and Sheep, will be large, fair, serviceable, and more abundant. II. 2. Increase of Corn. Secondly, An increase of Corn so great, as our Barns and Garners will rejoice and be glad at the yearly store of provision, they shall receive beyond the measure of former times, to the incomparable advancement of the wealth and power of this Nation, as may be evidenced (for satisfaction of those that shall desire a more particular account of these hopes) by the ensuing probabilities. III. increase of fuel. Thirdly, The Hedge row of enclosures will beget (instead of the now supposed benefit of fuel) such a certain increase of good and substantial firing, as both in quantity and quality our uses will be far better served then now, and besides (by the Owners diligence, or a public Command) such an increase of Timber (for building and other occasions) will out of the same in the future be raised, as the great decay and spoil thereof made in the latter times, may hereafter be well resupplied and recovered. Now (to proceed in the promised probabilities) if we compare the barrenness of Common, with the benefit of Enclosure. or the worth of this, with the unworthiness of the other, or will be judged by the many experiments which late years have made, we may well conclude, that the A fourth part improved as good as the whole. fourth part of these Wastes enclosed, traveled, and husbanded (if not much less) will fully countervail all benefit now received of them. Let us admit then, that in England and Wales are Two Millions of Acres of such Lands, whereof the fourth part answecing the present profit, there remaineth fifteen hundred thousand Acres gained, which to be employed to Tillage, will yield yearly fifteen hundred thousand quarters of corn, worth fifteen hundred thousand pounds, all clearly improved to the commonwealth. Profit. As by the earth's increase then, man is relieved, let us also conjecture what number of people may be maintained and preserved by improvement of these Lands. The judgement of our Parliament hath conceived that four Acres of Land is competent for the relief of a Cottagers charge, as may appear by the Act that tolerateth the poor man to erect him a Cottage, in case he procure four Acres of Land to be laid unto it for that purpose. Now the least charge he can have, is himself and his wife (for seldom any man lives alone) so as albeit most Cottagers have a charge of children, that pay double or treble this proportion: Two persons to be maintained by four Acres is the least 750000 persons to be maintained. we can assign, by which computation only the fifteen hundred thousand Acres gained as aforesaid, will maintain seven hundred and fifty thousand persons more than now they do. For the better credit of these conjectures, we may consider that though some countries have not their suitable proportion to make up this computation of Acres, yet will others so far exceed, that the account in the general cannot fail: nay, we shall assuredly find it will far exceed; for many Counties of this Kingdom, witness their many vast and spacious Deserts, are able to show you particularly two hundred thousand Acres of these Wastes, if not much more. As for the conjectures of the fruit of Tillage and value of grains, though some Acres or some sorts may fall short, others surmounting will make the supposition hold. And for the pre-supposed multitude of people that be thus maintained, the account also hath sufficient credit in grounding on the judgement of the great and highest Court of this commonwealth. Some will here say, Is it possible or convenient that all these Lands should be tilled: But I answer, that whether in Tillage or pasture (being improved, and man's love afforded them in their continual manurance) they will be alike in each beneficial for private and common wealth. Another Question may be, by what means these Lands may be improved, as seeming naturally barren, and not apt to fructify? to which I reply also, that who well considereth them in their particular natures, shall in the most part find that God in his provident Creation, hath appointed helps to man's industry for their improvement; for out of their own bowels (or not far distant) most commonly is to be had Marle, Chalk, Sand, Lime, soil, watercourses and such like to be ministered: or should these happen to fail somewhere, yet by removing the let's only shall we find a sufficient alteration to content us. The experiments whereof have been such in all places as have produced very happy effects, and the land from little or no worth, recovered to a perfect goodness, and made comparable to the best worth of ancient enclosures, as example would make a large discourse, if it were needful. But to assure you of satisfaction in this point, I will refer you to be judged by your own eye as you travel. ☜ You shall often see the Wastes confining with enclosures in one and the same level, and the soil of one and the other (in the quality and seat of nature) not distinguishable, but by reason of private husbandry, such is the disparity, that the one showeth the heaps of plenty, in a comely aspect, the other gulfs of want and penury in a deformed visage: yea, you shall always observe Enclosures, though on most barren and fruitless situations (by the good husband's diligence) so blessed, as they exceed (in fructifying) the best natures of the un-respected Wastes. Let your patience permit me to make one step (not out of the way) into the County of Devon, where by a little discourse, I may fill up all vacancy of your affection touching this particular. The soil of that country is (in a great part) Industry of Devon. naturally barren, and in itself of a fruitless and dead condition, whereby the people being urged to labours, omit neither charge nor toil to redress this imperfection. But their painful hand helping the earth's weakness by applying of the forementioned helps (albeit with unspeakable charge) it cometh to pass that out of a barren and dry land, they suck even the milk of Canaan, with the fruition of such wealth, content and plenty, as I presume no people have more. Neither may they be confined in this honour, but I dare further avouch on their behalf that of such strength, spirit, and hardiness, are these people (God, no doubt, thus blessing them in their constant labours) that in any martial action for their country's service, they can endure and perform as much or more than any people whatsoever, and so happy are they in those labours, that thereby their poorest people (which else could not be relieved) live well, and breed up their children in an honest, thriving, and commendable sort; from whence I infer, that as the Upland-Wastes have in nature a near sympathy with these Enclosures, and in quality of creation not differing; so may they be traveled with like respect, they will produce as good effects. And as this country is interlaced with exceeding great quantities of this sort of Wastes (I suppose to the number of divers hundred thousand Acres) so might there be a course of distribution for their better manurance, doubtless, this people would so express their own worthiness, as they would breed an infinite relief to poor people distressed, and lead the way so directly to these improvements, as the wilfullest strayer would soon desire to walk after them. Having drawn from hence a reason for this Enclosure, God assisting, a resolution may ensue, for the needful accomplishment, the hope whereof guiding my feet, now leadeth me down these large deserts into the lower valleys of the marsh Wastes: through which (by heaven's aid) I may so also travel, as my steps may show the way to recover their gory sickness, to that health and perfection which the giver of all goodness for his part hath naturally bestowed on them. Marish Grounds. The Marish Commons (which are indeed but the indigested moles of richest meadows) are so infested with inconveniencies (as hitherto they have been abused) that instead of expected benefit, we fare by them, as did the Philistines by the ark, who looking into it were smitten with plagues and confusion; and we using these in hope of profit (because we use them not aright) are galled with so many mischiefs by them, that I have heard wise men wish them swallowed of the Sea, rather than used to such detriment. I. First, They are generally subject to inundation, Inundation twofold. which by a twofold inconvenience proveth so hurtful, that they are utterly deprived of their natural strength. The first is overflowing, which by means of the spaciousness and large level of these Lands, continueth so long on their superficies, that after a downfall coming upon them, they cannot be quit of the oppressing waters (Oftentimes) before another flood. The second is intermixture of waters; the effect whereof is, that the land being a loose and spongy earth, the waters by their long abode thereon, do so incorporate with its substance, and transact it into such a coldness and destruction of ability, that (as nature in defect) it is delivered of nothing Bastards and Miscreants. but Monsters and Abortives, as Sedge, Lavors, Rushes, Ruffets, Flags, Hassakes, and grass so weak & sour, as is neither wholesome nor competent sustenance to the cattle feeding on it. II. A second hindrance proceedeth of the former, Trampling. and that is the treading of cattle on them at unseasonable times; for albeit the land (by reason of inundation) be oftentimes of so squeazy and insolid substance, that the least or lightest beast cannot step on it without a great impression; yet such is the folly of the Commoners, that for the surmised benefit of a little (ill gotten) food for their cattle, they press them to keep garrison in these Wastes, at such rotten times of rain and waters, that each footstep stabbeth into the heart of the land; insomuch, that by this evil custom, these Lands have rather the likeness of a noisome highway (such as most that country hath) than of a fair and smooth-faced visage, as their natural beauties require; whereby (as it were in despite) we trample the gifts of God under the feet of beasts, nay, more truly may we say, under the feet of men of a beastly condition: for were there in men (authors of this violence) but the least acknowledgement or respect of God's loving providence, they would fear and abhor thus (by the feet of their beasts) to abuse his goodness; and the rather, for that the best and most fertile lands take most hurt by this injury. III. Such Labyrinths of straying are these Lands, Straying. that in some of larger sort of them, cattle (thither sent for relief) are as hawks cast off to prey for themselves; which once out of the owner's sight, are in hazard whether ever to be seen or no; and sometimes such is the owner's fortune, that he hath been as glad at the finding of half his strayed cattle, as the woman of her lost groat: and should the losses in this kind only be accounted (both in worth of cattle lost, and charge of seeking them) and compared with the received benefits, I know the profit gotten by feeding would (in this only inconvenience) to many men, come short of the value of their hindrance. IV. Such Nurseries of Thieves and Horse-stealers, Stealing. that a good beast cannot but be in continual danger of a new Master. For a man here missing his horse or other cattle, rather thinketh they are strayed then stolen, and while he spends his time in seeking and searching the plains and angles of these moors, the wards and pounds of the country about (with many a sighing Oyez for his absent Beast) Sir Thief hath made his market with the supposed strayer, spent the money, and is casting a new bout for another booty: and such are the continual plagues of stealing and straying out of these Lands; that whoso listeneth to the complaints of people frequent in this kind, would wonder that any of discretion would adventure their goods on such hazards, and many indeed have been so bitten and beaten by them (and the other harms) and some (best husbands) so well foresee them, that they have utterly refused all use of such entercommoning, and to feed their cattle, have rather chosen continually to farm Enclosures at dear rates. I will by the way tell you of an accident credibly related. A late great person in the County of Dorset Example. Viscount Bindon. (no doubt upon information of the profitable feeding in these Wastes) was pleased to commend to Kings-Sedgemoore (a very large Waste of this nature in the County of Somerset) fourscore horse in one Summer: And the time being come when he desired their return, and to see his Stables furnished with their well-fed quarters, his bailiffs (sent for their attachment) returned a non est inventus upon every his four score Geldings: The price of this horse-meat not well brooked, a renewed process with loud Proclamations was sent abroad for apprehending these Banckerupts, by which means, and the expense of 30 or 40 li. in searching far and near Territories; about 40 of them were at last brought home; but the other 40 being (by all likelihood) preferred to new services, for ever after renounced their old: To get direct intelligence of them, you must inquire of a kind of Merchants, which trade in the privic conveyance of such wares: One of which heretofore ☜ condemned at an Assizes at Sarum, for such a malefact, confessed before his execution, that himself had (for his part) stolen fourscore horses out of this only Common. Yet welfare a grave Burgomaster of a Corporation, who affecting this kind of Trade, and (after many years' practice) brought to execution for it, would not be so immodest to confess (or haply the old man's memory failed him) how many of this sort had past through his purse. The hurt then that may be done to many people by a multitude of this vermin haunting these places (which indeed are begotten to this villainy by facility and security of the execution) cannot be esteemed of small value: and as great Commons suffer no mean proportion of loss in this sort; so may we not doubt, but the lesser sort bear their part in this discord, and other like disprosits consonant to their quantities. V. Such Pest-houses of Diseases for cattle, that Infection. should the owner be in like danger of the Plague, as his beast of some deadly infection, while he is here in ordinary, he would rather send them (with the Gadarens Swine) to feed (or perish) in the Ocean, than ever to set foot on these places. for as hither come the Poor, the blind, Lame, Tired, Scabbed, mangy, Rotten, Murrainous, and all kinds of diseased scurvy cattle, to whom the owners will not afford a bit of their worst Enclosures for entertainment: so (for Morbida sola pecus inficit omnepecus) one of these may infect a multitude, as the miserable losses of many poor people impoverished by such casualty, may (too truly) approve. Moreove, the extremities of heat and drought, want of water, and overmuch wet and foggy weather in summer-times, are Seasons so contageous and breeding infections amongst the multitudes of these cattle, that (though some men by chance scape better) many find it too true, and have often affirmed it, that one year of seven (by death and infection) quitteth the profit that the other six have yielded. And for the multitudes of Sheep (especially) yearly murdered in these places, or taken in their last gasp, our Winter-Markets (full furnished with twelve-penny rotten Carcases) can give you in evidence. VI. So surcharged with the unlawful assemblies of ill husband's cattle, that the hope of benefit (begotten by a little Fair at some seasons) betrayeth no small numbers to mere famine: and most true it is, that though scarcity of food bringeth not immediate death, yet such an inbred hunger occupieth their pined maws, that (with the Uplandish Wastes) they foster only Brockes and cattle of little worth: and some by experience have found, that their horses (in want of food) have with the very root of the grass so swallowed the earth, that in short space the owners have been (as of bad debtors) satisfied with their skins, and their Carcases ripped for the reason of their sudden deaths, the same earth (clotted in their maws) was found to be the only cause thereof. VII. In the rank of these miseries may be mustered Geese and Swine. the noisome troops of Geese and Swine pestering these Lands, which albeit our Laws have banished hence for nasty and filthy creatures, and some sequestered puddles might more properly entertain; yet such is the Commoners discretion, that they appoint them continually to defile and dabble these fruitful plains in such sort as would pity a Commonwealths-friend to behold, and so noisome are they both to Land and Cattell, that I have seen good husbands displeased and vexed at nothing more than at the view of this slovenly stuff (albeit their own) in their feeding grounds. To amend these evils have we no other means, Remedy. but the same which is formerly prescribed for the other Wastes, whereby not only the forementioned damages may be saved, but the ensuing commodities, and the blessing attendant purchased. In which course we shall find, that the very draining. ditches of Enclosure (without other charge or labour) will so Drain and evacuate the malignant waters spoiling the land, that it will soon become dry, warm, solid, and of a perfect condition; and not only disburdened of the oppressing waters begetting the foresaid monstrous issues; but so consolated with the sun's welcome influence, that we may say, The valleys will laugh and sing at the new purchase of the almighty's favours, and man will be glad and joyful at the abundant fruit proceeding from them. I. I cannot here omit (for instance) the noble example Example. of Allermoor in that County, in quantity I suppose about 2000 Acres; of which credible report telleth us, that within 100 years past it lay in Common as a mere Stagnum, bog or puddle, worth to the Owners as much as nothing, but it being enclosed, and appropriated to several and private uses, it shortly became the richest, most goodly, and famous feeding of that country; Let the Court and Smithfield report the service of this place. and now in one year yieldeth more good to the Owners and Commonwealth, then to have lain in his old lethargy, it could have done to the world's end. And in like manner so certainly good have all such experiments (in all sorts of Wastes) proved, that never any failed of their expected ends: and whether the Tenants and occupiers of any new Enclosure will consent to reduce it again into Common and the condition of Wastes, themselves will soon resolve you; whence we may conclude, that like trial once made of the Wastes in question, they will soon show us as fair and decent countenance, breed our cattle generally to a large and goodly proportion, in much greater abundance, and feed and fat them in such plenteous measure, as our fare will be the better, great numbers of people more relieved, and our purses return from the market with the less damage. II. A second good to ensue by this enclosure; will be also in the great increase of fuel (now a miserable fuel. want in many Marish countries) for by setting Willows in the banks of these Enclosures, (a plant naturally agreeing with that soil) the noisome burning of the Dung of cattle, now scratched from these Wastes for this purpose (which would more properly be left to improve and strengthen the Land) will be better supplied by the use of a sufficient sweet and kindly fuel thus provided. And whereas both grass and cattle are now punished with the extremity of cold and pinching winds, having no defence against them, such a warmth would these Willows effect, that all would freely spring and prove together to the general profit. III. Hence will also be occasioned a great increase Tillage. of Tillage: For men finding in these improvements an abundant provision of the best feeding for their cattle, will dispose more of their Upland-grounds to tillage, which they must now of necessity depast: And whereas many arables (through want of soil and maintenance) do now fail in their natural strength, and bring forth a small increase, the abundance of Hay yearly drawn out of these enclosures, will so enlarge the poor man's Muck-hill (his philosopher's stone) that Soil and compassed. all his labours (in casting out this, and loading in his harvest) would be turned to gold; and the fruits of Tillage hereby increased in no small measure. And indeed so mutually will both these kind of lands accord in helping each other in matters of this nature, as they will even emulate and strive to outdo each other in storing the Commonwealth with their abundant fruits. We may also conjecture, what number of people may be sustained by a general improvement of these lands through the Nation; wherein I think we shall not much err to suppose all Marish wastes to be of this nature. It is most certain, that in this present state of confusion (though some perhaps may gain somewhat) the great losses thereby sustained in the general, depriveth the republic of all received benefits; by which we may account, that these lands improved may be wholly gained. Now the virtue of such lands enclosed with us is such, that four Acres will sufficiently feed and keep two Kine in Winter and Summer, whose profit in all respects will be at least 10 li. per annum; and for three poor people a competent maintenance. Let us admit then, that England and Wales hath a Million of these Acres, (but we shall find much more) it followeth that their yearly benefit to the republic, will be two millions and a half in value, and seven hundred and fifty thousand persons may be fed by the 750000 persons relieved. same; and this number added to the former computation of the like number to be relieved by the ☞ Upland-Wastes, we find that the general improvement of the Wastes of this Nation will suffice to maintain fifteen hundred thousand people more than now they do, and increase the worth of this 1500000. Nation yearly four Millions; And is not here 4 Millions yearly gained. Bread for the Poor, and advancement of the English Nation? Will you now ask me why Commons should be enclosed? Or shall I ask you why they are not? But you will say, We have not people enough to make use of this great increase; surely if God continue his blessing of generation upon us, we may have in short time, and in the mean time, can we not spare our overplus to others abroad that want it, get their money and commodities for it, and save our own, that we now export to buy theirs▪ And touching employment for the poor (wherewith this Land so infinitely aboundeth) employment for the poor. such means thereof would be for them in the manurance of each sort of these Wastes enclosed, (as by Diking, Hedging, Fencing, Setting, Sowing, Reaping, Gleaning, Mowing, Making hay, and what not? which is all Bread for the Poor) that from the noisome and deboist courses of Begging, Filching, Robbing, Roguing, murdering, and whatsoever other Villainies their unexercised brains and hands undertake, they would (even gladly) be reclaimed and refined to loyal and laudable courses, as well for their own contenting relief, as the unspeakable comfort and honour of the whole State, who now (as a wretched and needy mother) is enforced to make continual Massacres of them, for those misdoings which even their want of bread urgeth them to commit. And should we search the bottom of our fault or fortune in this oversight, we may fear that a greater contempt would be laid to our charge, than our best Oratory would be able to excuse. For albeit, God hath commanded man to increase and multiply, and to fill the earth, ordaining Matrimony free and lawful to all: we (supposing he hath not given enough to feed us) though not by our command verbally (yet by our act really) stop that issue of his blessing by preventing the poor of needful habitations (whereby indeed their increase is much hindered) and by this neglect of so great a portion of the earth which he hath given us to be also filled, what do we otherwise then repugn his commandment, while we suffer it to be unhabitable and desolate? And whereas God hath of late times brought us into other lands, whereby his Gospel and glory may be the further spread, and our own arm the more strengthened; how much more able might we be to accomplish those happy Plantations by the increase of people, wealth and provisions, which the improvement of the Lands would yield us? The credit of this design having stirred continual disputations for it, howsoever unadvised opposers cannot but fail in the main, they have yet founded themselves on some imaginary reasons to dissuade the work, amongst which, two only (as I have observed) most valid, (Believing 2 Objections. that some particular satisfaction may be required) I thought fit not to pass by unexamined. The first is, that it will be an injury to men's rights, who being now at liberty to entercommon sanz nombre, and over all, shall hereby be curbed and limited to a certain measure. The other is a clamour counterfeited with commiseration, that by Enclosure the poor will be undone, starve, perish, &c. Answer 1 Of the first, I say, that Sanz nombre being mistaken by the vulgar, they would maintain that where they have such interest, they may charge their cattle on the Common to a number infinite, whereas indeed (though their right be of a number uncertain) yet doth the Law allow them Common for no more cartel than are requisite for the manurance of their Tenaments which have interest. And from this error is it, that many wealthy people (dreaming of great riches to be found in Wastes) get them a property in some poor Cottage interessed therein, under colour of the right whereof (and often by mere intrusion) they bring into the Common some 20, some 40, some (haply) 100 head of cattle (of all sorts) whereas the Tenement in whose right they do it, is unable lawfully to allow three, which course being also (quoad posse) generally holden of the Borderers themselves, commonly three or four rich persons in the Parish (possessing much cattle) surcharge the Commons, and usurp more ro their shares then the whole Township besides; which kinds of people also in any proposition for reforming the abuses complained on, we shall find the only authors of the second Cavil, and the Bellows that kindle the fire of contradiction in the hearts of the vulgar, causing them with themselves to cry out, The poor will be undone, &c. And all is proclaimed for the poor, when as by this stalking under the name of the Poor, such as are poor indeed, and have scarce a beast to feed with them, are by these Foxes devoured, and a poor modicum is it that the poor can get amongst the surcharging multitudes of such persons cattle. As for other Objections (whereof some have already appeared unto you amongst the fruits of idleness in our first entrance) rather let them be cast out of the balance, then admitted in comparison with the sound conclusions of a public welfare. But be it that some or other reason may hold against this work, or that some men may (haply) (either in right or profit) suffer some prejudice (for in a matter so confuse and momentary, it can hardly be but the lot may to some fall short) yet so many arguments (ab utili) pressing the commonwealth's advantage in an unsuitable comparison, will decide the Question. And that ancient maxim of Law (Better is a mischiesefe than an inconvenience) can warrant the preferment of a general good, before the respect of some few men's prejudice. To prevent the great Question that will now arise (Quantum mihi?) I must acknowledge that so various are the quantities of bordering Tenures; so manifold the rights, bounds, privileges, conditions, &c. of the Wastes: So different the state and quality of persons interessed, as my Jacob's staff (without Survey) hath neither Art to admeasure, nor can have the hap to please in such perplexities, and must therefore request the demandants so to rest assured on the judicious and upright dimensions of such honourable and worthy persons as may be charged therewith, A grand Committee for just proceeding. 4 sorts of people to be satisfied. (whereof each County would have a grand Committee) that they quit their thoughts of vain jealousies, and expect the most just limitation for their contents: Only in a general respect I conceive four sorts of people to be considered. I. 1 Lords. The first are Lords of the Wastes and bordering Tenures, to whom (if new reserved rents suffice not for content) a part of such Wastes may be added in demeane to poise their rights. And as I wish them no less than a due measure, so I hope their estates being already great and happy, they will be so honourable in their desires as to crave no more. II. 2 Able Tenants. The second are able Tenants, who having sufficient to live without it, should be only limited in a just moderation, which nevertheless will be so good an addition to their estates, as in a while they will find their thrift better increasing. III. 3 Poor cottagers, &c. The third, Poor Cottagers and others of the poorer sort of Tenants. And these (having little or no other Inccour or substance to maintain them) should in charity be so far tendered as (according to their several charges) a competent quantity be assigned to redeem them from their ever-pre-endured penury: and whereas Cottagers estates are now nothing but misery (in value not 3d.) their portion by this course may be severally worth forty or fifty pound or more to be sold, (a good man's estate.) And think you will this undo the poor? IV. 4 Impotent poor. The last Impotant poor, for the necessary relief of which sort a portion would be allotted in each Lordship (where Commons will extend unto it) under yearly disposure of the churchwardens and overseers for their relief. And as this apportienment will not only yield a more comfortable sustentation to them, than the former coldness of their overseers charity (God wot) could afford by way of rates: so will the whole Parish or Lordship find a perpetual ease and quiet in ceasing their factious assessments of each other to this purpose: and the quantity that hence will be Means of amity. required to this use will be most where so mean and little as the omitting of the one to that end will have no equality in comparison with the manifold comforts of the other. And where Wastes fall out so large, as each of these sorts being competently satisfied a remainder may be left (as many where very large ones will be,) what more happy and convenient use may be made of them, then (by direction of worthy Committees) to distribute Harbour for the poor. them in like private usage, for the maintenance and habitation of poor people elsewhere harbourless, destitute, and distressed: But where they fall out so little as not fit to be divided? let them be yet improved, and commended to a common trust for defraying those impositions that shall be laid upon the public of the Lordship. Now that this prove not a snare to the poor Commoners, to draw their new Tenures in time wholly into their Lord's hands, leave them inworss case than we find them, and bring a burden upon the commonwealth that can never be born; but rather that we may make them zealous to the work, and restless to improve their new land to the best profit for the common and their own good: It may (I hope with good conveniency) be agreed unto, that under a yearly rent, and fitting service to their Lords, they may hold their All distributions in Free-Soccage. several portions in Free-soccage to them and their heirs for ever. But should the poor people's estates be at any time determined (which they can never be able to renew) we pluck the stool from under their feet, and throw them with that weight on the shoulders of the republic, as may endanger the utter spoil of each other. Objection. Yet (may some say) it will seem strange or unpleasing to Lords of Wastes or Tenements to see their Lands and inheritances disposed perpetually from their own possession into the tenure and occupation of other persons. Answer. But I answer, that a work being in hand for the general good, we must either follow the current of general acceptance, or sit down hopeless of success: for should these distributions either for the present, or any future time, be fineable or determinable, the vulgar will distaste the work, and the common people's resolution, That they will never buy their own, for so they now account it, and this is their only main argument in opposition. Wherefore there is no fear but the Lords in this allowance and reservation may be so fully satisfied, as their augmented benefits will better please them, then can their country's hindrance, the neglect of their own profit, and their Tenants perpetual penury; for as the case now standeth, little is the profit which any way ariseth out of these Wastes to their purses, but their Tenants by right of Common, do and will perpetually hold both use and Commodity of them. Objection. Some may also allege, that in respect of Common, they let their Tenements at the dearer rates, or in case they be thus distributed in Fee, Tenants may forsake their Tenures, (upon determination of Estate, or otherwise) and yet hold and take off their Commons from the same for ever. I. Answer. 1 To the first may be replied, that so mean an advantage accrueth to them in the sale of their Tenements, for the benefit of these Commons (it being to most I suppose nothing at all) that their Rents and Demeans thus augmented will make them a far greater commodity. II. To the second, Though it may be that a Tenant upon determination of his estare may leave it, and inhabit elsewhere; yet he must needs leave his land behind him, and so little good will his new inheritance do him to be a nonresident to it. that (for certain) he will be enforced to let or sell the same, to the same or some other Tenant of that Lordship. And indeed abuse herein may be well enough prevented by prescribing rules in that behalf: But I rather think (and so it will prove) that such will be the love of Tenants to their old Tenures, for their new improvements sake, that the mutual amity and contract of both ☞ in filling their treasury, will press them to deponere ultimum, for continuance of their happy conjunction. We have now (as a Geographer from some few hills doth a Province) from these few heads discovered a new plantation in our own Continent, and that to so good purpose, as for wealth and people, even another kingdom would seem to be gained unto us; what should hinder could never yet in reason be understood, unless our many crying sins, which makes us uncapable of so great a blessing? But the creator's mercy is over all his works, and only he it is, by whose fiat the effects must follow. To him if our hearts be lifted, and wils submitted, we shall not want that happy unanimity that will beget so fair a body, nor the fruit thereof perpetually showering into our bosoms, 1. We shall glory to behold our Nation infinitely State enriched. supplied in Treasure, and strengthened by augmentation of Revenue, freeholders, and able Subjects. 2. Our improvident Drones (whom terror Poor and idle employed. never yet could enure to travel) yea and all other sweet dews of grace in the God-pleasing labours of their new Vineyards, and their estates (thus drawn to perpetuity) toil in restless pains to try out the utmost dram of commodity from the Mines of their possessions. 3. Increasing provisions in such abundance, Provisions increased. as will satiate ourselves, save the masses of wealth that others better husbandry (to our shame and misery) yearly draws from us to supply our wilful wants, and get their honey for our wax, that must now è converso take their wax for out honey. 4. That our poorer people shall not want their People multiplied, and the whole Nation in power advanced. bread, nor our State advise to stop the fountain of their flowing issue; but as a sound and complete body (whose head and members are (in their proper places) fair and mighty) clad, fed, and suitably polished, may bear our port in power and Majesty, above the highest Towering fronts of adverse confederates; when the tiger may hunger, and the wolf howl, to lick of our crumbs, but will lurk and tremble if the Lion roar; yea, the many sons of our multiplying family (fed and fostered with the bread of strength, and the oil of gladness) will be an Host so terrible to the thoughts of insulters, that they may admire and envy our happiness, but will ever fear to provoke us: and as an happy mother overjoyed in the glory of her issue, we may sing the Lullaby of a constant requiem to our own Temples and our babes eyelids. When guarded with security of Powers protection blessed from above) we may sweetly and safely repose in the pleasing shadows, of our spreading Vines; and better to delight us, walk in the well-formed Rows of our Gardendainties, where we may sit on beds of Roses, dressing our frontlet's with borders of lilies, sucking the Nestar of our sweet grapes, and feasting our appetites on milk and honey; where from the lofty mounts garnished with the full crop of Ceres presents, we may behold the lower valleys richly clad in robes of beauty; graced with veins of pleasant Rivers; all contracting Leagues of amity to enthrone our State in highest Majesty, all concluding peace in plenty, And (to make all complete) all bound for all, to sing Hymns of thanks to the highest Proteoctor and Author of all. FINIS.