A DISCOVERY OF INFINITE TREASURE, HIDDEN SINCE THE WORLD'S BEGINNING.  
Whereunto all men, of what degree soever, are friendly invited to be sharers with the Discoverer, G. P.  Prov. 13. ver. 11. 
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he that gathereth it by labour shall prosper.  
Homo quantò plus cognoscit & intelligit, & bonum profert actu, tantò Deo similior.  
LONDON, Printed by I. L. and are to be sold by George Hutton, within the Turnstile in Holborn. 1639.   

TO HIS WORTHY FRIEND MASTER WILLIAM ENGLEBERT ESQUIRE, HEALTH and Happiness.  
SIR,  
I Have read of an ancient custom used amongst the Heathens, that when they brought their sacrifices into the Temple, they brought therewith all such receipts of medicines for diseases, as they had found out by experience, and there delivered them to be preserved for the perpetual benefit of their posterity: their consciences persuading them that their Sacrifices would be better accepted therefore, and that it was a wicked deed to let such knowledge die with them, which might do so much good to others: as for the action, I think so well of it, as I am minded to make it my pattern: and therefore desire that under your patronage I may bring in my receipt, containing a medicine, no doubt, for innumerable diseases; as taking away the fundamental cause thereof, to wit, indigence: which by causing of the minds sadness produceth Melancholious blood and humours, the fountain of the diseases of these times; the diseases thus caused kill by distance of time: cordials do but defer the time: there is no approved medicine but this, in an overpeopled Commonwealth, to wit, good improvements of the earth; which may be effected by the new inventions contained in this Book: and there is nothing wanting but willing minds to make this Country the Paradise of the World; if Gentlemen of quality would be pleased to begin first, and to lay the corner Stone of this building, all would follow without question: for that gain, the Loadstone of the World, being laid a little open by practice, would draw the rest: there is no cause that I know why they should be slack in it: there be a great number of Parishes within my knowledge, and without question infinite more that I know not, where the Landlord by laying out of his money upon these improvements may gain double as much, as by purchasing of new Lands: also the Parson's Tithes of many things may be doubled; and the inhabitants, though much increased, may live better than before. If this be not a better cure for an overpeopled Commonwealth, then to make violent incursions upon others territories, as is too frequent, I refer the matter to all men's judgements: the whole world is all of one Gods making, and no question is or should be one body Politic; wherein to use Phlebotomy when there is no other means ready, is as foolish as to do the same thing in Bodies natural, also there is no disparagement to men of quality to take this work in hand: for many men of eminent dignity have laboured in these affairs, amongst which let Dioclesian the Emperor serve for brevity's sake in this place: who when he had resigned his Sceptre, could find no such pleasure and contentment in any thing, as he did in the planting and grassing of trees, and in the Sowing, and Setting of profitable Seeds: and surely it is a wonderful delectation to see that the earth's fatness (being the Treasure, and indeed the Fountain of all Treasure and Riches in the World,) may be transformed into what form the Workman listeth: This Treasure is discovered more at large in the Chapter concerning the fertilizing of Land: and is included plentifully, in every Element: viz. in the Air, which is manifest in that the Chameleon an Animal, and the Semper-vive a Plant, can live and grow in magnitude and ponderosity without touching any other Element: also in the Water by the infinite increase of Fishes: also in the earth by the infinite and inexhaustible treasure which it produceth continually: only in the earth it is frequently miscompounded: the reasons are declared at large in this Book: for it consisteth of a double nature, the one Terrestrial, the other Celestial or Aethiriall: if either of these predominate, than the earth is barren and bringeth forth nothing that is beneficial: for if the Aethereal part be not of force and quantity sufficient, by the heat of the Sun, to lift up the Terrestrial part, than no fruit thereof springeth. Again, if the Terrestrial part be not of force to coagulate and harden the other into profitable fruits, than all is turned into smoke, like the accustomed works of Alchemissts: all the skill consisteth in the right compounding of these two substances, which in many places, may be done with such facility as is wonderful: the reasons hereafter declared are sufficient to turn Ploughmen into Philosophers; and to make them to excel their predecessors, even as a learned Physician excelleth an Empiric. For though many notable improvements have been heretofore found out, yet they came more by accident then by good grounds of reason: yet infinitely beneficial, and therefore not to be despised: for he that found out the way of fertilizing of Land with Lime or Marl, (though by accident) did a more charitable deed in publishing thereof: then if he had built all the Hospitals in England: for the one feedeth and clotheth a few hungry and naked persons, the other enableth an infinite number both to feed and cloth themselves and others: these things have moved me to bestow much time and charges in these affairs; deeming my attempt to be the most excellent that wit can be employed about; for that these knowledges are more durable than common riches: and no Lawyer can make an estate so indefesible as an approved and profitable experiment is: the reason why I chose you to be my Patron, is your ripeness of judgement in affairs of this nature: you being a Gentleman that hath spent threescore year's time in invention to do good to the State and Commonwealth: and that hath accomplished more profitable experiments than any man in these latter ages: if witness be expected, let the noble and bountiful gift of Queen Elizabeth, for your full accomplishment of your works projected and never accomplished formerly by any, serve the turn: To conclude, my desire is, that you and all Readers would be pleased to consider that my time being spent in practical experiments may well deny me Scholastical Oratory: and therefore I desire no more of you, or of any Reader, but that my good meaning may serve in stead of Cicero's Oratory, to smooth over and daub up my imperfections that way: and that the pains and charges being mine, and the profit being to redound to the Readers, if they be so pleased, may serve in stead of Demosthenes his eloquence to persuade them to take them thankfully: so I humbly take my leave this twentieth of November, 1638.  
Your bounden servant, GABRIEL PLATTES.   

The Contents.  

CHPA. I. WHerein is manifestly showed the nature of the subject which we are to work upon, viz. the terrestrial Globe consisting of earth and water: the situation of it, and the second causes of its stability.  
CHAP. II. Wherein is plainly showed how workmen may be provided for the accomplishing of the enterprise.  
CHAP. III. Wherein is manifestly showed, how tools and instruments may be provided the most commodious way for the work.  
CHAP. FOUR Wherein is showed how food, and maintenance for the workmen may be provided, by the industry of the said workmen.  
CHAP. V. Wherein is showed that the common way in Husbandry at this time used, will produce in length of time, nothing but poverty and beggary.  
CHAP. VI Wherein is showed that the new Inventions and Improvements contained in this Book, will produce maintenance for all, though they shall grow never so numerous; whereby the Frontispiece of this Book is cleared from imposture, in that it proclaimeth the treasure to be infinite.  
CHAP. VII. Wherein is declared the manner how to make barren land fertile, and that as the people increase, so by their industry their food may increase, even as twenty Hives of Bees being all industrious, do live as well, as if there were but one in the same garden.  
CHAP. VIII. Wherein is showed, how to prevent the blasting of Corn, and that the cause thereof doth not come through thunder and lightning, according to the common opinion, but through the deficiency of the husbandmen's knowledge.  
CHAP. IX. Wherein is manifestly showed the cause of the mildew, with the preventions and cures.  
CHAP. X. Wherein is manifestly showed the cause of the rotting of Sheep, with the prevention and cure.  
CHAP. XI. Wherein is showed, that in these Ages, Inventions to save the number of men's works, are not profitable to a Commonwealth overcharged with people, but rather the contrary.  
CHAP. XII. As for the Objections against any thing contained in this Book, to free myself from all partiality toward my own side, I have here set them down all punctually as they have been objected by several Husbandmen, and others, in sundry conferences.    

Librum hunc de Agriculturâ á G. P. scriptum typis mandari permitto:  
Julii 28. 1638. Sa. Baker.   

A DISCOVERY OF INFINITE TREAsure hidden since the world's beginning, whereunto all men, of what degree soever, are friendly invited to be sharers with the Discourser G. P.  
I Must needs confess that diverse of these inventions and improvements contained in this Book, are not totally hidden from the world at this day: yet in regard that some of them are only known to myself, others not generally known, and all of them not practised generally; but the profit thereof which might accrue to the Common wealth, hath hitherto been lost; I have been bold to entitle the Book, A Discovery of infinite Treasure, etc. for that the intent of the publishing thereof is, that all in general might receive benefit thereby, and that they might be satisfied so fully before hand, that they might join together with one consent to accomplish the work more speedily for the general good of all that are present and alive; and also for the general good of their posterity, whose happiness all men are bound to endeavour themselves by their providence to further; though it should be some charges and labour extraordinary: for by this means shall they show themselves to be more like to the Creator of all things, who provideth forth all Ages, as well as for the present time. If any one shall carp at any thing contained in this Book; let him be pleased to call to mind the old saying, viz. That a given Horse is not to be looked in the mouth, especially when he hath cost so dear to the giver. I must needs confess that here is neither Style nor Composure answerable to the worth of the subject: for which I crave pardon, in regard that my time hath been spent in action and practice, and not in the Schools. This Book is published for those which through their debonere disposition will accept the Author's good meaning, though it were but painted with a coal; and for such as will take a little pains to spell and put together the same themselves, and expound it to the best advantage for the general good for which it was intended: to please all is a thing impossible, for that very reason itself, which doth, or at least should rule their pleasures, differeth according to the constitution of the bodies, and also according to the Climates wherein reasonable creatures live; which because it may seem strange, I will demonstrate by some few experiments amongst many. As for the Climate, the opposition in the determination of diverse controversies, doth sufficiently testify: as for the final determinations of controversies in several Climates differing one from another, it doth manifest the other: for the first, it is found that where a question ariseth, there every one disputeth according to his fancy, his constitution causing his will, and his will causing his brains to invent, and forge arguments to make good that which he desireth, be it good or evil: as for the second, the Climate differing causeth the Major part of the Assembly to agree upon a determination which sorteth with the constitutions of the bodies in that Climate: for more plain demonstration hereof, let us observe first several determinations, in several Climates; of the same question; secondly, let us observe several determinations in one and the same Climate of the very same question: as for the first, the different determinations betwixt us and the Southern Countries, about having many wives or but one, sheweth, that the Climates being hotter or colder, do sway the minds of the disputants: as for the second, the late law for the having of only one wife, doth demonstrate the coldness of the Climate, together with the difficulty of acquiring of maintenance; both which sway the minds of the disputants here; and as for riches, the things most desired, are they not striven for according to the natural desire of the parties affected to them? Is it not manifest that many wise and prudent men have despised multitude of riches and honours; and other have affected the same most earnestly, and accomplished them with much danger and difficulty; and these have thought one another mad or foolish, for that they were of several opinions, caused by their diverse constitutions which swayed their reasons with such violence, that their judgements were hood-winked? And is it not manifest also, that many mischievous contentions have risen between parties in the same Climate, and between several Countries in diverse Climates, about frivolous questions, where neither party hath had truth on their side, though they both thought they had it infallibly: like our hot Apocalyps' men, and fierce expounders of Daniel, who are sure, in their own conceit, that they have such divine revelations, that they cannot possibly be deceived. Of this nature are the most part of the deceptions in the world at this time; which are to be pitied rather then punished, for that they differ from wicked intended deceptions; even as between chance-medley and wilful murder: he that could undeceive the deceived by laying open to him his folly, might do more good in the world than all the laws hitherto made: for men would not go against reason rectified, unless it were some few miscreants. As for my part, my will is good; but I have neither much learning, neither am made fit for it by nature: for the writing of these few lines hath prejudiced me in my health, more than many years spent in corporal practice: wherefore I desire all Scholars to endeavour to perform my wants, and by their learning to fulfil my want of learning, and to study to promote my good intents: for I can but show that I would say if I could speak; and for their so doing their reward is ready: for I have known the Tithes in one parish improved twenty pound per annum, in one Parson's age, through his good persuasion to the people to be industrious in the planting and grafting of fruit-trees only: and then the whole parish must needs gain two hundred pound per annum: and there being in England about ten thousand parishes, it may be conjectured what benefit may accrue for the general good of all the Land, viz. about ten thousand times two hundred pound per annum: and also what benefit may accrue, if all my inventions and improvements shall be generally put in practice, this being one of the least of very many: also their honour, reputation and respect shall be doubled by furthering of this pious work, whereby the working poor may be so well employed, that the impotent poor will be easily maintained; and for my requital, I desire no more, but that they will remember me and my posterity in their prayers for the heavenly benediction: as for other gratuity, I am not so necessitated as to make begging letters, though I be not possessed of any great estate: for to deal plainly and truly with the world, I know no imperfection in myself, but that, if I were minded to acquire, govern, and conserve a great estate with that trouble that some of my friends do undergo, I could have it; but not making that my summum bonum, I am resolved, that unless it come with more ease, I had rather be without it: and herein I challenge no immunity from being deceived like others; for my reason hath deceived me so many times, that I will trust it no more, unless it be confirmed and made manifest by experience; and if many more were of my mind, I suppose that the world would be less fooled by conceits and fancies, and would not be deluded so sottishly to strive and undo themselves in the breaking of the general bond of peace. For particular fancies, it is a strange thing to see the different dispositions of men, yet all think they have good reason for what they do: as may be seen by the laughing of Democritus, and the weeping of Heraclitus, at one and the same object; and perhaps another spectator would have been angry at it; and a fourth being of a great mind and a large sphere, would have marvelled that rational men should be moved at all in their passions for such trivial objects: and it is more strange to see men destroy one another by wars and injuries for trivial fancies, and about matters of so small moment: it argueth a mean love to God, when men will kill their own kind, the wonderful workmanship of God's hands upon so slight grounds; it seemeth to me a very feasible work to rid the world of those mischievous contentions: for now that the Major part of the Princes are of good and peaceable dispositions; What were it to join together so strongly, that their power should be , and then the noise thereof would conquer the rest without Drums or Cannons; and Hallelujahs would come in their place: but in this work the Scholars must play their part, else all will be worse than it was before; for unless the world be unhoodwinked and shown their follies every way, vices will abound by prosperity, and love-sonnets and fables will come in the place of Hallelujahs after a small time: for I must needs confess the truth, that at this time nature is so depraved, that prosperity will cause destruction to the enjoyers thereof, unless their judgements be so rectified, that they may do the same things for love, that now they do for fear and want: for want is now the best bridle to restrain vices, and therefore I have not endeavoured to my uttermost skill to bring plenty into the world upon a sudden; but that they may have some sour sauce to their sweet meat, to keep them from surfeiting, yet is not the industry now required any intolerable thing; for that many of these improvements consist of skill more than of bodily labour; so that no man hath cause to complain, so long as his fare is bettered: yet, howsoever, I could wish that this conclusion were put in practice, that experience might conclude the question. For though rational discourses are subject to failings, yet they give good aim to hit the mark; which was the cause that I, having a strong love to knowledge, addicted myself so strongly to try experiments, judging no knowledge perfect till it was thereby confirmed; yet I found that I prospered best in those practices, wherein I did first profoundly dispute with myself pro & contra, and was not partial, but objected and accused the work as strongly, as if my enemy had done it; and when I was remiss in this, I usually fared just like a suitor in law, who telleth his Lawyer the fairest part of his cause, and concealeth the worst of it, till at length he is overthrown in his own suit; though his Lawyer were honest and learned. I have sometimes marvelled at my own folly, in being carried with such a swinge to do others good, that I have prejudiced myself much by it 〈◊〉 my foolish pity hath many times caused me to be wittingly and willingly soothed, and to part with my money, rather than to suffer another to be oppressed with extreme want and misery; and this I did not merely for very charity; for it is a double vice to make myself more honest than I am: for the chief cause was my proneness to part with my money, being a thing I so little care for; finding a delectation rather in laughing at the parties mistaking, in thinking he had absolutely Tantalized me with hope of some great advantage, when God knows, I never expected either gain or principal again. I know a man at this day of no mean capacity, that having a good estate, but not yet very great, for whom I dare swear, that he would not change estates with the King of Spain, whose dominions are so large, that the Sun never setteth in them; for before it go down in his Western dominions, it riseth in some part of his Eastern dominions: these things I would have to be taken notice of, to the intent that men's conceits should be weakened, and that less blood should be shed upon slight grounds, that hath been heretofore. If any one say that wars and bloodshed are just, for that it is for the maintenance of Religion and Laws; I answer, that the fancies of the people in many several climates, if not in all, bore so great a sway, not only in the making and composing of the Laws and several Religions, but also in the embracing and receiving of such as sorted with their fancies; that it seemeth not to be convenient, that the general Law of Nature should be violated for particular Laws; nor that the fundamental points in Religion, which command general love to God and man, should be neglected for particular differences. I am not sure how this enterprise, for the bringing of the world into a regularity and uniformity, will prosper; for it may prove to be a fancy as well as the rest: yet of all conclusions that are yet to be tried, I have the best fancy to it; for that the Major part of the world do so much desire it, and for the furtherance thereof, if it come to a dead lift, I will try my cunning for some engines of War extraordinary, which will make foul work with such miscreants as shall oppose so worthy a work, and will cause them to be trampled upon even as the mire in the streets: but to publish these were an execrable villainy, unless that a short war might be sure to end all future quarrels. And what Prince soever shall first engage himself in this enterprise, his honour is sure to be perpetual; for that all tongues, both present and future, will testify his heroical and noble nature; and all histories will record his fame to the world's end; and this honour will be surely his, whether the design hit or miss, for that he meaned well howsoever.  
But to speak according to my conscience purely, I think that in regard it is a work of God and not of man, when the divine pleasure seethe it sit, it will be done by some weak means, whereby his glory shall be the more advanced; for men are so apt to be arrogant, that God Almighty will scarce trust them with such an honour. Now for that the old saying is true, That it is dangerous meddling with edge tools, I will cease this discourse, as seeming somewhat above my Sphere, and address myself to my plough again; wherein I shall be sure to do good, or else no hurt; unless it be to lose my labour in taking pains for unthankful persons; or else to overshoot myself, in striving to bring in plenty and prosperity into the world too suddenly, before they have learned to use it well, and to govern their fullness with moderation; wherein I have not been altogether remiss in my care, that the mutation might not be too violent and expeditious. And as for Religion, doth not a strong conceited Papist, and a strange conceited Protestant, think one another to be mad, and deluded by their fancies? and doth not a jew think the same by them both, and doth not a Turk think the like by all the three? and doth not a learned Pagan think the like by all the rest, being himself madder than any of them? Amongst all Religions which I have perused and looked into, which are not a few, I find that the Christian Religion doth manifest itself to come from God himself, by the good discipline thereof, and also by the admirable consolation which it giveth to men in adversity and affliction, and at the very hour of death; thereby showing itself to be the very salve of God who is all mercy and pity: yet I could wish that Christians should not be so violent in maintaining it by bloodshed, as they are, but rather take another way more powerful, and less prejudicial to the general good: also I could wish that the rest would look into their follies, and not be so ready to break the general bond of peace, and great Law of Nature, for their particular fancies. For if any Scholar should take upon him to maintain by his Logic that men might lawfully hate one another, if they should differ from them in opinion; me thinks I durst undertake him, and would make no great doubt with my small learning to involve him into an unavoidable absurdity; for if this might be done, it would be concluded, that there might be less love in the world than is at this present, which in my conceit is a thing that needs not: for the law of Nature doth comply with the general profit, which this doctrine doth thwart extraordinarily; thereby showing itself to be false and frivolous.  
And for a full demonstration of my meaning concerning the great Law of Nature: I affirm it is that which forbiddeth any man to do that thing, which is prejudicial to the general good: which is more manifest in that every one that doth such things, doth hide the same, either by doing it privily, or by covering the same with pretences: thereby showing that his conscience doth forbid him all the while he is in doing it, unless it be where the conscience is not rightly informed: for then the Conscience stingeth not at all, as it is manifest by the Pagans, who thought they did God good service in martyring of the Christians; and also by the people who thought the like in killing the Prophets, Apostles, and Christ himself.  
For the Conscience is guided by the science; if the science be a conceited fancy, than the Conscience is quiet; though it provoke men to do execrable actions.  
But how men should be so blinded to do things against the general good, seemeth to me a strange thing; in regard that all Religions agree in this point, that we are not to do that to another, which we would not have done to ourselves: Now who would have himself killed, or injured, for his private opinion? therefore in my conceit, he ought not to do the same to another, much less to destroy the wonderful workmanship of God for that it pleaseth not his fancy.  
If any man should make a pot, or a glass, or other whimsy; he would take it ill if his inferior should break the same, for that it pleaseth not his fancy.  
Therefore why should he think that he can please God Almighty, in doing a thing of the very like nature?  
I have made this tedious digression, not for any great skill in Divinity that I pretend to have; but to show to the world, that I am as others are, a little troubled with my fantastical conceit; and wish, as others do, that all the world were of my opinion: for than we would not for any particular opinion, whatsoever, forgo the great prosperity and happiness, which peace would bring us; but would break our swords, and instruments of War, into Ploughshares, and other instruments of Husbandry; and would spend the charges of Gunpowder, Shot, etc. in the building, repairing, and beautifying of Churches; and turn the noise of Drums and Cannons, into Hallelujahs; and would according to my natural proneness, try conclusion, whether Peace, or War, were better.  
Yet howsoever it cometh to pass in the general, I would be glad that this particular Kingdom, would be a little ruled by my fancy; which in this point is not different from the vulgar, to whom every contrary opinion seemeth frivolous, and ridiculous: as the opinion of those doth to me, who contend for trifles, and had rather forgo their future happiness, than lose an inch of ground in standing out for their strong conceited opinions: yea, verily they seem to me as ridiculous, and childish, as for Boys to fall together by the ears, and tear one another's clothes, and give one another bloody noses about Cherry-stones, points, pins, and other trifles which they play for.  
Wherein, I am just like the Inhabitants in China, who suppose that they have two eyes, and all others have but one; therein manifesting their strong conceit of their own wisdom; for that they think they know more than all the World beside.  
Yet I conceive my good meaning may bear me out in it; for that I conceiving myself to see the Kingdom post away apace into poverty and want, am willing to show my good will for the prevention of such a mischief.  
And I am not wedded to my fancy so much, but that I wish every one to take better counsel when he may have it, and in the mean time, to accept of mine, rather than of worse.  
And where good counsel is wanting, let every one tell himself the old fable of Aesop, concerning the contention betwixt the members and the belly; and let him set before him the success, of their discord; and also the happiness that they had enjoyed by concord; and let it move them to join together for all their profits; and let them think as I think, till they be better advised; that there is more wit in that fable, then is in an hundred of our new fabulous fancies, and strong conceited whimsies.  
And whereas the old saying is true, That need is the whetstone of wit; let us be wiser than our Predecessors, and whet our wits with the thought of it; and study to prevent need before it cometh: for that the prevention of a disease is better than the cure afterwards.  
And let us not make so great a difference between providence and prudence as some do; and if either be preferred, let providence go before: so will prudence be less troubled when he cometh to do his duty; and less repentance will serve, when a vice hath been stayed before it be actually committed.  
And let me not totally destroy fancy, for that it is cause of much good sometimes: for Birds would not take so much care and pains to feed their young ones, but that every one thinketh his own little one to be the fairest: and I would not have spent so much money, labour, and time; but to fulfil my fancy.  
For I have as small reason to do it as any man in England, having received many wrongs and injuries, by diverse persons whom I freely forgive; and desire God Almighty to do the like: for it was not they that did it, but that wicked root Covetousness, which got possession of their hearts: with whom I can never be reconciled; but have vowed the ruin thereof, and cannot be stayed with any persuasion whatsoever.  
And having tried diverse ways to accomplish my enterprise, can find none, but to choke, suffocate, and make it to surfeit to death with the food that it most loveth.  
And it is a strange thing to see that I cannot rule my passion, but to run headlong upon it; though I see plainly, that pride and luxury are like to grow in the room of it.  
And that I shall be just like to a Tinker that stoppeth one hole and maketh two greater; and were it not for fear of this mischief; I would declare something that here shall be omitted.  
For I would be loath to be so bad a Physician, as to have no more care in the Composition of my medicine, but that the hot ingredients thereof should cure an Ague, by putting the patiented into a Fever being a more dangerous disease.  
Amongst all my Observations in the works of nature, I could never find so exquisite a Model or resemblance of a well ordered and flourishing Commonwealth, as is an hive of Bees; who in these two principal points do so fare excel men, that they may well go to School to them: for first they are all industrious, and suffer no drones to remain amongst them, and by this means their well living is no whit diminished by growing numerous: Secondly, they are all bent to work for the general good, which is manifestly seen by this one remarkable point: for when any one hath fortune to find out a pot or vessel of honey, he doth not like men eat it all up himself; but forthwith he goeth home and telleth his fellows whom he guideth to the treasure which he hath found: and there they work with one consent, till they have carried it to their own hives if they be not letted by force: I being schooled by this commendable example, have published this Discovery, which must needs prove some huge Creature, for that it hath been threescore and fourteen years between the conception and the birth: this treasure consisteth of improvements in Husbandry; whereof the least is inestimable and infinite, for that thereby so many lives present and future are maintained; these partly by a Book given me by one of my Ancestors, containing all the remarkable observations for fifty years of the weather: the plenty and scarcity: the cheapness and dearness: with all accidental occurrences, and the natural causes of the same; and partly by my own observations and experiments for the space of 24 years, I have by the blessing of God found out, which if I should conceal, and not publish, I conceive that I did commit as execrable a villainy, and as much defile my conscience, as if I should see a number of men in danger of drowning, and should not lend them my hand to help them: if any one shall calumniate these improvements with the name of innovations; let him be pleased to remember himself, that such innovations as these have been accustomed in all ancient times, as the people grew more and more numerous, to be put in practice: for three several times the people growing too numerous for their maintenance, God hath given understanding to men to improve the earth in such a wonderful manner, that it was able to maintain double the number, and so he that made mouths, sent meat by teaching them understanding how to get it: for when there were but few, they were maintained by Fish, Fowle, Venison, and Fruits; freely provided by Nature: but when they grew too numerous for that food, they found out the Spade and used industry to augment their food by their endeavours: then they growing too numerous again, were compelled to use the plough, the chiefest of all engines, and happily found out: whereby all Commonwealths have ever since been maintained, and at length this invention would not serve the turn neither without new skill in the using of it: for at the first they used to till the Land till the fatness thereof was spent, and so to let it lie a long time to gather fatness again of itself; and in the mean time to till fresh Land: but when they grew too numerous for the food gotten that way, they were compelled to find out the fallowing and manuring of Land: by which invention the Land recovered more fatness in one year, than before in many years; and so a Country would maintain double the number of people more than before: now the people are grown numerous again, requiring new improvements which are discovered in this little Book, and shall be showed by irrefragable demonstration, and infallible experience; also it shall be made manifest, that by the Common course of Husbandry used at this day, the barrenness doth by little and little increase, and the fertility decrease every year more and more, which in regard that the people do increase wonderfully, must needs at length produce an horrible mischief, and cause the Commonwealth to be oppressed with provertie and beggary.  
When as by these new inventions and improvements being industriously practised, their wealth shall not be diminished, but contrary ways wonderfully increased, though the people shall grow wonderfully numerous.  
And this business is not to be slightly thought upon, for so much as Husbandry is the very nerve and sinew, which holdeth together all the joints of a Monarchy.  
Neither is Invention to be lightly regarded: for all workmanship without invention, resolveth itself into the workman's belly, as may be manifestly seen: for before the plough was invented, and before Horses, Oxen, and cattles were taught to do the works which men did before, all their labour came to nothing, but only to fill the belly; but since that time, by the benefit of these and other inventions, we see what Castles have been built in time of Wars, and what Churches in time of Peace, what famous Towns, Cities, and Schools, and other things conducible for the Common good: also, by this means men were spared from servile labours, that they might attain to knowledge to be Statesmen, Clergy men, Lawyers, Physicians, Merchants, Tradesmen, etc. without which no Commonwealth can subsist.  
And for so much as the new world called America, doth for the present give aid and secure for the maintenance of the surplusage of people increased in those Countries; yet in regard that the finding of new worlds, is not like to be a perpetual trade; it seemeth to agree with providence, to beg in to improve the Lands formerly peopled, in such manner that by their industry there may be raised maintenance for double the number.  
Which to perform is no hard task, in regard that all treasure and riches are nothing but congealed vapours: for what is corn, and fruits, the chiefest of all riches, but the fatness of the earth; jacobs' blessing elevated by the heat of the Sun, and turned into vapour by the help of the Universal spirit of the world, then drawn together by the Adamantine virtue of the Seeds, and Plants, and so congealed into the same form? and what is Silk, Velvet, fine Clothes, etc. but the vapours of Animals congealed in the superficies of their bodies, where the Animal heat was able to elevate them no further? and if any man will hazard a wager upon it, I will undertake to show by irrefragable demonstration & experience, the great Test and only trial whereby truth is distinguished from imposture; That Gold that great Commander, is nothing else but the said fatness of the earth, elevated by the said universal spirit, and after depuration congealed into that splendorous Body.  
Yet I would be loath that this should animate men to spend their goods this way as many have done; Therefore I will them to understand, that though I affirm the Art of Gold making to be true, yet I do not affirm it to be lucrous in these times.  
For the difference ofttimes may make a gainful art to be not gainful: for when an Earldom, or Province was mortgaged for a thousand Marks, as we find in credible Histories they were; then gold making might be a profitable Science, and yet nothing worth in these times, when as one Farm will buy a thousand Marks.  
By this means, the wise and godly men which have written of this Art, are cleared of aspersions, and impostures; for that they were no Prophets to foretell these mutations of times.  
Now seeing that all treasures are nothing but congealed vapours, there resteth nothing to be done for the performing of my undertaking, but to show the Art of doing the work, and then the treasure is discovered according to the Frontispiece of this book: which work is plainly made manifest in these ensuing lines. And whereas all men are invited to be sharers, it concercerneth me to show how they shall receive benefit thereby; which thus I make good.  
Though the Husbandman carry away the greatest share, as they are most worthy; yet part cometh to the poor workmen for their employments; and part to the Clergy by the improvements of their Tithes; and part to the Gentry by the improvement of their Lands and Rents; and the King hath no cause to doubt his part to come short: for if the subjects shall be rich, they will be ready, both with purse and person, to defend and offend upon all occasions: even as a man having good store of treasure, being assaulted by thiefs, will fight more valiantly than he that hath nothing to lose: and then they will not pay their money with such grudging as now they do; for that a little preserveth a great deal: and as for the King's honour, it will be then as much more excellent than now, by reason of the hearty affection of the honourer; as a piece of true gold differeth from a counterfeit piece.  
Also the Tradesmen whom it least concerneth, shall be sharers too; for when there is such store of good employments in the Country; the Cities will not be so overcharged with multitude of Tradesmen; and more than that, they will have greater dealings, and better employment.  
Also the impotent poor; as old, lame, blind; also fatherless, strangers, widows, prisoners, and succourless people will have share: for then their number will be but very few, in comparison of what is now: also charity will increase together with ability.  
I dare undertake to show a way how the working poor may be employed in these new improvements, in such manner that they may live twice aswell as they do now; and yet notwithstanding, there may issue out of the benefit of their labours, sufficient maintenance for the impotent poor, and all others above mentioned.  
Which work will be almost as charibable and good, as if I should build an Alms house in every Parish, and give perpetual maintenance to the same.  
And of all sharers mine own part will be the least, for I am like to be a loser by the bargain in my wealth; only I shall die with a more quiet conscience, which is better than wealth: for my knowledge how to get wealth, will be confounded by this new alteration; for by my long and diligent observations in these affairs, I am grown able to discern and foresee the scarcity, and unavoidable dearness of many things before every vulgar person; by which means I could easily raise to myself, and to my posterity, more wealth than can any way accrue to me by the publishing of these my Inventions and Improvements, which will cause such a mutation, that all my former observations will stand me in little stead for such a purpose; yet that all succeeding Ages shall know, that once a man did change so great wealth for a quiet conscience; I will proceed to the uttermost of my skill, to make all my knowledge to be every man's, and to forgo my own gain, for the benefit of many.  
And though here will be little found in this Book, but what every understanding man knoweth to be true; yet I hope I shall perform sundry good offices: for to some I shall be but a remembrancer of what they knew before, but forgot to practise it: to some I shall be as a Midwife, who though she neither conceiveth, nor beareth the child: yet performeth a good office in facilitating the birth of it: to some I shall help to bring to ripeness certain seeds of knowledge, planted in their hearts by the Finger of God in their creation.  
And as for my own Inventions and experiments, I would be loath, that having pretended to give men so much wealth and treasure, I should bring any man into loss and damage of that which he had before. Therefore in regard that no certain rule can be given for so variable a work; I wish that every man may try the truth in a few Perches of Land; and when he hath found out his fit seed, his fit composition of manure, his fit depth of planting and setting, and hath discovered all inconveniences, and knoweth how to avoid them; then to go to work in greater quantities.  
For we see that though all riches are nothing but congealed vapours, yet the air in Spain and hot Countries, is apt to be congealed into some manner of riches, and the air in these Northern Countries is apt to be congealed into other manner of riches: also the vapours arising out of Clay ground are apt for some things, and the vapours of sandy ground are apt for other things, and all ground is fit for some use or other: for God and Nature made nothing in vain, and therefore the saying being found true, non omnis fert omnia tellus, it is not so ridiculous a thing as the world doth repute it, for men sometimes to try conclusions: for if people did not increase; I confess that then the old ways were best and surest: but in regard that new numbers grow daily, therefore it behooveth us to have new inventions and improvements, whereby they may live by their industry and not by shifts and unjust devices as now they are forced to use.  
For though the new Plantations were happily found, and have disburdened these Countries of 〈◊〉 extreme surplusage of people; yet we see by experience, that they are as it were squeezed out by force of poverty and want, and most of them try all their shifts before their departure, which causeth such store of shifts to be put in practice as are now used, whereas by honest industry they might help themselves, being set in a good way, with as much less trouble to their minds, as their industry would bring trouble to their bodies.  
And one of the principal Motives which moved me to put out this Book, was a grief of mind to see some indifferent well disposed persons, to lie and shift even as a thief that stealeth a Sheep for very hunger: with whom I have conferred about it, and found that they could get no convenient employment, at least answerable to their nature and education.  
Wherefore my study hath been to find out inventions of several natures; whereof some of them consist of skill, as much as upon bodily labour; whereby men and women of good birth may without disgrace acquire their live.  
Now, for so much as it is plain that need causeth shifts, and also it is as plain, that the saying is true in Philosophy, sublata causa tollitur effectus: I will sum up my Book into one gross sum and conclude; that if I take away need, the shifts will be gone.  
Wherein I will put myself upon the great Test, viz. experience, whereupon my dross will be burned away, and nothing but Gold will remain; for that Test suffereth no imposture.  
And I make no question, but there will be found some dross, yet if the greater part prove to be Gold, my request is, that all Readers will play the Refiners; and if they find more Gold than dross, than I am Gold Oar at the least, which is Mine Royal, though not so pure Gold as I desire to be.  
And so I end my preamble, thinking the time as long as the Readers till I be at work, and show my skill in performing my undertaking in form following.  
And my first work shall be to divide my Book into twelve Chapters, for the ease of the Readers minds, in regard that their bodies are to be employed in the enterprise more than their minds, following the example of former inventors, who discharged that part: for Solomon, and all other Wisemen never bore their disciples in hand with miracles, but evermore stirred them up to industry, showing that it was accustomed that God Almighty did perform his providence usually by teaching men understanding to acquire their live by industry, and seldom reigned Manna, or fed them miraculously.   

CHAP. I. Wherein is manifestly showed the nature of the subject which we are to work upon, viz. the terrestrial Globe consisting of earth and water: the situation of it, and the second causes of its stability.  
THE Terrestrial Globe composed of Earth & Water, being the Subject which we are to work upon, is nothing else but the grossness and residence of the Elements, the womb of all seeds and plants, which we are to make use of in oiur new husbandry, wonderfully placed in the middle of the  element of Air, not by the power only of the mighty Creator: but also by his wisdom and exquisite artifice: for the Magnetic virtue betwixt it and the celestial Orbs, is so exquisitely proportioned, in number, weight, and measure; that no side is over-matched with virtue attractive or expulsive; therefore it abideth in the middle of the universe, with as great stability, as if it had a supporter, such a one as our understanding is capable of: if men could observe proportion, they might frame a kind of module thereof, by hanging a bullet of iron covered with clay, in the middle of a Spear, beset about with Lodestones of equal virtue attractive: but I conceive time may be better spent, in admiring the wonderful power, wisdom, and exquisite artifice of the mighty Creator, and also in letting this glorious Fabric of the universe be to us all, the universal Preacher of Divinity, to teach us to adore and love the Creator thereof: in which divine worship, I could desire that there might be a new invention or improvement in two respects: First, as the common way used is, to bow the knee of the body; so the new way should be to bow the knee of the heart: and as the common way now used is, to be every one for himself, so the new way should be, to be for the general good of every one: if the last of these be not performed, the first cannot: for it is impossible that he can honour and love God aright, which doth not love all his brethren whom God hath created upon the face of the earth; and if he love them; he will work for the general good of them all, which if he do not, than his love is feigned, and his Religion is vanity.  
And had I eloquence or learning, I would press this point with all my force: for that all the inventions and improvements in this book, are not to be compared to this one for excellency; neither is there any great hope that the rest will succeed well, if this do not precede: for suppose that men for mere lucre should be industrious in this new husbandry; yet if they omit these two first new inventions, they may well fear the success; for that they have left the prime Workman out of the field, to wit, God Almighty, without whose blessing all is vanity and lost labour: whereas on the other side, if they shall first learn these two new inventions in the service of God and love to men, (by which, and by no other way then by working for the general good, the sincerity thereof can possibly be discerned) then will they all with one consent work cheerfully in this new husbandry, and the chiefest happiness of all will be; that then God Almighty will bless their labours, by sending the former and the latter rain in due season, whereby their harvest shall be doubled in quantity: for moderate rain fatneth the earth, but too much or too little causeth barrenness; as may be seen by this last year's success where the want of a little rain presently after the Spring seed time, hindered this kingdom above the value of an hundred Subsidies, and also one flood coming by immoderate rain, did as all floods usually do, viz. carry in the belly of the water into the Sea, as much fatness as would produce here in England the value of one hundred Subsidies more.  
By which passages, we may see how little it is to purpose to strive against the stream, viz. to think by our own industry alone, without the heavenly benediction, to prosper in our labours.  
Therefore let us, having the pith and substance of Religion, practise the same sincerely, and so address ourselves to our work, leaving the particular differences in Religion, to the disputations and determinations of Schools, and in so doing both we and the Schools shall far the better for it.  
And for the more powerful cheering up of all men to these two duties, let us consider well of the wonderful power of God accompanied with his admirable wisdom and exquisite Artifice in the establishing of the Sea in his place, which is not by virtue of the Sea banks as it is in fresh rivers, as vulgar people do imagine, though the Sea banks do somewhat restrain the great liberty that the Sea would have: yet is the sea heaped up into a spherical form round like a Ball, by the attractive and expulsive virtues of both the celestial orbs, and the terrestrial orb, wherein the one virtue doth not over-match the other at all, save only that the Moon chief governess thereof, doth a little oversway the rest cooperating with her, but withal giving her the predominancy; whereby she causeth the tides to ebb and flow as we see: which work though it seem great in the narrow Seas, yet in the main Ocean, it is scarce perceptible, but even as it were the rolling of a Bullet, so very little, that the spectators perceive it not to be rolled at all.  
Which heaping up of the Sea is manifestly seen by this demonstration: let a Ship go out from the Shore, and about ten mile's distance the spherical form of the Sea will hide from your sight, standing on the Shore all the while, about fifty foot of her, and also he that in the Ship taketh notice of this thing, will find that as he departeth from the Shore, so if he will be still desirous to see the Shore, he will be forced to climb up the Mast higher and higher, as the Ship goeth further from the Shore, until at length he cannot see the Land at all, by reason of the spherical Compass of the water, though he climb up to the top of the Mast.  
Whereby it appeareth plainly, that the Sea acquireth his deepness, as well by this heaping of itself together above the earth, as by concaving itself in the earth.  
For if a straight line should be drawn from the Sea banks at Mexico to the Sea banks in the Eastern coasts, and the measure of the depth of the water in the middle of the Ocean to that line, should likewise be taken, it would be found that if the Guider and Preserver of this Universe should be remiss never so little, and suffer the water to sink flat like the fresh rivers, we should be all drowned in an instant.  
Which wonder produceth to me another wonder almost as great, which is, that rational men should be so stupid as not to stand in awe of God the mighty Creator, who with one frown is able to destroy them all so easily, or should go about to dissemble so with him (who knoweth all things) with their complemental service and honour to him, for either they must needs go about to cozen him, or else they must according to his will love all creatures which he hath created, which love must needs be feigned, unless it be manifested by working for the general good of them all, and not only of all that are created, but of those which shall come afterwards.  
And if any shall be found remiss or refractory in wishing well to these proceed, appearing so evidently to be for the general good of all the inhabitants upon this terrestrial Globe, or shall use any indirect means by depopulating towns or dwelling houses, or by unjust making wars whereby the people shall be decreased: it being so manifestly showed, that there is no such need, but that there is sufficient maintenance to be had for them, though they shall increase and grow never so numerous: These men of which sort I have heard of, now hitherto do demonstrate to God and the world their ignoble nature, and their bestial swinish and viperous dispositions.   

CHAP. II. Wherein is plainly showed how workmen may be provided for the accomplishing of the enterprise.  
AS for workmen for this business, I make no question but that all working poor will be ready upon the first summons to come to work, if so be they may receive maintenance for the same, which now they want extremely; which I would advise all Landlords to disburse, in regard that they shall receive an improvement in their rents, of fare more value than the money disbursed would yield by purchase of new lands; yet in regard that these are not sufficient, I could wish that many others might be employed which might best be spared in the commonwealth; of which sort are liars, shifters, and deceivers of others, and which do now eat the bread of other men's labours by their subtleties; but in regard we are to make use of their bodies for labour, therefore their conquest is fit to be accomplished by stratagem, which is a difficult work to deceive the deceiver: I have studied much to find out an Invention how to effect this enterprise, and find, that as receivers make thiefs; so temerarious believers make liars: and to redress this mischief, I have sometimes thought it the best way to believe no man: whereupon, this inavoidable inconvenience followed; that many times we should reject the truth as well as lies and deceit: for I find that truth spoken plainly, doth echo in the mind of the hearers, saying the same things over again: but this is the mischief, that so few hearers have understanding to judge which is true, and which is false: for where the hearers want ability to judge, there lies and deceit make the same echo, which truth doth in the former: so while these persons can find any shallow brained believers, there is small hope that we shall win them to be labourers in our new husbandry: therefore amongst all stratagems to win the field of them, I find none like unto my first invention contained in the first Chapter, viz. to bow the knee of the heart in the room of the usual bowing of the knee of the body: and withal, to be humble petitioners to the donor of wisdom, and understanding, to send the light of truth, and the knowledge of truth into the world plentifully: then do these persons become suitors to be admitted to be workmen in our new husbandry, being defeated in their former trades: so shall we have workmen enough to accomplish our enterprise for the present time; and as for the future, there will be such an exquisite proceeding, that it will be as difficult a thing to discern whether the people increasing cause the fertility to increase; or whether the fertility increasing cause the people to increase; as it is for a Philosopher to find out by argumentation whether the egg or the bird was first. For the numerous increase of people diminisheth not their maintenance so long as they are all industrious, no more than twenty hives of Bees are impoverished more than if there were but one in the same garden, so long as they are all industrious, and suffer no drones to live among them.  
But because that in the mean time some shall reap benefit by avoiding these deceivers; I will show a political invention how to find out their knavery, which is thus made manifest: even as he that hath good gold to sell, will go to the most expert Goldsmithsr, efiners, or say Masters, and will by that means get the best price: but contrariwise, he that hath counterfeit mettle will go to those, which are more ignorant (fearing the greatest) and there make their markets: even so he that hath a good project, and truth on his side, will go with it to the most able men of judgement; wherers the deceivers will go to those of the weakest judgement, there by winning facility to deceive: therefore the safest way is for every man to doubt his own judgement; and not to be too rash in giving credence, till the greatest experience, hath determined the doubt.   

CHAP. III. Wherein is manifestly showed, how tools and instruments may be provided the most commodious way for the work.  
AS for Tools and Instruments, though they be made of two materials chiefly, to wit, wood, and iron; yet is wood the chief thing to be provided for, in regard that without it, no iron can be provided; for I find by experience, that all attempts to make iron with Sea-coal or other coals, are vanity: for though it may be melted that way, yet the good metallicall quality of the iron is destroyed, or at least the greatest part of it; for I find by experience an arsenical or Antimonial quality in all subterraneal substances combustible, both which are poisons to iron.  
Now the multitude of Timber brought yearly from Norway, and other parts, do plainly demonstrate the scarcity thereof here: also it may be conjectured what a miserable case the Kingdom will be plunged into about an Age or two hence, for want of Timber.  
There is a Law in Spain, that he that cutteth down a tree, shall plant three young ones for it; and by this means there are builded in two Provinces, both not so great as Yorkshire, twenty Ships yearly, and yet the wood increaseth: If this Law were observed here, how happy would it be for the posterity? the charge is little, there is nothing wanting but one of my first inventions; to wit, love manifested, by working for the general good; not only of all that are now alive; but also of those that shall come after. And I see no reason why Landlords should not contract with their tenants; to put this work in practice diligently; for than their rents will be more and more improved every year: and if this be omitted, their rents will be diminished in future time.  
Now, for the improvement of this work; I would have all Timber trees planted in hedge-rowes, and by this means no ground will be lost: but all woods and thorny grounds may be turned into fruitful fields and pastures, and are apt to be made fertile by my new inventions: beside, the planting of the Timber trees in hedgerowes, bringeth a double commodity; for they are not only an help to divide the land of industrious persons, from the land of the idle, that every one may enjoy the fruit of his own labours; but also they will be notable shelter for the Cattle in Winter, to preserve them from cold storms; and no less commodious, to keep them from the heat of Summer.  
And if any one shall object against the multitude of ground lost by hedgerowes; let him remember himself, that every hedge gaineth ten times his proportion of land; for that the Cattle in hot weather are thereby shrouded; which else would destroy more with their feet, than they eat with their mouths, by their gadding, and running up and down, whereby that every Beast eateth with five mouths: also they lose more fatness in one hot day, than they gain in three cool days; which is a thing to be considered upon.  
And I dare undertake to extract more riches by ten times unto the ground where any tree groweth out of an hedgerow, than it will be worth when it cometh to be a tree fit for use; therefore I advise all men, to kill many Birds with one boult; for in the hedgerowes a tree spreadeth, fenceth, sheltereth, shadoweth, and increaseth in magnitude altogether.  
And there is no question, but the Tenants will be better able to live, and pay their rents, when they have neither houseboote, ploughboote, nor fire boot to buy; according to the old phrase in ancient Evidences; but have all in their own grounds, as they had in ancient time, before this improvident husbandry was used: for now? Husbandmen are turned prodigals, wasting all in their own time, without care or providence for their posterity.  
And as in Cities, their rents are improved only by the multitude of chambers, and rooms in the Houses to be let; because that there the rents are only given, for the conveniency of habitation: so in the Country, on the contrary, the habitation being least regarded, the rents are raised out of the improvements of the land; which if it be well stored with timber trees, and fruit trees, bringeth no little benefit to both Landlord and Tenant.  
Therefore seeing that if Timber trees should be planted thick in form of a Wood; there would be more loss in the land before the trees come to perfection, than the trees would be worth; considering the length of time, and also how the land might be improved in the mean time: therefore I would have all trees planted in hedgerowes, for the reasons heretofore mentioned.  
Also, I have known an Orchard of ten Acres of ground, which might have been so improved otherways, that it would have maintained a family of ten persons; if all the trees had been transplanted into the hedgerowes, according to the practice used in Worcester, and Herefordshires, and in diverse places beyond the Seas. And if this practice was once generally used, there would be no more danger of stealing, then there is of wheat, or of grapes; or of these fruits where this practice is general through the Country.  
Now for this purpose, it behooveth every Farmer to have a little Nursery, where to sow, or set Acorns, Ash-keyes, Haws, Plumber-stones, Chery-stones, kernels of Apples, Pears, and all manner of fruits fit for his Climate. And for new Invention let him choose the best fruits; For Nature suffereth her Elements to be congealed into good fruits, as gladly as into bad.  
Also, when he setteth his small trees, at the first, let him ram down the earth sad below, and lighter towards the superficies; that so the roots may have a better fabric, and may spread, through all the points of the Compass, or the more of them the better, though not all; and may not point downwards, towards the barren earth, but spread in the rich mould, the better to draw nutriment.  
And when any man would plant twenty fruit trees, let him set forty kernels; and when he seethe how they prove, he may choose the kindly ones, and throw away the other; and not cumber the grounds with them.  
And let him choose neither those that have very long joints, nor those that have very short ones, but the middle sort; for the long jointed plants are apt to spend themselves into leaves, and branches; and the short jointed ones will be but dwarfe-trees.  
And let him choose his grafts precisely; for he shall be sure to find the Proverb true in this work, viz. Such a Mother, such a daughter.  
Whereas diverse attempts have been made for the preserving of fruits form falling in the Spring time, and have not taken that good effect which was hoped for; I will declare my experience therein, by laying open the cause thereof more plainly, then ever I could find written in any book, or discoursed of by any man in all my travels.  
And first, I find the cause thereof to be double; the one by frosts in May, the other by reason that the Trees are  with a more phlegmatic, and waterish juice than is convenient.  
To redress the first, let there be made an earthen pot, like a little Still, to be hanged with a cord in every tree, in frosty nights; half a peck of small coals, which will cost but an halfpenny, will give an air all night, if the pot be covered with a tile, and some wet hay be laid upon it.  
And some years, two or three nights will be sufficient; some years there will need none at all: the way to know when it will freeze, may be found by the weatherglass, described in the Chapter of the Sheep.  
To redress the other inconvenience, I must discourse a little more largely of the cause; first it is found by experience, that those Trees which were barren the former year, do not so easily let their fruits fall with frosts, as the other; the reason is, because those Trees got a more solid juice by their barrenness; for the Sun's heat, in the former year, exhaled and drove out the more phlegmatic juice, and so left the trees better furnished with more firm nutriment for the next year; that being the principal component in all things natural; and being wanting, no fruit prospereth: for as is declared in diverse places of the book; all fruits are compounded of a double substance, the one terrestrial, and the other aethereal, and for the most part, the want of the terrestrial part causeth ill success.  
Now to help this evil, it is found by experience, that when a Tree hath been blown down with the wind, and hath been lifted up again, and covered with new earth; that Tree hath been more fruitful by much, then ever it was before; the reason is, that while it stood firm without altering the earth, it had sucked all the solid juice which lay within its reach, and could get no more.  
Therefore it is very good sometimes to change the earth about the principal roots; and if any roots grow right downward into the barren earth, then to cut them off.  
So shall you have fruits in scarce years, when others have none; in such a year, one bushel of fruits is worth a great number in other years, when Nature is so friendly, as to prosper them every where; whether industry be used or not.   

CHAP. FOUR Wherein is showed how food, and maintenance for the workmen may be provided, by the industry of the said workmen.  
AS for maintenance for the workmen, I see no reason why the Landlords should be remiss in providing the same; in regard that the money laid out upon the improoving of their own lands, will yield a fare greater annual revenue, than twice so much money laid out in the purchasing of new lands. And I see no reason why Tenants at will, Tenants for term of life, or for a short term of years, should be industrious, when as the benefit of their labours, is to fall into other men's purses; unless there be a Contract between the Landlord and Tevant; whereby a just share may redound to both parties answerable to their merit: which it this were done, then would the Husbandmen be much stirred up to try experiments; and if they should but spend their spare times in these works, there is no question, but that many fat veins of marvel, chalk, limestone, and other earth, would be discovered in many places which now lie hidden, and do no good at all.  
Also, the Common wealth would be furnished with Timber trees in such manner, that the wealth thereof would not be so exhausted as it is; and is more like to be in future time, by importation of Timber from other Countries.  
Also, it would be furnished with fruit trees, which is a wonderful commodity, in time of dearth and scarcity; for before this last year, it hath never happened that Corn and Fruits have both failed in one year; but even when Corn was scarce and dear, than fruits were plentiful, which produced Perry and Cider in great plenty; so that the Country received great relief, not only for their drink, but also for their food: and this I can witness for the space of threescore and fourteen years, partly by mine own experiences and partly by my book of fifty year's observations.   

CHAP. V Wherein is showed that the common way in Husbandry at this time used, will produce in length of time, nothing but poverty, and beggary.  
AS for the Common way and practise in Husbandry used at this day, all men of good understanding do know, that it produceth every year barrenness more and more; and in the end, will produce nothing but poverty and beggary: but whether the same may be redressed by new Inventions and Improvements, is a thing much doubted, and indeed, the question cannot be determined by any other way, then by experience, which admitteth no imposture: for every Husbandman knoweth, that sheep being fed upon the Commons, and carried with their full bellies into the Folds upon the arable land, do impoverish the one ground, to fatten the other; whereby it cometh to pass, that one Acre of land enclosed, is better than four Acres of the same in Common: whereby it is plain, that three parts of four, of all Commons are utterly lost: also the destruction of Timber, and the neglect of the increase thereof; also the neglect of several other works plainly declared in this book.  
Also, they know that the Land floods do carry away the fatness from the arable land, and all high grounds, in huge quantity into the Sea; which is further manifested, by the leaving of some small part thereof in the meadows, whereby they are enriched: also the further manifestation of this truth is seen by Nilus in Egypt, the Granary of the World: where they have no more fertility than the water bringeth yearly in his belly in certain months, during its overflowing of the ground; in whose residence left behind, they use to sow their seed, and have incredible increase; and the greater the overflowing is, the greater is their plenty; which they can discern by certain pillars marked with several marks, which the height of the water touching higher or lower, doth demonstrate aforehand the quantity of the ensuing plenty.  
Which residence of the water, if it had happened in a Country where it had not been taken notice of, nor the nutrimental virtue thereof been extracted yearly by sowing of Corn, or other things; there is no question but that it would have become a fat vein of marvel, able to have fertilized other land: for I could never apprehend any other reason of the veins of marvel, but that the water left that fat mussilage in former times: whose fatness hath not been exhausted since by any industry; and the same reason, I conceive, is the cause, why limestone and chalk doth fatten ground; only here is the difference, that the limestone and chalk are covered with more common earth, and are placed so, that the subterraneal vapours do more impregnate them, and indurate them into an hard mass; so that they do stand in need of fire to unlose their firm compaction, whereby they may yield their nutrimental virtue: and where any of these substances shall be discovered, there they are to be accounted as hidden Treasure found, for that they are fare more worth than any Gold or Silver mine; being not only infinite, and not to be exhausted by time: but also the profit thereof not to be diminished through the multitude of Sharers; which inconvenience all other Treasures are subject unto; which is the reason that Husbandry is holden the most honest and conscionable life in the world, and the supporter of all the rest; which being compared with it, are nothing but toys and trifles; neither considerable almost at all, in respect of Husbandry which supporteth the World; whereby it appeareth, that any new Invention or Improvement in Husbandry is inestimable; for that so many lives are thereby sustained.   

CHAP. VI Wherein is showed that the new inventions and improvements contained in this Book, will produce maintenance for all, though they shall grow never so numerous; whereby the Frontispiece of this Book is cleared from imposture, in that it proclaimeth the treasure to be infinite.  
AS for the remedy for the avoiding of the increase of barrenness, and decrease of fertility, caused by the accustomed manner of Husbandry now used; the whole tenor of this Book doth manifestly show: as by these particulars here under written doth more plainly appear, wherein I submit myself to the Readers judgement, not only for the annual profit which will accrue to the Commonwealth: when the said new inventions and improvemen shall be brought to full perfection; but also in the mean time for the setting of poor people to work in the most apt places, to receive the benefit of these new inventions; for I know a thousand places in England, where an hundred pounds laid out, will bring in an hundred pounds per annum, with convenient industry perpetually to the world's end.  
In such places as these I would have my new inventions and improvements put in practice at the first, and afterward according to the old saying, Let him that cometh last, fetch his water the furthest.  
The annual profit of the timber trees after one age, will amount to  
The annual profit of the fruit trees after half an age, will be  
The annual profit of the woody and thorny grounds, being turned into fruitful fields and pastures, will be  
The annual profit of the new meadow ground, caused by the watering and fatting thereof by the Persian wheels, will be  
The annual profit of the Mossy and Ant hilly grounds, being made double of value by these new improvements will be  
The annual profit of the third part of all the arable ground in England, which may be turned into pasture, and hay ground, in regard that the two third parts are sufficient to produce as much corn as all do now, will be  
The Annual profits of the Commons enclosed, in regard that every acre than will be as good as four acres are now, will be worth  
The Annual profit of the Seed saved in setting, more than is spent in sowing, being nine parts in ten, will be worth  
The Annual profit of the more increase upon every acre by setting then by sowing the Common way, will be worth  
The Annual profit of the Orchards being improved after that the trees shall be transplanted into the hedgerowes will he worth  
The Annual profit of the Seed corn steeped in fat water and candied with Lime, and so set or sown in grounds so remote from the Farmer's houses, that it will not quite the cost to carry manure so fare will be worth  
The Annual profits of the uncertain grounds, and such as through their evil temperament do often fail being brought to certainty, and made not subject to fail by mixing them one with another, will be worth  
The profit of the corn preserved from blasting and milldewe, and of the Sheep preserved from rotting, will be once in seven years worth   

CHAP. VII. Wherein is declared the manner how to make barren land fertile▪ and that as the people increase, so by their industry their food may increase, even as twenty Hives of Bees being all industrious do live as well, as if there were but one in the same garden.  
AS for the making of barren Land fertile, I find that it may be done by as many several ways, as medicines are made for the diseases of men and beasts, and that the work requireth as great judgement: for sometimes the ground is over fat, and will bear nothing, as we may see in many places, where it is so fat that it will burn, and there the cure is to cut up a part thereof into turfs, and when they are dried to set them on fire, and so to strew the ashes amongst the rest, to bring it to a temperament.  
For I find a double fatness in every compounded Body, the one combustible, the other incombustible: the combustible fatness causeth vegetation by its rarifying and vaporing quality, when it feeleth the heat of the Sun; the incombustible or fixed fatness causeth to agulation of the said vapours by heat of the Sun likewise by its adstringent quality, and of these two fatness, are all riches and treasures engendered.  
The property of the incombustible fatness is to sink in water, and the property of the other is to swim upon the Water, and that ground which aboundeth with the combustible fatness is apt for such Seeds and Plants as require a combustible fatness.  
And as every compounded Body aboundeth more or less with either of these fatnesses; so it sinketh or swimmeth in water the more eagerly: whereby one general opinion is manifestly found false by experience, which is, that the lightness of a thing causeth it to swim, and the heaviness causeth it to sink.  
And thus I demonstrate it: if you cast the body of a Nut tree which is combustible into the water, it will swim: but if you cast in the shells of the Nuts, which are lighter quantity for quantity, and less combustible, they will sink.  
And for a more full demonstration of this position take this experiment following: gold is the most incombustible substance in the world, and therefore sinketh most eagerly: which may thus quickly be tried; let a twenty shillings piece of gold be weighed against his Brass weight, then let the scales sink an inch or two into a Basin of water, and you shall find the Gold heavier in the water by about ten grains: because that the combustible fatness in the Brass inclineth more to swimming then the Gold, that containeth almost none of that kind of fatness: by this experiment the truth of my position is proved: beside, that any man may by this knowledge discover a counterfeit piece of Gold almost aswell as a Refiner, if he do it exquisitely: for if two pieces of Gold both of one weight, the one true, the other false, be thus let sink into the water, the one will overweigh the other, and the baseness may be discerned by the number of grains differing, without refining it, or defacing it at all: Also hereby Alchemists may learn, if needs they will be meddling, to lay aside their Balderdash compositions and illiterate operations in things not congruent, but much discordant for their purpose.  
But I could wish they would totally leave off the practice for their own good, unless it be such as do it for their pleasure, for they that aim only at profit run a very desperate hazard.  
For not one in a thousand of the seekers find that they seek: besides that I do more than three quarters know that the Art is not so lucrous as they do imagine.  
For I know that the Art is true: also I know no infirmity by myself, why I should not improve it to be lucrous aswell as an other, if it were so feasible a work to be done as is imagined.  
Besides, that the late Writers leaving so many Papers behind them, sheweth plainly, that they had a desire to leave a fame behind them of their knowledge: but if the Art had been so lucrous as some imagine. I suppose that they would have left some memorable acts behind them which would have confirmed the truth of their Papers.  
This digression I have made from my matter, to get some inventive brains to spend their study and labour with me in my new Husbandry, and do verily assure myself that those that refuse my Counsel will repent it.  
Now to proceed according to my intended purpose; I will first declare diverse experiments which I have seen in the fertilizing of land, and the causes thereof, as fully as I could discover them: wherein I challenge no immunity from being sometimes mistaken, no more than others that have written of these hidden and profound matters; and make no question, but that when the light of truth and perfect knowledge, shall abound in the world, that then both they and I, in something shall be found fools upon record.  
Yet as a Physician cannot attain knowledge to cure all diseases, yet hath not lost all his labour, for that he hath attained skill to cure many; so my glimmering light in these matters, is better than none at all.  
I have known a load of Pigeons dung fetched sixteen miles, and a load of Coals given for it; which in the soil where it was fetched, would have done more hurt then good, for the manuring of land; yet where it was carried, it did as much good for the fertilizing of land, as double the charges; which might have been effected as well by a composition of lime and common dung putrified together; the proportion being found by a few trials in small quantity; whereby nine parts in ten of the charge might have been saved.  
For there is no difference of dungs, but as the incombustible astringent fatness doth over-match, or is over-matched by the combustible; so it is more or less apt for a cold, or an hot ground: whereby I conceive, that in the soil where the Pigeon's dung was fetched, the incombustible astringent fatness did predominate; and in the soil where it was carried, the combustible fatness did predominate; so that in one soil the Pigeon's dung cured the barrenness, in the other it poisoned the fertility.  
I have also known many hundred loads of earth sold for twelve pence a load, being digged out of a meadow near to Hampton Court, which were carried three or four miles to the higher grounds, and fertilized those grounds wonderfully, and recompensed the labour and charges very well; which earth being laid upon arable land, within a furlong of the same meadow, did more hurt then good; the reason can be no other, but that the earth digged in the meadow did abound with the incombustible fatness, being the residence of the water, whose property is to carry in his belly that kind of fatness, and to leave it in such places where the slow motion gave it leave; whereby it had a property to fertilise the higher grounds, abounding with the contrary fatness, and to poison the lower grounds, being overcharged with the same fatness before.  
I have also known stiff clay grounds that would seldom be fruitful, unless the season of the year proved very prosperous, to have been cured by laying thereupon a great quantity of light sandy ground; which afterwards was converted to a good temperament, like to the sort of ground, commonly called, Hasell ground, which seldom or never faileth to be fruitful.  
I have known also light sandy ground, which was good for little or nothing, cured by laying thereon a great quantity of stiff clay ground, which converted it to good temperament; where by it became fruitful, and not subject to fail upon every light occasion as it did before, but would abide variety of weather according to the nature of Hasell ground.  
And this Improvement is of no little value, for there is a great difference betwixt land that is subject to fail once in two or three years, and land thus improved that will not fail once in two or three and twenty years, through the distemperature of the weather.  
And there would be many improvements of this nature put in practice, if there were a law, that every Tenant, if he were put out, should recover double his charges of the succeeding Tenant; which may also be done by a Contract between the Landlord and the Tenant, if all would agree; and then men would labour cheerfully, as for their posterity, if they were sure that another should not reap where they have sowed.  
And if men should but spend their spare time in planting, graffing, and improving their land, which now they lose; judging it as good to play, as to work for another; it would make an excellent mutation in Husbandry in an age or two, and very profitable for the general good of the posterity.  
For all men have a natural proneness to work for their posterity, if they might be secured how they should not be frustrated in their expectation; and the very bane of Husbandry at this day, is the incertainty of their terms; as may be seen in Ireland at this time; where having a little more security then in former times, they are more industrious, and live better then in former times, when there was not half so many in number.  
Now to return to my matter: I have known a wonderful damage in the North-Countrey, in the pasture grounds, by their growing with moss, which I have cured sometimes with ashes: and sometimes that cure failed, by reason that the nature of the ground altered; and then I mixed lime with dung, and putrified it together first, and then laid it upon such barren mossy ground, and cured it.  
And a worse damage than this, I found by Molehills, which were increased much in magnitude by Aunts commonly called Pismires, which I could never remedy by any other means, but by digging them into four parts, and then paring away the earth, and laying the ground level with the grass upwards, than the Aunts died, or fled away, being a creature that cannot abide moisture; therefore they raise their hills high from the moisture, and thereby damage their Landlords extremely; afterwards with a great bush of thorns, I harrowed the lose earth even with an Horse; whereby it was much improved, and maintained almost double the number of cattles which it did before.  
I have also known certain Acres of land taken out of a barren Common, which in a few years hath become worth four times so much of the rest that lay in Common: whereby it is manifest, that three parts of four, of all Commons, are lost for want of Husbandry; and to remedy this loss, there is no means but to enclose the said Commons, and then there is no question, but if the Sheep and Cattle which feed upon them, do spend their dung upon them, and also be foddered upon them in the Winter time, that the dung bred by the hey coming out of the meadows, which are fatted by the land-flouds, or by the Persian Wheels; a new Invention profitable to be practised here in England: that then they will increase in fertility every year more and more, until they be as good as the Pastures, which appear evidently to have been taken out of them in former times.  
For the Commons are impoverished two ways by the accustomed ill Husbandry; the first is by driving the Sheep from them with their full bellies, into the folds upon the arable land, whereby the one ground is impoverished to fatten and enrich the other: the second is by keeping them so bare, by reason that there is no stint of Cattle; so that a great part of the fatness doth evaporate by the scorching heat of the Sun into air, and so is joined with the common air, for want of sufficient receptacles to take that benefit.  
For the chief skill in Husbandry is but to plant receptacles for the terrestrial vapours which are seeds and plants: which is manifestly seen, for that a thousand plants or trees will grow upon one Farm, as freely as one.  
But this work of enclosure will never take effect, unless the said enclosures be laid to the Farmer's houses only; in regard that they only have had that little profit of them which hitherto hath been raised.  
For none else have reaped any thing from them hitherto; for that the Gentry's Cattle are usually greater than those barren grounds will maintain, and the poor have few Cattle to put upon them.  
Now whereas this work must be done by the consent of all parties interessed in them; else it is like it will never be done: let us consider how all parties may be gainers by the work, which will cause consent, or else nothing will cause it: for if it be laid by indifferent proportions to the Farmer's houses, then will the Gentry gain by the improvements of their rents; and the Clergy by the improvements of their Tithes: both which hitherto have gained little or nothing; and the poor will gain by their employments in the said improvements, which employments they now want: yet I could wish that in every Parish where Commons are enclosed, a corner might be laid to the poor men's houses, that every one might keep a Cow, or for the maintenance of his family; and the rather, for that they are the best servants to the Commonwealth: for how could the fields be reaped, or the corn thrashed, or other works of like nature be done, if these were wanting.  
Now it is requisite to show some invention for the improvement of the hay grounds: which will be much advantage for the fertilizing of the high barren grounds, by foddering the Cattles there in the Winter time. And for this purpose there cannot be a better way than that used in Persia and Spain, by water wheels of thirty or forty foot high, with wooden bottles which do fill in the river, and empty themselves above into a trough of wood, and so is carried to those grounds where the Land floods never come to flatten them, and by this means the Meadow grounds for Hay may be doubled in many places, not only in quantity, but also in quality.  
For I have known in England, where Hay ground worth but ten shillings an Acre yearly, hath been improved by means of this nature, that it hath borne Hay in such plenty, that it together with the latter crop hath raised ten pounds upon an Acre: but this was in a dry Summer when Hay was very dear and scarce, and therefore is not perpetual, but yet a sufficient gain may be always hereby gotten: I know a man not fare from London, that by laying out three hundred shillings, improved his Land three hundred pounds per Annum by watering it only, by raising the water with dams of earth, so that it might at his pleasure overflow his barren grounds, which profit might still be doubled by this invention of the Persian wheels: whereby the water might be raised so high, that it would overflow the barren grounds higher, and broader than before by the half; and this water, if it come from Chalky, or Limestone grounds, or be coloured with Land-stouds, doth fatten the ground wonderfully.  
Of these Wheels there is to be seen in Persia, two or three hundred in a River, whereby their grounds are improved extraordinarily; and I see no reason but that good use may be made of them here in England.  
And though this increase of fodder will be very conducible for the manuring of the high grounds, whereby they may gather fertility, by having the Sheep and Cattle foddered upon them in the Winter time, whereby they shall not only receive the benefit of the dung bred upon them, but also of this new Meadow-ground; yet my meaning is not totally to take away the use of the Sheep-fold upon the arable land; for in the great Corn Countries where the Sheep are kept in the fields; there they do good in keeping the fields bare, although they be folded in the night; and in the other Countries where there is not much Tillage, I would have all men to endeavour to make as much use of my ensuing experiments as they can possibly, with convenience; which will raise manure enough in most places, to serve their turn, so that they will not need to use the Sheepfold, whereby by one ground is so much impoverished to in rich the other; and where there is no remedy, there they may drive the Sheep to the fold out of the new enclosures, as well as now out of the Commons in the Summer time: but then the fertility of their new enclosures will increase much more slowly than otherways, if the Sheep and Cattle shall manure them both in Summer and Winter.  
I must needs confess that the dung of Sheep is a very temperate manure for much Corn ground, and is not so hot as Lime, Pigeons dung, or Poultry dung; nor on the other side, so cold as Cow dung, or Ox dung, and therefore to supply the place of it, there is required a composition of lime and dung together, which the proportion being found, and being laid interchangeably in leers in a dunghill, and so let lie a certain space to putrify and rot together, will supply the room of the Sheep's manure most excellently.  
Also in places convenient, I would have Ponds made to receive the water of Land-flouds, which once a year will yield great store of good manure, but the best will be where the Land-flouds come from fertile fields, and from Towns: but especially from Market Towns whose streets are paved.  
Also within the Tide work, I would have sluices in all your ditches that fence in your grounds, where the water may be let in swiftly, and after it hath settled clear, then let it out very slowly, and it will leave a fat residence behind it; for it is certain, that all the fat veins of Marle were left by the water in former times, by its slow departure from such places; for it is manifest that all these varieties of earths have been caused in former times by the various motion of the water, as may be seen by the difference between the earth's fatness in several places upon the Sea coast; for in Devonshire the Sea leaveth a sand so fat, that they carry it many miles on Horseback to manure land withal; and where it is laid, the fertility is increased wonderfully: but how these fat veins of Marle came to be laid in their places, is much controverted; some think by Noah's Flood; others hold, that all Land hath once been Sea, and will be Sea again by turns in length of time; which opinion is not so frivolous as it seemeth at the first show; for we see that the Sea doth continually get Land in one place, and lose Land in another, and of that earth which the Sea carrieth in his belly, it leaveth the fattest part thereof in such places, where it goeth out with the slowest motion; which may be seen by experience in Rivers; for where the water runneth swiftly, it carrieth with it the whole body of the earth, and as the motion groweth slower, it leaveth it again: first, the heavy gravel is left; next, the plain earth is left; and lastly, when it cometh to an exceeding slow motion, or still standing, there it leaveth his fatness.  
But whether all the Land hath been Sea, I make some question: but it is certain that a great part thereof hath been Sea: for pieces of Ships and Anchors have been found in Germany two hundred miles from the Sea, being covered with earth by the motion of the water: also diverse Shells and other things have been found in England fare distant from the Sea: also the Hills and Dales upon the Land, do show plainly the work of the water, even as the Claw of a Bear, or a Lion, doth show by his print that a Bear or a Lion hath been in such a place.  
I have tried to putrify water by itself, and also with helps, and do find that it may be done even as milk by help of rennet is curdled into cheese; a thing that no man would believe, but that experience shows it to be true; but as yet I have not brought the experiment to full perfection, and therefore as yet I will respite the publishing thereof: some experience hereof may be seen in the Moats and standing Pools which yield great store of good Manure, and I wish that they were more made use of.  
For I have seen much oversight committed by many Husbandmen, in letting out the putrified and coloured water from their Moats and dunghill Pools, to the intent that the Manure in the bottom might be the sooner dried in Summer, and fit for carriage to their Land; whereas all the water that was high coloured, might have been improved in such frugal manner by a little industry, that it would have produced such an increase of so much Barley, as would have made as much good drink for the Husband man's provision, as the coloured water which was lost.  
And in this manner I would have it ordered: in the heat of Summer when the Sun hath exhaled a great part of it, and that it groweth thickish and fat; then reserve a good pit full thereof, well bottomed with Clay, that will hold water, and at Seed time steep your Seed Corn in it, but put the fat water to it, by little and little as it drinketh it up: that at the last it may be almost dry of itself: but before it be full dry, sift a small quantity of Lime amongst it, that so it may grow dry with the Lime, and be like Comfits: then with this Seed Sow or Set your most remote ground from your Dunghills, and by this means, you will save ten times as much labour in carriage of your dung, so fare as this labour cometh too, and as for your crop, though you shall not have so much increase as some have Mountebanklike reported of it, yet you shall have a good material increase for one crop only, and corn thus ordered is not subject to be devoured of fowls when it is new swoon.  
The like infusion may be made with Lees of Wine, Ale, Beer, Perry, Cider: also with Beefe-Broth, and the Brine of powdering Tubs, and all such liquors as contain any fatness, and these liquors are best mixed diverse sorts together where they may be had.  
And I have sometimes spritted the Corn a little as they use to do for Malt, and then have sown it, and it came up speedily, and got the predomination of the weeds at first, and so kept the same: whereby I had fare greater increase then ordinary.  
Also I found sometimes when a dry season came upon the sowing, that my Corn thus ordered took root far better than other men's Corn: who would not take this small pains to steep it and spirit it.  
Now for the residue of your coloured fat water, it may be carried in great Tuns as the Salt-peter-men carry their liquors: and therein having diverse holes, you may water your arable Land that lieth next to your houses: also you may get good quantity of old Thatch or Straw, and spread it on the ground by the Pondside in the heat of Summer, and ever at spare times as you see it dry, water it with a Scoop, but not so much, as that any shall run away, and continue this work till all the fat water be dried upon it: then lay it on round heaps and let it rot into dust: this dust is little inferior to Pigeon's dung for the manuring of Land, especially, if you have dried great quantity of the fat water upon it.  
And I would have your Moats and standing Pools so placed, that all the Urine and fat moisture of your Stables, beast-houses, Kitchens, and other houses of Office may descend unto it.  
By these several means aforesaid, you may double your quantity of manure every year, and so consequently the increase of your crops, if good heed be taken that none of your coloured fat water pass away: for there is a wonderful fattening virtue in that part of the Manure, which is the most apt to dissolve, and to colour the water.  
And this fat Musselage being so apt to be carried in the belly of the Water at Land-floods, hath caused the valleys to be so fat and fertile, and the high ground to be so barren.  
Yet we see by manifest experience, that there is a remedy by industry to cure the barrenness of the high grounds, for if we observe it well, we shall find that the Farmer's dwelling in barren soils, are generally richer by their industry, than those that dwell in the fatter soils.  
Now for so much as there is so great a difference of the nature of Land, and also there is so great variety of the weather in these insulary Countries: there can be no absolute rule prescribed to hit the bird in the eye, in the composition of Manure for all sorts of grounds and weathers.  
Therefore every one is to make use of his own experience, sometimes in small quantities, whereby many excellent and profitable experiments may be discovered.  
And for his better furtherance to hit the mark, I will here set, down, as plainly as I can, the causes of barrenness in this kind, which I find to be these: when the combustible fatness doth much predominate in any earth, as it doth usually in the higher grounds; and the reason is, because that the water is prone to carry the incombustible fatness in his belly from the higher grounds, and to leave the same upon the lower and more level grounds, and therefore that ground requireth Cow or Ox dung, which is combustible, to bring it to a good temperament; likewise the higher grounds require Lime, Ashes, Chalk, Pigeonsdung, and Poultry dung, to bring them to a good temperament: for these two fatnesses are of different nature, yet nothing increaseth without them, both mixed, for it is the nature of the combustible fatness to grow soft, to rarify and turn into a vapour by the heat of the Sun; and of the incombustible fatness to harden and coagulate by the heat of the Sun, and by these two contrary qualities all riches are engendered.  
Wherefore as Actuarius, the Physician summeth up all his Art in one line in these words: In omni affectione morhosa con●rar●s est pugnandum: So I sum my Art as briefly, viz. that every cure in Husbandry is to be performed by mixing the Land with a composition of Manure, contrary to that which causeth its barrenness.  
And oftentimes this labour may be saved by choosing apt Seeds, and Plants: for some soils which will not bear one thing at all, yet are very fertile in bearing another.  
And this is the reason that the old saying is true, Non omnis fert omniatellus: For where the Seed or Plant requireth a greater part of the one of the fatnesses more than the other, there that Seed or Plant prospereth, where the congruent fatness doth predominate, which by its Magnetic virtue it is prone to draw to it; to increase his like according to the great Magna Charta or Grand-law of nature: whereas diverse other Seeds or Plants, would not prosper at all in such ground.  
Whereby it is plain, that as the various temperament of earth's do require various Seeds and Plants: so they do require various compositions of Manure, to bring them to a temperament: which compositions can never be found out, but by practice and trial of sundry conclusions upon small quantities of Land, at the first, with sundry compositions, as to mix Lime with dung in several proportions with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. or more to one, as occasion shall require, and when the true proportion is found, then to proceed in greater works.  
And I hold it good, that no Lime be laid upon the high ground, before it be quenched with some small quantity of Ox or Cow dung: for by this means the Land-floods are not so apt to wash it away: for the Lime of itself is very apt to turn into Mussilage with water, and so to be carried away.  
Now to show how these inventions and improvements are able to change the former practices in Husbandry, in such manner, that the fertility may now perpetually increase, contrary to the former practice, whereby it yearly and hourly decreased; I will contract my experiments into a lesser room, whereby the memory of the Readers shall be less charged.  
And first it is manifest, that the Hay coming by the fattening and watering of the barren Land adjoining to the Meadows, by the Persian wheels, produceth dung to fatten the high barren grounds by foddering the Sheep and cattles therewith in the Winter time: whereby one barren ground is made so fertile that it fatneth another.  
Also the Mussilage of water now gotten by Land-floods which before was lost and carried into the Sea, doth help much for the same purpose.  
Also the benefit of Moats and standing Ponds more than before, whereof great quantity may be by industry produced, doth much help likewise for the said purpose.  
Also the new increase of Wood will make better provision of Lime then heretofore, which will be infinitely conducible to the said purpose.  
Also the Art of putrifying of Water, not as yet brought to full perfection, the best and most expeditious way will do much good for the said purpose: for though it be as yet a thing not fully perfected, yet it is not totally in the air, for I can do it already, but not in such exquisite manner for expedition in great quantity, as I mean to do before I publish it.  
And for present satisfaction, let all men know that the fatness which is loathest to sink in water, is the most noble fatness of all other, and not inferior to Pigeons dung: for the reason why it is so loath to sink, is because of its excellent temperament, being compounded of both the contrary fatnesses formerly spoken of; so that the combustible fatness in it being joined with the incombustible, causeth it to be so loath to sink.  
Now if all these new Inventions for the provision of manure shall double the former quantity, as by indifferent industry it is very possible they may; then will the fertility be likewise doubled; and so consequently the same quantity of land being thus improved, will maintain double the number of people.  
For it is a strange thing to see how little a quantity of land, will maintain a family of people, being industriously improved.  
Of which experience, none can better bear witness then myself, whose Predecessors, though generously descended, lived well upon a small Farm; and by their industry, maintained, and educated their children, in manner not much inferior to the sons of the best Knights and Gentlemen in the Country.  
And it is certain, that there is sufficient fatness of both kinds in every Country, to bring all the Land to a good temperament and fertility; though it is discretion at the first, in such places where it may be done with the least labour and charges; for though the water carry the fatness from the Land into the Sea in never so great quantity, yet the Sea casteth it forth again in some place or other; whereby it may by industry be recovered covered in such places, and new mixed by the found judgement of the Husbandmen.  
For though I can scarcely believe that all Land hath been Sea, viz. the great East and West Countries, yet it appeareth evidently, that the greatest part of those great Countries have been Sea, and also that these insulary Countries have been Sea totally.  
For it is impossible that the water in the Deluge should in so short a time, make so great an alteration upon the Terrestrial Globe, as is manifest it hath, by these ensuing demonstrations.  
First, it appeareth in the West-part of England, that though the waters in the Deluge might bring that multitude of Firre-trees which are there found in the earth; yet it could not possibly cover them so deep with earth, in so short a time; it being found by experience, that where the water casteth out earth, and heightneth the earth to get itself a Concave; there it doth that work by little and little, in long time.  
Secondly, it appeareth in the East-part of England in the Fens, by shells, Anchors, and other things frequently found, that that ground hath been Sea in former time; and the multitude of earth laid upon those things, could not be done in so short a time.  
Thirdly, it appeareth that all England hath been Sea; by the hills, and dales, and unevenness of the ground: being evidently graven by the water, whose property is to wear the ground deepest, in such places where the earth is most lose, as it is in all valleys; and to spare it most, in all rocky and firm grounds, of which sort the Mountains are.  
And this is more manifest by the Rivers which grind themselves a passage into the Sea through the losest earth, which is cause that they run so crooked.  
And this all Fishers and watermen can tell, for that they find the water deepest in the losest earth; and ebbest where it is most compacted and firm: for Mountains and Valleys at land, are depths and shallowes at Sea.  
Which thing considered together with the special compass of the Sea, acquiring his deepness by its elevation, more than by graving itself an hollow concavity to abide in, doth show that there is no such impossibility for the Sea to alter his place according to the motion of the fixed celestial Orbs, which some think to be chiefly through the slow motion of the fixed stars, and that it will make his revolution upon the earth, in such time as the fixed stars make their revolution in the Heavens; both which motions are so slow, that they are not taken notice of by men of vulgar capacity; and though this thing be not generally received for truth; yet it accordeth with reason and possibility, as well as any opinion hitherto broached.  
And the reason of this my relation is to good purpose, for by this means men may more easily find out the fat veins of Marle, and know how to mix their ground in such sort, that it may be brought to a fertile temperament where the water hath left it in an evil temperament; and for their furtherance, they may make balls of earth, of several sorts, and burn them in the fire, and by their lightning in their weight in the burning, they may get some light how to mix them, to bring them to a good temperament.  
And I see no reason why Landlords should be remiss in these trials; for where a Lordship is discovered to have several earths, the one able to bring the other to a fertile temperament, there the rents will be wonderfully advanced.  
Neither do I see that men should be remiss in this work, because that in length of time, all their land thus improved will become Sea: for the motion is so slow, that all estates are changed before there can be any material alteration; it being found by Mathematicians, that the fixed stars make not their revolutions in less time than thirty six thousand years.  
And the reason why the earth is more compact and firm in one place then in another, can be no other than this; for that the subterraneal vapours do impregnate it, and tie it together more firmly in one place then in another; whereof some of them are so strong, as to turn it into rocks of stone; some able to glue it together like firm earth; some so weak, that the water is able to dig it, and carry it in its belly, to such places where the slow motion thereof giveth it leave to sink.  
And these are all the reasons that ever I could conceive why the Sea is so various in its deepness, and also why the Land is so uneven with Mountains and Valleys; being so wrought to that unevenness by the water in former times: and I could wish that men should not think their labour overmuch in these works; for that the riches this way gotten, are more durable than other riches; for that they are not gotten by the prejudice of others; which is manifested by diverse examples; wherein the one is found to continue to many posterities; the other to rust and grangrene in short time into nothing.   

CHAP. VIII. Wherein is showed, how to prevent the blasting of Corn, and that the cause thereof doth not come through thunder and lightning, according to the common opinion, but through the deficiency of the husbandmen's knowledge.  
IT is found by a general practice in the Vale of Belvoire, commonly called Beaver, where the best, and purest Wheat in Europe usually groweth; that if the Farmer's sow their Wheat upon the fallows, than it is usually blasted, by reason of the fatness of the ground, which this grain cannot endure; but if they sow it with Barley first, and Peason next, to abate the fertility, and overmuch fatness thereof; than it is not subject to blasting; by this it appeareth at the first show, that the fatness of the soil is the only cause of blasting: but upon better consideration, I have found two other causes concurring to produce this effect, whereof neither of them are thunder and lightning, according to the vulgar opinion; for that would blast one ear as well as his next fellow growing so near it; for what should defend the one more than the other; or what should defend the Wheat sown, after the two crops of Barley and Peason, but the leanness of the land; which the former practitioners this way not considering, spoilt their project, by over-fatning the ground; thinking thereby to regain in the greatness of the increase, the great charge and labour, which they were at in setting it the rude way with a board with holes in it.  
And as for the other two causes of their failing, they were these: First, in a moist year the immoderate raines joined with the fatness, and glutted the roots overmuch with fatness and moisture together, which this grain will not suffer: Secondly, when the ground was not overfat, yet the great raines carried down the fatness, into the lower places of the land, and so blasted that Wheat which grew there, letting the other escape unblasted, that grew upon the ridges, and on the top of the little furrows; where the wet and fatness descended from them speedily, and did not overcharge them with fatness and moisture together.  
I have pulled up a thousand ears, both blasted, and unblasted; and have searched into the causes, as fare as my capacity would extend, and can find no other cause but these.  
And it is certain, that neither of these causes alone doth produce this effect, but both joined together, viz. too much fatness and moisture, both at once: for the practitioners of this work, in some dry and hot years, had extraordinary great increase, which animated them to follow it so fiercely diverse years; there being no question, but that else one year's practice would have satisfied them; for they knew the great charge and labour in one year, as well as in many, and had increase when the dryness of the year served to recompense all, or else they would have instantly ceased.  
And it is as certain, that moisture without too much fatness doth not produce this effect; for than it would do it upon Wheat sown the third Crop, as well as upon the first; which sometimes, in immoderate rainy years it doth upon some ears growing in the hollower places of the land, in the third Crop; the reason is, as I said before, because the rain carrieth thither the fatness of the higher ridges, and so overchargeth it in those places with fatness and moisture together; for Wheat and Hops are both of a nature, they will not prosper but in moist ground; yet they are easily overcharged with moisture: therefore as Hops must be hilled, that they may draw moisture at pleasure, and not have it forced upon them; so must Wheat, or else the Husbandman will be often frustrated of his expected increase; which our former setters of Wheat, not knowing, or at least, not observing, had their Crop so often blasted, that at length their project was blasted for want of judgement, and experience.  
Also their tedious manner of going to work, by diging their ground, and setting the Wheat with such a number of workmen, for want of invention, did make the loss more intolerable; for they hoped for a wonderful increase, which some dry years they observed; but in moist years, their Corn was much more blasted, then that sown the common way upon lean ground; whereby we see how easily a good cause may be spoiled.  
Now to remedy all these inconveniences, there is no way but my two new Inventions, or Engines; the first remedieth the great charge and labour of workmen; for by this invention, two men, or boys, may set an Acre upon a day; whereas before, forty persons were little enough to do it; and doth excel the old way in expedition, even as the Science of Printing doth excel writing.  
And the other Engine doth afterwards lay the Land in little furrows or ridges, just upon the top of the rows of Corn: so that all the other inconveniences are remedied: for than neither Surplusage of moisture annoyeth it, nor frost in Winter killeth it, lying at such a convenient deepness.  
And this way the Land will abide to be made flatter then before, that it may produce a fare greater increase.  
Also the Land need not to be digged this way, as they used to do before: but only ploughed, and harrowed, and then the Wheat set.  
And you shall find that the Wheat which will Sow one acre the Common way, will set ten acres this way, and notwithstanding you shall have a fare greater crop.  
And as for your Seed, you may if you please pick it out of the middle of the ear for your trial in small quantities, but when you deal in great quantities, you may hang a cloth over a beam in a long room, so that the neither end lie upon the ground, and then with a shovel a great way off, you may cast it over the beam in such manner, that a fourth part thereof, or as near as you can, may fly over the beam, and so be parted by the cloth, and you shall find that fourth part larger and greater Corn than the other a great deal, which will serve for your Seed.  
And in this manner may be set all manner of Corn whatsoever, and with the like utility.  
But for Rye, (yet Rye will double the labour, if it be furrowed), Barley and other grain, you need not to make it into little furrows and ridges, as you are to do the Wheat, they being not so subject to blasting, but the Wheat being to be set in moist Clay ground must be so ordered, to prevent the inconveniences aforesaid, and where the ground is very moist, there the little furrows and ridges must be contrary to the common way: for they must be made from the ridge of the Land, to the furrow of the Land, that so the moisture may descend without drowning the corn, and in this manner you shall have almost as good Corn to the furrows, as at the ridges which is seldom seen the common way; but many times the half Land is wholly killed with being overcharged with moisture, and it happeneth well the common way, if upon due trial there be half so much Corn upon that half of the Land towards the furrow, as there is of the other half towards the ridges.  
And for more full satisfaction of this work, I would have every one to try a few perches of ground, first, a year, two or three, which he may do for so little quantity, with a board with holes, five or six inches, distant the old way, and then he may with a Spade for so little ground make it into little ridges and furrows, and if he find no inconvenience but the charge of many workmen, he may provide the Engines afterward, which will cure that inconvenience.  
And I would have no man to lay an aspersion upon this work, or any of the other, before it be duly tried, whether it be a profitable invention or no: for if it be much available for the general profit, than it is supported by many excellent examples in former time; for as I said in the beginning, as the people grew more and more numerous, so they were more and more put to their shifts for inventions to get their live: for when they were but few, they found maintenance out of Fish, Fowle, Venison, and other things afforded freely by nature: but afterwards they were glad to take Spades, and to dig, and from that to the plough, that chiefest of all Engines, and the manner of working they were glad to alter: for when Land came to be scarce for the maintenance of the inhabitants, they found the use of fallowing and manuring: whereby the Land got more fertility in one year's rest, then by the former way in many years, when they used to let it lie to grass for many years to gather heart of itself: by this invention a Country would maintain double the number of people more than before, being only thus helped by industry. Of these works Solomon meaneth where speaking of the Husbandman's knowledge, he saith that his God hath taught him: the Ancients used to deify their Inventors as Bacchus, Ceres, etc. and the wisest of all that had more understanding than to think them to be gods, yet thought they were men in high favour with the gods: for that they saw their inventions prospered, and took such admirable effect for the general good of the universe.  
And I would have no man to spurn against these improvements, being so manifestly conducing to the general good of all persons and commonwealths: for if they do, they will be found upon due trial by the judgement of the most understanding men in these affairs in the whole Kingdom, with whom I have conferred, to be contenders against the common profit, and welfare of the Land.  
And it is not intended that this work of setting of Corn, should be generally put in practice at the first: but in every place a little in the most convenient and apt places, that so the people may be well skilled in it, and fit to follow it more earnestly in time of dearth and scarcity, wherein so much Corn may be saved for present relief and necessity, that it will be as good as a general Storehouse for the whole Kingdom, for by this invention, we do as it were borrow of nature a multitude of quarters of Corn for present maintenance and food till the ensuing Harvest.  
Because that the gain in dear years of Corn is so infinite in this work; for the last year there might have been saved fifteen shillings, besides all charges, in every Acre of Barley, in the price of the Seed; and also the Crop would have been better by the least as much more. I will here make a description of the Engine, which else would puzzle the best Engineres in the World; for if it be set at convenient depth and distance, than there groweth no weeds at all, as I have found by good experience; for if the earth be equally charged with profitable seeds, than it produceth no weeds; else it will spend itself into weeds, or something; for I have found double increase when I have set it four inches distant, and about two inches, or two inches and an half deep, more than when I set it deeper or thinner: therefore in regard that every good and expert Engineer may make the rest of the Engines in this Book, by the light therein given, I will trouble myself no more, but to let them teach the rest; and so proceed to describe this, that it may not be lost in future time.  
And thus I begin my description; let there be two boards of equal breadth, boared with wide holes at four inches distance, and be set in a frame two foot high, the one from the other.  
Then let there be a funnel for every hole, made of thin boards about two inches square.  
Then for the top, let there be two thin boards of equal breadth, boared likewise; whereof the uppermost is to be boared with an hot iron, with holes longer the one way then the other; and is to be of such a thickness, that but one Corn only can lie in the hole.  
The other board is be boared with wide holes, and to be lose, that while the Engine is charged, the whole part may be under the holes of the uppermost board; and when the holes in the earth are made by the neither works, then to be moved so, that all the Corns may drop down.  
And for charging, a little Corn being swept up and down by a broom, or a brush, will fill the holes; and if any miss, the workman may put in here and there an odd Corn with his fingers, and then moving the second board till the holes be answerable, all the Corns will drop down at an instant.  
Then let a large ledge be set about the top of the Engine, to keep the Corn from spilling, and so is the upper part thereof made.  
As for the neither work, it is somewhat more chargeable and intricate; for there must be for every hole, a little socket of brass, cast with a verge to nail unto the neither board about the hole, which must be turned, and boared, all of one wideness to an hair's breadth, and must be wide above, and straight below, like a faucet.  
Then there must be iron pins of five inches long, of great thick iron wire, drawn so fit, that no earth can come into the brass sockets.  
Now to make these play up and down at pleasure, is the greatest skill in the whole work; and there is no other way, but that which is here described.  
There must be for every wooden funnel a piece of iron forged flat, with an hole in the middle, edgwise; which through two slits in the neither part, must play up, and down; through which a brass nail must be fastened, cast with an head, contrary to other nails, bowing downwards, to which the iron pins must be fastened with wires, and so thrust down, and plucked up at pleasure.  
And then every end of the flat pieces of iron, must be fastened into a piece of wood, of such thickness, that two thereof may fill up the distance between the rows of the wooden funnels.  
These may be made to play up and down like Virginal jacks; and when they are lifted up, than the brass funnels being wider above then below, giveth leave for the Corn to fall into the holes, all an an instant.  
These jacks must be fastened together, the two first on either side of the wooden funnels; then so many together as the weight of the workmen is able to thrust down to make the holes.  
And there must be a stay to hold up the jacks at pleasure, when they are lifted up again to such an altitude, as that the corns may descend by them into the holes.  
And the bottom of the iron pins must be flat, and by that means they will not be so apt tp draw up earth into the funnels; also the roots of the Corn will spread better, and bring a greater increase, if the ground be saddened a little in the bottom of every hole.  
And the tops of the iron pins must likewise be flat, and hang a little lose in the wires; else if any of the brass sockets get a little wrench, they will not be drawn thorough, because the holes must be straight.  
Though the making of this Engine be somewhat chargeable and toublesome, yet if skilful men first break the ice, than it will be common, and the most profitable Invention that ever was found out.  
And the top of the Engine must be ledged about with large ledges, to keep the Corn from spilling; so will a quart or two of Corn serve a good while, and must be renewed upon occasion.  
And the neither half part of every wooden funnel, must be lose on one side, to take off and on at pleasure; to amend that which is amiss, upon every occasion.  
Also if the slittes in the funnels be lined with iron, the work will be more durable.  
But lest that the charge of this Engine, together with the difficulty of getting it, may be a hindrance to the work intended; I will add a description of a more easy way for the poorer sort, which is subject to the capacity of every ordinary workman, and is made of wood only; without either brass or iron: but herein I will tell no wooers tales, but the worst as well as the best; for these Engines will not endure like the other; besides that, there must be four workmen, because that the Engine must be made of two parts; the one to go before and make the holes, the other to come after, and to drop in the Corn; this last must not differ a whit from the upper part of the former; only it must have four feet like tops, in the four corners, which must be set right in the holes, which are made by the other part which goeth before; which likewise must have four such feet, to leave an impression when it is remooved forward, whereby the second may be rightly placed, so that the Corns may fall right into every hole.  
That part which must make the holes, is to be made of two boards of equal breadth to the other, and must be boared full of holes, of equal distance likewise; the wooden pins must be greater than those of iron; because the holes will need to be somewhat large and wide; and they must be fast in the upper board, and lose in the neither board.  
And if the Engine be large, as this way it may be larger than the other; by reason that it is easilier lifted and removed, being in two parts; then the upper part must be slit, and divided into so many parts, that the weight of the workmen by treading upon them, may press them down to make the holes.  
And though this way will require four workmen, yet the charge will not be double, nor much more than the former way; by reason that the workmen may go forward with more expedition; and may set a broader compass of ground at one time.   

CHAP. IX. Wherein is manifestly showed the cause of the mildew, with the preventions and cures.  
AS for the Mildew, it is a thing quite contrary to Blasting, and is thus caused: When the flowers, and blossoms are in their pride, and fullness, the Sun by his heat, exhaleth some part of their sweetness, and converteth the same into Common Air; which in the night is condensed, and falleth into dew upon such things as have most virtue attractive to draw it unto them: Of which sort are chief the leaves of the Oak tree, next to that are Hops, next to that is Corn; this dew being unctuous and clammy, is apt to coagulate and harden by the heat of the Sun upon the Corn the next day; and if it happen often to fall upon diverse days together, and no rain come to wash it off, than it getteth power to suffocate, and strangle the vegetative virtue of the Corn; and so it withereth by the heat of the Sun, whose heat before caused it to vegetate and multiply: as for the remedy it is thus to be cured; let two men in the morning before the rising of the Sun, go up and down the furrows of the Corn, and holding a cord stretched betwixt them, carry it so, that it may shake off the dew, which will easily be done before that the Sun's heat hath exhaled the thinnest part thereof, and caused the thicker part to be clammy and glutenous: and for better information of the time of this accident, let men observe when the Hive Bees go abroad more early than ordinary, and let there be watchmen for this purpose; and to the end that all things might be conducible to the general profit; I will spend a few lines in the commendation of this creature of God, the Bee; who getteth her riches totally, out of nothing but what else would be lost; for whatsoever she getteth, is that which the flowers by their attractive virtue draw to them in the night, out of the dew that falleth; and if the Bees should not by their industry, in the day time, fetch it away, the said flowers would not draw the same the next night, and so the food of honey would be lost; for all food is nothing but Air congealed, which is manifest in the precedent, and ensuing discourses: therefore seeing that these creatures are such an excellent instrument to congeal Air, I wish they were more made use of; for what were it for every one to have Bees, they ask nothing but an house rentfree to dwell in, and when they die, they bequeath their riches to their landlords: I have known many experiments tried to save their lives, by driving them, feeding them, sleeping them, that they should not eat that in Winter, which they got in the Summer, but all was vain; for what was gotten in the East, was lost in the West, and when all ways were tried, the old ways were found to be the best, and surest: I must confess, I have seen Bees driven into a new hive in the plain Country, and so carried into the Forest, wherein the flowers and blossoms flourished later than in the plain Country, and by that means they got maintenance for the Winter following, but this was in a year when the weather was fair and prosperous all the while, during the flourishing of the flowers and blossoms in both Countries; which is a thing very seldom seen, and therefore I will advise no man to the practice, being so fickle and dangerous; for I love not to Tantalise men with vain hopes, for. Tantalus his Apples never filled the belly, nor the purse; which was cause that I advise men so much to industry, as the surest way for their profit, and wish that they may not be Tantalized by others, which tell them fair tales sorting with their humours; thereby gaining opportunity to make use of the most dispositions, which are apt to give credence upon slight grounds, if the tale told be such as they desire to be true, though it be impossible; according to the old Proverb, Quod volumus omnes facile credimus: which is cause that so many are deceived in the world: for their constitution ruleth their passion almost generally, and their passion likewise overruleth their reason, so that he that looketh into the business perspicuously, thinketh the world to be mad or foolish; and the world thinketh the same by him, as it was by Democritus, who through his contrariety in conceit, to the vulgar multitude was deemed mad, though he had more wit than all the rest; whereby it appears, that strong conceit, rather than solid understanding, beareth the greatest sway in the world; and there is another reason why I would have every one to have Bees, and that is, that they might be their School Masters, as well as their watchmen, to forewarn them of the mildew: for their industrious heed in this work, that no opportunity escape them to work, while the time serveth for the general welfare of their Commonwealth, declareth the admirable discipline of the great law of Nature, which they obey, and will by no means break for any conceits, or private quarrels: and let me not forget to spend a little Ink and Paper about Hops. I have known a thousand pound damage in one Hoppe Garden in a week, or a fortnight's time, by this Mildew: I have shaken some poles in the morning, and have found that it did good, by the difference betwixt those, and the others; but I have not brought the experiment to full perfection, for want of opportunity: I thought to have watered the Hops with such spouts as are used in London, when houses are on fire, by sprouting up the water very high, that it might fall like rain, and perform the effect thereof; and let no man overvalue the charge, for one thousand pounds worth of Hops being preserved thus, when others neglect, the work will be worth near ten thousand pound: such a year, when the greatest part are spoiled by this misfortune; which is manifest by the difference of the prizes at Sturbridge Fair, and other places; being one year at twenty, or thirty shillings a hundred, and the next year at ten pound a hundred: If any one will try this experiment fully, that hath better opportunity than I have, and then publish it for the general good, he shall be my brother; for that we are both of a Trade, or profession, which shall be called Knowledge-mongers, differing from Fishmongers, Iron-mongers, etc. in that we pay so dear for our wares, and give them away for nothing, which is the cause why we thrive no better of our Trades; but let us not be disheartened, for we will lay our heads together, to bring our Trade into request, by laying open the benefit of our Inventions, and by discovering the vanity of other devices, where one man's gain cometh by another's loss; so will the Major part come tous, through their good dispositions, and love to virtue, honesty, and goodness, and so the rest must come to us by force, or else want and poverty will expel them out of the School of Husbandry; and we will comfort ourselves in the mean time, with the incomparable joy of a good conscience, and fear no disaster in our enterprise, assuring ourselves, that God is on our sides, and so conclude with the saying, Si Deus nobiscum quis contra nos?   

CHAP. X. Wherein is manifestly showed the cause of the rotting of Sheep, with the prevention and cure.  
AS for the rotting of Sheep; a thing which hath undone many an honest simple man, for want of knowledge to prevent it; I will proceed according to my wont manner, to investigate the cause, thereby gaining facility, to acquire the remedy; and for that the loss of the goods is not all, but that there is as great a loss in the fertility of the Corn ground which should be manured by these cattle; I will use the more diligence.  
It is certain, that Sheep, of all other Cattle, are of cold and moist constitution, which is evident, in regard they can live without drinking of water; though when they see it, they will sometimes drink; yet is it then but a fancy, in regard it is well known they can live well without it, and prosper as well as with it: this showeth that their livers are cold and moist of their own nature, and cannot abide surplusage of moisture like other cattle; and therefore in a moist Summer they are troubled with this disease in the same ground, where in a dry year, they are not thereunto subject; the reason is, that in certain grounds, the quality of the grass is changed with much moisture, and aboundeth with the laxative, or rarifying sort of fatness, which is subject to dissolve their livers, being the fountain of liquor which should moisten their bodies with good juice; and through this dissolution nature is not able to make due separation of the nutrimental part, but suffereth it to go to the parts desiring nourishment unseparated, whereby their bodies are  with noxious and waterish humours; thereby causing death and destruction to the bodies thus distempered; as for the cure, it is difficult, unless it be done betime, before the dissolution of the liver be too far out of frame: the best way for their cure, is to remove them to the salt Marshes, or to the dry forest, whose nutriment is astringent, and fastening, by reason of the incombustible and binding fatness there predominating; but because this remedy is not every where to be had, let us think of some universal remedy, of which sort I know none, but vigilant providence, in due time to prevent it; and where I have had an intent to water Hay with salt water, so long as the saltness would not cause them to forbear to eat it; yet in regard I have not had opportunity to try the experiment fully, I will only commend it as a probable, but not an approved medicine.  
But to proceed to the preventions of this disease, the best part of Physic; let every Harvest, a certain quantity of the best Hay be laid apart for this cattle; you shall know which is best for this purpose, by the constitution of it; for that which is hard, and of a dry nature is best, and that which is of a silkish softuesse is worse; for the first strengtheneth the liver, and the other looseneth, and dissolveth it; and the more their livers are strengthened in the Winter time, by foddering them with the most astringent fodder, the better they will bear out a wet Summer; which is evident to be seen in a whole flock, wherein some of the Sheep having a more hot and dry liver, do escape through their strong constitution, differing as men do one from another in nature: but that this prevention may not seem frivolous, let us Philosophise a little, about the nutriment, and the thing nourished; which nutriment, though it be not able to change the form of the thing nourished, yet it is able to change its constitution; as may be feene by Birds feeding on Juniper berries, whose flesh tasteth plainly of the nutriment: also Bees in the Forest yield a sort of Honey, fare different from that in the plain Country: and to make it more plain, Sheep that feed upon such grounds as yield silkish soft grass, are sooner rotten, than those that feed upon a drier, and a hard grass, whose nature is astringent, and not apt to dissolve their livers like the other: therefore for a second remedy, I would have all such hurtful ground enclosed, and kept for other cattle; and in the mean time, let the Sheep be kept from it in moist weather, and fed upon grounds which yield a more firm nourishment; so shall they be preserved, and yield both food and clothing for men, which are the substance of all riches; in comparison whereof, all the rest are but compliments, and trifles; for they yield a double nourishment; one way by their flesh, another way by their manuring of land, thereby causing the increase of Corn, the staff of life.  
Whereby it appeareth of how great consequence good Husbandry is in a Commonwealth, viz. the very legs and pillars thereof, without which it cannot stand, nor by any other device, or policy whatsoever.  
And therefore I would wish every well-willer to the public weal, to be diligent in the furtherance of it; and to read Master Markham, Master Googe, Master Tusser, Sir Hugh Platt, and others, who have manifested their good will, by publishing their knowledge in this behalf.  
And I desire every one not to think much of his labour, to try experiments of this nature, whose effect, if they prove good, are beneficial to all, present, and future; and not to be slack, nor hard hearted, to publish the same; for that they are thereby recorded to be well-willers to that which every man is bound to by the great Law of Nature.  
And if any man be negligent in this duty, he doth manifest his unworthiness to all posterity; showing plainly that he doth prefer his private gain before the general; which is a thing odious to all men of understanding.  
And admit he be accounted a conceited fellow, or one that runneth not the common way; yet in regard the common way leadeth to perdition, let him not desist for frivolous aspersions: for when light and truth shall appear in the World, his worth shall shine, and not be eclipsed by the tongues of conceited fools, and coxcombs, whose disputations and reasons seem to be concluded, when the tune thereof fitteth the fancies of the hearers; then they desire no other dance to be played upon those tinkling instruments, but had rather hear the same played over and over; a thing tedious to wisemen, though it were never so true; for Nature delighteth in vanities, and when truth shall appear, and shine in the world, than these babbles will be found as they are; nothing but the tinkling of the Air, and element soft and pliable; and such a thing which men can bow, and bend to their purpose, like wax at the fire, and make good every thing they say at pleasure, be it so or not.  
But then by their favours, they must have shallow brained Judges of their argumentations, and conclusions; who are like themselves, deluded with their own fancies, and have their reasons obscured by their passions; and these differ from madmen no otherways, but as the greater differeth from the lesser thing of the same kind; for though in mad men, it is a privation of reason, and in fools an obscuration, yet folly preceded, and caused the other; for though perhaps, some have had injuries enough to make them mad, yet it was their follies, that they did not rather suffer it with patience, then suffer their hearts to break so untemperately with discontent; and so long, till the vapours thereof had lifted up so much melancholy to the brain, that it was therewith overwhelmed; and the curious Organs thereof, so obstructed, and stopped, that it was afterward uncurable: Of which things, I wish every one to take heed betime; for when the Steed is stolen, it is too late to make fast the stable door.  
I deny not but that in other years, and by much moisture falling in other months, some few Sheep of the most waterish, and phlegmatic constitution, may be caught with this disease; but this is not of that material consequence which I aim at; my meaning being to prevent the grand inconveniences, caused by ignorance; as for those which are more trivial, I desire that every one may endeavour to prevent or cure, by his own industry; by adding somewhat of his own for the full accomplishing of the work intended: and for his furtherance, I will here set down the erroneous opinions of many Husbandmen in this matter: some are of opinion, that much rainy weather in clipping time doth cause this effect, which is manifestly false; for that the same cause is in the salt marshes and barren forests, where the rot never cometh, as is in the plain and fertile fields; I deny not, but that the external coldness, and moisture, when the Sheep are new shorn, may be somewhat coadjuting to produce this mischievous effect; but yet not the sole cause, which I desire may be prevented, by taking time to shear Sheep in fair and pleasant weather, and to house them a day or two, upon urgent occasion of sudden, and great rain: If any one object, that no man knoweth how to choose this time, I answer him, that he may foresee it by weather-glasses for that purpose; which I could demonstrate, but that I delight not to plod on in common paths; but will rather refer him to Master Bates his Book lately written, and entitled, The Masteries of Nature and Art; wherein he may see the work made manifest; and that sufficient warning is given of all mutations of weather, by an infallible Prognosticutive experiment: I have seen many of these glasses ready made fit, and sold in the Glasse-shops in London; together with a printed paper showing the use thereof; which will be profitable for the Countrymen for diverse other occasions as well as this; and every active handed man may make them the plainest way for twelve pence charge, which will serve as well as the best: others are of opinion, that Honey-dewes cause this effect; but this is false also; for there are more honey-dewes in sound years for Sheep, then in rotten years; and this is manifest, that in years when Sheep are most subject to this disease, the Bees are likewise most subject to die in the Winter time with famine; which may be discerned by the lightness of their Hives in july; but this is not a general rule for Hives in all Countries; for some years, when the Hives in the plain Country are light, and not well furnished for maintenance in the Winter time; the same year Forrest Hives are rich and heavy; and the cause is, for that the weather was fair and pleasant in the latter part of Summer, when the barren Forests flourished; and foul, and rainy in the former part of Summer, when the plain Country did flourish and this is generally observed by myself, and my Predecessor, for the space of threescore and fourteen years, that always when the Hives of Bees were height, and not well provided for Winter, 〈…〉 Valleys the same year, the Sheep died of the rot extremely: which upon my first taking notice of, I thought that both these diseases proceeded from one and the same cause▪ but upon further investigation, it proved to be true in part, but not in the total, for the multitude of rain in May and june, caused both these effects: but yet in the Bees it caused their ruin, by frequent washing of the honey-dewes, and also by hindering them from working in their best season; and in the Sheep, by producing frimme and frothy grass, abounding with moisture, which these cattle can not bear; for if the grass be never so firm, yet sheep, though they never drink, their bodies will yield Urine, contrary to other Cattle; who if their meat be moist, drink so much less water, and thereby save their livers from dissolution, and putrefaction: some have though, that the kells like cobwebs, have done this effect; but that is false likewise; for that they are as plentiful in the salt Marshes, and barren places, as in the fertile grounds: some have thought that a certain kind of thicke-leaved grass, like almost to Purslane, hath done the mischief, but this is also false; for that the rot cometh where there is none of it: some have thought that the Land-flouds caused it, these have some hint of the truth, but not fully; for it is found by experience, that where the earth is fattened with Land-flouds in the neither part of the fertile fields, there the sheep are most subject to this discase; but the reason is, that there the grass is most frimme and frothy, and most abounding with moisture in moist Summers; therefore let them be withdrawn to the higher places of the fields, in such years only, when the months of May and june, prove very moist and rainy, and the field is nun: these things being duly observed, will produce more general benefit, than many greater studies; and seeing that Husbandry did not only build, but also maintain all Schools; I could wish that it was better fortified, being the very foundation of a prosperous Commonwealth; and if every one would equalise my benevolence, who have reaped double benefit out of the Schools: we will erect a College for Inventions in Husbandry, in retribution of their former supplies to Learning; and so conclude, that quid pro quo is lawful payment: this is one of the richest experiments in this Book, and dependeth upon skill, more than upon corporal labour; and therefore I desire that it may be thankfully accepted, and made use of; being a thing that no man could fully ever discover before myself; nor myself neither, but that I had help by the experience of my Predecessor.  
And to the end that men may with the most ease prevent this great loss in their flocks of sheep by rotting, let it please them to understand, that during my own 24. years observations, and for any thing that I can find in my Book of 50. years observations, there was never any material loss by this misfortune, nor any rot of sheep worthy to be taken notice of, but in such years when the months of May and june, and especially june proved to be extreme moist and rainy weather: for I have observed that in some years july, August and September have been so immoderate moist and rainy, that no hay not Corn could be well gotten, but half spoiled with the foul weather, and yet notwithstanding all this, there was no rot of sheep that year: the like I have known in March and April, and yet no rot at all that year: whereby it appeareth, that in the said months of May and june immoderate rain doth produce that frim and frothy grass, which by its laxative and rarifying quality doth dissolve and weaken the livers of the sheep more or less according to the strength or weakness of their livers before caused by nature, or by art helping nature: and also according to the greater or lesser quantity of rain and moisture in the said months: and this accident cometh to pass usually in low grounds, and such as abound with the astringent fatness, which in dry years are as sound as any other grounds: yet when they are so plentifully watered with much rain in the spring part of summer, the grass shooteth up so hastily, that the dissolving and rarifying fatness doth predominate in its composition: and changeth its nature so wonderfully, that it is able to work this mischievous effect: for it is clear, that in winter when the grass groweth either slowly or not at all, there is none of these accidents, be the weather never so moist & rainy, neither in low fat grounds, nor in high barren grounds, neither in the latter part of summer, nor yet in the very beginning of the spring time, but only in the pride of the spring, viz. in May and june, and most especially in june: Wherefore let every one trouble himself no further, but to fodder his sheep in winter, with the most astringent fodder, according to my former directions? and withal to withdraw them from the frim and fat low grounds, to the more barren and dry grounds in the said months of May and june, and especially in june, in such years only when those months are extreme moist and rainy; and I will hazard my reputation upon it, (which I value more than all the sheep both rotten and sound in England, and never, as yet, forfeited the same in any affairs of this nature) that he shall never stand in need to lay the key under his door, and bid good night to his Landlord, through any prejudice which shall come to him through this misfortune.   

CHAP. XI. Wherein is showed, that in these Ages, Inventions to save the number of men's works, are not profitable to a Commonwealth overcharged with people, but rather the contrary.  
AS for the new Inventions, for the saving of men's work in an overpeopled Commonwealth, it is disputable whether they be for the general good or not; yet in regard that the chief policy consisteth in finding out ways, how the same quantity of land may maintain more people than it did before, which cannot be done any way, but by industry of the people; therefore I conceive, that in the new Inventions, it is for the general good to save men's works by Engines; for if one workman can do as much with his Engine, as ten men can do without it, there is nine men's maintenance saved to the Commonwealth; whereby plenty is increased to every one: I must needs confess, that if the common practice in Husbandry now used, was to set their Corn the common way, that then the Engine newly invented for that purpose might do more hurt then good; for that so many would then want employment; as we see in London; there was an Invention to grind the Needles many at once, whereby half the Needle-makers had gone a begging, if the new device had not been restrained; but in this case it is fare otherways, for here is employment for many more people than before; though there be many men's works saved, which would be lost working the rude way: also here is a great improvement in the quantity of land; for by this means the new people set on work do get maintenance for many more than themselves, by their industry upon the same quantity of land which would maintain but a few before. And it is to be conceived, that when these Inventions and Improvements shall be throughly put in practice, than the Commonwealth will not be overpeopled; but rather there will want people to accomplish the work, whereby it will appear that the saving of men's works will then be a profitable Invention.   

CHAP. XII. As for the Objections against any thing contained in this Book, to free myself from all partiality toward my own side, I have here set them down all punctually as they have been objected by several Husbandmen, and others, in sundry conferences.  

Objection. I.  
WE find in your Book some things somewhat airy, and not so solid as we did expect; amongst the rest, you allege that all riches are made of vapours congealed, and that you will teach us to congeal vapours at pleasure, into as much treasure as we list, and into what form we please; if you satisfy us in this point, we will bear with all the rest of your imperfections, for these are our chief desire, and this work being the sum of your Book, calleth your reputation most in question, if you do not perform your undertaking herein.  
Answer.  
It is plain that all Trees, Plants, and Fruits are made of vapours congealed, for nothing vegetateth but in Summer when the heat of the Sun is in force to rarify and turn the said fatness of the earth into a vapour, and is more manifestly seen in Greeneland, where the heat is wanting, there the Air is not able to erect itself into one Tree in the whole Country: and for a more full demonstration of this my position, that all things are nothing but congealed vapours; let us consider of these things following, viz. the raining of Frogs, Thunderstones, Wheat, or a thing almost like to it: the cause of these things can be no other, but that when a convenient heat had almost form them in their proper Sphere, viz. in the superficies of the earth, than a greater heat accidentally coming, raised up the spermaticall substance thereof into the common Air, and there hatched the same, till such time as the magnitude and ponderosity thereof caused them to fall to their proper Sphere.  
And as for the infinity of this work, it is plain that a thousand Oak Trees or other, will grow in one Farm in the hedgerowes, as well as one, and for the gain thereof, what are they at the first, but a thousand Acorns? the like is to be seen in Corne. I have had 38. ears of Barley, containing 1124. grains, come of one grain set in four months: so we see there is no more to be done, but to learn to fit the seed to the ground and Climate, and then to plant it; and then we see that Nature is no niggard, but giveth riches to all that are industrious, be their number never so much increased.   

Objection. II.  
We find a contradiction in your Book, for in one place you say, that all riches are made of the fatness of the earth, which is a combustible matter; as Oil, Grease, Rosen, Pitch, Tallow, Sulphur, etc. and in another place you say also, that Gold is made of the said fatness of the earth, which is a substance altogether free from burning, and is not diminished in the fire; we would be resolved, how these seeming contrarieties can be true.  
Answer.  
I said that there is a double fatness in every compounded body, the one combustible, and the other incombustible, which may be seen in the burning of the highest twigs of any Tree; for first there riseth a sharp vapour in the burning, which is the universal spirit of the world, and the vehiculum which by the help of the Sun's heat, lifteth up the former fatness, than the combustible part consumeth into air by the fire; then the ashes remaining, being laid upon land fatneth it, whereby a fatness incombustible is discovered, and these two fatnesses are in minerals as well as vegetables, and of the incombustible and fixed fatness mineral is Gold made by nature, and also by art, imitating Nature; and if any man doubt it, let him hazard a good wager upon it, which shall be equalised, and the question shall be determined by the greatest, viz. experience which admitteth no imposture; yet I could advise my best friends that love to try experience, to spend their money, time, and study upon Improvements in Husbandry, being works more certain, and more profitable.   

Objection. III.  
We must needs confess that barrenness increaseth by the usual practice in Husbandry at this day, and by the two ways alleged by you in your Book, viz. first, by the carrying of the sheep from the Commons with their full bellies into the Folds, whereby the one ground is impoverished to enrich the other; and this we conceive may be cured by your new Inventions, for providing of manure which was neglected before: secondly, the Land is much impoverished by great Land-flouds, which carry a wonderful quantity of fatness yearly into the Sea, but how this should be remedied we know not; we must needs confess that your Inventions for the providing of manure more than before, are excellent good and profitable for the general good, and will withstand the barrenness much; so that it will not increase so fast as it did before: yet we conceive that barrenness will still increase, though more slowly; for all your multiplications of manure will not equalise, much less overmatch the fatness carried yearly by Land-flouds into the Sea.  
Answer.  
It is certain that the new provision of manure by Lime, ashes, Marle, Mussilage, and residence of water, and by the rest of the Inventions, will equalise and overmatch the great quantity of fatness carried yearly into the Sea, if the same shall be industriously put in practice: the subterraneal vapours yearly elevate a great quantity of fatness, though in some places more abundantly then in others; for I have known arable land borne good corn time out of mind, with every third years rest and fallowing, without any manure at all, but only by this subterraneal vapour arising from some subterraneal fat substance: but though this be but in some special places, yet there is no question but that it helpeth well in all places, though of itself it be not sufficient without addition of manure; but if all men would be ruled by me, we would not only put these works in practice very industriously for the general good, thereby to testify our love to all men both living, and yet to come; but also we would make use of my first Invention mentioned in my first Chapter, viz. to bow the knee of the heart, instead of the usual and complemental bowing of the knee of the body, to the Donor of all goodness; then might we have firm confidence, having formerly testified our love to God, by the general love of all his creatures, especially those of our own kind, that he would send the former and the latter rain in due season, without scanting us at any time, and pouring down too much at other times, whereof we had experience this last year, wherein both these events have caused loss to this Kingdom above the value of 20. subsidies in one year: if this new invention were well put in practice, than would the heart-maker take away these our stony and hard hearts, and give us hearts of flesh, and all mourning and lamentation for want of food would be done away: for than would our labours be seconded by the chief master in Husbandry, so that we should no more be frustrated of our expected Harvest.   

Objection FOUR  
We find your answers so satisfactory, that we will make no more objections but this one, which we will almost answer ourselves, which is this: we must needs confess that your discourse concerning the preservation of Corn from blasting, is very rational, and argueth much skill in Husbandry; yet whether the practice thereof will be answerable, though we see no cause to doubt thereof; yet being schooled by yourself, we will suspend our full belief thereof, till experience testify and manifest the truth, and we desire to be excused herein, because it is your own counsel to us, wherein we see not but that howsoever it proveth, you yourself are out of blame, for that every man may try the truth thereof by your own direction, without any material prejudice in small quantity at the first. Therefore if it may please you to show us your new invented Engines, and the use of them, how the tedious labour of your new works may be eased, than we will declare our opinions to all posterity, and so take our leaves.  
Answer.  
Well, go with me, and you shall receive as much satisfaction by demonstration, as formerly by discourse. You see here the experiment of my Persian wheel; you see that it is 40. foot high, you see that the bottles do fill in the River, and empty themselves into a Trough 36. foot high, and the water is conveyed into yonder Ditch which is a mile long: you see diverse stops in the Ditch, whereby the water is caused to flow over yonder barren ground, whereby it is become good meadow; you see it is of no great cost, nor subject to be out of order, nor doth require any great repair; you see the motion is perpetual, day and night, without looking to, if you were in Persia you might see two or three hundred of these in one River: if the water come from chalky or limestone ground, or be mixed with land-flouds, than it doth fatten the ground wonderful. Now look upon my Engine, for the cleansing of Thorny and rough grounds: you see the neither part is like a three grained dungforke only, it is 40. times greater and stronger: you see the upper part is like a leaver, but ten times stronger, and very much longer: you see here a great bush of Thorns and Briers together, which to eradicate the common way would spend a good part of a man's days work: Now thus I set my Instrument half a foot from the root of it slopewise, then with an hedging Beetle I drive it in a good depth, than I lift up the steel of it, and put in the great iron pin to keep it straight, than I take hold of the cord that cometh down from the top of it, and pull it down, and you see that in a quarter of an hour the whole bush is wrenched up by the roots. In this manner by 4. or 5. settings you may so loosen the earth about a great tree, that the next great wind will blow it down. Now I come to my Engine for setting of Corn, which to bring to this perfection, hath cost me 16. or 18. years practice: you see that a man may set 1000 grains in the twinkling of an eye, and the charging and discharging of the grains at convenient distance is easy and expeditious, and you see that I make the holes for the grains to fall into with my foot and the weight of my body: you see that these Engines may be made of all magnitudes at pleasure, and of all prices, from 10. shillings to 40. and he that had rather spare labour then money may have a small Engine; and he that had rather spare money than labour may have a great one: you see how equally at distance it setteth the grains, so that no ground is lost, as it is when the seed is confusedly thrown with the hand, for there you shall find that sometimes there is a void place of a foot broad; sometimes a dozen grains close together, when as one grain in the place would produce as much increase: for I have had 1104. grains come of one, and 38. ears grow upon one corn set; you see that either the Engine may be made fit for the Land, or the Land for the Engine, that the Engine may set a side of a Land from the ridge to the furrow at once, or being lesser, at twice, or thrice at pleasure.  
You see the infinite profit of this work, for by this work the third part of the arable Land may be laid for Pasture or Hey ground, and the rest will produce corn to maintain the whole Kingdom: also you see the infinite profit that will arise in time of dearth, for by this means the Corn reserved in Seed time, will relieve the Country of itself, which in former times hath been relieved by importation from other Countries, whereby the wealth of this Kingdom hath been so exhausted, that they have not recovered the same in many years following; which inconvenience might have easily been remedied by this invention: you see here my Engine for the making of the little ridges and furrows▪ you see how neatly it layeth the earth in little furrows just upon the rows of Corn: you see that it maketh diverse ridges and furrows at once with good dispatch: and it may be fitted to be drawn with Horses, or to be wrought with men's strength in such wet grounds, where it is convenient that the little furrows be descending from the ridge of the Land to the furrow of the same.  
If I find the like good acceptance in general, which I have found at your hands, and at the hands of all that I have hitherto acquainted with my endeavours, of which sort many of them have been of the most solid and judicious men in the Land in these affairs: then will I act out my part, and like as hitherto I have acted the part of a torch which consumeth itself to give light to others; so will I do the rest of my life, and furnish you with more and more new inventions and improvements, and will furthermore publish my Book of experiments, which hath been my whole life's practice, which I have presumed to entitle with the name of Arts Mistress: for that all questions therein handled, are determine by irrefragable demonstration and infallible experience, which Book containeth many notable experiments: whereof some are for gain, some for health: some for pleasure, and some for prevention of loss, to those who are naturally inclined to try experiments, wherein my failings, as well as my prospering are truly laid down, and so plainly, and with such cautions, that it will save much study and labour, and many millions of money, which else will be spent in future ages by trying the same again by men of such inclinations, to whom it is as great pain to forbear study, as it is to the others to study at all: and for a farewell to both natures, I wish that those which love not to try experiments may take their ease, and will lay no heavier task upon them, but to wish well to the others, and the more to stir them up to this charity, I desire them to remember themselves what case they had been in, if some inventive brains had not found the plough and the use thereof, also if some of like disposition had not found out new ways for the manuring and fertilizing of land afterwards, when Countries grew too straight for the numerous increase of people: Also I desire them to ponder well upon the matter contained in this Book, and to consider well in what case their posterity will be in two or three ages hence, if no new Inventions and Improvements shall be from henceforth put in practice.  
And for a final conclusion, I will sweep up the house with a besom made of my own folly, which shall be recorded against me, if hereafter I shall grow proud of my skill: for what am I but a piece of earth quickened and animated by the universal soul of the world? and what knowledge have I, but what every one may have if he follow my steps, viz. if he bow the knee of the heart to the donor of knowledge and understanding, and withal, dig for it as for treasure, by trying experiments to bring truth to light? and what excellent constitution have I to secure me, that I be not deluded by my fancy?  
There needs no more demonstration of my folly, but my mad election of the time to publish these my Inventions; when men are ready to throw the Plough in the ditch, through a frivolous discontentment; which is manifest by their neglect of things which they know already; and therefore they are very unapt to be drawn to new Improvements; also their fisking away into the new Plantations so fast, showeth that they had rather be exiled from their native Country, then to be disciplined by any new Inventions; which I make no question, but they will be called Innovations by many, whose judgements are ruled by their evil constitutions.  
To demonstrate the truth of these my relations, there needeth no more but to show their follies, which are in my conceit as frivolous, as if an Husbandman should lose a good sheep for a lick of Tar: for what is two pence, four pence, or six pence upon an Acre of ground, in comparison of what may be raised out of it by industrious Improvement; the payment of a little, for the preservation of much, is in my conceit, a good bargain, and the present grudging and murmuring at the payment of money for the safeguard of the rest, is a conceited folly.  
But for that I would be excused from partiality, I will hereby testify my uprightness, for I will neither flatter the one nor the other, but declare my own fancy; for I will not cologue with my Prince for preferment, nor comply with the subject for any respect whatsoever; but according to my wont manner, show to the utetrmost of my skill, what is best to be done for the general good; that is, if all would be ruled by me, we would fall to work bravely, and then we shall be able to give the King twice as much money as he hath occasion for to make use of for our defence, or his own honour; and the rest will be more than we need for ourselves; for Nature is no niggard, but bountifully feedeth all her guests, be their months never so many, if they will but take a little pains to cut out their meat by the ways prescribed in this little book: I must needs confess that at this time many are ill enough able to pay their money for the defence of the Kingdom; but where is the fault? Is it not in ourselves? I am assured that there is more good and apt land to extract riches out on, in England, Scotland, and Ireland, then is in all Spain; and now we have knowledge how to do it, so that there is nothing wanting but willing minds; and why men should be backward in this work, I can find no reason, but their evil constitutions causing them to be averse to the general good; and than if they say they love God, or pretend any good Religion, they will bridle these evil affections; for else no man of understanding will believe them; for indeed they do but say so, and flatter themselves with their deluded fancies; and as for reward for their work it is ready, in regard that many of my Inventions and Improvements do consist upon skill and vigilant providence, rather than upon corporal labour; and those which do consist of labour, bring a present and speedy profit. As for those which bring not a present profit, it is fit that the Landlord should be at the charge, for that the yearly value of his land is advanced, even as it is in China, where they lay that fine earth wherewith they make their curious vessels in the womb of the earth to digest many years, and as the years pass on, they sell it one to another, every seven years dearer and dearer, till that it be brought to perfection; which time being known by experience, they have a kind of reaping of benefit by it every year, notwithstanding, the length of time between the work and the wages or harvest.  
And let no man for any discontent whatsoever, though it were justly conceived, neglect the future happiness and flourishing estate of this kingdom; for I will lay my life at the stake, that if this work shall be well carried, there is ten times as much riches clearly given to the Commonwealth present and future in this little book, as all the Inhabitants and their Predecessors have ever paid to Church and King in their days since it was a Kingdom: for partly by the prevention of loss in the blasting and mildewing of your Corn, and in the preservation of your Sheep from rotting, and partly by the benefit of all other my Inventions and Improvements duly practised, there will arise again inestimabe and infinite, not to be exhausted by time: so praying to God the Creator of all, that it may do as much good as I intended, I humbly take my leave, desiring your prayers only for me and my posterity; for I crave none of your riches.   

The Postscript.  
AS for faults in my Copy, I see a thousand myself; and make no question but that others will espy many more; yet in regard that my conceit telleth me, that though Cicero, and Demosthenes had laid their heads together in the opening of it; yet every one would expound the same to their best advantage; which being a thing that I desire, I will therefore trouble myself no more about it, but commit it to the World's censure in its rude vesture; and I must needs confess that my own fancy hath a little withdrawn me from publishing all that I know in these affairs, being conceited that it may prejudice me hereafter, for that Nature will not show herself naked to any blab-tongue; in the beholding of whose beauty is my chief delectation. I have as good a mind to it, as to any temerarious enterprise that ever I took in hand, to try my cunning to strike off at one stroke the head of that ugly monster, Covetousness, by taking all danger of future want clear away, for than none but fools would be covetous; but the danger that two worse heads, viz. Pride and Luxury would spring up in the room, stayeth me: therefore I not knowing so well how to cut off those heads, will rest myself awhile, waiting with patience, to see the success of these my labours. It may be these things published already will be some good means to metamorphize that monster really into good Husbandry and godly providence; under whose habit he loveth so well to hide his ugly face; which in my opinion, is the surest way for the well ordering of the Universe: for as it is holden a frivolous thing to hoard up Snow in Friesland, where there is never like to be any want thereof; so would it be holden, here to hoard up riches, being nothing but congealed Air, or vapours which are not likely ever to be wanting here, if the art of doing the same the easiest way should be fully discovered; for then not only covetousness would cease, but also providence would be endangered to be thrust out of the School, which is inconvenient; here is maintenance in this book discovered for many Ages, though Wars should cease and people should increase marvellously; yet at length there will be jarring and jangling again, when the people grow too numerous for their maintenance, and then if God be not pleased to teach them new Improvements, they will do as they do now, viz. like as when ten dogs have ten bones, every one lieth down quietly and eateth his bone; but if there be but nine bones for the ten dogs, than the odd dog setteth all the rest together by the ears: so will it be with men when their food groweth too short for their number; and this is manifest by the former practices of the World: for when they had peace and plenty, and were not scanted of food and maintenance, than they builded Churches, and did many worthy works; but when jarring and jangling came through want thereof, they grew so fare off from building of Churches, that they would scarcely repair the old ones; and did as they do now, spend their thrift in mischievous contentions.  
But that I will not altogether feed the World with Tantalus his Apples, I will give them one bit in this manner: when these Inventions and Improvements contained in this Book shall be stretched to the highest, and will serve no longer for the maintenance of the numerous increase of people; then let them begin a new lesson: and whereas in former time it was an excellent Improvement to teach Horses and Oxen to do the works of men, by which men were spared to be Princes, Governors, and Officers in Commonwealths; so then there being no need to increase the number of those; let the new increase of people be employed in spade-worke, by which means every Acre of land may be improved several ways to be four times as good as now the common way; besides that, the ground which now Horses and Oxen do eat up, may then be improved in like manner, for the maintenance of men; whereby they may live well, and not have any intolerable slavery; for that there need issue but little out of every one's labours to Church and King by reason of their wonderful number.  
FINIS.