News out of Yorkshire: OR, AN ACCOVUNT OF A JOURNEY, IN THE TRUE DISCOVERY OF a sovereign Mineral, Medicinal Water, in the West-Riding of Yorkshire, near an ancient Town called Knaresbrough, not inferior to the Spa in Germany.  
Also a taste of other Mineral Waters of several natures adjoining.  
BY M. S.  ECCLESIAST. 38.4. 
The Lord hath created Medicines out of the Earth: and he that is wise will not despise them.  
LONDON, Printed by I. H. for George Gibbes, and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes-head Alley. 1627.   

TO TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, THE virtuous, and religious Lady, the Lady Katherine Stanhope, wife to the Lord Philip Stanhope, Baron of Shelford.  
RIGHT HONOURABLE;  
THis short ensuing Discourse (begotten and brought forth in the silent hours of a solitary retirement) I intended at first for the use of some private friends, whom I desired to satisfy in the particular discovery of an English Spa water. It pleased some of them upon view hereof to move me to publish it, for that in the whole passage, I personate myself an eyewitness of all circumstances; which they persuaded me would give a better gloss unto the subject, than any here-say relation. A diffidence of whatsoever passeth my pen, caused me a while suspend my resolution; when suddenly my humble thoughts reflected upon your Honour, and then in an instant I apprehended a fair Sunshine of occasion, to publish unto the world my vowed respects.  
Amongst the unlimited variety of your Ladyship's rare endowments, I have observed your spacious understanding to reach, not only to a singular measure of the divine Concernments of the souls saving knowledge (your observable practice simpathizing with the Theory) but with an extraordinary curiosity to search into the Cabinets of Nature's choicest secrets, especially those which concern Medicinal and Physical use, wherein your successful hand hath vouchsafed to administer in time of need with blessed event. Hence is it that I have presumed (not omitting the tie of many noble refreshments, and honourable favours) to appropriate this subject (which presenteth unto the world one of Nature's choicest jewels) unto your Honour; under the Sanctuary of whose virtuous protection, I am bold to promise to myself inviolable safety from the rage of all snarling detraction. It may be, your noble Lord (to whose immerited support of my weak fortunes I shall ever owe a grateful memory) might expect the address of my first fruits unto his Honour, but I purposely reserve myself till a more ample occasion be presented, wherein my pains may be more enlarged.  
I have no greater hope to animate my assurance of a gracious acceptation, than the pleasing remembrance of your favourable eye formerly cast upon some dawnings of my weak endeavoures. Fail I not herein, I have arrived (next unto the public good) at the wished Ports of my desires, which as they have ever prized, so shall they continue restless in the pursuit of your Ladyship's allowable esteems, never to be sufficiently valued by  
Your Honour's most humble servant, M. ST.   

To the Reader.  
AT what time this relation of our English Spa was (though cursorily) composed, the title of News out of Yorkshire (which like a Sign I fixed at the Portall of the discourse) was not improper. That many Months are past, since it was capable of the Character of the Press, and ready dressed to encounter the public view, it shall suffice there are diverse can witness, with the casualty of its protraction. There are (I confess) many by-circumstances interlaced, which though they aim at lapsed time, yet are they not altogether misappliable to the present. In substance I differ not much from the Spadacrene lately published by a grave Doctor, the garb only of my particularising I challenge as mine. As for such pedantic Formalists, who haply may tax me for digressing from the proposed subject, let such know I hold it the greatest slavery in the world to be tied to their unnecessary rules. But for thee (gentle Reader) be but pleased to observe the occasion of the liberty I take, and then I hope (the dulness of the times considered, which had need of a lash to be roused) thou wilt not think I roave very impertinently. Yet before I leave thee, I must crave thy patience (as one tendering the common good) whilst I offer to thy consideration some cautions in the use of these Waters, which (if I mistake not) are of such real consequence, that neglected, their expected effects are made frustrate.  
That the worth and excellency of Physical helps consisteth not in the remedies themselves (as one well observeth) but in their wise and prudent dispensation, is so undoubted a position, as none but such as scorn the clew of reason should guide their understanding in the Labyrinth of so many uncertainties as are abroach in the world, will deny. And hence it is, that Medicines judiciously dispensed, are said to be as Angels of God sent for the good of men; but inconsiderately used, they are Messengers of death. Yet such is the giddy precipitation of many, especially the meaner sort of people, that they no sooner hear of a secret, (be it a medicinal Water, or what else that promiseth health) but (all fit circumstances set apart) they violently rush upon it, persuading themselves (out of a passionate desire to be refreshed) a sudden laying hold upon any novelty, to be the most advantageous course. Nay, how many are there who upon notice of a newfound medicinal Spring like this of ours, question not the infallibility of its curing all manner of diseases? the sottishness of which fancy is so gross, that I will not do it the grace of opposition.  
Nor are the vulgar only bleared with this misty conceit, for I have heard of our Empirical hyperbolists (who take a pride (as one saith) to Monopolise cures unto the prerogative of one Secret) who have avouched it as a thing feasable, to compose a medicine able to cure any disturbance incident to Nature. But I leave these with their acquaint crotchets to themselves, and worse company I know not how to wish them; and come to the observances I desire may duly be considered of such as intent the use of this our Water. And first I wish, that whosoever the parties be, before they attempt the use of the water, they repair to the learned Physician, especially such as have been conversant in the use and quality of the water, and make known to him their distemper, that so consideration may be had of the aptness of the waters faculty, how it stands qualified to the affected part, which is of such conducing sequel, that the omitting hereof hath proved fatal to many. For who but the Physician (whose profession it is) is fit to judge of the multitude of causes in diseases, what varying differences arise in the manner, quality, quantity, and times of remedies? wherein the party either ignorant, or mistaken, medicines of saving and curing power, out of time and place disposed, bring forth mischief, and many inconveniences instead of help.  
It being granted then in the first place that the water is of probable use, in the next succeeds a preparation of body, according to the nature, quality, and seat (as I may say) of each humour, which observance how much it availeth, let the common experience of those, who submit themselves to advice, testify in the difference of the effects found from irregulars. For the manner of using the Water, there is no question but a sudden glutting of the stomach, with a surcharge of any thing, wherewith Nature is not acquainted, is a most preposterous course; yet that this is ordinary also (especially amongst the vulgar) who knows not, that hath observed the pressing of people to these like waters? Soft fire (saith the old proverb) makes sweet Malt, and a gentle acquainting of Nature by degrees with any thing makes it more grateful, and steals as it were a kind of familiarity with Nature. The time of the year by the observance of the learned as most proper, is thought to be june, july, and August, as also, the morning best allowed for the circumstance of the day. Ordinary repasts, and the liberty at other times taken of eating and drinking, would now be forborn, for three or four hours' space after the drinking of the water, that so Nature may finish her task with more ease, having the water only for a subject to grapple withal.  
A temperate diet by abstaining from meats of gross and melancholic substance, must take place as a rule amongst the rest worthy of remembrance, whereunto as a fit companion moderate exercise would be joined. Nor let such think (whose bodies especially are the seats of radicated ancient diseases) to find ease suddenly by the use of these waters; such must come armed with a well-grounded patience, and expect by degrees a lessening of their maladies, who though haply they have stayed the ordinary prescribed time of the waters use, and yet are not sensible of any great change, yet let them not despair, for that a second years, trial may bring forth an happy issue of their desires, whereunto this had only the power to make the way. And (which is strange) it hath been observed, that some who have by grave advice been induced to drink of these waters, and have not in any fit circumstance digressed from the Physician's rule, though during the time of their abode at the place, they have not perceived any apparent amendment, yet after their departure have been restored to perfect health. The reason hereof the learned give to be, that (after the drinking of the Water) there remaineth in the more solid parts of the body (by which the water did pass) the hidden faculties and powers thereof, which commonly produceth the effects within the space of 40. days. This hath been observed as a thing of frequent experience.  
I had not embarked myself into these cautionary advertisements at all, (knowing they are more punctually set down by others, especially in the late Spadacrene) but that at my being this Summer at our new Spa, I did observe diverse to take a most preposterous course in drinking of the Water. Some came thither, rather expecting a Miracle than a cure; having been desperately diseased for many years, and yet conceived hope of a perfect recovery by two or three days stay. Others at the first approach to the water stick not to drink (besides the omitting of preparation) as large a quantity as would require (by due order) the rising to of ten or twelve days, and it may be within an hour forbear not to please the palate with any ordinary refection. Hence (omitting a world of other errors) comes these waters (which in themselves methodically used are of excellent effects) to be so much disparaged, their worth traduced, and their admiral operations obscured by the brutish precipitation of most that have recourse to them; whereof if others warned will not take heed, let the failing of their desire in the cure, nay perhaps the disease made more desperate, or extraordinary symptoms happening, be the just reward and guerdon of their wilful unadvisedness.  
I am loath to leave thee before (for thy encouragement) I add an experiment or two which (amongst others) this Summer 1626. brought forth at this our new Spa. A man about the age of 50. years (being of an extraordinary bulk of body, but especially his belly of an unseen greatness) who partly by the surcharge of that great mass of flesh he carried, and partly through a stoppage of the passages of respiration, could not of twenty years before go many paces without a pause, and the benefit of a seat, having drunk of this Water orderly about a fortnight, his belly did fall to a competent size, and he was able to go from the Town of Knaresbrough to the fountain (which is little less than two miles) and most of it up the hill) without any desire of rest, or easing. I also saw a Youth, and spoke with him, about the age of twenty years who for the space of three years before had been miserably afflicted with a kind of Epilepsy, yet differing from the ordinary manner of that disease, in some strange and violent distortions which for the most part affected his right side. It was ordinary for him to fall three or four times in a day, in which fits he lay grovelling upon the ground, a miserable spectacle. This poor creature had continued the use of the water not above ten days, during which time he had but two fits, and those exceedingly moderated. A strange alteration, and not easily admitting belief, and shows that this Water is of an admirable composure, and transcendent faculties, and worthy the curious indagation of the learned. I hold myself much to blame, that I did not require their names, and abode, for the more full satisfaction of those who are of nice belief. It remains, that of what is past, and doth follow, if thy observance procure thee any benefit, that thou bless the Fountain of all fountains, from whom all Creatures derive both being, and whatsoever is in them of worth and efficacy.  
M. St.   

NEWS OUT OF YORKSHIRE.  
THere are two Treatises, the one written by Philip Gherinx a Germane Doctor, the other by Mounsieur Pigrag, Chirurgeon to Henry the Third of France, which do sufficiently express the qualities both manifest and specifique of the Spa water in Germany, the order of using it, and for what diseases it is proper. What credit it hath gained in most parts of Christendom, the great confluence thither of all conditions of people doth make good. How many personages of great quality of this our Kingdom, have made their repair thither, is also obvious to the understanding of many. But as it is to be feared, that some from amongst us have pretended the use of that water, the better to colour other intentions not very allowable: (the place affording all wished means of private converse with Priests, jesuites, etc.) So it may be suspected (such is our noted folly) that had we as effectual a blessing in this land, we would be gadding abroad through a vain estimation of whatsoever is foreign. Nahaman the Syrian, being advised by the Prophet to wash in jordan, disdainfully replied, Are not Abana and Pharpar Rivers of Damascus better than all the waters of Israel? Such are we, to whom though God hath pointed out waters of health amongst ourselves, yet we will not be persuaded but Pohox and Savanir (the two Fountains of the Spa) do exceed all the Springs in England. But as he being better advised, upon repair to jordan, was restored to health, so there is no doubt, but if we will make use of our own waters, and other blessings at home, we shall have little need to crave the aid of any foreign soil. What so much in request as the Indian Drugs, and Spiceries of the Lands, procured by so many hazardous and tedious voyages; the opinion whereof hath so besotted us, that compared with them, we vilify and disesteem what our own Nation doth afford, as if Nature had forgot to suppeditate this our famous Isle with necessaries, either for the continuance of our well being, or for the rectifying of any bodily decay, or peccant humour? Yet hath Doctor Bright (that learned Physician) proved in a Tract (called the Practice of home Medicines) that our own Country is of sufficient competency, to supply us with all useful Commodities, either for Diet, or Physic, parallelling our ordinary native Simples, with the choicest drugs, and farthest fetched Spiceries.  
To come a little nearer to our purpose. It is (as I am credibly informed) about 50 years since first notice was taken of a Spring (in the West-riding of Yorkshire, near a Town called Knaresbrough) called at this day by the country people, Tuit-well, it seems for no other cause, but that those birds (being our green Plover) do usually haunt the place. Of this Spring (I have heard) two neighbouring Gentlemen of ancient descent, the one Slingesbey, the other Inglebey, did for many years ordinarily drink, for that it was supposed, as in taste, so in effect, it did agree with the Spa in Germany. I doubt not but their long continuance of the use of it, did proceed from a sensible effect found in their embettering: Nor do I doubt also that they were sparing worthily to report of it: yet (such is our Ladylike humour, that we prise nothing but what is far-fetched, and dear bought) I cannot perceive it gained any great credit, but hath since their decease been altogether involved in silence, and for no other cause (as I conceive) but that it is within the girdle of our own Kingdom. Thus hath it happened that partly (as I said before) through a capricious affectation of foreign trash, and partly through a drowsy humour that doth invellope us, not endeavouring to search into the riches, and opulentie, which Nature (fare from sparingly) hath crowned us withal; this, Tuit-well (I fear the poorness of the name, hath not a little disaduantaged it) hath been most grossly neglected, as if it were a place only worth the notice of that silly bird.  
It is about two years since I first heard of it, at what time not meeting with any that could punctually inform me of it, I let it pass as uncertainty, yet so as I found in myself a kind of itching desire of visiting the place.  
In the latter end of the Summer 1625. being casually with Doctor Deane (a Physician of good repute at his house at York, one who is far from the strain of many of his profession, who are so chained in their opinions to their Apothecary shops, that they renounce the taking notice of any virtue not confined within that circuit) he took occasion to make a motion to me (the rather for that he remembered I had been at the Spa in Germany) of taking the air, and to make our rendezvous at Knaresbrough, to the end we might be the better opportuned, to take a view of the Tuit-well, (whereof he had sparingly heard) for that it was by some compared to the so much famed Spa in Germany.  
I was not nice to give way to the summons of his desire; the match was soon made, and the next day, accompanied with a worthy Knight a judicious admirer, and curious speculator of rarities, & three other Physicians of allowable knowledge) we set forwards for Knaresbrough, being about fourteen miles from York. We made no stay at the town, but so soon as we could be provided of a guide, we made towards the Well, which we found almost two miles from the Town. It is situate upon a rude barren Moor, the way to it in a manner a continual ascent. Upon our first approach to the Spring, we were satisfied that former times had taken notice of it, by reason it was enclosed with stone, and paved at the bottom, but withal we plainly perceived that it had been long forgotten, which the filth wherewith it was choked did witness, besides that through neglect the currents of other waters were suffered to steal into it. Before any peremptory trial was made of it, it was thought fit first to cleanse the Well, and to stop the passage of any other waters intermixture, which within the compass of an hour we effected. The bottom now cleared, we plainly descried where the water did spring up, and then the Physicians began to try their experiments. But first I drank of it, and finding it to have a perfect Spa relish, (I confess) I could not contain, but in a tone louder than ordinary, I bade them welcome to the Spa. Presently they all took essays of it, and though they could not deny, but that it had a different smack from all other common waters, most confessing that it did leave in the palate a kind of acidenesse, yet the better to be assured whether it did partake with Vitriol the prime ingredient in the natural Spa, they mixed in a glass the powder of Galls with the water, knowing by experience, if this Mineral had any acquaintance with the Spring, the powder would discolour the water, and turn it to a Claret die: wherein they were not deceived, for presently (to their both wonder and joy) the water changed colour, and seemed to blush in behalf of the Country, who had amongst them so great a jewel and made no reckoning of it. Thus pleased (having every one taken a draught, or two) we returned to the Town, yet not the same way we came, for our guide directed us another way, being a mile further up into the Moor, to see another Spring, giving it a stinking Epithet, (as indeed it did deserve) whereof, and of others, all bordering within a small compass, I will hereafter give a taste.  
You may suppose (being met together at our Inn, where we found ourselves very well accommodated for our provision) we could find no other talk but of this our new Spa, the Doctors (as occasion served) reasoning among themselves, of the nature of Minerals, and of the probability of this water's excellency, and now and then would ask me, whether I did seriously speak when I gave my verdict for a Spa taste: Which I confidently averring, we resolved the next morning (if the day proved clear) to give the Spring a second visit by way of farewell for that year, Michaelmas being now at hand, a time very unapt to give a peremptory judgement of these kind of waters.  
The next morning we were awaked with the glad tidings of a bright sky, (Apollo with his cheerful aspect seeming to smile upon our enterprise) which opportunity was so welcome to us, that we were no sooner out of bed but were ready, and no sooner ready but on horseback. Upon our revisit of the Spring, we found it (being by our former days care discharged of all encumbrance) very clear, and about three quarter of a yard deep of water. The taste of the water was grown more lively and brisk than it was the day before, and much more perceptible in its acidenesse. Once more we mixed the powder of Galls with the water, which made such haste to satisfy us by a rubicund colour, that now we were ready to colour too for shame, that we had not trusted nature upon her first word. There remained now no scruple of the waters quality, so that we began freely to take our morning's draughts, which we doubled and redoubled, for there were of us who drunk 15. glasses, and who took lest had eight or nine.  
After a compass taken in visiting a Spring in Bilton Park, as also another called Pigeon Spring, we came at a seasonable hour to our dinner, which we found attending us in a plain, but plentiful form. I may not forget to tell how that about an hour after that we had drunk of the water, it came so freely from us, that (me thought) we were like so many walking Conduits, so that for the space of two hours, scarce a minute past, but some of us were ready to vie it, which was presently seen, and revied by a third. But to return to our dinner (which for my part I had such a desire to be grappling withal, that I thought the very sitting down too long a parenthesis) it will not be denied but the sight of our meat was a very pleasing prospect to us all, so that in a few words (for we were not able to hold out a long Grace) we thanked God for a great deal of good meat. We were all friends, and yet who so had seen us all suddenly draw at once, could not but suppose a quarrel. But (God knows) the limits of our malice extended only to a sort of prostrate dishes, which presently yielded to our mercy, or rather fury, for within a small space we had so pittilesly mangled them, that it was not possible to know any of them by their former face. In brief, we all played the men; and had this water no other effect than this unexpected experiment, of setting so sharp an edge upon the stomach, it were not to be disreputed. It put me in mind of my being at the Spa, where though we had plenty of all manner of provision, yet (I profess) I did seldom rise from table but with a craving appetite.  
According to our entendment we returned that night to York, whither we came in good time, not any of us repenting, but rather resulting in our bestowed labour. The novelty of this discovery (for though it had been formerly known, yet the memory thereof was in a manner lost) was so pleasing to us, that we were not meal-mouthed to trumpet in most places where we came this our adventure, as if it had been an other America.  
Dr. Deane (whose thirst of knowledge is not superficially to be satisfied) about three days after our return (by the consent of the rest of his fellow Physicians) sent for a great quantity of the Tuit-well water in large viol Glasses, intending partly by evaporation, and partly by some other Chemical way to experiment it. Upon return of the messenger, opening a bottle to razed it, he found it lastlesse; he then assayed to try it again with the powder, but it denied to perform what formerly it had done, as if it scorned to show its Majesty out of its own proper throne. And had it not reason (think you) to look pale for anger, in despite of Art, to be thus brought prisoner to so unworthy Neighbours, who durst never attempt to look it in the face but upon so great an advantage? This accident did not a little a mate the good Doctor, fearing there would lie an aspersion upon us all, by reason of our former report. But after he had recollected himself, he (willing to vindicated it from all detraction) did (like a good Bee) draw from this alteration a firm and undeniable conclusion of its worth and excellency, to the confounding of all such virulent Spiders, as would make it a proof of poverty and worthlessness: To wit, that since it is the spirits which gives these water's life, and that at his being at the Fountain itself, the taste was apparent, & the conclusion tried with the Galls formerly infallible, this change did manifestly demonstrate, that the water is replete with nimble, airy, virtual spirits, which will endure little or no translocation, but by their subtlety steal away, and so leave the water insipid, and in a manner void of the taste it retaineth in its natural seat. This (though a truth) is so fare from satisfying some (if there be any truth in experience) that tell them of the inter mixture of spirits with the water, you may as well persuade them it is full of Hobgoblins. But it matters not for the vulgar, who had rather spend their penny in good Ale, than go from the smoke of their Chimneys, to see never so great a wonderment of Nature, which doth present unto their senses (which like brutes they take care only to please) and that suddenly, some flash of astonishment. Such as are of more elevated spirits, who move in a Sphere above the rabble, whose blessed minds are said with intellectual raptures, will easily admit of the probability of this change. I might add hereunto a carelessness in the Messenger, who was sent for the water, who if he did neglect the careful stopping of the bottles, this alone were sufficient to cause a main difference. For if in liquors of a more terrene, and gross composure, as wine, let the bottle wherein it is kept, be altogether unstopped, or but loosely, it much abates in one night of its generousness; much more this water, whose bravery, vivacity, and only faculty consists in the spirits.  
Thus fare was proceeded that Summer 1625. the Doctors intending (the prime time of the year being june, july, and August overslipped) the following Summer, at a more apt season to examine all fit circumstances belonging to the water, when the Sun by his vigour shall have clarified the air, and by virtue of his comfortable beams, and enlifening rays, giveth the height of splendour to all sublunary creatures.  
I have more largely than I intended discoursed of the reviving of this our new Spa's knowledge, whose virtue (I am persuaded) will be found so fare to transeend, that the native Inhabitants of the Spa, will soon find this our discovery to draw from them no small commodity; for that this once diuulged, will be a means not only to induce those of our own Country to forbear their recourse thither, but is like to prove very effectual to invite many strangers to us, who with more safety may reap the benefit of this our water, than the distracted, and disjointed affairs of Germany will suffer.  
And why should any doubt that this water of ours should not as amply and effectually work in the cure of infirmities that are of an obstructive nature, as the Spa? That it hath a most apparent sensible Spa taste, I dare (besides my own experiment) refer it to the judgement of any, whose palate hath not lost, the remembrance of that water. That vitriol hath the predominancy in it, besides the taste, infallible conclusion hath proved. That it worketh in the same manner with the Spa, hath also been satisfactorily tried. If any one reply, that they deny not but that this our supposed jewel may have a little alliance with the Spa, but it must needs be in a poor degree, for that the place is naked of Minerals, compared with the Spa, whose territory doth so abound with them, that extraordinary commodity is drawn daily from the substantial Mines themselves: I answer, first it will not be denied but that this our water doth pass by Mineral veins, which causeth it to retain a taste which differs it from other waters: which being granted, I demand who is so wise, or rather foolhardy, as to dare to proportion the quantity of so hidden a mystery, which Nature hath secreted to herself as a privacy (like many others) inscrutable? How came our inexhaustible Ours of Iron, Led, Copper, Alum, and why should I not name Coale, which not only furnish us, but with their surplusage, are transported to other Kingdoms, with no small gain, to be first known? Were they revealed in a dream, like S. john Baptists head, or rather skull, which was made known (as it is fabled or Legended) to a devout Monk in his sleep, and is to be seen at Amiens? No sure, industry and pains (the price which the Heathens could say the Gods did set upon whatsoever is excellent) first gave them light and life. The same industry (there is no doubt) would also make known to us many new treasures, which is only wanting, and not matter. To make this good in the particular in hand.  
The Spa (I know) doth boast of her Minerals of Iron, Vitriol, Sulphur, & others, of whose faculties they have several waters that do taste, & operate. You may remember I gave a touch before, that besides this our new Spa, we took a view of other Springs of differing natures, of which I will briefly relate, whereby it shall appear, that (unless we will believe nothing but what we see) we are not unfurnished of several sorts of Minerals (how secretly soever yet hid from us) and that within the circle of the Moor, where the Tuit-well is seated, and the bordering places thereabout.  
In our first day's view of the Tuit-well, we were conducted by our guide a mile and more beyond it, to look upon another water, which he with much ado found, for that it is very obscurely placed. It breaks forth in the skirt of an hill, close by a Rivulet. We were no sooner come near it, but we were (unmannerly) taken by the nose with a most unsufferable sulphury fume, at the first not easy to be endured. The first thing we did, was to give the water a more free passage than we found it had; which done, we took of it into a glass to view. It was transparently clear, but of so strong and intolerable a scent, being held near, that a more suffocating smell could hardly be devised. Both by the taste and sent it was apparent, that it is of a sulphurous nature, and that in a high degree, but withal exceeding brackish & salt. The day waning would not give us leave to stay long in the place: for conclusion-sake only, we put an eye-cup of silver into a glass of the water, which within a little space turned it into a Copper tincture.  
The next day (being our second of visiting the Tuit-well) we were drawn aside into Bilton Park, which bordereth upon the Moor, where in the declination of an hill, we came to a Spring, much of the same condition with the former, the smell as violent, and the taste the same, save that it is not perceiveably salt. An underkeeper of the Park, whom we asked what use was made of the water, told us, that not long before, finding himself all out of tune, so that no ordinary labour, nor abstinency could set him right: he made bold to drink of this water a glass, or two. It purged him (not without violence) both ways, driving forth of his body much venomous matter, which after by washing in it dried up and healed. He shown us also a poor manservant to his Master, who being for the space of two years troubled with a grievous pain in one of his legs, together with a numbness and swelling, being advised to wash in this water, was within an unexpected time restored to health, and strength, and hath continued firm and sound ever since.  
From hence we were brought to another water, distant from this place about a mile, called Pigeon Spring, of the continual haunt they have about it. This is also of a Sulphury quality, and salt, but in a more remiss and moderate degree than either of the other.  
It were a great daring in me (who acknowledge myself ignorant in the least rudiments of Art) to affirm any thing peremptorily of the true nature of these sulphurous Springs, their proper use, or what intermixture they may have of several Minerals. Nay, it were a touch of boldness in any (be they who they will) positively to set down the certain effects of these waters, because (the three last named having apparent differences) their faculties have not by any (that I can hear) been seriously tried and examined. Yet that by probability (seeing they are sulphurous, and that in a high degree) they are useful, none (who will not absolutely deny the virtues of Minerals) will deny. Why they are so exceeding strong of scent, and taste, and yet not hot, as are the waters of the Bath in Summerset-shire, partaking both of the same conjectured nature, I leave to the discussing of Chemists and Minerallists. Some undertake to affirm, that the Mineral matter which feeds the waters of the Bath, and makes them operative, is fired. These affirm, (grounding themselves upon Aristotle) that there are certain hot and dry exhalations included in the caverns of the earth, which seeking passage forth, and vent, and not finding any, they are violently carried up and down, in which motion by degrees they ratify, and at length are fired. If so it happen (say they) that where such vapours are included, and incendiated, there be any By tuminous or Sulphurous matter, by this means it comes to be fired: and look how long there remains any of the Mineral to feed the fire, so long the fire lasteth. And since (say they) these Minerals have a perpetual regeneration, it must needs follow, that the fire fed by them must also be durable, unless it find passage forth, & so vanish. If this heat thus enclosed in these hollows be great and intense, the matter of the Mineral plentiful, and that the water which passeth by them in a continual succession makes no long course before it break forth, then is the water in its issue very hot. But if the heat be small (whereunto the abundance of matter giveth force, as we see in our common experience of our ordinary fuel) and the passage of the water long before it issue, then cometh it to pass, that the water is either of a moderate warmth, or cold; for that in so long a journey it passeth by stones, and cold places, losing by degrees the heat it received.  
For my part, I am more apt to admire Nature in the rarity and variety of her producements, than willing to trouble my brain in searching into things (it may be) not knowable. If such as are judicious would take the pains by any artificial coutses, to examine the difference of these waters of ours, and those of the Bath, secundùm magis & minus, whereby their due use might be known, it were a labour which might merit applause. We make no bones to expend great sums in pastimes of momentary continuance, and suffer our ears to be inculcated with rare and useful wonderments of Nature, and pass them by as matters belonging only to Mechanic knowledge; whereas (truly weighed) these high mysteries would better become both our charge & speculation. And whosoever they are, whose overflow of fortunes doth invite them to leave to posterity an allowance (whereby they worthily express a laudable & Christian aim at the common good) be it in erecting Schools, Hospitals, or what else soever of that kind; if such would please to weigh the benefit of these waters, they could not possibly device (their use being first assuredly known, and experimented) any means more apt to endear themselves to their Country, than in bestowing a largesse, in fitting such places as these (where medicinal waters by the goodness of God are offered unto us) for their commodious use. For, although the greatest Subjects of this Land may be forced to crave the aid of these waters (for where Art is at a nonplus, Nature oftentimes supplieth) yet it is the poorer sort, to whom they are like to yield the greatest relief, many of whom often perish for want of outward means. How many distressed souls lie languishing in fearful infirmities, whom the Northern parts do distance so fare from the Baths in Summerset-shire, that they sink under the burden of their disease, either through debility of body to make so long a journey? Or, if their bodies would give them leave, the weight of their poverty presseth them down, and keeps them back: whereas a reasonable charge bestowed on these our waters (which are yet but like Beare-whelpes, and want the licking of Art to give them useful form) might prove as memorable an act as most are in these times. I know the Baths in Summerset-shire (which I once saw) have in a reasonable proportion (being happily seated in a place which draws from the recourse of strangers no small commodity) been looked into, and indifferently accommodated: Yet compare them with others of the like kind beyond the Seas (which I have heard by authentic report to be excellently ordered) they are but poor and of mean value. Those of Akan, Aix, or Aquisgrane (call the place which you will, for they are all one) I have seen, being about 15. miles from the Spa, and beheld them with great admiration; the structure about them being so commodious, that they may be tempered at pleasure according to the habit of the patiented. They may also be let forth in an instant, (and every day that they are used they are) by which means they are freed from the ordure and filth which they attract from putrid bodies, which (no question) might prejudice those of sound temper. There are some kept private for women, where unseen they may (without the least prejudice to their modesty) enter for their benefit. This is far from our (I may well say heathenish) custom, where men and women do mutually entermixe in the Bath, whereby there is too great an occasion administered of begetting lustful fires, causing the souls of many to run a doubtful hazard. But I leave this disorder to the consideration of those, whose authority is able to rectify this gross abuse, and return to our waters.  
Opposition (I know) they shall not want (Worth & Envy being inseparable companions) for there are some so betrothed to their particular, and so engulfed in avarice, that they have vowed never to know any other love. These, if they perceive the least dram of profit, to be drawn from their profession (I speak of such whose livelihood consists in physical directions, or manual cures) by any extraordinary discovery, let it never so apparently benefit the general, they rack their brains to invent any means of disparaging it, and bedlam-like rail at whatsoever may bring diminution to their profit and practise, their private gain being dearer to them than their Country, nay than the whole world. But let the galls of such greaten, till swelled with envy, they burst; the testimony of one approved man will be of sufficient weight to out-ballance the fuming froth of a thousand such.  
It did not cost us above one entire day in this our perambulation of visiting these waters, but by what we had seen, we thought it more than coniecturable, that upon diligent search there may many others be found within a small distance of several intermixed natures, which may afford admirable use both for outward & inward cure, dispensed by the appointment of a careful and judicious Artist.  
Can we then be so simple as to question, where there are such variety of Mineral waters, whether the soil doth afford commodious veins, or no? I am persuaded, if those same Belgic Pismires (as one not unfitly calls them) were masters of so fair an opportunity as this doth promise, they would leave no angle of the place unsought, till they had found out the beds where these Minerals sleep. But we (like Carrier's horses) will not out of the tract way of ordinary commodities. Peace the mother of plenty, and this the nurse of case, or rather idleness, hath so enthralled us, that we hug ourselves in our own security, and neglect many blessings which the liberal hand of the Almighty hath showered upon us.  
O that their example (I mean the Hollanders) might move us to consider, what blessings do attend a laborious life. How have they (confined within a bog (as I may say) and that of no great compass) advanced their heads above many States, that possess large & fertile Dominions? What Cities of magnific structure do they inhabit? How do they abound in all manner of profitable Manufactures? Into what place of the habitable world have the not traffic? How have they bearded that same Christendome-threatning-Monarch the Catholic King, and done him more shame (maugre all his Indian Bullion) than all his far-fetched conquests have gained him credit? And whence comes this their prosperity, and increase of potency, if not from a general circumspection, & sagacity in their affairs, cherishing all manner of useful Arts, and advantageous knowledge, and not suffering any unprofitable weeds, I mean idle persons, to harbour amongst them? Whereas we (by what connivance I know not) give way to more loitering drones, and common able beggars, to swarm in our streets, than would serve to people a larger circuit of ground than they possess.  
Whence is it that our Alehouses and Taverns are in such request in all good Towns, but that they are so frequented with idle companions that their custom is thought now adays a constant fair revenue? And hence it is that most of our Townes-masters (observing the humour and current of the times) howsoever they make a show of some bundles of Flax, a few bars of Iron, or such like stuff in their shops, yet (the plain English is) Corn is the main prop of their estates, & of Corn, Barley, which they know will off, when all other commodities stick fast. Thus come tippling-houses to be in such request, & so countenanced in their excess of riot, and abuse of measure, those who are appointed Governouts (but may more properly be termed Overseers) winking at disorder, because (like Flies) they derive a great part of their Being from the corruptions & sores of the times. Indeed we do but too much abound in all necessary comforts, and this is it which hath so infected us with a lazy Lethargy, that through a long habit of ease, we are grown uncapable of sustaining any pains. Hath not our long continued peace, brought us to a strange pass (being neither employed at home in fit labour, nor suffered to pass abroad but with strange restrictions, and limitations) when we are become the prostitutes of foreign derision? 'tis how the golden Age was, when we were held a terror to the proudest of our neighbours, our alliance was sought unto as a shelter, and they were safest, whom the wings of our amity did shadow: but we are now so far from being remembered with the least phrase of respect, in regard of our present stupidity, and base sufferings, that a beggarly base fisher-Towne (fit to be nothing but what it is, a Cacus his den, and receptacle of pilfering Pirates) dares brave us at our own doors, so that not a Merchant but fears to put forth his head, to pass from one of our Ports to another. We are daily defied upon the skirts of our own coasts, so that not a week doth pass, which bringeth not forth some sad tidings, even in our view, to the undoing or hazarding of many a poor family. O the benumbed temper of these our days, when we who were the great Masters of these our Seas, are now grown such fordide slaves, that we are scornfully trampled upon, and beaten at our own weapon! We sit by our fires side, wish all were well, scatter now and then a few words of fear, as if our hearts did mis-give all were not well, but that some terror were at hand; and yet none so bold, of so Roman a resolution, or so loving to his Country, as to proclaim our hazard, or give warning of a storm; which whensoever it shall break forth, (which God avert, and yet considering our too wellknowen weakness, and supine carelessness, besides the deluges of many crying sins, it may be feared it is not fare off) we shall be found but an amazed sort of staggering slumberers, scarce awake. Yet I hope in this our Israel (I was about to have said Sodom, for in fullness of bread, if not in other her abominations, we may be suspected to have too great a share) there will be found some faithful abraham's, who will make bold to speak unto the Lord again, and again, that he will not destroy the righteous with the wicked. We have lately smarted under the hand of the Almighty by a grievous visitation, and we see (blessed be his name) he hath caused his Angel to s; tay his hand, so that there is mercy with our God, O that we had grace to fear him! If this will not warn us, but that we will still go on in a careless course, we cannot but expect (which he who was according to Gods own heart, did tremble to make choice on) to fall into the hands of our enemies, whose swords have long thirsted after our blood. Yet since (most mighty Lord God) thy providence hath hitherto miraculously watched over us: O (howsoever our sins do most justly provoke thee to hide thy face from us) be not fare off (thou preserver of man) when we call upon thee. Ever preserve, and graciously defend our dread Sovereign. Keep fare from him such as were the young Counsellors of Rehoboam; when they would whisper into his sacred ears the increase of our burdens, or the doubling of our taxes, let their tongues cleave unto the roof of their mouths. Let those be dear unto him, who sincerely tender the glory of thy great Name, that so Religion may first in all consultations be advanced and established, Antichristian Matchiavellians may be extirpated, the public good by a careful providing for our safery at home, before we embroile ourselves abroad, may be secured: that other Nations, seeing our prosperity, may be forced to say of us, Blessed are the people who are in such a case.  
The issue of this long digression (besides that a sudden apprehension of our threatening hazard, by the tolerated multiplying of Romish Locusts, and the extreme weakness of our coasts did transport me) is only to show, that if we were so cautelous as befits us, and so solicitous as we should be, of the public good, this our happy Isle, doth afford matter sufficient of useful consequence, partly by a free & equal trade abroad, & partly by exercise at home, to employ all the rusty hands, and idle mouldy brains amongst us; which till it be with more care advised on (than it hath been long, but especially of late) let us never expect to return to our pristine farre-spred glory.  
It was pity this our new Spa did not first fall into the hands of some of our juggling imposturing, Romish Priests: for if they (by their Mountebank tricks) are able to draw from most parts of the Kingdom, to one of their Sainted Wells, a world of people, some whereof they cure merely with conceit of their water's sovereignty; others (ayling little or nothing) they can persuade to publish of themselves stupendious cures, of desperate diseases (which being for the advancement of the Catholic cause (though in itself a base lie) yet with them is but a venial peccadelio) if I say these brazen faced Empirics, are able to go so fare with an ordinary plain water, what a shame is it for us who have such a real, virtual Spring, nay many, and that within a small distance, thus to be outstripped with their legerdemain?  
In the latter end of this Summer there was another Spring discovered by Dr. Leake, a Physician of York, a mile nearer the Town of Knaresbrough, than is the Tuit-well. It is held to be as good as the other, of the same taste, and consequently of the same faculty. So that now we may boldly challenge the Spa in Germany: for as they have their two acide Fountains, Savenir, and Pohon, we equal them, and want nothing but names to give ours the greater sound.  
But it is time to strike sail. I might (and not unaptly) take occasion, before I conclude, to publish many rarities which the Town of Knaresbrough, and the bordering places doth afford, as the variety of stone Quarries, the several sorts of Earth's, rare Plants, and other most observable specialties. Here also might I not impertinently insist a little of the famous chronicled dropping Well, seated under the Town, which turneth whatsoever is cast into it, or casually falls in, as sticks, leaves, and moss, into a firm stone; which shows it to be of a most astrictive quality, and of appliable use. A proof hereof was made the precedent Summer by a stranger, who casually passing this way (having been long troubled with a flux) was counselled to drink of this water, which (other means failing) he willingly did, and within a few days was perfectly cured of the disease. That these Fountains also are conveniently seated near a Town of ample receipt for strangers, is not to be omitted. Yet these and many other remarkable advantages I am content to slip over, hoping some generous spirit will undertake their more ample discovery, which would be an act well-becoming any one, who desireth to perpetuate his name in the Catalogue of such as have given lustre to their Country. By this means the wonderments of this place seriously related, and divulged, we may have just cause to glorify God, who amongst other his unnumbered favours, both concerning our souls, and bodies, hath added the knowledge of these waters, and his undeserved mercies considered, we may truly confess, He hath not dealt so with any other Nation.  
FINIS.