●●CEEDINGS Concerning the Improvement of all manner of LAND, And also for all sorts of LEATHER.  
With many Addresses unto Parliaments, and other Supreme Authorities formerly in Power.  
AS ALSO Petitional Motions unto the supreme Authority of this Nation, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging, that they would be pleased to make use of the Proposer, in entertaining his abilities with Acts of Parliament, according to the Laws of this and all Civil Nations; that then thereby he may be empowered lawfully and honourably to put in exercise his undertake: The profitable Effects and Conveniences of them being hereafter sufficiently proved and cleared.  
All which Designs are undertaken to be performed by new ways and means, more speedy, cheap and easy than hath hitherto been discovered, and are acquired by the Industry and diligent search into the Mysteries of Nature,  
Of THOMAS DUCAT, Esq  
Very well deserving the perusal of persons of all degrees, that love ingenuity, and the more flourishing prosperity of the Commonwealth.  
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Leach, May the last, 1659.   

The Preface.  
May it please your Honours,  
THe alterations in State affairs, and other occurrences, being so many as are hereafter published, do therefore require this Preface or Introduction, whereby to give satisfaction unto your Honours and all good people that have so long expected the fruition of what is here tendered.  
The Contents of all after repetitions giving sufficient proof and reason to convince all Objections and cross Arguments; As also a Breviate of his Bills as they were prepared by Council Learned in the Law, and afterwards approved of by Committees of a former Parliament, deputed for that purpose, who made their report of the said Bills, as also of the Proposers ability to perform the Contents therein contained, when they should be passed into Acts of Parliament. And although the intent of all that is hereafter declared may seem tedious in the perusal, yet questionless your Honours and all worthy Perusers will think the time well spent, for that many Ages never had the like Tender, nor have delayed such hopeful Successes; and therefore might have required a larger Scope to demonstrate the great benefits this Nation might long before this time have received, if that such causes as are after recited, had not obstructed the Settlement.  
And that your Honours may receive an Account from the Proposer why he doth expostulate, and drive so close and home against persons that he doth conceive to have been, and likely to be, Antagonist to such rich and transcendent hopes; although no such person hath as yet published himself in print to be an Enemy to these new principles so held forth; for answer thereto I am to let your Honours understand.  
First, albeit none but of unreasonable impudence, and depraved nature, dare let the world judge of their Folly, by subscribing their Names to such a dangerous discomposure of a national benefit, notwithstanding their high pitch in Envy; yet they dare vent their spiteful invectives against the Proposer in malicious and contemptible frothy discourses behind his back; so that since his first Addresses, which were many years ago, the Proposer hath been subject to the pressure of Multiplicity of provocations in several companies by spiteful and perverse Detractors, in headless and absurd Arguments, especially by those who have thought themselves pregnant and Powerful; and there can hardly be a greater plague upon Earth, than to be liable to Evil Tongues, and Censures, as the Proposer hath always been, which cannot be redressed, for that the Company of those selfconceited Critics, who will rail against any man's principles but their own, are numerous, and it is better to have one, two, or three, of such Malevolent spirits to answer unto, if they durst publish their Malignancy in writing, than a thousand others, whom reason will not satisfy, but will at all times, and in all companies, belch forth their spite and Envy against any thing which exceeds their common capacities; but this many times turns to their own disgrace and shame, when the Proposer discerneth just cause to join in contest with them, some part of their presumption arising from the Proposers long delay in gaining an authority, to put in Execution what he hath so long held forth, and divers other uncought Arguments, as barren of reason as that aforesaid.  
But the Proposers cause being just, doth give him the advantage to master them by Reason, and confute them by Arguments, so much as is sufficient to dash out of Countenance any unbelieving Critics, Busybodies, Quibbling Sophisters, Pickthanks, trifling jeerers, Buffoons, or froward Humorists, composed of indigested Ignorance; and the virtue of those Truths, which the Proposer holds forth, doth so much out bear their brainsick Arguments, that it doth increase the Malevolency of their Spleens, to malign all his proceed with Gall and bitterness, which is the cause this relation is so fully proved, to give such Evidence, as may convince them in behalf of the Commonwealth.  
And therefore it is high time for the Proposer to apply himself to your Honours for a speedy Settlement of the Premises, to the end that he may perform such service to the Nation, as may quite extinguish all contradiction by cavilling Detractors, especially those who are impudently resolved neither to see or hear, although their own Conscience convince them, and bring them to the unwor high Odium in the old Proverb, being there is none so blind, as those that will not see, and none so deaf, as those that will not hear.  
And for this cause, by way of Address, the Proposer could present no less than what doth hereafter follow: for of necessity there must be the full substance and property of his designs, with their proofs of performance, and answers unto all selfended Objections, and cavilling Expressions, touching the commodity or discommodities of Improvements, together with the Prop●sers justification of his person and reputation, and proofs and attestations of his knowledge and abilities, as also of the high Degree and Magnitude of what he hath attained unto in Nature's Storehouse, with many liberal applauses of the virtue of his new Enterprises, and with more reiterations, than is usual in repugning, and publicly defying persons that formerly have, and still may, breath noisome Air against laudable Actions, that are above their Meridian, and are thereby prodigious to their own good, and the Nations pleasure and plenty.  
And also treating of the glory that your Honours may attain unto, by entertaining these Tenders, which conduce to a national Improvement, and therefore with good cause, humbly craving your Honour's serious view and review of the Proposers real integrity in these works tendered, wherein your Honours will discern just cause for all these ensuing expressions, and will thereby the better be induced to hold excused, all the rehersals and recitals in this dictate, that could not be explained without reiteration and repetition, to introduce some addition of new matter, fit for observation, though much of affinity with what hath been aforesaid.  
And although the full observation of the contents, and the many large promises there●n contained, may unto the vulgar capacities seem ostentatious; Yet your Honour's prudence will on the contrary weigh them as they are, touching an universal benefit, and that these new discoveries may be a preferment to the Nation in general, or to Nations generally, and your Honours will perceive just cause to confess, that the Theorical, Methoditical, and Practical proceed in renowned erterprises, aught to be supported with a more Magisterial fullness in words, than can belong to the hope of gaining some small profit, of little value, and short continuance: And therefore by your Honours cannot be esteemed vain boasting: But if there should escape my pen some faulty branches, yet I hope it may in wisdom by your Honours receive a pardon, according to the Proverb, of giving a loser leave to speak, that hath spent and disbursed the best of his years and the best of his estate in this faithful service, and hath had no encouragement, or returns suitable to his merits, the which would nettle the pen of any b●● those naturalists, who do study & observe the conditions f mwn, with as much circumspection as they do the natures of Creatures, Minerals, and Vegetatives, by which inspection, they have acquired so much discretion as to sleight and invalue those constitutions, whose natures want true season, or some degrees of concoction, to operate in fullness of virtue and knowledge, the which the Proposer doth represent to your Honours, as a just reason of the great pains and much patience the Proposer is driven unto, in seeking means by all lenity to convince erroneous opinions, by offering all manner of courtesy and civil argument, to their cursed contradictions, thereby to calm them with Reasons, and satisfactory Arguments: for the Proposer hath no other way to qualify their Malice, unless it were in giving some of the chiefest in pride and presumption, some special share and partnership, in the honour and profit which ought to accrue unto the Proposer and his posterity, by virtue of those Trophies, that Nature and Industry hath endowed him withal.  
And therefore for quietness sake, and a more easy proceeding, that the way may be cleared of all such interruptions to a national good, The Proposer could have willingly thereunto condescended, but that the Heralds at Arms, and other honourable Antiquaries, would have thereby just cause to take Recognizance of the Proposers Transgressions, as to the disgrace of his Name, Descent, and Pedigree, whereof he is so sensible and tender, that whensoever he doth make room for such a blot against his Friends, and falsity against himself, then let those Officers aforesaid, join in defacing his ancient Coat of Arms, by creating the Emblem of some corrupt vermin or beast of prey, to be placed upon the Author's ancient Coat of Arms, 
The Crest belonging to the Arms of Ducat, is an Ostrige feather gules environed in a Crownet of Gold.  instead of the present Crest, as an allusion that he so unworthily submitted to pragmattick greedy persons freighted with Avarice, but empty of Goodness, and that Falsehood had overcome Truth, contrary to the known Maxim.  
And thus the Proposer in his faithful indulgence to your Honours, and the weal public, could not possibly say any thing less, than what is herein, and in the ensuing Relation to be expressed, the length and prolixity whereof, he hopes will be the rather dispensed withal, because that things of so large and general a concernment, could not without prejudice and Injury to the matter be wound up and concluded in so concise a brevity as proceed of small consequence; yet all the contents require not above the twelfth part of a Natural day to be perused, scanned, and considered of; But because many persons cannot admit of so much time to peruse the whole, the Proposer thought it necessary to give some good part of satisfaction in every page, or leaf; the contents whereof, with all humble submission, the Proposer refers to your Honour's great wisdoms, as also what may seem improper or imperfect in this dictate, or the Printers mistakes, the Proposer doth likewise submit, having already too much entrenched upon your Honour's patience, who are further to be used in the premises and; therefore, what ever else ought to have been said, yet in good manners, and order, there must no more be said, but only that the Proposer in all constant faithfulness is resolved to be,  
Your Honours in all devout and devoted Obedience, Thomas Ducket:   

A Narrative of the Proceed of Thomas Ducket Esq etc.  
THat the said Thomas Ducat, 
The Proposers undertaking.  by his great charge and study in Nature's operation, hath (by God's assistance) discovered several rich, and profitable Secrets, Arts and Mysteries, for the Improvement of all sorts of Land, by destroying of all sorts of Weeds, Trash, Shrubs, and other Encumbrances, Raising of Waters, Creating of a new soil or manure; Together with more expeditions cheap and easy actions, and motions to perform the same; And likewise for the improvement of Leather of all sorts, in excellency and perfection of Strength, Grain, and Colour, being designs of great honour and plenty for English People.  
The Real performance of which Inventions, first as to Land, 
The reality of his inventions for land attested by many persons of honour and quality.  was testified by Certificates under the hands of many persons of Honour and quality of several Counties unto you the Right Honourable Members of this present Parliament, not long before your Honours were disturbed, being in April the 23. 1653. for before those accidents, and alterations in State, your Petitioner did daily solicit the worthy and most renowned members of this Parliament then sitting, that they would be pleased to peruse and take into consideration in the House, the Bill he had prepared by Council learned in the Law, to be passed into an Act for improvement of Land. But multiplicity of State-affairs (as it seemed) or else new inventions in these Septentrional Countries seeming strange, 
New inventions being a wonder to the apprehension of some people hath been a chief remora.  or else National Malediction did retard the settlement of such good fortune, notwithstanding the exact and clear descriptions of the particulars, and the confirmation of many honourable and worthy persons as aforesaid, who attested, and largely satisfied your Honours of the Proposer's ability to perform his undertake: yet nevertheless your Honours not putting a dispatch to so great a National advantage, occasioned a doubtfulness in the Proposer, lest his public tenders, amongst the generality of people, might be reflected on him as nothing but pretences; and that he were not able to set forth any additional thing that were rich, and good for improvement of Land, more than what former ages, and present time had, or have produced. And there upon the Proposer, minding the good of his Native Country, and the honour of his own reputation, to avoid all jealousies, mistakes, and controversies of any doubtful, captious persons, who through their own imbecility might conceit that what he had so held forth were but a superficial show, without any reality at all; or if he were a master of such skill, 
No cause of neglecting so good a tender, for three reasons.  that then it was bottomed beyond the reach of ordinary understanding, and so deep, that it did require long consideration, and State policy to discern the depth, scope and centre thereof; although the case is evident, clear, and void of all suspicion and controversy, and would be speedily embraced in any Southern Nation, for these three reasons, viz.  
First, for that it cannot choose but be a universal benefit to any Nation.  
Secondly, because no Statesman, nor any belonging to them, or any other person, shall be charged with any cost, trouble, or damage, until he have a full knowledge, and possession of the skill.  
Thirdly, no person is, nor shall be compelled, without his especial desire and consent, to make use of any of the said Inventions, or to take a licence for that purpose, neither is any man to be restrained by virtue of such an act, from making use of all, & all manner of courses in husbandry, Arts and Mysteries, that have ever formerly been used, or are at this present in common use and practice, neither debarred of any of their accustomed exercises, but only of those new discoveries, and additions to former practices, which are and shall be published and manifested.  
Therefore to prevent these and such doubts, suppositions, and other obstructions, the Proposer having long since by his studies in the mysteries of Nature, acquired a most strange, and unheard of secret, never before discovered, in this or former ages, which is of so high a degree of Consequence, in richness, and rarity of art, 
The Proposer to convince all dubious minds, and to make known his ability in Land, did demonstrate his skill in the mystery of Leather.  that for the convincing of all erroneous minds, thoughts and words, as to his ability in knowledge, He did by his new inventions, convert many score of raw hides, and skins into leather, without Bark of Oaks, Ash, or any other formerly used ingredients; as also did make leather of a more rich and profitable condition, than ever yet was known, by assisting, and bettering of all former known practices, with new means, and additional ingredients, and liquors to be mixed and compounded with bark of Oaks, and all others formerly used, which is, and may be performed easier, speedier, and with less charge than formerly: which did, doth, and may demonstrate his knowledge to be far more profound, and beyond the reach of all sorts of Artificers, although they have been Masters of such practice as hath ever been by tradition used since this part of the world was civilised.  

The excellent perfection which the Proposer hath attained unto in the said art and mystery. The clearness of the proposers skill and ability.  Yet notwithstanding the highest degree of perfection that they have attained unto by their long practice, by way of emblem and pattern, to make an uncontradictable certainty in the judgement of all wise and judicious persons, the Proposer having achieved the knowledge, did produce that most admirable Masterpiece for all that are concerned in Leather, that thereby your Honours, and the world may know, that his reach and understanding in improvement of the fertility of all sorts of lands, doth, and may in all likelihood in the particulars of his intended discoveries, as much surmount the practice of any Actors, and Authors in Husbandry.  
And upon these grounds the Proposer took the pains to demonstrate the great Mystery for Leather, before he had any Act for the improvement of land: but if an Act for improvement of land had been granted, his actions had been so significant to the purpose, beyond what is practised by others, as would have induced such a full belief with your Honours, or any other supreme persons authorized, that his own promise and assertion, would have supported his undertake as to Leather, to be of such current truth, that his pains in setting forth a demonstration of tanning of Leather according to the new mystery, might have been spared as a needless impertinency.  

The Proposers good will to benefit his native Country, did cause him to neglect no opportunity to get a settlement of his business.  But the Proposer observing the variety of minds, and tempers of people, and changes of government, with the like, did hold it necessary to make the world sensible of his abilities by those actions, as aforesaid, and then when he had created so good a belief, it had been a great want of prudence and good mind in the Proposer, if he should have neglected his addresses to any supreme Authority that next ensued your Honours. First, in regard that he was stricken in years: Next, because he had a great zeal to lend his assistance to help his own Native Country, before any foreign Nation, and some other causes supported by the rule of discretion, occasioned him in an elaborate way to make his addresses unto every sort of supreme Authority, from the dissolution of your Honours as aforesaid until this present time; and that he might be more certain of gaining an authority for the exercising of what he so held forth, he first cleared all doubts and queries by significant demonstration of several parcels of Leather so tanned and tawed; and likewise by certificates thereupon from most of the chief Tanners, and other tradesmen as to Leather, of several Counties in and about London, to his late Highness Oliver Lord Protector, and his Council, and likewise to the Committee for trade, then in power, the which Committee by order summoned a numerous company of Tanners, and other tradesmen as to Leather, to give their approbation, and testimony of the said Leather, the which persons so summoned, did not only under their hands, but likewise themselves in person, affirm and testify of the goodness of the said Leather, and of the ability of the said Thomas Ducat to perform his undertake, and of the great benefit that would arise thereby to the three Nations, and earnestly requested a speedy settlement of the premises.  
By the means of which proceed, 
His late Highness Oliver Lord Protector's grant of Patents.  his late Highness Oliver Lord Protector with his Council were so fully satisfied herein, that his Highness forthwith granted the said Thomas Ducket two several Patents for the sole exercise and benefit of his said inventions for improvement of Land and Leather for fourteen years; which upon consideration, and perusal by the said Thomas Ducket's Counsel in the Law, they were found not to be of sufficient power and validity to make him a secure title, by reason of the multitude of the people he was to deal with, as to land, and certain Statutes, and especially some Statutes as to Leather, prohibiting the use of any other liquors or ingredients, but Bark of Oaks, and other ingredients then in use, and limiting set times in Tannage; the maker of such Statutes (by all likelihood) not imagining that any better way or invention could be found out, by the means whereof it proved this nations unhappiness, 
Reasons why the said Patents were of no validity.  to be suppressed, delayed, & hazarded in the hope of the accommodation of those rich & precious benefits that might then speedily have ensued by power of Broad-Seal Patents, if those foresaid old acts had not frustrated the progress and exercise of the premises.  
For although it fell out, that those old bars in Law proved to be against the law of right and reason, yet nevertheless there was no remedy to avoid the same, although it were to the daily loss and prejudice of the people, and must have so continued, until the errors of those former Parliament laws were through the prudence of some new Parliament-Magistrates, discerned, deserted, and repealed, to make way for better opportunities, and then the Proposer by a Parliamentary act empowered.  
And upon these, and some other accounts and procrastinations, the said Thomas Ducket was in reason necessitated to forbear the discovery of his designed intentions, and so did until there was a Parliament assembled at Westminster, in September 1656. where then the Proposer after addressing himself and his cause unto them, then after sufficient debate, and through the virtue of several Certificates from many worthy Patriots conducing to land, as also the new testimony of his late Highness Oliver Lord Protector and his Council, as to Land and Leather, as also the Certificate of the chiefest Tanners, 
The Tanner's address and certificates to the Parliament and Committees for Trade, of the Proposers ability  and other tradesmen as to Leather, recommended unto the said Parliament, together wi●h the appearance of numerous companies of Tanners, and other dealers in Leather, at several times, did make their personal address unto the whole body of the house of Parliament in that behalf, and also when occasion required did present themselves at other times, unto several Committees of Parliament, and at last through very much inveterate trouble, perplexity, tediousness incident to English Proceed; afterwards this ensuing report was made in answer to a grand Committee of that Parliament, by power of an Order granted by them unto a Sub-Committee, the words being thus returned, viz.  
The Report.  

The report of a Committee of Parliament.  IN observance of an Order of this Committee, bearing date the 23. day of December last, we have examined, and considered of the proposals and new inventions of Thomas Ducket Esq for the improvement of all sorts of lands, and also for the converting all sorts of raw hides, and skins into leather, without Bark of Oaks, or other usual ingredients; & upon conference with him, his reasons and demonstrations hath given us good satisfaction, as well of his abilities, as of the benefit that may come to this Commonwealth thereby, and we are the more induced to believe the same, for that his Highness and Council have certified on his behalf, and likewise many other persons of worth and quality in several Counties to the same effect.  
And we do farther report, that we have supervised his bills for improvement of Lands and Leather, and have made many alterations and restrictions therein, and do humbly conceive that the said Thomas Ducats undertake deserve all due encouragement, that this Commonwealth may enjoy the benefit thereof.  
Dated the 1. of May. 1657  
The Committee consisted of 5 or 6 but any three of two were empowered to report. 

Henry Pickering.  
Richard Timbs.  
Robert West.    

The bills likewise prepared by the said Commi tee. Sir Henry Pickering ordered to move it in the house.  After the return of this report from the Sub-Committee unto the Grand Committee, together with the two bills for Land and Leather, as they were prepared and made fit to be enacted, it was then resolved, and so ordered by that Grand Committee, that the then Henry Pickering Esq now Henry Pickering Knight, one of the Sub-Committees (whose name is unto the said report) should with all convenient speed, wait the House daily for an opportunity, and there to move the Right Honourable Speaker Sir Thomas Widdringto●, to give way for the publication of those bills so prepared; and the said Honourable Speaker was made acquainted therewith, who was very writing to give way to the said Sir Henry Pickerings motion, in causing the bills to be read, and he in his loyalty and goodness to the Wealpublick (being well satisfied of the proposers ability, and the great advantage that hereby might arise to the Nation) was contented to assist those proceed; and rather than the business should receive any delay by the motion of Sir Henry Pickering, he was honourably pleased that those bills should be moved as private bills by himself; 
Cause why the business was not settled.  but just at the time when most of the Members were acquainted with these Proceed, and were in a readiness to give audience as to a settlement, than it so pleased God that the said Thomas Ducket was visited with sickness, so that he could not attend the House, but was forced to let his business lie dormant and proceed no farther; in which time of his sickness, the Parliament was first adjourned, and after their next sitting suddenly dissolved; And now through providence your Honours (with whom were my first proceed and addre●es) being reinvested with the Power and Authority, from whence this Nation may receive those fortunate successes which are to be presented by the Proposer, who hath the good fate once more to make his Addresses to your Honours, although at present your Honours are full of public employment, 
The designs are of so great worth that they merit the result of the Parliament, more than any other business except the security of the Nation.  yet the Proposer well knowing (that setting aside the security of the Nation) there is not any thing in the House in agitation, that may better advance a flourishing plenty to your Honours and the people, than the entertainment of the premises, which in the piercing eye of Prudence, is a most notable, precious, public business, and cannot be denied in the Reason, Judgement, and Wisdom of your Honours, although this Nation is haunted with some injurious ignorant persons, that will not stick to affirm it to be but a private business, in regard that the Owner, Founder, and Messenger of this mystery, lays claim (according to the Law of Nations) to be gratified for fourteen years with some small diminutive reward; whose penurious unworthy conditioned language, 
Sordid Calumniations by Detractors.  or customary equivocation to quibble this Land out of a Success and Character, must needs consist of a pestiferous malediction to all ingenuity, insomuch that they do endeavour to blast the glorious Law of National requital of laborious Masters in profitable new discoveries, with the odium of Monopolies, 
And other Cavillations.  unless that such invertors of rich enterprises and high discoveries, do give the honour and profit thereof, unto the Members of State, and be content to stand unto their reversion; and questionless there are many, that will whisper some great m●n to that purpose, although those so whispered cannot but discern, that they, with those pickthank Flatteries, would fain allure Magistracy, into a Monopolising those achievements which they never sought nor sweat for. And if your Honours do by Argument and Reason contradict those Motioners, as to a course improper, yet they, or such as they are, will start some other query, saying, Why should not the Inventor disclose all his skill and manner of action, as well as demonstration (unto some great Members of Parliament) in every particular, 
Reasons that the Proposers undertake are not to be discovered to any Members of Parliament, or others, without a settlement first granted.  before that he hath an Act passed? And that it were good policy in any Committee to urge and press the Proposer home to that point. Now then, when any of your Honours do reply, (as questionless you may and will) That, if that the skill were made known to any Members of State, that then, they the said Members are bound, by virtue of their trust, to publish all politic profits to the Nation, without any imposition of payment for any skill, that is beforehand made known, unto their representative, who, by receiving such intelligence from the Inventor, were thereby disabled to make a Law to that effect: And that the Master of those Mysteries may better dispense with the breach of promise unto his particular; 
☜  than the whole Nation with the trust reposed in any of its Members. 
A discovery in reason not to be requested before the settlement.  Again it may be answered (questionless) that the Proposer will not yield unto any such thing, in that the likelihood of the profits of his discoveries, do far surmount (as to the benefit of the Commonwealth) the value of ten, twenty, or forty gentlemen's Estates, setting their places or power aside: And again, that those persons that are studious in any mental mysteries, and are of perfect knowledge therein, doubtless are so Judicious, that they will not deliver their principles to the possession of others upon any such uncertainties, 
The inconvenience that may arise to the Proposer and others by making a discovery to any without an Act.  nor will they be guided in any unstable course, for fear of losing their benefits, and making themselves a simple Precedent to other Authors and Founders; neither will it become Members of State (in point of honour of the whole house) to motion any design unto the Proposer concerning his inventions, wherein there were any doubt of hazard; and for him the Proposer, to submit to such adventures, is too much below the Honour of a person so endowed.  
And thus with trouble and woeful experience, the Proposer is able to  the disserviceable part of those puzzling Incendiaries, that out of rancour will endeavour to forestall all good actions and intentions, whereby your Honours may easily discern, that their prating and practice hath a great affinity, with the skill and artifice of Achitophel; these their agitations plainly showing, that such persons are none of those godly wise men, 
What kind of persons Detractors are, and from whence their natures are, and what is predominate over them, and what they are addicted to.  who, as the Scripture saith, do command the stars; For certainly, these wretches, for want of Grace, do permit malevolent planets to predominate over them, even to the naturalising of their minds, to the love of mischief to others, and the impoverishing of all but themselves, they being owners of some small heap of drossy substance, so much as doth advance and support them so to overlook other men's matters as to breed disturbances, controversies, and cruelties, or else they would not project, and monopolise so many insolences, to divert the Settlement of Plenty.  
And certainly those that have been adverse to these proceed are none of the wisest, in seeking to hinder themselves from the good success of profitable inventions atcheived by ingenuity; it may be they may be witty, crafty, subtle, and inplacably politic, but yet want Judgement to discern, that there is no profit on the face of the earth, that taketh his first entrance of settlement, with so little charge and pains as new discovered mysteries; For in all sea practices and proceed, and all land affairs and actions, the events require charge, time, venture, loss and hazard, 
No person at one penny charge in settling the discovery but the Proposer. ☞  and many times ill success doth cross those enterprises: But in the entrance of these proceed, to accommodate the Nation with knowledge, there is not one penny loss, not a sheet of paper to any Clerk, nor fee to a subordinate Officer, but what must and shall be satisfied by the Proposer, after that your Honours have breathed out the concluding vote of an Act for the establishment.  
It hath been reported, that Charles the fifth Emperor, and Philip of Spain called by his Subjects Philip the wise, 
☞  and other Monarches great in wisdom and power, said, it was very fitting that if it did so fall out that any person relating to them, did pretend a new discovery of any new Art or Science, or profitable Manufactory, if it were tendered without a charge, or cost at first entrance and entertainment thereof, that all such affairs should be lovingly embraced by all men of reason, first for avoiding the discouragement of industry, Secondly, for that if any one rarity of new skill, or but any part of a special skill prove current, feasible, laudable, and profitable to a Commonwealth, then if one of twenty such proffers did thrive effectually and prosperously, the trouble of Settlement was recompensed more than an hundred times triple; yet this Proposers designs being many, and several, and also visible and perfect, to the eyes of sense, and ears of understanding, and as freely proffered without any cost as can be expected, have been retarded in the settling, by the means of such persons as have, and will, if they may be permitted and believed, still endeavour to stupefy the ears of Authority with false plead, to the great loss and inconvenience of the people, and instead thereof gain the Nation a disgrace, being a thing very unreasonable and shameful.  
Now if these Emblems of the seditious and spiteful blasters of the blossoms and flowers of welfare, will not abate their cross resolutions, 
A caution not to regard such Calumniators.  then may they range where they please, and sow tares where they list, provided that your Honours will vouchsafe, to make it one of your principal businesses to supervise the laborious works and producements of the Proposer, with more eager conspicuity than formerly, and then he is confident your Honours shall find his performances, to be a sufficient antidote against the putrified Air of those, by whose breath tares (as aforesaid) and other weeds and land impediments would be continued and increased, if your Honours prevent it not, 
The Proposer stands upon his credit and reputation in justification of his business. ☜  and take hold of occasion, and contemn such peevish Critics, in owning these proposals as a public business of Parliament, whose profitable effects to the Nation may well support it with the true title of the same, although the Proposer will not exclude himself, and the name of Ducats, of that Honour and share that the Laws of God and Man affords them, which must be so if he would comply with an Ignoramus to himself and Friend, in disclaiming a moderate satisfaction, which no way can arise unto him and them by any false, uncouth, sinister, delusion or evasion, as will presently be made manifest for satisfaction of your Honours, and for calming the boisterous tempestuous winds of all that are envious, needy, greedy or factious, unless (the Author of all mischief) be in it.  
Certainly all opposites (though never so ill minded to others) would gladly have payment for any goods they sell, and reciprocal returns for civilities, 
Every man will look 〈◊〉 a Reward 〈◊〉 what he d●●h sell, or do for any man.  favours and Friendships, with a full recompense for any good service, if they be of a capacity in any of these (as seldom they are) and according to that the Proposer doth but expect to be respected with some little and mean requital, far beneath the desert of his great service to the Commonwealth, in which Proceed no man can be jealous of any falsehood, whereby he might delude, and draw the Nation to raise him a profit far transcending the benefit of his discoveries during the fourteen years; for if his designs are of little consequence, small profit, and hardly of any use, then hath he with disgrace lost all his former time, and charge, yet none but himself damnified. And if they prove moderately profitable, and prosperously worthy of use, 
The Proposers reward will be according to the merit of his designs.  and of some sufficient benefit, then will the shape, size, and quantity of his reward be suitable according to the beneficial assistance the Weal-public receiveth. But if his designed discoveries should prove to be of a most vast value in additional honour to your Honours, and a wealthy prosperity to the Commonwealth, then by a true rule of proportion, a fair and fitting well-deserved honour, 
If his designs prove suc●●●efull and good his 〈…〉 aught 〈…〉 accordingly.  and large recompense the Proposer doth conceive himself (against the World) to be a meritorious deserver of. And if the numerous small compositions for Licences from all that make use of his discoveries should arise to great sums or Mulcts, yet in despite of contradiction the performer is a well deserving owner thereof, and questionless will show himself as able in distribution of what he hath gained, upon charitable good ways and uses, 
The 〈…〉  as he was industrious in achieving and accomplishing the possession of the same; for who doth know but that he is naturally addicted unto the relief of the poorer sort, and the practice of laudable actions therewith in some eminent degree of Religious pious charity, such as may be as great a precedent in good works, and gracious liberality, as he hath been studious in advancing welfare and plenty.  

A strange case that such wealthy designs should be retarded by detracting selfended people. The Proposer will not subject himself to any disgrace, to be a discouragement to ingenious persons for the future. The P●oposers good will to benefit his Native Country demonstrated by keeping so long his secrets undiscovered to foreign Nations. The Proposers studies and natural inclinations considered, why may not God bless this Nation as well as others to breed a person of remarkable parts fit perpetually to be memorised?  Is it not then strange that upon these weak bars of persons indigent in discretion, or the like incidences, or Epitomies of envy and wretchedness as are afore described, that the Proposers designs might then be raised to the high name of a special public business, and not otherwise? This is very rigid in those that would endeavour to have your Honours adhere therewith, but must necessarily be a great debasing of the Proposers discretion, and very much beneath any Naturalist that hath achieved to perfection in smaller mysteries, and therefore he cannot submit to such an ignominy, without a foul scorn and disdain therein to be guilty, as also by such actions to become a discourager of any Academic, or other ingenuous persons, who in this, or ensuing ages, shall, or may attain unto eminent knowledge in the mysteries of nature, or the like.  
The Proposer hopeth, that he deserveth better things than these intricacies of his native Country, in reference to his good intentions of their future prosperity, as also his care of their honour, they being so dilatory in the settlement of their own welfare. Yet hath the Proposer hitherto had the patience not to send his discoveries into any other Nation, although often solicited to that purpose by several agents of those foreign parts, that would have raised thereby their own riches, and advanced their pleasure in farther laughter and derision at the people of this Nation, for slighting and letting pass the opportunity of every new renowned enterprise.  
For it hath been noted, that many nations and territories of the world have produced some persons of singularity in all arts, sciences, faculties and callings, and all derived from the Meridian of invention; the which illustrious excellence of persons renowned, have adorned most part of the universe with the splendent glitter of glorious discoveries, their names and qualities needing no recital; for that no intelligible person is ignorant of their particular excellence, in Wisdom and Knowledge; and seeing that it hath pleased God to bless other parts of the world with messengers of transcendent gifts, why then should England be obnoxious to their own honour and profit in neglecting the employment of the Proposer? whose intellectuals were ever naturally from the spring of his youth, addicted to the love of profitable rarities, and new inventions in the Theoric part of Elements and temperaments, and the methods of practice, with as much willingness to enrich his native Country, in resembling former founders of high and mighty things. Yet with all humble obedience in his submissive apprehension, he hath aimed and endeavoured at knowledge, with as much earnestness and eagerness as to his undertake are recited, with as faithful intention, as any of those surmounting persons that acquired to much fame and glory to themselves and their Native Countries. The which your honours may experimentally know by making use of the Proposer, who is able to fill up the room and places left void and barren, with the fullness of skill, and better advantage in husbandry, and other mysteries and manufactories which were left at too low a gage of perfection by former discoverers; the which may by virtue of the Proposers care be more perfectly established and settled, and thereby as he hath had place, liberty and room left him for such performance that others could not do: so when he shall have perfected what hitherto hath been left undone in the premises, he certainly then shall justly merit a place of remembrance in those lists and rolls in which learned Authors and Historians have recorded the honour and dignity of former renowned Discoverers, the which preferment is one of the guerdons desired by Naturalists, they having felicity in fame beyond the possession of Riches.  
Now if these motives of truth and reason may occasion these humble motions to be in some convenient time dispatched and settled, 
The great honour and profit which the honourable Members of Parliament will attract by a speedy settlement of the premises.  then will your Honours be made famous with the glory of all those prosperous agitations and descriptions, together with all sort of satisfactions, which are at large described in this ensuing address; to the end that your Honours may be fully satisfied of those rich land affairs, whose wealthy income will in many degrees surmount the indigency which this Nation is often incident unto; and the real assurance thereof will appear more evident by your Honour's perusal of this following description, whereof this first part hath relation unto, which will in truth and reason outbear all misconstructions, sordid suggestions and pretences, and all such malign Incendiaries, as do, as aforesaid, endeavour to divert the laudable intentions of the most renowned Magistrates, 
Any Honourable Member of Parliament may receive ample satisfaction in the premises in less than an hour's time.  from settlement of any great and public good or benefit, which is like to ensue to the Commonwealth in general, and to the particular honour of those who intent to be the chief promoters thereof, who may receive ample satisfaction by proof, as to Land, and experimental demonstration as to Leather, arguments to opposition, and response to queries in all the aforesaid passages in about an hour's time, if cause there be that any Honourable Member require the same.  
And now the Proposer having given a sufficient account of his proceed, humbly craveth your Honour's favour to spare a small time in perusal of what is hereafter to be said; which questionless will induce as great a willingness in all worthy Patriots to countenance, and further a speedy settlement of the premises, for the benefit of their respective Countries, as was performed by his late Highness Oliver Lord Protector, and prudent Council, in their grant of Patents, as was before expressed. And by such a settlement the Proposer will be cleared of the Aspersions of various censurers, who often make doubts and suggestions by reason of the Proposers many expressions and writings, and that he hath been so long in performance of what he hath held forth; 
Reasons why there hath hitherto been no performance of what is held forth.  not considering that it was divers Alterations in State, Barrs in Old Laws, Mortality of some gracious Friends to good works, Sickness in the Proposer, and sundry other procrastinations, which hindered and delayed the prosecution, and actual performance of the premises, and not any failing, or disability in the Proposer, who hath followed his agitations with so much eagerness, that it hath stirred up many detractors, who out of envy to such high undertake, breath out trifling susurrations against the Proposers person and undertake; 
Depravers objections answered.  and others ambitious not to be outstripped in Ingenuity, or to see another man's increase of honour, express and cast forth strange, and uncouth prevarications, with private emulations, that if not discerned, might corrode the hold this Nation might take of this present opportunity, in advancing their greater plenty, which they themselves might live to see, after authority is granted to the Proposer, and other Nations prevented in their hope of England's declination thereof, as they have formerly done Columbus, and many other Ministers of profit, which in this case would appear more strange, for that the charge of acting, performing, publishing, 
☜  and giving possession of the premises, will come clear to the Nation, without the cost of one penny, and the charge incident to the settlement will be very little: and moreover the Proposer will carry on his designs and undertake, until they be clearly discovered, at his own charge; for he stands upon the points of his reputation, and just meaning in these particulars, and all others, as he hath done all his life time, 
The Proposer renounces all buy ends or favour, other than a legal settlement.  (if not mistaken) and renounces all benefit from any person in the world, in reference to his undertake, with as much detestation as is proper to the most worthy Obliging person in the world, or any favour, other than that Law of fourteen year's privilege, for the Exercise of his Inventions, as is peculiar in such Cases, for the encouragement of all those who by their Studies and Endeavours, have attained unto high and laudable discoveries in Elemental mysteries.  
And as much as lies in the power of the Proposer, touching himself and his designs, the people of this Nation shall not be guilty of the first precedent of ingratitude, and suppression of any flourishing prosperity, which might illustrate the glory of this and other Nations: Therefore God forbidden that the arguments of selfended and detracting persons, or any such that want parts to understand Mysteries; or vulgar wits, that love old customs or dull actions, more than profit; or spleeny Cynics, who will speak against all things, and like nothing but what they do themselves; or any such opposites, who may now make it their business to obstruct the Proposers proceed; 
What mischief Depravers may do in a Nation.  should divert, and prevail with your Honours, to let such an Emolument and Ornament of a Nation fall to the ground; especially considering that Store can be no Sore, and that there is sufficient need for profitable supply, and no want of lawful power of prudent Magistrates; and under favour of your Honours, no lack of serenity or ability in the Proposer, to give his Native Country the first Livery and Seisin of those rich inventions, wherewith he is endued. Neither are there any bars in Law, or any obstacles to blind the Nation from the lively view thereof, but only the damp and foggy air arising from dulness, or the dark clouds of brow-bent malice, or the faithless, fruitless blast of incredulity, or such like ill-aspected motions; unless that any such barking and bawling depravers, can face to face, before the Honourable Members of Parliament, disprove, or make appear any thing against the faithful Integrity, Skill, Knowledge, Person, Parts or Undertake of the Proposer: but if such persons shall not ground their opposition on Truth and Reason, but think to bear it out with a liberty derived from falsehood and ignorance, they will find themselves deceived, and in danger to run the hazard of bringing a lasting disgrace and Odium upon themselves, 
The Proposers defiance to such Depravers.  for unworthily endeavouring to obstruct and hinder the increase of such honour and fertility, as might be advanced to the enriching of your Honour's Treasury, and the Commonwealths future happiness and prosperity. And by this means the expectation of all worthy persons, may be satisfied; the Pest of envy, antidoted; the Author, and all other persons studious in good works, encouraged; your Honours, eternally magnified; and this our Air and Climate purged of all the contagious infections of Spirits Malevolent to high and worthy principles; wherein they have not abilities of apprehension to discern the various mysteries of Nature, which the vast world plentifully affordeth unto all those who are serious Observers of her Essence and Deity, and diligent Searchers into the Multiplicity of her Natural Effects and Causes, with her other Contingencies: which the Proposer all his life time having been studious, and conversant in, hath attained to the knowledge and perfection, chief of these ensuing Designs, and many others not herein expressed: which if hereafter entertained and settled, may as well as the rest, be very advantageous to the Commonwealth.  

The particular Heads of which Inventions, contained in the Bills aforementioned, for the Improvement of all sorts of Land and Leather, are as followeth;  
FIrst, The said Thomas Ducket undertaketh to take away for ever, 
1. The Proposers undertake for Land. To destroy all manner of Tr●sh.  the greatest part of the prejudice and damage which is caused in Land, of several sorts, by reason of Heath or Ling, Fearn or Brakes, Rushes, Sedges, Reeds, Thistles, Nettles, Moss, Broom, Furze or Gorse, Brambles, Briers, Blackthorns, and other Encumbrances, destructive to the growth and goodness of Corn and Grass, or prejudicial and hurtful to Pasture, Meadow, and arable Lands.  
Secondly, To improve, and enrich the value and goodness of Land, 
2. To improve Shallow Soil.  where the Turf is shallow by reason of Gravel, Sand, Rock, Clunch or Chalk, lying too near the Superficies of the Earth, that there is not a sufficient depth of Soil to be ploughed; so that it is altogether unprofitable Land for Corn, neither will it bear any considerable quantity of Grass. The which Improvement is and may be performed, without the usual great charge and pains of carrying Lime or Dung of  upon the same.  
Thirdly, To keep a great part of all hilly, dry, rising grounds, by water, 
3. To keep moist hilly dry grounds.  more moist and fertile; not with any great chargeable Engines, Leaden Pipes, Pumps, or any sort of Mills or Water houses, or any new way now in practice, or held forth; but by ways & means slight, cheap and easy, by ordering of Lands in various shapes, figures, and proportions, for compassing, and gainecoping the drift and course of Waters; and by Engines and Instruments of small value, from five shillings price, unto five pounds and upwards, portable for either man, horse, or cart, according to their several sizes, as the depth of the water, and the height of the ground shall require; which will carry up, and gain advantage of waters so much, as thereby Lands may be soakned, and kept more moist and fertile, and dry places in Summer may be supplied with water.  
Fourthly, To make a sort of rich Soil fit for Agriculture, 
4. To fertilise Land with a new Manure.  and Manuring of ground, much of the nature and effects of Lime, or Dung of , where Lime or Dung of  is scarce, and is to be performed with small charge and pains.  
ANd also the said Thomas Ducket undertaketh, (whereas Bark of Oaks, Ash, 
The Proposers undertake for Leather. ☜  Sumack, Galls, Salt and Allom, being the principal ingredients now used in Tannage, are very scarce and dear, and likewise harsh and corrosive) To discover and teach all Tradesmen as to Leather, a profound Art and Mystery, never before practised in this Commonwealth;  
First, to make Leather without any the Liquors or Ingredients now in use, 
1. To tanne Leather without Bark, etc.  in shorter time, and with less charge, far to exceed all former Tannage, in excellency of Grain and Colour; and more lasting, firm and substantial, fit for all manner of service, according to the nature, sizes, and degrees of the hides and skins so Tanned and taw.  
Secondly, If any Tradesman as to Leather, be desirous for custom sake, or some other private ends or reasons, still to make use of Bark, or any o●her Ingredients, now in practice; 
To make Leather by mixing his new Ingredients with the old.  The Liquors and Ingredients invented and found out by the said Thomas Ducat, are of such virtue and quality, that if by his directions some of them be mixed and compounded with the former used Ingredients, they will make far better Leather, and in shorter time, than is, or can be made, by the only and single use of Bark, Sumack, or any other Ingredients now in common practice, and the harsh and corrosive qualities of the old Ingredients, will be very much diverted and abated by mixture of the new.  
Thirdly, the said Thomas Ducket will discover Liquors of such rare perfection, that will clarify and prepare all sorts of raw Hides and Skins, for more speedy and better Tannage; Either in Liquors and Ingredients of his own invention; Or in Liquors of his own mixed and compounded with those formerly used; 
To prepare raw Hides and Skins for more speedy and better Tannage.  Or in Liquors made with Bark, Sumack, and the rest now in Common practice; And further the said Liquors are of such influence, that they will relax and soften the Natural hardness in raw Hides and Skins, and cause the Callus and Jelly in them, to be more expeditiously digested in the Tanning or Tawing; And moreover the said Liquors will prevent the putrefaction incident to great Hides intended for Sole Leather, for the Tanners by Stifling them on great heaps close together, do taint and perish them on the Grain side, with a rottenness, as is apparent by the easy cracking of them if forced or bended.  

The Proposer undertakes to discover his new Arts.  A l which said Arts, Mysteries, Secrets, and Inventions, both for Improvement of Land and Leather, the said Thomas Ducket undertaketh to make known in print or otherwise, for the public good of this Commonwealth, and to direct and teach the method, use, and practice of them.  
The real performance of which Inventions, are sufficiently attested, and cleared as aforesaid, and need not so great Evidence, but that any rational person will Conceive that the undertaker is well versed in the Mysteries of Nature, and able to perform many rarities of skill and knowledge for the Improvement of Land; 
☞  seeing that by his study in Nature's Operation, he hath attained unto the whole scope and body, of the Science and Mystery, for converting all sorts of raw Hides and Skins into Leather, beyond all expectation and probability, as is actually made apparent, for that the make thereof, transcends in such a degree of goodness, all former Tannage, as never was performed, or accomplished, by the most profound Ingenuities of this or former Ages; And it is apparent that much Land continueth sterile and barren, for want of help to assist Nature, Land holder's and Land-owners having been hitherto as Stupid and Negligent in Improvements, as Tanners and others were in Improvement of Leather.  
And if there may be now a speedy settlement of the premises, it will be an Extraordinary help and benefit to all Tanners, 
A present conveniency for Tanners.  and other Tradesmen as to Leather, who will thereby save great Charge and pains, which otherwise they must be at in seeking for Bark; and other Ingredients, to furnish themselves withal, which are both Scarce and Costly.  
That therefore the said Thomas Ducat in recompense of his great charge and pains, and love to his Native Country, and for the encouragement of all ingenious Artists for the future, may be empowered to have the Sole exercise and benefit of his said Inventions, 
Grant of Settlement.  for improvement of Land and Leather, for fowerteen years, according to the Laws and Statutes of this and other civil Nations.  
And may have power and authority during the said Term, to grant Licences to all persons within the three Nations and the Dominions thereto belonging, 
Humble motions and argumental reasons why there can be no good settlement without sufficient penalties.  to practise his said inventions, which are new, and never before in present or frequent occupation, in the same Method, Form, and Manner, with such additions and alterations; And although the benefit of them be never so great, yet no man is compelled as in such cases in other Nations, to make use of any of the said Inventions, but left at will and pleasure to be Pilots to their own wills.  
And these rich designs aforementioned, 
☜  which may so much advance the Commonwealth, being the Rights, and due Treasure of the Proposer, and noother person having an interest and property in them, but himself; 
These Reasons why the Proposer ought to have good penalties are not included in the Bills.  that therefore in all Equity and Reason, it is requisite for him by way of Treaty with the honourable Members, humbly to lay claim to some fitting assurance, and square and legal conditions, thereby to be certain of some reasonable satisfaction, for those wealthy benefits, which are by him to be presented to those persons, who are concerned to make use of them, and therefore in all Right and Equity, your Honours cannot but grant him such a power, as is congruent and incident to any ventures, who have used great industry, and spent their best times and fortunes in bringing from foreign parts of the World into their Native Country, some enriching Merchandise, at which time the Owners thereof are at liberty to make their own conditions, with those they furnish; and therefore accordingly that the Proposer may not be defeated of the honour and reward which ought justly to accrue to him, for his new Inventions, which are of far greater value than any kind of Merchandise, and made ridiculous to the discouragement of ingenious Artists for the future, and this Nation subject to the evil effects of ingratitude, and likewise this Act made invalid by evill-minded persons, who although their composition for Licences, will be little or nothing in comparison of their benefit; yet most people are of such perverse and ill-disposed natures, that they will rather endeavour deceitful practices, than be conformable to the Laws; Therefore to prevent such fallacious people, and that his recompense and satisfaction, for his great Charge, Study, and pains, may be answerable to his Merits and Deserts, and that he may have a secure Title, the Proposer under your Honour's favour, by way of civil bargain, 
Why the penalties ought to be so great.  doth humbly lay claim to such good penalties, as are hereafter to be named, wherein there cannot be a wrong or prejudice to any that mean well, for that all good-minded people, will not make use of the Proposers skill without due Licence, and therefore regard not penalties be they never so great, and those who are of small ability will never run the hazard of them, and moreover those persons who are unjustly and fraudulently intended, may be better ordered and subdued with fear of good penalties, for it will suit with your Honour's prudence, and wisdom, that those persons who regard nor fear either Laws or Honesty, but wilfully contemn and break them, should be severely punished, and largely suffer; for the use of justice, will be prevented by a well settled Justice.  
And therefore that the penalty of forty shillings may be imposed upon all persons whatsoever, for every Acre of Land, whereon they shall without Licence first had and obtained from the said Thomas Ducket or his Assigns, 
Penalties for Land.  use or practise any of his ways, means, methods, or directions, for the improvement of Pasture, Meadow, and arable grounds, in any of the particulars aforesaid; And also the Sum of twenty shillings, upon every Acre of Land, for every years continuing the use of them (without Licence) after Conviction; And also that the penalty of twenty pounds, may be imposed upon all persons that shall make use, or exercise (without Licence) any of his Engines, to carry up water to any Cities, Towns, Villages, particular Houses, or any other places whatsoever, other than for Improvement of hilly dry grounds in manner as aforesaid; And twenty shillings for every days continuing the use of them (without Licence) after Conviction.  
And moreover to prevent unjust and indirect practices by Tanners, that the penalty of one hundred pounds, may be imposed upon any Tanner, or other person, that shall (without Licence first had and obtained from the said Thomas Ducket or his Assigns) make, 
Penalties for Leather.  use, or practise, all or any part of his ways, means, directions, Liquors, or Ingredients for the Tanning, Tawing, or preparing of Leather as aforesaid; And forty shillings for every days continuing the use of them (without Licence) after the first Conviction.  

How the penalties ought to be recovered.  And that the Offenders in any the premises aforesaid may upon Oath of two Witnesses, before one or two Justices of the Peace be Convicted.  
And that all Justices of the Peace, may be empowered and required upon such Conviction, to issue out their Warrants to the Constables of the place where the Offenders live, for the levying by distress, the aforesaid penalties.  
And that no person whatsoever (may without Licence as aforesaid) alter, Sergeant, Change, or falsify, either by addition to, or substraction from the same, 
No false Pretenders or Counterfeitors.  or other alteration, all or any the aforesaid Inventions, Engines, Instruments, or other utensils, Manure, Liquors, or Ingredients, either for improvement of Land or Leather as aforesaid, thereby to pretend him or themselves, to be the Inventors or Devisors thereof, upon pain of the forfeitures and payments aforesaid.  
That whereas Printers, Stationer's, Booksellers, and other persons, may by false and counterfeit Books and Copies very much wrong and prejudice, 
Penalties for Printers, etc.  not only the said Thomas Ducat, but likewise the Commonwealth; That to prevent such inconveniences, which may thereby arise, a good penalty to the value of one thousand pounds, may be imposed upon them, for printing or putting to sale (without Licence) any of his Books or Copies of Directions, either for improvement of Land in any the particulars aforesaid; Or for Tanning, Tawing, 
To be recovered by Action of Debt.  or preparing of Leather as aforesaid; And also to forfeit five pounds for every Book or Copy of direction, which they shall print or expose to sale, after the first Discovery and Conviction; And the said penalties to be recovered by Action of Debt in any Court of Record in the three Nations, where no essoyn or wager of Law shall be admitted or allowed them.  
And that the said Thomas Ducket or his Assigns, may by warrant from a Justice of the Peace, 
Liberty to make search in case of suspicion for discovery of Offenders.  to a Constable or other Officer, make search for the discovering of such persons, as they shall suspect to make use of any of his Inventions, either for improvement of Land, or Leather, (without Licence as aforesaid.)  
That all the penalties and forfeitures aforesaid, are to be divided into three equal parts, one third part to your Honours, to be paid into the Exchequer, 
Penalties divided to three parts.  one other third part thereof, to be to the said Thomas Ducket or his Assigns, and the other third part to the Informer.  
And now your Honours having heard, 
Alluding his Inventions to Merchandary commodities as a rational inducement though no part of the Bill. The small and reasonable satisfaction which the Proposer expects for his discoveries.  what penalties have been humbly desired, with Reasons why they ought to be so great, ye will bethink with yourselves, what satisfaction and reward, it is fit for the Proposer to expect, and in this case to satisfy your Honours, the Proposer doth not intent, that his recompense and gain, shall compare with a Venturer, or Merchant, that brings in Gold, Silver, Bullion, precious Stones, or Jewels, to grace, pleasure, adorn, and enrich a Nation, who will not part with their Commodities, unless at very dear rates, or the full worth of them; But the Proposer intends not by many degrees to be so costly, to the receivers of the profit, which those whom he hath to deal withal will receive; for although not only the present profit, but likewise the perpetual good and benefit, which will arise, by a comparative rule of proportion, will be extraordinary great, yet the owner of these riches will expect from each particular person, that shall by virtue of a Licence, have the benefit of his Treasure, little more money from first to last of his authority, than the Bags, Cases, Chests, Vessels, or any other manner of outsides, wherein those rich commodities were enclosed and contained, and then afterwards all people, are to have both outsides and insides, and all rights and privilege to his Discoveries and Inventions, be they never so rich, and profitable, without any payment or acknowledgement, and so to continue to this and after ages for perpetuity.  
That no Justice of the peace or other Officer, shall be sued, or prejudiced, 
No Officers to be prejudiced for what they shall do in persuance of the said Acts. That the said Acts may be good and effectual, notwithstanding any former Acts or Customs.  for what they shall do, in persuance and execution of the said Acts.  
That the said Acts both for improvement of Land and Leather, may be good and effectual, in all Courts of Justice to the benefit of the said Thomas Ducat, Notwithstanding the Statute made in the first year of the reign of King James, touching the duty of Tanners, Curriers, Shoemakers, and other cutters of Leather; Or any imperfection in the said Acts; Or any former Act, Statute, matter, or thing, concerning either Lind or Leather, to the contrary in any wise Notwithstanding.   

The Breviates of the forementioned Bills, and some other matters inserted in them, being set forth, the Proposer doth prepare these after answers to some objections that have, and may be made by Covetous, Malevolent persons.  
ANd first whereas it may be objected by some cross people, 
Several Objections answered as to Land.  that improvement of Land, will necessarily induce such a plenty of all things, as will cause a general cheapness, and abate the price of all commodities, and by consequence diminish the Rent of Lands, and the revenues of Noblemen, and Gentlemen, by disabling the Tenant to pay his rent (to this it may be answered.)  
That this Objection proceeds from a Root of private interest, Answer. 1 
" Answer.  and respects only the profits of particular persons, and those who are against improvements are Enemies to the Commonwealth where they live, for improvements do not impoverish, but enrich a Commonwealth, for these following reasons;  
First although Land be improved, that it bear more Corn and Grass than before, and that plenty thereupon causeth cheapness; yet the quantity being much more will make that good again and out-bear the cheapness; 
☞  that there needs no abatement of Rents, for Land will for the most part receive an improvement, 
N● abatement of Rents by improvements.  proportionable to the value and goodness that it is now of, as for example, if the improvement be to a third part of the value of the Land, than Land of two shillings an Acre will be improved to be as good as Land of three shillings an Acre; Land of twenty shillings an Acre to be as good as Land of thirty shillings an Acre, and so in proportion.  
Answer. 2 Secondly, by improvement a less quantity of Land, will serve for Corn, and may be sown with Hemp, 
More Land may be spared for several uses  Flax, Cole-seed, Rape-seed, woad or madder, which will increase a manufacture, and produce an improvement, and mantainance for innumerable poor people.  
Answer. 3 Thirdly, more Land may be laid down for Pasture, for maintaining milch Kine, 
More Land for Pasture then formerly.  for plenty of Butter and Cheese, to relive the poor, and for transportation beyond the seas, and likewise to breed and mantain great  for provisions for the Land, and Navy at sea, and for the increase of that staple commodity of Leather; and also to breed and maintain sheep for the increase of that other Staple commodity of Wool, for the making of  and Stuffs, and other commodities; not only for the use of this Commonwealth, but for Transportation, and maintaining innumerable poor people on work.  
Answer. 4 Fourthly, By improvement of Land, a far greater plenty of Corn, , and all sorts of provisions for Food and Raiment, 
〈◊〉 A far greater pl●●y will be raised.  will be raised in this Commonwealth, insomuch that it may be a Storehouse of plenty for perpetuity, and have so great an overplus of Food and Raiment, as that it may supply and help the wants of Foreign Nations, and so bring vast sums of money, honour and profit to this Commonwealth, and yet have at home such a fullness of plenty, as that the Act for Transportation, made by a late Parliament, may rather be enlarged than abrogated, as now it is in part, several commodities exceeding the Rates in that Act limited and appointed.  
Answer. Answer. 
Rents rather increased than lessened.  Lastly, no man's Incomes or Revenues will be less, by reason of the improvement, but rather bettered, for their cause of expense in such a plenty will be lessened, and they will have all manner of provisions and homebred commodities at very cheap rates.  
And if fertile bottoms are not better than barren mountains, and if the abundance of the Fruits of the Earth, are not beside a blessing, a great support and establishment of the policy of a Nation, then why do the Laws of England indulge such privileges to arable Lands beyond Pasture? What mean the Statutes to restrain the converting of arable Lands into pasture grounds, to the hindrance of Tillage? Why are all Heath and other barren grounds exempt from the payment of Tithes, the first seven years after improvement, by a peculiar privilege?  
Besides, Improvements are very advantageous for hospitality, and relief of the poor, 
A general benefit.  in setting Old and Young, and all idle persons, to some slight work, who can endure no hard Labour, and so there will be no wand'ring poor as now, nor any to be relieved, but lame and blind persons, which will be very great honour and profit to this Commonwealth; for that Nation is most honoured, and regarded, by foreiners, wherein is the most fertility and ingenuity.  
But if there be any who are not sensible of the blessing and advantage of plenty, questionless it were fit that such persons would confine themselves, for some years, to inhabit upon the tops of some barren Hills, or Mountains, to make trial of such provisions, as Nature there affordeth, 
☜  without the help of improvement, and there to learn by experience, the truth of these assertions, rather than to be convinced by the strength of argument in a plentiful Country, where perhaps the fullness of their stomaches may dull the acuteness of their apprehensions.  
And for a further satisfaction of what hath been before expressed, 
Several Objections answered and Reasons for Improvement of Leather.  and now especially concerning that staple commodity of Leather.  
First, that all Leather made by the new Art, and Invention, of the said Thomas Ducat, will in all degrees of perfection, so far exceed all former Tannage, that a great trade may be raised in this Commonwealth, by that Commodity; for in what Nation soever, any new Art, or profitable Science, 
1. ☜ That Nation where this new Art is first discovered will receive the greatest benefit.  is first invented and found out, that Nation will for many years after, have the sole trade, and benefit thereof, and all Nations will address themselves thither, conceiving there will be the best made, where it was first invented; and the chief parts of this new Art participating of rare Mysteries, and neat and private practices, yet are cheap and easy to be performed without the plain and common drudgery now used in Tannage, and may be so disposed of by the Proposor in this or other Nations, that during many score years, no other part of the world may receive any knowledge or benefit thereof. 
And may keep the said new Art a long time secret amongst themselves.   
Upon which grounds, how happy may this Nation be, in the speedy settlement of these Mysteries and Inventions? for the said Science may be many years here kept amongst ourselves, and Foreign Nations induced to import their raw Hides and Skins, into this Commonwealth, to be converted into Leather after the said new Art; Or if we please, the said accomplishing ingredients may be sold, 
The Leather by reason of its goodness may be transported into other Nations.  and transported at very good rates, into other Countries, where they are not found; for Leather converted after the said new Art, will be of such lasting wear and goodness, that a third part thereof may be spared and sold beyond the seas, at double or triple the price that now it is, and yet here amongst ourselves, it may be afforded at a more cheap and reasonable rate than now is sold at.  
And the ingredients, to prepare the said liquors, 
The new Ingredients cheap and easy to be found.  are most of them to be had within this Commonwealth, at cheaper rates, than the aforesaid old used ingredients, and will be of good benefit to the owners of the Grounds and Lands, where the said ingredients are found.  
Secondly, whereas Tanners are commonly a whole year, 
2. ☜ Moore speedy Tannage and a quicker return.  three quarters of a year, half a year, and the like, in Tannage, according to the sizes of the Hides, and Skins, they may hereafter by the use and practice of the inventors directions, make far better Leather, and in shorter time, whereby a quick return may be made thereof, which is the only advantage of a manufacture.  
Thirdly, although Bark of Oaks, and some other ingredients, 
3. Bark and the Ingredients now used are harsh and corrosive. ☜  now principaly used in Tannage are very scarce, and costly; yet by their harsh corrosiveness, they do very much perish and destroy the stability and fastness of all raw Hides and Skins, (which in themselves are some of the wonders of Nature in strength and toughness) and thereby Leather is much weakened of its natural force, and no remedy was ever known for the same before this present time.  
Fourthly, that Bark of Oakes, and other ingredients used by Tanners, 
4. The Trade of Tannage like to fail for want  are of such high price and scarcity, that by means thereof, there is very much bad Leather made in in all parts of the three Nations, for want of full and perfect Tannage; And the said trade is like within few ages, to be near extinguished by 〈…〉 Bark is like to be far more scarce, than now it is, if not in process of time quite consumed.  

5. Timber is felled at unseasonable times for the use of Bark.  Fiftly, the necessity of the use of the aforesaid Bark is so great, that the Laws compel the owners of timber to fell and cut down the same, at unseasonable times, when the sap is in it, which makes the timber so much worse in price and goodness, as the rate of Bark doth amount unto, and their loss in the Bark, will in great Families be countervailed in the goodness, and lasting wear of the Leather made after the said new Art.  

The scarcity of Bark is the destruction of much young wood.  Sixtly, that in this time of dearth, and scarcity of Bark, Tanners are so necessitous thereof, that by giving great prices for the same, they do thereby tempt, and procure the owners of groves and copses, to make sale of the same, when it is of very young growth, which if it were not to supply the Tanners in reference and and recompense of their high prices, the owners of many such groves and copses would permit and suffer the growth of them to continue, until they came to be very good Timber, to serve either themselves or their posterity.  

7. The sale of Bark may not be utterly extinguished, for several Reasons.  Seaventhly, the sale of Bark of Ash and some other ingredients, now in Common use, will not be utterly extinguished, for these reasons following; First, by the mixing and compounding the liquors and ingredients, now in Common use, with his new prepared liquors and ingredients, will take away the corrosive quality of the old, and make most exquisite Leather; Secondly, in some parts of the three Nations, the new ingredients may be scarce to be found, and the other ingredients very plentiful; And Thirdly, some English people are affected very much with the disposition of their neighbour Irish, and are altogether fond of old customs, being a thing, whereunto vulgar capacities are much addicted.  

A present necessity of settlement for fear of future disasters.  Lastly, these designs of so great consequence, which are now in being, and are so freely tendered for the good of the Commonwealth, may in all likelihood, by mortality, and other disasters (if not speedily embraced by the Supreme Rulers) be as long hid from this Commonwealth, as it hath before wanted it, for none do know, but that after ages may be as long destitute of such an opportunity, as former ages have been deficient of it.  
And now the Proposer hopes, having cleared all objections, with these satisfying reasons, that now he hath no opposite to answer, unless it be some particular persons concerned in the sale of Bark, and the quick wearing out of ill Tanned Leather, who respect their own private interest, more than the general good of the Commonwealth, and such as those, he can divert and cross by several ways, (if they should endeavour to hinder a settlement of the premises) with this one assertion, that it lieth in the power of the Proposer to discover and make known these his secrets in some industrious Foreign Nation, who being thereby skilfully enabled in that masterpiece of knowledge, will attract unto themselves so high a degree of perfection, 
A defeat to Covetous and Malevolent Spirits.  in the said Art and Mystery, as will highly advance a manufacture there, and so much diminish the progress thereof in these parts, as will occasion Bark to sell at as low a rate, as if the Proposers directions, were here in frequent action: for all Leather made by the said new Art, will be of such lasting wear and goodness, that it will be most in request, and this Nation will altogether make use thereof, and be supplied with the same, and so such malevolent persons may be defeated of their covetous intentions, and this Nation attract loss, and disgrace for their incredulity, and other contempts against flourishing plenty, and other Nations gain the honour and profit, whi●h ours, if not obvious to their own good, might have enjoyed by 〈…〉   

Postscript.  
ANd whereas it is before apparent, that the Liquors, and Ingredients, now used in Tannage, are corrosive and destructive unto all sorts of Leather; So likewise your Honours may be pleased to take notice of the great loss and prejudice this Nation doth suffer, in the dying of those precious Commodities of Silk and Wool into Blacks, which being in themselves some of Nature's rarities, are notwithstanding very much perished, and destroyed, for want of knowledge in Dyers, how to divert and qualify the inflaming and corrosive Natures of those Ingredients, which they use in dying black, which prejudice and inconvenience, the Proposer doth admire, 
The prejudie● in dying of Blacks is e●s●● to be preve●te● and addresse●  that the Naturalists of former Ages could not prevent, it being a thing so easy and open to the Proposers skill and knowledge, although he doth not mention or promise performance thereof in the aforesaid Bills, by reason if he should, now with the rest, tender his service in another so material a business, he should gain distaste from the envious and unskilful in Natures Operations and Secrets, and should unjustly be very much clamoured and repined at by many, for directing how to uphold and continue the full strength and force of Wool and Silk in the dying, which would be great loss to the quickness of the Trade of Dyers, Silkmen, Drapers, Mercers, Tailors, and other Trades as to Silk and Wool: And although it is a business of small difficulty, for the Proposer to set forth a means of redress, unto all Dyers, as well as Tanners, how to qualify and divert the harsh and corrosive Natures of their now used Liquors and Ingredients, and to make all Silks and Woollen so died into black, to be as plump, soft, and strong for lasting wear, as any other artificial colour; As also to strike and permanently fix, those staining, fading, and decaying colours, both in Silk and Wool, which are died with Logwood, Brazil or the like, to continue in their fresh and lively Lustre, unto the uttermost wear thereof, and yet without the help of that costly ingredient called Cutchoneal; And although this last clause, 
Colours may be made more illustrious, fix● and permanent.  concerning fastening of colours in dying, be no great additional help to the Weal public, yet it will be a perfect new Art of special good consequence, in point of Reason and Ingenuity, to the English people; But the spoiling of the aforesaid rich commodities, by dying them into Black, can be no other than a very unworthy practice, for that it is much loss to men, and questionless an offence to God, especially if it may be redressed; Yet England must lose this Masterpiece, unless the Proposer be desired and encouraged thereunto, by the wise and prudent Magistrates of Parliament. And whereas the Hollanders have now some more honour and profit, beyond this or other Nations, in dying of Blacks, and preserving the strength thereof, yet is not their skill in that particular, of so great and high a degree of perfection, but their Art may be so much exceeded by the English, as will remove the glory and profit which they attract from other Nations, unto this our English Continent, if the Magistrates thereof, in respect of their own welfare, do desire to make use of the Industry of him, who truly honours all those that love the flourishing prosperity of their Native Country, beyond others,   
Thomas Ducat.   

An Introduction to a Remarkable Breviary in Verses which are drawn in allusion that this Nation may receive as much glory and wealthy preferment by the Industry and new Inventions of Thomas Ducket Esq as other fortunate Nations have gained by embracing the Discoveries of persons famous in Knowledge and Action.  
To the Worthy Reader,  
I Having been a long time Servant to the Author of these ensuing Transactions, and Conversant in his Agitations, and now being employed by him to attend the Impression containing several rarities of Nature by him brought to perfection for the advance of this Nation, and many other fignificant advertisements to the high Court of Parliament concerning the stttlement of a glorious national preferment in honour and wealthiness, being Masterpieces of that eminence as they deservedly merit the approbation of the Universe, called to mind a Poetical Berviarie of the said Mr. Ducats undertake, done by a Person of worth, being Fellow of a College in Cambridge, who having had experience of the said Mr. Ducats abilities in many things as to Improvement of Land, and having himself viewed, and had the Testimony of divers Tanners and other knowing Persons, that the Leather made by the said new Art, did far exceed all former Tannage, in this or other Nations, thereupon was pleased, upon the grain side of some of the said Skins, to give an Epitome of the real perfection, and excellency of the said Mr. Ducats Art, and Ability to perform his undertake for Improvement of Land and Leather; which for the conciseness of them, being composed in a few lines in verse, and so full of matter, that they could not be expressed in many sheets in prose, I therefore in reverence of the gravity of the person and his verses, and the Truth therein contained, with their just allusions to honourable Achievements, gainful Inventions, and lively explanation of the Glory and Profit which might ensue to this Nation, could not contain myself, but assume the boldness, without their privity, to cause an impression of the said verses, which may well merit perusal and consideration according to the humble conception of him who is  
A Faithful Servant to the Author, And a Wellwisher to the Commonwealth. Richard Cookson.   

To his worthily honoured Friend Thomas Ducket Esq upon his diligent search into the Mysteries of Nature.  

Jason brought the stock of fine-woold sheep first into Spain. Virg●l the Roman taught Husbandry. The Chinois devised the making of China dishes. De Serres brought into France the making of silk. Columbus enriched Spain by discovering to them the Gold and Silver Mines of India.  WHat praise brave Jason got of old,  
By bringing home the Fleece of Gold;  
What Fame Heroick Virgil won,  
By aiding of the Husbandman;  
What benefit the Chinois found,  
In the right use of Pursline ground;  
What great advance De Serres made,  
By teaching France the Silkworms trade;  
What wealth Columbus did impart,  
To Spain by his Seafaring Art;  
What renown did ere accrue,  
To the Inventors of things new,  
That worthy Ducat is thy due:  
And if authority shall stand,  
Thy Friend in these designs, this Land  
May as great praise and prize obtain,  
As Greece, Room, China, France or Spain.  
Thy knowledge then let none cry down,  

The Author of these verses doth allude the renown that England may possess by the Proposers Ingenuity, unto the good success that Spain enjoyeth by that sort of sheep, that were at the first brought thither by the industry of Jason; The which sheep were said to bear Fleeces of Gold, in respect to the most exquisite fineness thereof, the Emblem of which Fleeces have been ever since worn as trophies of honour to the memory of jason upon the breasts of the most famous Monarches of Christendom. And by that type or figure, it may as clear & properly be said that the English  do bear golden hides & skins, for that Mr. Ducket by his transcendent new Art hath achieved unto the glory and honour of converting them into the most exquisite Leather of the World in value and perfection. The Leather of the new make is very tough and strong, and will not rot by wet, nor wear out near so soon as Leather of the old make. This or any other Nation that hath this skill may be enriched where the Inventor doth communicate his Sciences.  That by thy Golden Skins is shown,  
Made Leather without Bark at all,  
Corrosive Shumack, Salt, or Gall,  
Or any Composition which  
Beyond Seas came to make it rich;  
But with Ingredients of our own,  
Whose influence was never known:  
Which Leather makes that glory wins,  
As if our Beasts had Golden Skins:  
Yet puts the Tanner's Liquors down,  
That Leather makes so corpse and brown;  
Compared with thine, it is but dross,  
An Emblem of the World's great loss.  
Which had continued but for thee,  
Throughout all time's Eternity;  
Which now thy prudence can divert,  
When Honour shall advance thy Art:  
By turning Hides to Leather rare,  
In show and gloss like Silken ware;  
Soft in the hand, white, plump, and full,  
Like felt well wrought of beaver's wool;  
In Colour, grain, in strength and touch,  
The Universe had never such;  
Whose substance in the lasting wear,  
Doth exquisite, and firm appear;  
And that which makes the profits large,  
'Tis done with little time and charge;  
Since in what Land thou dost derive,  
Thy Science needs in wealth must thrive:  
Yea to confirm how well 'tis Tanned,  
None of the Trade denies his hand;  
But labours for thy Patents grant,  
Lest we such good should longer want;  
And that by thy encouragement,  
We may enjoy what's eminent  
From others too who shall devise,  
Hereafter new discoveries.  
Besides in Husbandry thou dost,  
Supply with little pain and cost,  
Where Nature to defect declines,  
In Barren Lands, Fruit, Trees, and Vines;  
What former Authors did not reach,  
Thy pregnant Judgement now can teach;  
New Methods of perpetual gain,  
Nature by Natures to sustain:  
The drought of Land thou canst prevent,  
By Art and watery Element;  
Thou canst suppress the force of weeds,  
That grass doth Choke, and kills good seeds;  
With wealthy secrets thou canst fill,  
Those Nations shall embrace thy skill;  
Thou hast recourse to Nature's store,  
To fortunate both rich and poor  
With wealth of such a large degree,  
That all good men will pray for thee; 
The Author alludes the Inventors' knowledge in several mysteries to the Mine & Mint, in relation to his Theorical, Methodical, and practical parts, as also to his rich discoveries that are of as great goodness as mines of Gold.   
Thy skill is such, that to conclude,  
With what rare gifts thou art endued,  
Few can conceive in the extent;  
And what makes all more excellent,  
All's thine, to silence barking tongues,  
That to the Mine and Mint belongs:  
So that his parts must be Divine,  
Who can in part but add to thine.  
jeremiah Collier.