SAMUEL HARTLIB HIS LEGACY: OR An Enlargement of the Discourse of HUSBANDRY USED IN BRABANT and FLAUNDERS; Wherein are bequeathed to the COMMONWEALTH of ENGLAND more Outlandish and Domestic Experiments and Secrets in reference to Universal HUSBANDRY.  Psalm 144. verse 13, 14, 15. 
That our Garners may be full, affording all manner of store, that our Sheep may bring forth thousands, and ten thousands in our Streets.  
That our Oxen may be strong to labour,— that there be no complaining in our Streets.  
Happy is that People that is in such a Case: YEA, HAPPY is that People whose God is the Lord.  Psalm 4. verse 6, 7. 
There be many that say: Who will show us any Good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy Countenance upon us:▪  
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time, that their Corn and their Wine increased.  Entered according to the late Act concerning Printing. 
LONDON, Printed by H. Hills, for Richard Wodenothe at the Star under St. Peter's Church in Cornhill, 1651.   

To the Reader.  
Courteous Reader,  
THe Discourse which I did formerly publish concerning the Brabant-Husbandry, was somewhat imperfect, nor was the Author thereof then known unto me; but since I have learned who the Author was, I have also lighted upon a more perfect Copy, which I intent to offer to the Public in a Second Edition; that such as have entertained that first offer with liking and acceptance, may find the benefit of a clearer and fuller satisfaction in that which shall further be imparted unto them. And to the end that Ingenuity and Industry may want no encouragement, in the mean time accept of these Enlargements upon the same Subject; wherein you will find divers other ways, and no less (if not more) profitable, then that which was left by Sir RICHARD WESTON (the Author of the Brabant-Husbandry) as a Legacy to his Sons: Whose Introduction to that Discourse, I have here premised to this, to bespeak thee in his words to his Sons, and to gain thy affections more fully to these ways of advantaging both thyself and the Public. And I could wish, that God would put it in the heart of those Worthies that manage the Public Trust, that by their Influence and Authority, these and such like Means of Industry, may not be left wholly to the uncertain, disorderly and lazy undertake of private men, so as not to have an eye over them, and over that which in their proceed doth so mainly appear to be a Public Concernment. Therefore let us all join to entreat and petition them, that in order to the Public and General Welfare of this Commonwealth, these two things at least may be thought upon and settled.  
1. In respect of the known unto wardness of the Major part of the People; who being wonderfully wedded to old customs, are not easily won to any new course, though never so much to their own profit, that two or more fit Persons of approved skill and integrity may be made Public Stewards or Surveyors; one of the Husbandly, the other of the Woods of this Commonwealth, and impowered to oversee and take care of the preservation of what is, and by all good improvement to procure and provide for what is wanting to the present age: and (except some such Expedients be used) it is more than likely will be wanting to succeeding ages.  
2. That according to the usual custom in Flaunders, a Law may be made of letting & hiring Leases upon Improvement; where the manner is, That the Farmer covenanteth on his part, to improve the land to such or such a greater Rent, by an orderly and excellent management of Husbandry, as well as Building. The Landlord on the other side covenanteth on his part, at the expiration of the said Lease, to give so many years purchase of the Improvement (according to the agreement) which is 3. or 4. years or some times more, or to give out of it such a parcel or moiety of Ground. As if land formerly going for 6. 8. an Acre, be upon Improvement worth 10. 8. or 13. 8. 4. d. an Acre. The Landlord is to give 4. or 5. 8. upon every Acre, more or less, according to the agreement. If it please God to bless these Motions, and that accordingly the National Husbandry of this Commonwealth be improved; we may hope through God's blessing to see better days, and to be able to bear necessary and Public burdens with more ease to ourselves, and benefit to Humane Society then hitherto we could attain unto. Which more and more to advance, in reference to a Public and Universal Interest, as subordinate to Higher things; & which though less visible and sensible, are more permanent, and to truly Rational and Spiritual Husbandmen as perceptible, shall be the uncessant prayers and endeavours of  
Thy faithful Servant SAMUEL HARTLIB.   

Sir RICHARD WESTON late of Sutton in the County of Surrey his Legacy to his Sons etc. Anno Dom. 1645.  
My Sons,  
I Have left this short ensuing Treatise to you as a Legacy; if I shall not live myself, to show you (what therein is written) by examples, which I know instruct far more than precepts; yet precepts from a dying Father, instructing of his Children what he hath seen and known, and received information of from witnesses free from all exceptions, should make such an impression on them, as at least to believe their Father writ what he thought was true; And therefore suppose those things worthy to be put in practice by them, which he himself would have done, if it had pleased God to have granted him Life and Liberty; Especially seeing the matter itself, which is required by him to be done, is in show so profitable, and so easy to be effected, and with so little charge, considering the great gain that is proposed by it, that not any thing can restrain a rational man from trial thereof, but not giving credit to the Relator.  
The whole Discourse shows you, how to Improve barren and heathy Land, and how to raise more than ordinary profit thereof, by such ways and Means as are not practised in England: but as commonly in some parts of Brabant and Flaunders, as the Husbandry of Wheat and Rye is here. By that means you may nobly augment your estates, and will receive so much the more profit and praise, by how with more industry and diligence you govern your affairs; and will not only be imitated, but also honoured by your Neighbours, when they shall see your labours prosper so fare, as to convert barren and heathy ground left unhusbanded for many ages, into as commodious arable land, with Pastures and Meadows, as any be in this Kingdom. And certainly, that man is worthy of praise and Honour, who being possessor of a large and barren Demean, constrains it by his labour and industry to produce extraordinary fruit; which redounds not only to his own Particular profit, but also to the Public benefit. Cato saith, It is a great shame to a man, not to leave his Inheritance greater to his Successors then he received it from his Predecessors: and that he despiseth the Liberalities of God, who by Slothfulness loseth that which his land may bring forth, as not seeming willing to reap the fruits which God hath offered him. Nay he threatens the crime of high Treason, to those that do not augment their Patrimony so much as the Increase surmounts the Principal. It is a thing much celebrated by Antiquity, and thought the noblest way to gather Wealth, for to employ one's Wit and Money upon his Land, and by that means to augment his estate. If you observe the Common Course of things, you will find that Husbandry is the End, which Men of all estates in the world do point at. For to what purpose do Soldiers, Scholars, Lawyers, Merchants, and men of all Occupations and Trades, toil and labour with great affection, but to get Money? and with that money when they have gotten it, but to purchase Land? and to what end do they buy that land, but to receive the Fruits of it to live? and how shall one receive the fruits of it, but by his own Husbandry or a Farmers? So that it appears by degrees, that what course soever a man taketh in this world, at last he cometh to Husbandry, which is the most Common Occupation amongst men, the most Natural and Holy, being commanded by the mouth of God to our First Fathers. There is Care and Diligence requisite in Husbandry, as there is in all the Actions of the World; and therefore as a Captain hath a Lieutenant to command his Soldiers in his absence, or for his ease: So must you provide some able honest man, to whom you will commit the execution of such things, as you yourselves cannot do without too much labour: whereof you must often take an account, and confer with him (as occasion shall require) about your business, that nothing may be left undone for want of Providence. To such a man you must give good wages, with intent to advance your own gain, and take the more ease by reason of his honesty and knowledge.  
You will find this Husbandry (after you have once had experience of it) to be very pleasing to you, and so exceeding profitable, that it will make you diligent: For no man of any Art or Science (except an Alchemist) ever pretended so much gain any other way, as you shall see demonstrated in this ensuing Treatise. The Usurer doubles but his Principal, with Interest upon Interest in seven years; but by this little Treatise, you shall learn how to do more than triple your Principal in one years' compass. And you shall see how an Industrious man in Brabant and Flaunders would bring 500 Acres of barren and heathy Land, that was not worth at the most above 5. l. a year, to be worth 7000. l. a year, in less time than seven years. I know no reason, why the like may not be done in England: for we are under as good a Climate as they are; Our heathy Land that is neither Sand nor Loame, is as good a soil as their barren ground is. We have not only Dung to enrich our Land, but also Lime and Marl, of which they know not the use, where they sew their gainfullest Commodities mentioned in this ensuing Treatise, nor of any other Manure, but only Dung. In fine, I am certain, there is none of their Commodities but grow in England, as they do in Brabant and Flaunders, but ours are not of the same kind, as theirs, nor put to the same use. What cannot be vented at home, may as well be vented from hence into Holland, as the like Commodities are from Flaunders thither. I will say no more of this Subject in the Preface: only it remains to tell you, that you must not expect either Eloquence or Method in this ensuing Treatise; but a true Story plainly set forth in the Last Will and Testament of your Father, which he would have you execute: but before all things, to be sure you lay the Foundation of your Husbandry upon the Blessings of the Almighty God, continually imploring his divine aid and assistance in all your labours: for it is God that gives the increase: and believing this as the Quintessence and soul of Husbandry, Primum quaerite Regnum Dei; et postea haec omnia adjicientur vobis. These things being briefly premised, I will leave the rest to this short ensuing Treatise, and commit you all with a Father's Blessing to the Protection and Providence of Almighty God.  
Thus far Sir RICHARD WESTON'S Introduction to the Discourse of BRABANT-HUSBANDRY; which is shortly to be published in a Second Edition corrected and enlarged.   

If any desire to have the great Clover of Flaunders, or the best sorts of Hemp and Flax-seeds of those parts, or Saint Foin, LaLucerne, Canary-seeds, or any sorts of Seeds of this kind: Let them inquire at Mr. James Long's Shop at the Barge on Billingsgate; and they shall upon timely notice have them procured new, and very good from France or Flaunders at reasonable Rates.   

The greater Faults escaped in Printing.  
PAge 11. line 29. for Raith Rape, read raith (or early-ripe) Rape. p. 22. l. ult: for these in Northamptonshire. I know. r. these. In Northamptonshire I know etc. p. 41. l. 26. for a hundred hands, r. a thousand hands. p. 57 l. 17. for Spine, r. Spain. p. 78. l. 4. for how ill they manage, r. how they till, manage. p. 87. l. 16. for putrified r. petrified p. 93. l. 13. for go tound, as the causes of their operations. r. go round, as an horse in a mill, and endeavour very little to advance or know the causes of their operations. p. ead. l. 17. for the is, r. is the. p. ead l. ult. for on, r. our. p. 94. l. 31. for dence, r. pence. p. 99 l. 23 for Marams works. r. Markam's works. p. 105. l. 20. for mentioned, r. as mentioned. p. ead. l. 29. for audance, r. advance. p. 126 l. 23. for The Professors of Art and Industry prefer their private gain, r. The Professors of Art and Industry, besides their private, aim also at a public good; these prefer their private gain etc.   


A Large letter concerning the Defects and Remedies of English Husbandry written to Mr. SAMUEL HARTLIB.  
SIR,  
According to your desires, I have sent you what I have observed in France, about the sowing of a seed called commonly. Saint Foin, which in English is as much to say as Holy-Hay, by reason, as I suppose of the excellency of it. It's called by Parkinson in his Herbal, where you may see a perfect description of it, Onobrychis Vulgaris, or Cock's head; because of its flower, or Medick Fetchling: By some it is called Polygala; because it causeth  to give abundance of milk. The plant most like unto it, and commonly known; being frequently sown in gardens, is that which is called French Honeysuckle, and is a kind of it, though not the same. France although it be supposed, to want the fewest things of any Province in Europe; yet it hath no small want of Hay, especially about Paris; which hath necessitated them to sow their dry and barren lands with this seed. Their manner of sowing it, is done most commonly thus: When they intent to let their Corne-lands lie; because they be out of heart, and not situate in a place convenient for manuring; then they sow that land with Oats and these seeds together about equal parts; the first year they only mow off their Oats, leaving the Saint Foine to take root and strength that year; Yet they may if they please, when the year is seasonable, mow it the same year it is sown; but it's not the best way to do so: the year following they mow it, and so do seven years together; the ordinary burden is obout a load or a load and a half in good years, upon an Arpent, (which is an 100 square Poles or Rods, every Pole or Rod being 20. foot) which quantity of ground being nigh a 4th. part less than an English Acre; within a league of Paris, is usually Rent at 6. or 7. s. After the land hath rested 7. years; then they usually break it up, and sow it with Corn till it be out of heart, and then sow it with Saint Foine as formerly: for it doth not impoverish land, as Annual Plants do; but after seven years, the roots of this plant being great and sweet, as the roots of Liquorish, do rot, being turned up by the Plough, and enrich the Land. I have seen it sown in divers places here in England; especially in Cobham-Park in Kent, about 4. miles from Gravesend; where it hath thriven extraordinary well upon dry Chalky banks, where nothing else would grow: and indeed such dry barren land is most proper for it as moist rich land for the great Trefoil or great Clovergrasse (although it will grow indifferently well on all lands) and when the other grasses and plants are destroyed by the parching heat of the Sun; because their roots are small and shallow; this flourisheth very much, having very great root and deep in the ground, and therefore not easily to be exsiccated; As we have observed Ononis or Restharrow commonly to do, on dry lands; but if you sow this on wet land, the water soon corrupts the root of it. This plant without question would much improve many of our barren lands, so that they might be mown every year once, at least 7. years together, and yield excellent fodder for , if so be that it be rightly managed; otherwise it cometh to nothing; as I have seen by experience. I therefore council those who sow this, or the great Trefoil or Clovergrasse, or any other sorts of grasses; that they observe these Rules.  
1. That they do make their ground fine, and kill all sorts of other grasses and plants; otherwise they being native English will by no means give way to the French one's; especially in this moist climate; and therefore they are to be blamed; who with one ploughing sow this or other seeds; for the grass presently groweth up and choketh them, and so by their negligence, and ill Husbandry, discourageth themselves and others.  
2. Let them not be too sparing of their seeds; for the more they sow, the closer and thicker they will grow, and presently fully stock the ground, that nothing else can grow. And further, the seeds which come from beyond the Seas, are oftentimes old and much decayed, and therefore the more seed is required.  
3. Not to expect above 7. years' profit by it; for in that time it will decay, and the natural grass will prevail over it; for every plant hath his period; some in one year; some in 2. others in 3. as the common Thistle; and therefore after 7. years, let them either plough the land up, and sow it with that same seed again, or with other Grain as they do in France.  
4. Let not sheep or other  by't them the first year, that they may be well rooted; For these grasses are fare sweeter than the ordinary grasses; and  will eat them down, leaving the other; and consequently discourage their growth.  
5. The best way, if men will be at the charge, is to make their ground very fine, as they do when they are to sow Barley, and harrow it even; and then to how these seeds in alone without any other grain, as the Gardiner's do Pease; yet not at so great a distance; but let them make the ranges about a foot's breadth one from another, and they shall see their grasses flourish, as if they were green Pease; especially if they draw the how through them once or twice that summer to destroy all the weeds and grasses: And if they do thus, the great Clover and other seeds may be mown even twice the first year, as I have experimented in divers small plots of ground.  
There is at Paris likewise another sort of fodder, which they call La Lucerne, which is not inferior, but rather preferred before this Saint Foin, for dry and barren grounds; which hath been lately brought thither, and is managed as the former; and truly every day produceth some new things, not only in other countries', but also in our own. And though I cannot but very much commend these plants unto my Countrymen, knowing that they may be beneficial to this Nation; yet I especially recommend unto them a famous kind of grass growing in Wiltshire 9 miles from Salisbury, at Maddington, which may better be called one of the wonders of this Land, than the Hawthorne-tree at Glassenbury, which superstition made so famous: for divers of the same kind are found elsewhere. You may find this grass briefly described in a Book called Phytologia Britannica, (which lately came forth, and set down even all the plants which have been found naturally growing in England Gramen Caninum Supinum Longissimum, which groweth 9 miles from Salisbury, Mr. Tuckers at Maddington: where with they fat hogs; and which is 24. foot long, a thing almost incredible; yet commonly known to all that Shire. Now without question, if the seed of this grass, be sown in other rich Meadows, it will yield extraordinarily, though perchance not so much, as in its proper place. I wonder that those that live there abouts, have not tried to fertilise their other Meadows with it: for it is a peculiar species of grass; and though some Ingenious men have found about 90. species of grasses in this island: yet there is none like to this, that can by any means be brought to such an height, and sweetness. And truly I suppose, that the thorough examination of this grass, is a thing of very great importance, for the improvement of Meadows and Pastures; and it may excel the great Trefoil, Saint Foin, La Lucerne, or any exotic plant whatsoever. And though I am very unwilling to exceed the bounds of an Epistle; yet I cannot but certify you, wherein the Husbandry of this Nation in other particulars (as I suppose) is greatly deficient, which I will do as briefly as may be; and likewise, how ingenious men may find Remedies for these deficiencies.  
First he would do the honest and painful Husbandman 
1. deficiency concerning ploughs and carriages,  a very great pleasure, and bring great profit to this Nation, who could facilitate the going of the Plough and lighten our ordinary Carriages. I wonder, that so many excellent Mechanics, who have beaten their brains about the perpetual Motion and other curiosities, that they might find the best ways to ease all Motions, should never so much as to honour the Plough (which is the most necessary Instrument in the world,) by their labour and studies. I suppose all know, that it would be an extraordinary benefit to this Country, if that 1. or 2. horses could plough and draw as much as 4. or 6. and further also, that there is no small difference in ploughs, and wagons, when there is scarce any sure rule for the making them; and every Country, yea almost every County, differs not only in the ploughs; but even in every part. Some with wheels, others without; some turning the Rest (as they call it) as in Kent, Picardy and Normandy,) others not; some having Coulters of one fashion, others of another; others as the Dutch, having an Iron wheel or circle for that purpose; some having their shears broad at point; some not; some being round, as in Kent, others flat; sometying their horses by the tail, as in Ireland. So, likewise Wagons and Carts differ: some using 4. wheels, others two only; some carrying timber on 2. wheels in a Cart, others with 4. wheels, and a long pole only between, which is the best way; some plough with 2. horses only, as in Norfolk, and beyond seas in France, Italy, where I never saw above three horses in a Plough, and one only to hold and drive: but in Kent I have seen 4. 6. yea 12. horses and oxen; which variety showeth, that the Husbandman, who is ordinarily ignorant in Mechanics, is even at his wits end in this Instrument, which he must necessarily use continually. Surely he should deserve very well of this Nation, and be much honoured by all, that would set down exact Rules for the making of this most necessary, yet contemned Instrument, and for every part thereof: for without question there are as exact Rules to be laid down for this, as for Shipping & other things. And yet in Shipping, how have we within these 6. years' outstripped ourselves, & gone beyond all Nations? for which Art some deserve eternal honour. And why may we not in this? I know a Gentleman, who now is beyond seas, where he excels even the Hollanders, in their own business of draining; who promised much in this kind, and I think, he is able to perform it; I could wish, he were called on to make good his promise. In China, it is ordinary to have wagons to pass up and down without horses or Oxen, with sails as ships do: & lately in Holland a waggon was framed, which with ordinary sails carried 30. people 60. English miles in 4. hours. I know some excellent scholars, who promise much by the means of Horizontal sails (viz.) to have 3. or 4. Ploughs to go together; which shall likewise both sow and harrow. I dare not being ignorant in these high speculations, engage myself to do much thereby; but wish these Gentlemen, whom I know to be extremely ingenious, would attempt something, both for the satisfying of themselves and others. There is an ingenious Yeoman of Kent, who hath 2. ploughs fastened together very finely, by the which he plougheth 2. furrows at once, one under another; and so stirreth up the land 12. or 14. inches deep, which in deep land is good. Near Greenwich there liveth an Honourable Gentleman, who hath excellent 
Col. Blunt.  Corn on barren land, and yet plougheth his land with one horse, when as usually through Kent, they use 4. and 6. These things show that much may be done in this kind; and I hope some in these active times, will undertake and accomplish this work of so great importance.  
There is a Book long since Printed made by Sir 
2. Deficiency, about digging of land, Setting and howing in of Corne.  Hugh Plattes, (the most curious man of his time) called Adam's Art revived, wherein is showed the great benefit which would accrue to this Nation, if all land which were fit to be digged, were so ordered, and their corn set. Mr. Gab. Plattes likewise hath written much of this kind, and promiseth that men shall reap 100 for one; all charges borne which are very great. That this may be true, he bringeth some probable Reasons, supposing that less than a peck of Wheat will set an Acre. I dare not promise so much as these Gentlemen do, neither can I commend M. Gab. plats setting Instrument: For I know there are many difficulties in it, which he himself could never wade through; but concerning digging and setting and howing in of Corn, these things I dare maintain.  
1. That it is a deficiency in Husbandry, that it is used no more.  
2. That one good digging, because it goeth deeper than the Plough, and buryeth all weeds, killeth the grasses; is as good as three ploughings, and if the Land be mellow, not much more chargeable.  
3. That it would employ many 1000 of people, that a third part of the seed might be saved. As I have found by experience, that all the weeds and grasses, might be more easily destroyed thereby, and the ground better accommodated for other crops; and to conclude, the crop considerably greater. Yet thus much I must further say, concerning setting of Grain, That great Beans are even of necessity to be set, and that small Beans in Surrey and other places, are likewise set with Profit, for the reasons above mentioned; that to set Pease (unless Hastevers) Oates, Barley, is a thing even ridiculous: that Wheat although in divers grounds it may be set with Profit; yet to How it in (as the Gardiner's speak) as they do Pease, though not at the same distance, but about a foot the ranges one from another, is better than setting, for these Reasons.  
1. Because to set Corn is an infinite trouble and charge; and if it be not very exactly done, which children neither can nor will do, and these must be the chief setters; will be very prejudicious.  
2. If worms, frost, ill weather, or fowls, destroy any part of your seed, which they will do; your crop is much impaired.  
3. The ground cannot be so well weeded, and the mould raised about the roots by the how. Which 3. inconveniencies are remedied by the other way.  
Further I dare affirm, that after the ground is digged or ploughed and harrowed; even it's better to how Wheat in, then to sow it after the common way; because that the weeds may be easily destroyed by running the how through it in the Spring, and the mould raised about the roots of the Corn, as the Gardiner's do with Pease, it would save much Corn in dear years, and for other Reasons before mentioned. Yea it is not more chargeable; for a Gardener will how in an Acre for 5. s. and after in the spring for less money run it over with a how, and cut up all the weeds, and raise the mould: which charges are not great, and you shall save above a bushel of seed, which in dear years is more worth than all your charges.  
Further 1. s. 6. d. an Acre for the sowing and harrowing of an Acre in Kent is accounted a reasonable price; but if any fear charges let him use a Drill-Plough. I therefore cannot but commend the howing in of Wheat, as an excellent piece of good Husbandry, whether the ground be digged or ploughed; not only because it saveth much Corn, employeth much people; and it is not chargeable; but it also destroyeth all weeds, fitteth grounds for after crops, & causeth a greater increase, and in my apprehension is a good Remedy against Smut and Mildew. There is an Ingenious Italian, who wondereth how it cometh to pass, that if one setteth a Grain of Corn, as Wheat, Barley, etc. it usually produceth 300. or 400. as I have tried: yet if you sow Wheat after the ordinary way, 6. or 8. for one is accounted a good crop; what becometh of all the Corn, that is sown, when as the 50th. part, if it do grow, would be sufficient? For answer to this.  
1. I say, much Corn is sown, which nature hath destinated for the Hens and Chickens, being without any considerable vegetative faculty.  
2. Worms, Frosts, Floods, Crows, and Larks, (which every one doth not consider) do devour not a little.  
3, Weeds, as Poppy, May-weed, and the grasses growing with the Corn, do destroy much.  
Lastly, when Corn is so sown after the ordinary manner, much is buried in the furrows; especially if the ground be grazy: much is thrown on heaps in holes, and consequently starve and choke one another. Most of these Inconveniencies, are to be remedied by this way of setting, and howing in of Corne.  
Gardening, though it be a wonderful improver of lands, as it plainly appears by this 
3. Desiciency concerning Gardening.  that they give extraordinary rates for land (viz.) from 40. s. per Acre to 9 pound, and dig and how and dung their lands, which costeth very much; Yet I know divers, which by 2. or 3. Acres of land maintain themselves and family, and employ others about their ground; and therefore their ground must yield a wonderful increase, or else it could not pay charges; yet I suppose there are many Deficiencies in this calling.  
1. Because it is but of few years standing in England, and therefore not deeply rooted. About 50. years ago, about which time Ingenuities first began to flourish in England; This Art of Gardening, began to creep into England, into Sandwich, and Surrey, Fulham, and other places.  
Some old men in Surrey, where it flourisheth very much at present; report, That they knew the first gardiner's that came into those parts, to plant Cabbages, cauliflowers, and to sow Turnips, Carrots, and Parsnips, to sow Raith, Kape, Pease, all which at that time were great rarities, we having few, or none in England, but what came from Holland and Flaunders. These Gardiner's with much ado procured a plot of good ground, and gave no less than 8. pound per Acre; yet the Gentleman was not content, fearing they would spoil his ground; because they did use to dig it. So ignorant were we of Gardening in those days.  
2. Many parts of England are as yet ignorant. Within these 20. years, a famous Town within less 
Gravesend.  than 20. miles of London, had not so much as a mess of Pease but what came from London, where at present Gardening flourisheth much. I could instance divers other places, both in the North and West of England, where the name of Gardening, and Howing is scarcely known, in which places a few Gardiner's might have saved the lives of many poor people, who have starved these dear years.  
3. We have not Gardening-ware in that plenty and cheapness (unless perhaps about London) as in Holland and other places, where they not only feed themselves with Gardiner's ware, but also fat their Hogs and Cows.  
4. We have as yet divers things from beyond Seas, which the Gardiner's may easily raise at home, though nothing nigh so much as formerly; for in Qu. Eliz. time, we had not only our Gardiner's ware from Holland, but also Cherries from Flaunders; Apples from France; Saffron, Liquorish from Spain; Hopps from the Low countries': And the Frenchman who writes the Treasure Politic saith, that it's one of the great Deficiencies of England, that Hopps will not grow, whereas now it is known, that Liquorish, Saffron, Cherries, Apples, Pears, Hopps, Cabbages of England are the best in the world. Notwithstanding we as yet want many things, as for example: We want Onions, very many coming to England from Flaunders, Spain; Madder for dying cometh from Zurick-Sea by Zealand; we have Red Roses from France; Anice-seeds, Fennell-seeds, Cumine, Caraway, Rice from Italy, which without question would grow very well in divers moist lands in England; yea Sweet Marjorame, Barley, and Gromwell-seed, & Virga Aurea, though they grow in our hedges in England.  
Lastly, Gardening is deficient in this particular: that we have not Nurseries sufficient in this land, of Apples, Pears, Cherries, Vines, Chestnuts, Almonds; but Gentlemen are necessitated, to send to London many 100 miles for them.  
Briefly, for the advancement of this ingenuous calling, I only desire, that Industrious Gentlemen would be pleased to encourage some expert workmen into the places where they live, and to let them land at a reasonable rate, and if they be poor and honest, to lend a little stock; they will soon see the benefit that will redound, not only to themselves, but also to all their neighbours, especially the poor, who are not a little sustained by the Gardiner's labours and Ingenuities.  
4. Our Husbandry is deficient in this, that we know not how to remedy the infirmities of our growing 
4. Deficiency in Smut & Mildew.  Corn; especially Smut and Mildew, to instance in these two only, which oftentimes bring great calamities to these Nations: Smut in wet years, Mildews in dry. These distempers in Corn, are not only in our Country; but also in other places. A learned Author saith, that smuttiness of corn, which maketh it smell like a Red Herring, was not 
Helmont.  known in France, till about 1530. at which time the great foul disease began to break forth, which he conceiveth from hence to have some original; as also the campe-disease. Mildews are very great in the Kingdom of Naples, which oft stick to the scythes of those that mow grass and Corn: and (God be thanked) we are not troubled with Locusts, which is a great flying Grasshopper, nor Palmer-wormes, which is a kind of great black Caterpillar, nor with great hail in summer, nor with great drought, which stifleth the ear in the stalk; which Calamities in hot Countries, do very oft totally destroy the honest and patiented Husband-man's labours: neither are we troubled with extreme colds, which in New-England and other cold Countries, do oft destroy the Corne. But to return to our purpose.  
And first briefly to show you my opinion concerning the Causes of smuttiness. I desire not to fetch Causes a fare off, and to tell you of the sad Conjunctions of Mars and Saturn (for I think, Quae supraenos, belong not to us) when as we have enough at home: This is certain, ethat there are many evident Causes of this corruption of Corn.  
1. A moist season about Kerning-time: which moisture either corrupteth the roots of the Plant, or the nourishment of it, or the seed in its Embryo: or perhaps in some measure all these.  
2. Low, moist, foggy ground, for the reasons above mentioned.  
3. Dunged land. In Vineyards it's observed, that dung causeth more increase in quantity, but less in goodness, so that the ill taste of the dung may easily be discerned; because wine hath an high taste, without question the same happeneth to other Plants, although it be not so easily discerned for the ferment or ill odour of the dung, cannot be overmastered by the Plants, as we see also in Animals, that corrupt diet causeth unfavory tastes in the flesh: so hogs in New found-land, were they are nourished by fish, may by their tastes be called rather Sea-porpusses, than Land-swine.  
4. The sowing of Smutty Corn oft produceth smuttiness; the Son like unto the father; I account Smutty Corn an imperfect or sick Grain, and suppose that by a Microscope the imperfection may be discerned.  
Lastly, the sowing of the same seed oft on the same field, causeth smuttiness; because that nitrous juice, which is convenient for the nourishment of the Grain, hath been exhausted in the precedent years; and therefore it is excellent Husbandry every year to change the species of Grain, and also to buy your Seed-Corne, from places fare distant. I am informed of a Gentleman, who did sow some Wheat which came from Spain, where the Grain is usually very hard and flinty, and as it were transparent, and fare weightier than ours (as it appeareth by a measure at Amsterdam which holdeth about 3. bushels, and if our Wheat in the Northern parts weigheth 160. the Southern Corn weigheth sometimes 180. 200. 220:) and had a crop beyond expectation.  
The usual Cures of smuttiness, besides those mentioned before, are these.  
1. To lime your ground, which warmeth and drieth the land.  
2. To lime your Corn, which is done thus. First slack your lime, and then moisten your Corn or lime, and stir them together till your Grain be as big as a small Pease. This liming preserveth Corn likewise from birds and worms, and is found a very good Remedy against this disease: others make a strong  with common salt, and steep their Corn in it all night, and then draw away their  for further use; which seldom faileth of its desired effect. Whether this strong  doth by its corrosivenes, mortify the weak and imperfect Corn, so that it will not grow; Or whether it be a Remedy, to cure the imperfections thereof, is worth the enquiry? I suppose that this  doth exsiccate the superfluous humidity, which is the cause of this corruption. If Corn be brought into the barn very Smutty, in Kent they usually thrash it on dry floors planked with boards; by which means, the smuttiness is beaten away, and sticketh not to the Grain, only a little blackness appeareth about the eye, but if it be thrashed on a moist floor, the blackness sticketh to the grain, which therefore appeareth dark, and is sold at a lower rate to the Bakers.  
Mildew is without question an unctuous dew, which descendeth from above, about Midsummer; it aboundeth in dry years, as smuttiness in moist. I cannot think that there is ordinarily any Malignity in this dew, but it produceth its effect by manifest causes, viz. from an oily viscous quality which stoppeth the pores of the husk wherein the Wheat lieth, and depriveth it from the Air, and consequently from nourishment: for the Air is the life of all things. I have heard and do believe, that if you streak any ear of Wheat with oil, it will produce the same effect. I am sorry that I never tried, that I might better understand the nature of this sad calamity; which often undoeth the Industrious Husbandman; and causeth great scarcity in this Isle. It is to be observed further, that Wheat only suffereth considerable damage by Mildew; because it lieth in a chaffy husk, which other Grains do not. The Grounds most subject to Mildew are these.  
1. Those that are enclosed with trees and high hedges. And truly this is the only great Inconveniency I find by enclosures.  
2. Low velleyes. I have seen very oft in the same field, the banks fine, bright Corn; and all the lower parts, though greater in straw; yet little worth by reason of the Mildew.  
3. Dung made of straw, I have observed to dispose much to Mildew, and Sheeps-dung to be a kind of Antidote against it: as also Pigeons-dung; because, as I conceive, these, 2. last sorts abound much in Niter, which produceth a firm, hard, bright Corn, not easily to be putrefyed; but the other being more oily and Sulphureous causeth a dark Spongy Corn, soon corruptible. And 2. Because straw is a part of the same kind corrupted which is always in some measure hurtful to the same species both in Ammals and all Vegetables; and therefore rotten sticks or the earth proceeding from them, is found hurtful to the roots of trees; and trees will hardly grow, where the Roots of other trees have formerly been corrupted.  
The remedies for this Accident, briefly are these. (Not to speak of Bees, who questionless make most of their Honey from these Honeys or Mildews: for they gather very little, in comparison of that which falleth.)  
1. The best way is to cut down the trees about your ground, and your hedges low, that the wind may ventilate your Corne.  
2. To sow early; that your Corn may be full Kerned, before these Mildews fall. I am informed, 
Sir Jo. Culp.  that an Ingenious Kt. in Kent, did for curiosity sow Wheat in all months of the year and that the Corn sown in July, did produce such an increase, that it is almost incredible; and truly I think it a great fault in many places, that they sow late, for many reasons: I am sure in France, they usually sow before Michaelmas.  
3. Some use (and with good profit) to draw a line over their Corn, and to strike off the Mildew, before it be inspissated by the Sun; This aught especially to be done before sunrising: 2. men in an hour will easily run over an Acre; the Mildews usually fall like a thick fog, or a Misty rain; if you go to your Bees, you will soon perceive it by their extraordinary labour, very early in the morning.  
4. The use of a kind of bearded Wheat, is an excellent Remedy: for the beard shoveth off the dew, that it doth not so easily insinuate itself into the ear, and likewise causeth the ear to shake by the least wind. There is a kind of Wheat in Buckingham-Shire called Red-straw-Wheate, which is much commended: it's a strong-stalked Wheat, and doth not soon lodge, and therefore excellent for Rank land, where Corn is apt to lodge, and consequently to Mildew; but I question whether it hath any property against Mildew. This I am very confident of, that if this Wheat, or any other, were without the Chaffy husks exposed bare to the Air; as Barley and Rye are, Wheat would not be afflicted with Mildew: Perhaps such Grain may be found by diligent enquiry. I have casually picked out of a Wheate-field some stalks, which have had 2. ears on them: and though Barley usually hath been 2. ranges; yet I have seen some sorts with 4. 6. and there are many great varieties in grains not yet discovered. Truly, if any one knoweth better ways then these, how to cure this Malady of Mildew, he is much to blame, if he do not publish it for the good of his Countrymen,  
I will not here set down the divers manners of 
5. Deficiency, cocerning the planting of Apples, Pears, Cherties, and Plums.  Grafting and Inoculations, which nevertheless is an art absolutely necessary in Planting; for every book of Husbandry doth show it, and every Gardener can teach it those who are desirous to learn it; Neither will I set down all the sorts of Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, etc. for it would be too tedious a discourse; and Mr. Parkinson hath already very excellently done it, in his Book called Paradisus Terrestris, where at leisure you may read it. I will only point briefly at the Deficiencies, which I find in this part of Husbandry, and the best ways to Remedy them.  
1. I say, that it is a great Deficiency in England, that we have not more Orchards planted. It's true, that in Kent and about London, and also in Gloucester-Shire, Herford, and Worcester, there are many gallant Orchards, but in other countries', they are very rare, and thin: but if there were as many more, even in any Country, they would be very profitable. I know in Kent, that some advance their ground even from 5. s. per Acre to 5. pound by this means, and if I should relate, what I have heard by divers concerning the profit of a Cherry-Orchard, about Sittenburne in Kent, you would hardly believe me; yet I have heard it by so many, that I believe it to be true: Namely; that an Orchard of 30. Acres of Cherries, produduced in one year above a 1000 pound, but now the trees are almost all dead; it was one of the first Orchards planted in Kent. Mr. Cambden reporteth, that the Earl of Leicester's Gardener in Qu. Eliz. time, first began to plant Flemish Cherries in those parts; which in his time did spread into 16. other Parishes, and were at that time sold at rgeater rates than now; yet I know that 10. or 15. pound an Acre hath been given for Cherries, more for Pears, and Apples.  
2. There is a great Deficiency in the ordering of Orchards, in that they are not well pruned, but full of Moss, Misletoe, and Suckers, and oftentimes the ground is packed too thick of trees; for they should stand at least 20. foot asunder; neither will ill husbands bestow dunging, digging, or any other cost on Orchards, which if they did, might pay half their rents in some places. One told me for a secret, a Composition for to make Trees bear much and excellent fruit, which was this: First in an old tree, to split his root; then to apply a Compost made of Pigeons-dung lees of wine, or stolen Urine, and a little Brimstone, (to destroy the worms,) it hath some probability of truth: for experience I know, that a bushel of Pigeons-dung, hath caused a tree to grow and bear, which for divers years before stood at a stand; but concerning splitting the roots, I know not what to say. Some old Authors affirm this aught to be done; because that the roots may as well be hidebound, as other parts of the tree, and not able to attract his nourishment, and when the Root is split, it will speedily send forth divers small fibrous roots, which are the principal Attractors. It were good that some would give us an exact account of this Experiment. But Some will object against Orchards, that they spoil much ground, and therefore aught to be planted only in hedges. To this I answer.  
1. That Plumtrees and Damsins, may very well be planted in hedges, being ordinarily thorny plants; this is used very much in Surrey and Kent, where the Plums usually pay no small part of their Rent; yet I never saw in these Southern parts of England, any Apples or Pears thrive in an Hedge, unless a Crab or a Wilden, or some Sweeting of little worth. How they thrive in Hereford-Shire and those places, I know not.  
2. The Inconveniences of Orchards, planted at 20. or 30. foot distance, is not worth speaking of: for this is the usual course in Kent, when they plant any ground, they exactly place them in rank and file, and then plough their lands many years, and sow them with Corn, till the Orchard beginneth to bear fruit; then they lay them down for pasture, which Pasture is not considerably sour; but hath this advantage above other Pastures.  
1. That it is sooner grown by 14. days in the spring than the Meadows, and therefore very serviceable.  
2. In Parching Summers here is plenty, when other places have Scarcity  
3. They are great shelters for , especially Sheep, who will in those places, in great snows scrape up meat, which in other places they cannot do: and if the pasture were sour; yet the loss is not great; for it will be a convenient place for the Hogs to run in, who must have a place for that purpose, where there are no Commons.  
4. I say, that the Benefits are so many by Orchards, that you ought not like an ungrateful man to thrust them up to the hedge: for they afford curious walks for pleasure, food for , both in the spring early, and also in the parching Summer, and nipping snowy Winter: They afford fuel for the fire, and also shades from the heat, physic for the sick, refreshment for the sound, plenty of food for man, and that not of the worst, and drink also even of the best, and all this without much labour, care, or cost, who therefore can justly open his mouth against them?  
3. Deficiency is, that we do not improve many excellent Fruits, which grow amongst us very well, and that we have as yet many fruits from beyond seas, which will grow very well with us. I pass by the general and great ignorance, that is amongst us, of the variety of Apples, of which there are many sorts, which have some good and peculiar uses; most men contenting themselves with the knowledge of half a score of the best, thinking the virtues of all the rest are comprehended in them: as also of the variety of Pears, which are incredibly many. A Friend of mine near Gravesend, hath lately collected about 200. species. I know another in Essex (Mr. Ward) who hath nigh the same number. I hear of another in Worcerster-Shire, not inferior to these in Northamton-Shire. I know one, who hath likewise collected very many. So that I dare boldly say, there are no less in this Island than 500 species; some commended for their early ripeness; some for excellent tastes; some for beauty; others for greatness; some for great bearers; others for good Bakers; some for long lasters; other for to make Perry, etc. But to our purpose: I say many rare Fruits are neglected; to Instance.  
1. in the Small-nut and Filbird, which is not much inferior to the best and sweetest Almonds.  
2. The great Damsin or Pruin-Plum, which groweth well and beareth full in England.  
3. Almonds, which groweth well and beareth good fruit, as I have seen divers bushels on one tree in my brother's Orchard.  
4. Wal-nuts, which is not a fruit to be despised.  
5. Vines, and Mulberries, but of these presently in another place. I might likewise add Currants, Raspeses, of which excellent drinks may be made.  
6. Quinces, of the which I cannot but tell you that a Gentleman at Prichenell in Essex, who had a tree from beyond Sea, hath the best in England, and hath made above 30. pound of a small piece of ground planted with them, as I have heard from his own wife's mouth. And therefore it is by reason of our ill Husbandry, that we have Quinces from Flaunders, Smalnuts from Spain, Prunes from France, and also Walnuts and Almonds from Italy, and Chestnuts (which I had almost forgot) from Portugal. And now I cannot but digress a little, to tell you a strange and true story, with my opinion of it. In divers places of Kent, as at and about Gravesend, in the Country and elsewhere, very many of the prime Timbers of their old barns and houses are of Chestnut-wood, and yet there is scarce a Chestnut-tree within 20. miles of that place, and the people altogether ignorant of such trees. This showeth that in former times those places did abound with such timber; for people were not so foolish surely in former times, to run up and down the world, to procure such huge mastey timbers for barns and such buildings when as there was plenty of Oaks, and Elms, at their doors: And further, it showeth, that these Trees will grow again with us to a great bigness. This putteth into my mind, the story of the moore-logs, which are found in divers places of the North of England, in moors many foot deep; which logs are long and black, and appear to be a kind of Fir, or Pine; and yet in those places, people are altogether ignorant of these Trees, the Country not producing any of these species. The first story of Kent, which I know to be true, causeth me to wonder the less at the latter: for I see that a species of wood, may be destroyed, even totally in a place. And  
2. I know, that in Virginia and New-England, that Pines and Firres and Cedars, do grow wonderfully thick in such Moors or Swamps, and being light wood, and easily wrought, they are continually used, while they last, for buildings. Further, I suppose, these Moors, are Commons, to the which the poor have used to resort for firing, and how soon great woods will be consumed by them, every one making what havoc he pleaseth, all men know. As concerning their being so deep in the ground, and blackness; I suppose that when wood, was abundant in those places, every one did cut what they pleased, and left what was not for their turns, which being in moist places, was soon glutted with moisture, and made ponderous; by which means it soon buried itself, as ships do, on quicksand, or perhaps the turf (which hath a peculiar faculty vegetative, for where it is exhausted, it soon groweth again) in time hath grown over them; the people permitting it, because that wood, once sobbed in wet, is of little use, as we see by Piles on the marshes-side, scarce any man vouchsafing to carry them home. The blackness of this wood proceedeth, as I suppose, from the sooty fume, or evaporation of the black turf, which endeavoureth, as all earth's do, to reduce all things into its own nature; which though it be not able fully to accomplish; yet it introduceth divers dispositions, and qualities, as blackness in the wood. Some suppose, that these moore-logs have lain there ever since the flood, with whom I will not contend; seeing that any wood, if it be kept from the Air continually moist or dry, will endure even thousands of years without putrefaction.  
6. Deficiency, is the Not-improving of our Fruits for the best ends and purposes. Normandy, which 
The 6. deficiency, concerning not improving our Fruits.  produceth but little wine, maketh abundance of Cider and Perry, which they estimate equally to wine, if it be made of good fruit. The ordinary Perry is made of Choaky Pears, very juicy, which grow along by the highway-sides, which are not to be eaten raw. In Biscay in Spain, where wine is scarce, they make Cider of a certain sweet Apple, which hath a little bitterness in it, and is like to our snonting, & the Cider is very good. And truly here in England, if we would make Cider and Perry of the best sorts of Fruits, which is rarely done, (for we think any fruit good enough for that purpose) we might make drinks no ways inferior to the French wines, which are usually spoilt before they come over the seas to you, their spirits soon evaporating. There are two ways of making Cider and Perry: one, by bruising and beating them, and then presently to put them into a vessel to ferment or work (as it is usually called) of themselves: The other way, is to boil the juice with some good spices, by which the rawness is taken away, and then to ferment it with some yeast, if it work not of itself, this is the best way: and I have tasted Cider thus made of an excellent delicate taste. Neither let any complain of the windiness; for it is only want of use: When I had for 2. or 3. years continually drunk wine beyond Sea, the strongest beer for 2. or. 3. weeks, was as windy to me, as Cider will be to any; and afterward when I went to Paris, the wine of that place was as troublesome as English beer for a little time: how much wine might be saved and also malt if Englishmen did take these good courses, which other Nations do, and consequently how much advantage would this Island reap thereby? If I were an housekeeper in the Country, I would make excellent Beer, Ale, Cider, Perry, Metheglin, Wine, of our own grapes, and if my Friends would not drink these, they should drink water, or go away a thirst: I would scorn to honour France so much as men do usually; and the Spaniard and Italian should not laugh at us, and say that we can as well be without bread, as their wines, Currents etc. Thus may many other excellent drinks bemade out of our Fruits: not to speak of those which are made of our Grain, as Barley, Wheat, etc. yet I must tell you, that I know an Ingenious man, who can without malting Barley, make a drink not inferior to wine, and a greater quantity of Aquavitae out of them, and with less cost, then by the ordinary way, by a peculiar fermentation of his own; which time will discover. There is another Ingevious man, who out of Damsins, and other fat and sweet plums, can make a drink not inferior to the best wines, and abundance of Aquavitae. Many Ladies know how to make Cherry, Raspes-wines; and Sir Hugh Plattes in his Closet for Ladies, discloseth many secrets of this kind; as also for Conserves, Marmalades, which are things both delightful and profitable. I have a kinsman, who can even out of blackberries, make a very pleasant drink, which curiosity he is unwilling to publish. Glauber an excellent Chemist hath divers secrets of this kind, even to the advancing of Hawes, Hips, Canker-Berries, Slowes, to excellent Aqua-vitae's, drinks, vinegers, which he himself first invented. In Russia in the spring-time it's an usual custom to pierce the bark of the Birch-trees, which at that time will weep much liquor, and yet like children be little the worse; this the poor ordinarily drink for necessity, 
Helmont  it's a pleasant healthful drink; and also the rich men, because it's an excellent preservative against the stone.  
The means to advance this profitable and pleasant work, are these.  
1. To advance Nurseries of all sorts of Pears, Apples, Plums, Cherries, which Gentlemen may do for a small matter, and then plant out these trees, when they are grown great enough. The best and cheapest ways to raise all Nursery wares is done thus. Plums may be raised either of stones, which when you have eaten the plums, may be presently pricked into the ground, or by Slips, which you will find about the old trees. Apples may be raised from Kernels (Crab kernels are the best) which ought to be preserved in dry sand, till the spring, lest they grow mouldy: or Crab-stalke may be fetched out of the woods, and grafted. Some Trees as Sweetings, coddlings, Quinces, will grow very well of slips. Cherries are very well raised by stones, (the Black-Cherries are the best) which so soon as you have eaten them, are to be howen into Beds made very fine, the ranges a foot distant; beware lest you let them heat, and take heed of the mouse. I have seen Cherry-stones and Apple-Kernels grow 2. foot and a half in one year; and consequently in few years they would be fit to be transplanted. The Art of Grafting, Inoculating a Gentleman will learn in two hours.  
2. For the advancing of Ingenuities in this kind, as that making of Vinous-Drinks, out of Apples, Plums etc. I counsel all Ingenious Gentlemen to try divers experiments in these kinds; with these Cautions.  
1. That he attempt not great quantities at first, which perchance will be chargeable and troublesome; for by a gallon he may have as much certainly, as by a hogshead.  
2. Not to be discouraged, if they succeed not well at first dash: for certainly there are many Ingenuities in these fruits, which time will discover.  
3. Proceed by fermentation: for every liquor which will ferment, hath a vinous spirit in it, & without fermentation even the best fruits will have none.  
Lastly, fermentation is done either in liquido, or humido; and herein consists some Mystery. I have forgot to speak of Apricocks, Peaches, Melicotores, which are fine pleasant fruits, yet very dangerous; and therefore called by the Italians, Mazzofrancese, that is, Kill-Frenchman; and wish Ladies, and others to take heed of surfeiting by these and some other dangerous plums.  
I cannot without much tediousness, relate the divers sorts of Vines, which are even Infinite; 
The 7. deficiency, concerning Vines.  Rome having in it usually, 40. or 50. sorts of Vines, and all very good: Other places of Italy, Spain, and France, have also great varieties; I therefore pass them by, as also the manner of managing of them; because it is described in the Country-farm, and also by Bonovil a Frenchman, who at the command of King James wrote a short treatise of Vines and Silk-wormes, for the instruction of the plantations of Virginia. I shall only according to my method show you the Deficiencies amongst us in this particular plant, and the best Remedies for it.  
And first, although I think that the wine is the great blessing of God, which Hot countries' especially enjoy, as temperate Countries do Milk, Butter, Cheese in abundance, and the coldest and Barrenest Fowl, & Fish in an incredible number; God of his goodness distributing some peculiar blessings to every Country; Notwithstanding I dare say, it's probable, that Vineyards have formerly flourished in England, & that we are to blame, that so little is attempted to revive them again. There are many places in Kent called by the names of Vineyards, and the ground's of such a Nature, that it seemeth probable, they have been such. I hear further by divers, people of credit, that by records it appeareth, that the tithes of wine in Glocestershire was in divers Parishes considerably great; but at length Gascony coming into the hands of the English, from whence cometh the most of the strong French wine, called high-Countrey-wine, and customs being small, wine was imported into England from thence, better and cheaper than we could make it, and it was thought convenient to discourage Vineyards here, that the greater trade might be driven with Gascoine, and many ships might find employment thereby.  
Some fond Astrologers have conceited, that the earth being grown older and therefore colder, hath caused the sun to descend many degrees lower to warm and Cherish it, and one argument which they bring for this opinion is, that Vines and Silkworms are found in those Countries, wherein former times they were unknown: But if these fond men, had considered the good Husbandry in these times, with the blessing of God on it, they had not run into such foolish imaginations. This is true indeed, that the Roman soldiers, who had Alsatia given them to live in, which is one of the best and most Southern places of Germany, mutined; because they thought it so cold, that Vines would not grow there, and that therefore they should be deprived of that delectable liquor; whereas we find at this present day Vines flourishing many hundred miles more towards the North, both in France, Lorraine, and Germany; and that they are crept down even to the latitude of England; for the Renish-wines grew within a degree of the West-Southern places of this Isle, & Paris is not 2. degrees South of us, yet Vines grow three score miles on this side Paris, at Beaumond; yea the Vines of these places are the most delicate; for what wine is preferred before the neat Rhenish for Ladies, and at table; and truly in my opinion, though I have traveled twice through France; yet no wine pleased me like Vin D'ache & of Paris; especially about Rueill, which is a very fine brisk wine, & not fuming up to the head, and Inebriating as other wines: I say therefore that it is very probable, that if Vines have stepped out of Italy into Alsatia, from them to these places, which are even as fare North as England, and yet the wines there are the most delicate, that they are not limited and bounded there. For a 100 miles more or less causeth little alteration in heat or cold, and some advantages which we have will supply that defect. But not to insist too long on probabilities, Isay, that herein England some Ingenious Gentlemen usually make wine very good, long lasting, without extraordinary labour & cost▪ s. To instance in one, who in great Chart in the Wild of Kent, a place very moist and cold, yearly maketh 6. or 8. hogsheads, which is very much commended by divers who have tasted it, and he hath kept some of it 2. years, as he 
Sir Peter Ricard.  himself told me, and it hath been very good; Others likewise in Kent do the same: and lately in Surrey a Gentlewoman told me, that they having many grapes, which they could not well tell how to dispose off, she, to play the good Housewife, stamped them to make verjuice; but 2. months after drawing it forth, they found it very fine brisk wine, clear like Rockwater, and in many other places such experiments have been made. I therefore desire Ingenious men to endeavour the raising of so necessary & pleasant a commodity; especially when French Wine is so dear here, and I suppose is likely to be dearer, I question not, but they shall find good profit & pleasure in so doing, and that the State will give all encouragements to them: and if the French Wine pay excize and customs, and the Wines here be toll-free, they will be able to afford them far cheaper, than the French can theirs, and supply the whole Isle, if they proceed according to these Rules.  
1. To choose the best sorts of grapes, which are most proper for this Isle, and though there are many sorts of grapes amongst gardiner's; yet I commend 4. sorts especially to them; and I desire that they be very careful in this particular: for it is the foundation of the work; if you fail in this, you fail in all; for I know that Burdeaux-Vines which bear very great grapes, make verjuice only at Paris, and that the tender Orleans-Vine doth not thrive there.  
The first sort is the Parsely Vine or Canada-grape; because it first came from those parts, where it grows naturally; and though the Country be intolerably cold; yet even in the woods without manuring, it so fare ripeneth his fruits, that the Jesuits make wine of it for their mass; & Racineè (which is the Juice of the grape newly expressed, and boiled to a Syrup, and is very sweet and pleasant) for their Lent-provision, as you may read in their Relations: and this Vine seemeth to be made for these Northern Countries, because it hath its leaves very small and jaggy, as if it were on purpose to let in the sun, and it ripeneth sooner than other grapes, as I have observed in Oxford-Graden.  
2. Sort of Vine is the Rhenish-grape; for it groweth in a temperate Country, not much hotter in summer than England; and the wine is excellent as all know.  
3. Sort is the Paris-grape; which is much like the temper of England, only a little hotter in summer: this grape beareth a small bunch close set together, very hardy to endure frosts and other inconveniencies, and is soon ripe; so that the vintage of Paris, is sooner ended then that of Orleans or Bordeaux; and though it be not so delicate to the taste, as some other grapes; yet it maketh an excellent brisk wine.  
4. Sort is the small muscadel; which is a very fine pleasant grape, both to eat and to make wine. In Italy it usually groweth against their houses walls, and of this they make a small pleasant wine, a month or 2. before the ordinary Vintage. It is a tender plant in respect of the other Vines in the fields: these Vines I know are the most convenient for this Isle; because they bear small bunches, and grapes soon ripen, and are hardy to endure frosts and ill weather.  
2. To choose convenient places. For this end I council them, First to plant Vines on the Southside of their dwelling-houses, Barns, Stables, and Outhouses. The Gentleman of Kent, whom I mentioned before, useth this course: and to keep the Vines from hurting his tiles, and that the wind may not wrong his Vines, he hath a frame made of poles or any kind of wood, about a foot from the tiles, to the which he tieth the Vines; by this means his Vines having the reflection of the yard, sides of the houses and tiles, do ripen very well, and bear much; so that one old Vine, hath produced nigh a hogshead of wine in one year: and I wish all to take this course; which is neither chargeable, nor troublesome, but very pleasant; and if all in this Island would do thus, it's incredible, what abundance of wine might be made, even by this petty way.  
2. If that any Gentleman will be at the charge of making a Vineyard, let him choose a fine sandy warm hill, open to the Southeast rather than to the South-West: for though the South-West seemeth to be hotter; yet the Southeast ripeneth better, as I have seen in Oxford-Garden; because the Southeast is sooner warmed by the Sun in the morning; and the South-West winds, are the winds which blow most frequently, and bring rain, which refrigerate the plants: and such a place is very requisite; for in other places Vines do not thrive, even in France: for if you travel betwixt Paris and Orleans, which is above 30. leagues, yet you shall scarcely see a Vineyard, because it is a plain Champion-Countrey. So likewise betwixt Fontarabia to Bordeaux, in the Southern parts of France, for an 100 miles together; because the land is generally a barren sandy plain, where only Heath abounds and Pinetrees, out of which they make Turpentine and , by wounding of them; and Tar and Pitch, by the burning of them: and if any find such a fine warm hill, and do dung and fence it well, he hath a greater advantage of most of the Vineyards of France by this conveniency, than they have of our Isle, by being a hundred miles more South; for most of their Vineyards are in large fields not enclosed, on land that is stony, and but indifferently warm. But some will say, that the wet weather destroys us. It's true, that the wet will destroy all things; Sheep, Corn, etc. yet no man will say, that therefore England will not produce and nourish these Creatures; and if extraordinary wet years come, they spoil even the Vines in France: but take ordinary years and our moisture is not so great, (though some abuse us, and call England, matula Coeli) but the Vines, especially those I have mentioned before, will come to such perfection as to make good wine: and if extraordinary reins fall; yet we may help the immaturity by Ingenuity, as I shall tell you anon: or at worst make vinegar or verjuice, which will pay costs.  
Further these advantages we have of France.  
1. This Isle is not subject to nipping frosts in May as France is; because we are in an Isle, where the Air is more gross than in the Continent; and therefore not so piercing and sharp, as it plainly appeareth by our winters, which are not so sharp as in Milan in Italy: neither are we subject to such storms of hail in summer, which are very frequent in hot Countries, and for many miles together do spoil their Vines, so that they cannot make wine of the grapes: for those grapes which are touched by the hail, have a Sulphurous and a very unpleasant taste, and only fit to make Aquavitae. Further sometimes in France, cask for their wines is so dear, that a tun of wine may be had for a tun of cask: and the custom and excize which is laid on wines here, is as much again as the poor Vigneron in France expects for his wine. Not to speak of the ill managing of their Vines, especially about Paris, where poor men usually hire an Acre or 2. of Vines, which they manage at their spare hours, and most commonly pack in so many plants on their ground, for to have the greater increase, that the ground and Vines are so shaded by one another, that I have wondered, that the Sun could dart in his beams to mature them; and therefore I cannot but affirm again, that we may make abundance of wine here with profit, the charges of an Acre of Vineyard, not being so great as of Hops: an hundred sets well rooted, at Paris cost usually but 4. or 6. sous or pence, where I have bought many: 2000 will plant an Acre very well, 50. s. a year is the ordinary rate for the 3. diggings with their crooked Instrument called Aventage, and the increase usually 4. tuns for an Acre, which will be profit enough: and though I refer all to Bonovil and others, who have written of the managing of Vines; yet I council to get a Vigneron from France, where there are plenty, and at cheaper rates then ordinary servants here, and who will be serviceable also for Gardening.  
2. I will briefly tell, what I have seen. In Italy through all Lombardy which is for the most part plain and Champion, their Vines grow in their hedges on Walnut-trees, for the most part: in which fields, they speak of 3. harvests yearly viz.  
1. Winter-Corne, which is reaped in June etc.  
2. Vines and Walnuts, which are gathered in September.  
3. Their summer-graines, as Millet, pannicle, Chiches, Vetches etc. Buckwheate, Frumentone, or that which we call Virginia-Wheate, Turnips, which they sow in July when their Winter-corne is cut & reaped, they reap in October. In France, their Vines grow 3. manner of ways; in Provence they cut the Vine about 2. foot high, and make it strong and stubbed, like as we do our Osiers; which stock beareth up the branches without a prop.  
2. about Orleans, and where they are more curious, they make frames for them to run along.  
3. About Paris they ty them to short poles, as we do hops. In France they usually make trenches, or small ditches, about 3. or 4. foot from one another, and therein plant their Vines, about one and a half deep, which is a good way, and very much to be commended; but if we here in England, plant Vines as we do Hops, it will do very well, but let them not be packed together too thick, as they do in France in many places, lest they too much shade the ground, and one another. In Italy when they tread their grapes with their feet in a cart, they pour the juice into a great vessel or Fat, and put to it all their husks and stones which they call grasp, and let them ferment, or (as we say) work together 12. or 14. days, and usually they put 1. third of water to it, this maketh a wine less furious, Garbo or rough, and therefore a good stomack-wine; but it spoileth the colour, and taketh away the pleasant brisk taste. In France so soon as they have pressed out their liquor with their feet, they put it in hogsheads, and after in their press squeeze out what they can, out of the grasp; which serveth to fill up their hogsheads while they work, which is usually 3. or 4. days, and then stop them close: this is also the way used in Germany, and is the best, for it maketh a fine gentile wine with a curious colour. In Germany, when their grapes are green, they make fire in their sellars in stoves, by the which means, their wines work extraordinarily, & do digest themselves the better: This course we must also take here in England some years; for it helpeth the rawness of all liquors very much. There is an Ingenious Dutchman, who hath a secret, which as yet he will not reveal, how to help maturation by a compost applied to the roots: The compost which I have spoken of before, made of brimstone: pigeons-dung, is very excellent for that purpose, as also lees of wine, blood, 
Glauber.  lime used with moderation. He also knoweth how to make sour grapes produce good wine; I suppose his way to be this, all juice of grapes newly expressed is sweet, and which may by itself alone be made into a sweet syrup, which the French call Racineè: further in the Evaporation of liquors, which have not fermented or wrought, the watery part goeth away first.  
3. Fermentation giveth a vinous taste, and maketh a liquor full of spirits.  
You may then easily guess at the way, and perhaps he may add also some sugar and spices, as the Vintners do when they make Hippocras. I know a Gentleman, who hath made excellent wine of raisins well boiled in water, and afterward fermented by itself, or with barm, it's called usually Medea. I likewise know, that all sweet and fatty Juices will make fine vinous Liquors, as Damsins, if they be wrought or fermented ingeniously: but whosoever goeth about such experiments, let him not think that any thing is good enough for these purposes: but let him use the best he can get: for of naughty corrupt things, who can expect that which is excellent and delicate.  
The Deficiency of us in this kind is so obvious, that all the world takes notice of it, and it is (next the 
8. Deficiency concerning Hemp & Flox.  neglect of fishing) the greatest shame to this Nation; for all know that we have as good land for these seeds as any can be found in Europe. and that the sowing of them requireth neither more labour, cost or skill than other seeds. And further that the materials made from these are extremely necessary: for how miserable should we be without Linen, Canvases, Cordage, Nets? how can we put our Ships to Sea, which are the bulwarks of this Isle? And yet we are necessitated to have these Commodities, from those who would destroy (I will not say the Nation, but I may boldly say) our Shipping, and Trade. I hope that this will more seriously be considered by those at the Helm of our State. I will freely and plainly relate, how this Deficiency may easily be Remedied, according to my judgement.  
1. To compel by a law, that all Farmers, who plough and sow 50. or 100 Acres of land, should sow half an Acre or an Acre of Hemp or Flax, or to pay 5. s. or 10. s. to the poor of the Parish where they live, or some law to this purpose; for there is no man but hath land fit for one of these, Hemp desiring, a stiff land, Flax that which is light.  
For there is so much irrationality in some professions that they must be forced even like brutes to understand their own good. In King Edward the 6. days something was enacted to this purpose, as I am informed. In Henry 8. days, there was a law enacted that every man should sow his lands, and that no man should enclose his lands, lest he should turn it to Pasture; for we have had great dearth in England through the neglect of Tillage, which laws even as yet stand in force; yet there is, nor needeth there be any force to compel men to till and sow their lands; for they have at length found the sweetness, and willingly go about it for their own profits sake, and now we suppose (and not without cause) that Enclosing is an Improvement: and so concerning Hemp and Flax, I say, if they were once accustomed to sow them, they would never leave it, as I see Farmers do in East-Kent; scarce a man but he will have a considerable plot of ground for Hemp, and about London far greater quantities of Flax is sown then formerly.  
2. It were convenient, that every Parish through the Nation should have a stock for to set their poor to work, that the young children and women might not run up and down idle, and begging or stealing (as they do in the Country) of Apples, Pease, Wood, Hedges, and so by little and little, are trained up for the Gallows.  
3. That a severe law should be enacted against those who run up and down and will not work: for if all know, that they may have work at home, and earn more within doors honestly, then by running rogueing up and down, why should they not compel them to it? and though some may think the Parishes will lose much by this way; because that the stock wrought will not be put off, but with loss, as perhaps 10. l. will be brought to 8. l. yet let them consider how much they shall save at their doors, how many inconveniences they are freed from; their hedges in the Country shall not be pulled, their fruits stolen, nor their Corn purloined; and further, that the poor will be trained up to work, and therefore fit for any service: yea and in their youth learn a calling by the which they may get an honest lively hood; and I dare say, their Assessments for the poor, would not be so frequent, nor the poor so numerous: and the benefit which redownds to the Nation, would be very great.  
4. The charitable deeds of our forefathers, aught to be enquired after, that they be not misplaced, as usually they are, but be really bestowed for the good of the poor, that are laborious (as in London is begun) and if there be any that will not work, take Saint Paul's rule, who best knew what was best for them. I dare not advise to take in part of Commons, Fens, etc. and to improve them for this use, lest I should too much provoke the rude merciless multitude. But to return to my discourse. I say, that sowing Hemp and Flax, will be very beneficial.  
1. To the Owners of land: for men usually give in divers places 3. l. per Acre, to sow Hemp and Flax (as I have seen at Maidstone in Kent, which is the only place, I know in England, where thread is made: and though nigh a hundred hands are employed about it; yet they make not enough for this Nation,) and yet get good profit. How advantageous will this be to those who have drained the Fens, where questionless Hemp will flourish, and exsiccate the ground, (for Hemp desireth stiff moist land, as Flax light and dry,) and like wise to those in the North of England, where land is very cheap? I hope in a little time Ireland will furnish us with these commodities, if we be idle; for there land is very cheap, and those seeds need no enclosure; for  will not touch them, neither doth it fear the plunderer either in the field or barn.  
2. It's profitable to the sour. I know that they usually value an Acre at 10. or 12. l. which costeth them usually but half the money. Whether there be Flax, that will yield 30. or 40. l. per Acre as some report, I know not.  
3. To the place where it is sown; because it sets many poor to work. I wish it were encouraged more in the North than it is; because there be many poor, who could willingly take pains: and though spinning of linen be but a poor work; yet it is light, and may be called women's recreation, (and in France and Spain the best Citizens wives think it no disgrace to go about spinning with their Rocks) and though in some part the poor think it nothing to earn 4. or 6. d. per day, and will as soon stand with their hands in their pockets, as work cheap; yet in the North they account it well to earn 3. d. or 4. d. by spinning, which they may do.  
Lastly, it would be very beneficial to this Nation, and save many thousand pounds, I may say 100 thousands, which are expected, either in cash or good Commodities; and we should not be beholding to Holland for fine linen and Cordage, nor to France for Poldavices, Locrams, Canvaces, nets, nor to Flaunders for thread; but might be supplied abundantly with these necessary Commodities even at our own doors.  
There is no small Deficiency in dunging and manuring lands, both because that all manner of manuring 
9 Deficiency, concerning Dunging, and Manuring Lands.  and amending lands, is not known to every one, and also that they do not employ all they know to the best use. I will therefore set down most of the ways I have seen here in England, and beyond Seas, by which land is improved, and the best ways to use the same.  
1. To begin with Chalk, which is as old a way as Julius Caesar's time, as he himself reporteth in his Commentaries. Chalk is of 2. sorts.  
1. A hard, strong, dry Chalk, with which in Kent they make walls, burn lime etc.  
2. Kind is a small unctuous Chalk: this is the Chalk for land, the other helpeth little; only it maketh the plough go easier in stiff lands: broomy land is accounted the best land for Chalk and lime, but it helpeth other lands also; especially, if you Chalk your ground, and let it lie a year or 2. which is the way used in Kent; that it may be matured and shattered by the sun and rain, otherwise if it be turned in presently, it is apt to lie in great clods, as I have seen it 20. years after. Chalk also sweeteneth pasture, but doth not much increase it, and killeth rushes and broom.  
2. Lime, which is made of divers sorts of stones, is an excellent thing for most Lands, and produceth a most pure grain: 160. bushels is usually laid on an Acre, but I suppose that if men did lay but half the dung on the ground, as they usually do, as also lime and Chalk, and dung and lime it oftener, it would be better Husbandry: for much dung causeth much weeds, and causeth Corn to lodge; and too much Chalk doth too much force the land, so that after some good crops, it lieth barren many years. It's good Husbandry likewise to lay down lands before they be too much out of heart; for they will soon recover; otherwise not.  
3. Ordinary Dung, which every one knoweth; but let it not be exposed to the Sun too much, nor let it lie in an high place; for the rain will waste away its fatness. It's observable, that earth the more it is exposed to the Sun, it's the better, as we see that land is much bettered by oft ploughings: for the Sun and dew engender a nitrous fatness, which is the cause of fertility; but dung is exhausted by the Sun, as it appeareth by the foldings of Sheep, which profit little, if it be not presently turned in; therefore a Shepherd if his time would permit, should turn up the ground with an how for to sow Turnips, as gardiner's do. I have seen Ordinary Dung on dry lands in dry years to do hurt, and it oft causeth weeds and trumpery to grow.  
4. Marle. It's of divers kinds: some stony, some soft, some white, some yellewish, but most commonly blue. It's in most places in England, but not known by all: the best marks to know it, is to expose it to the Air, and to see if the Sun or Rain cause it to shatter, and if it be unctuous, or rather to take a load or 2. and lay it on the midst of your fields, and to try how it mendeth your lands. It's excellent for Corn, and Pasture; especially on dry lands. In Essex the scour of their ditches they call Marle, because it looketh blue like it, it helpeth their lands well,  
5. Snaggreet: which is a kind of earth taken out of the Rivers, full of small shells. It helpeth the barren lands in divers parts of Surrey. I believe it's found in all Rivers; It were well, if in other parts of England, they did take notice of it.  
6. Owse out of marsh ditches, hath been found very good for white Chalky land: as also Sea-mud & Sea-Owse is used in divers parts of Kent, and Sussex.  
7. Seaweeds.  
8. Mr. Carew in his Survey of Cornwall relateth, that they use a fat Sea-sand, which they carry up many miles in sacks, and by this they have very much improved their barren lands. It were worth the while to try all manner of Sea-sands: for I suppose, that in other places they have a like fertilizing fatness.  
9 Folding of Sheep, especially after the Flaunders manner, (viz.) under a covert, in which earth is strewed about 6. inches thick, on which they set divers nights: then more earth must be brought and strewed 6. inches thick, and the Sheep folded on it, and thus they do continually Winter and Summer. I suppose a shepherd, with one horse will do it at his spare hours, and indeed sooner than remove his fold; and this folding is to be continued, especially in Winter, and doth the Sheep good; because they lie warm and dry: and truly if I am not mistaken, by this means we may make our Sheep to enrich all the barren dry lands of England.  
10. Ashes of any kind. Seacoale-ashes with horsedung the Gardiner's of London much commend for divers uses. It's great pity, that so many thousand loads are thrown into waste places, and do no good.  
11. Soot is also very good, being sprinkled on ground▪ but it's too dear, if it be of wood; for it's worth 16. d. or 2. s. a bushel.  
12. Pigeons or Hens-dung is incomparable: one load is worth 10. loads of other dung, & therefore it's usually sown on Wheat, that lieth a far off, and not easy to be helped: it's extraordinary likewise on a Hop-garden.  
13. Malt-dust is exceedingly good in Corne-land: blood for trees; also shave of horns.  
14. Some commend very much the sweeping of a Ship of Salt, or drossey salt and brine: it's very probable; because it killeth the worms, and all fertility proceedeth from salt.  
15. I have seen in France, poor men cut up Heath and the Turf of the ground, and lay them on an heap, to make mould for their barren lands. Brakes laid in a moist place, and rotten, are used much for Hop-grounds, and generally all things that will rot, if they were stones, would make dung.  
16. In New-England they fish their ground, which is done thus: In the spring about April, there cometh up a fish to the fresh Rivers, called an Alewife; because of its great belly: and is a kind of shade, full of bones; these are caught in wires, and sold very cheap to the planters, who usually put one or two cut in pieces into the hill where their Corn is planted, called Virginia-Wheate, for they plant it in hills, 5. grains in an hill, almost as we plant Hops (in May, or June; for it will not endure frosts) and at that distance; it causeth fertility extraordinary for two years, especially the first: for they have had 50. or 60. bushels on an Acre, and yet plough not their land, and in the same hills do plant the same Corn for many years together, and have good crops: besides abundance of Pumpions and French or Kidney beans. In the North parts of New-England, where the fishermen live, they usually fish their ground with Codsheads; which if they were in England would be better employed. I suppose that when sprats be cheap, men might mend their Hop-grounds with them, and it would quit cost: but the dogs will be apt to scrape them up, as they do in New-England, unless one of their legs be tied up.  
17. Urine. In Holland they as carefully preserve the Cow's urine, as the dung to enrich their land: old urine is excellent for the Roots of trees. Columella in his book of Husbandry, saith, that he is an ill husband that doth not make 10. loads of dung for every great beast in his yard, and as much for every one in the house, and one load for small beasts as hogs. This is strange husbandry to us: and I believe there are many ill husbands by this account. I know a woman who liveth 5. mile's South of Canterbury, who saveth in a pail, all the droppings of the houses, I mean the urine, and when the pail is full, sprinkleth it on her Meadow, which causeth the grass at first to look yellow, but after a little time, it grows wonderfully, that many of her neighbours wondered at it, and were like to accuse her of witchcraft.  
18. Woollen rags, which Harford-shire-men use much, and Oxford-shire, and many other places: they do very well in thin Chalky land in Kent for 2. or 3. years. It's a fault in many places, that they neglect these, as also Linnen-raggs, or Ropes-ends, of the which white and brown paper is made; for it's strange that we have not Linnen-raggs enough for paper, as other Nations have; but must have it from Italy, France, and Holland.  
19 Denshyring, (so called in Kent, where I only have seen it used, though by the word it should come from Denbighshire,) is the cutting up of all the 
Mr. Cambden.  turf of a Meadow, with an instrument sharp on both sides, which a man with violence thrusts before him, and then they lay the turf on heaps, and when it's dry, they burn it, and spread it on the ground. The charge is usually 4. Nobles, which the goodness of a crop or 2. repayeth.  
20. Mixture of lands. Colum. an old writer saith, that his Grand father used to carry sand on clay, and on the contrary to bring clay on sandy grounds, and with good success, the Lord Bacon thinking much 
Natur. Histor.  good may be done thereby; for if Chalk be good for loamy land, why should not loam be good for Chalky banks?  
21. I may add Enclosure as an Improvement of land: not only because that men, when their grounds are enclosed, may employ them as they please; but because it giveth warmth and consequently fertility. There is one in London, who promised to mend lands much by warmth only, and we see that if some few sticks lie together, & give a place warmth, how speedily that grass will grow.  
22. Steeping of Grains. The Ancients used to steep Beans in salt-water: and in Kent it's usual to steep Barley, when they sow late, that it may grow the faster; and also to take away the soil: for wild Oats, Cockle, and all save Drake will swim; as also much of the light Corn, which to take away is very good. If you put Pigeons-dung into the water, and let it steep all night, it may be as it were half a dunging: take heed of steeping Pease too long; for I have seen them sprout in three or four hours.  
23. Is the sowing of Course and cheap Grain, and when they are grown to plough them in. For this purpose the Ancients did use LUPINS, a plant well known to our gardiner's: and in Kent sometimes Tares are sown, which when the  have eaten a little of the tops, they turn them in, with very good Improvement for their ground.  
I will not deny, but that we have good Husbands, 
10. Deficiency, concerning the not Improvement of our Meadows.  who dung and Marl their Meadows and Pasture-land, and throw down all Mole and Ant-hills, and with their spud-staffe, cut up all thistles and weeds, and that they likewise straw ashes on their grounds to kill the Moss; and salt for the worms, and they do very well, but yet there are many who are negligent in these particulars, for the which they are blame-worthy, but the Deficiencies, of which I intent to speak of, are these following. Cato, one of the wisest of the Romans, saith, that Pratum est quasi paratum; always ready, and prepared; and preferreth Meadows before the Olive-Gardens, (although the Spaniards bequeath Olive-trees to their children, as we do cottages) or Vines or Corn; because Meadows bring in a certain profit, without labour and pains: but the other requireth much cost and pains, and are subject to Frosts, Mildew, Hail, Locusts: to the which for the honour of Meadows, I may add, that the stock of Meadows, is of greater value, and the Commodities which arise from them, are divers and of greater value, than Corn, as Butter, Cheese, Tallow, Hides, Beef, Wool; and therefore I may conclude, that England abounding in Pastures more than other Countries, is therefore richer; and I know (what others think I care not) that in France Acre for Acre is not comparable to it, Fartescue Chancellor of England, saith, that we get more in England by standing still then the French by working: but to speak of the Deficiencies amongst us.  
1. We are to blame, that we have neglected the great Clovergrasse, Saint Foin, Lucerne.  
2. That we do not float our lands, as they do in Lombardy, where they mow their lands 3. or 4. times yearly, which consist of the great Clovergrasse. Here are the excellent Parmisane-cheeses made, and indeed these Pastures far exceed any other places in Italy, yea in Europe. We here in England have great opportunities by brooks & Rivers in all places to do so, but we are negligent; yet we might hereby double if not treble our profits, kill all rushes etc. But he that desireth to know the manner how to do this, and that profit, that will arise thereby, let him read Mr. Blithe's Book of Husbandry, lately printed.  
3. That when we lay down land for Meadow or Pasture, we do not sow them with the seeds of fine sweet grass, Trefoils, and other excellent herbs. Concerning this you may read a large Treatise of the Countrey-Farmer; for if the land be rich, it will put forth weeds and trumpery, and perhaps a kind of sour grass little worth, if it be poor, ye shall have thistles, May-weed and little or no grass, for a year or 2. I know a Gentleman, who at my entreaty, sowed with his Oats the bottom of his Haymowe, and though his land were worn out of heart, and naturally poor; yet he had that year not only a crop of Oats; but he might if it had pleased him, have mown his grass also, but he spared it, which was well done, till the next year, that it might make a turf and grow stronger. By this Husbandry lands might be well improved, especially if men did consider the diversity of grasses, which are 90. sorts, and 23. of Trefoil: I know a place in Kent, which is a white Chalky down, which ground is sometimes sown with Corn a year or 2. and then it resteth as long or longer: when it is laid down it maintaineth many great Sheep and very lusty, so that they are even fit for the Butcher; and yet there doth scarce appear any thing that they can eat, which bath caused divers to wonder, as if they had lived on Chalke-stones: but I more seriously considering the matter, throughly viewed the ground, and perceived that the ground naturally produceth a small Trefoil, which it seemeth is very sweet and pleasant, it's commonly called Trifolium luteum, or Lupilinum, that is, yellow or Hop-Trefoile: and I am persuaded, if that the seed of this Trefoil were preserved, and sown with dates, when they intent to lay it down, it would very much advance the Pasture of that place; therefore I desire all Ingenious men, seriously to consider, the nature of the Trefoils, which are the sweetest of grasses, and to observe on what grounds they naturally grow: and also the nature of other grasses, which (as I have said before) are no less than 90. sorts, naturally growing in this Isle; some on watery places, some on dry, some on clay, others on sand, Chalk etc. some on fruitful places, others in barren; by the which means I suppose a solid foundation might be laid, for the advancing the Pasture-lands of all sorts, through this Island: for I know some plants, as the Orchis called Bee-flower etc. which will thrive better on the Chalky barren banks, than in any garden, though the mould be never so rich and delicate, and the Gardener very diligent in cherishing of it: and why may not the same propriety be in grasses? for we see divers benty grasses to thrive, especially on barren places, where scarce any thing else will grow. I must again and again desire all men to take notice of the wonderful grass which groweth near Salisbury, and desire them to try it on their Rich Meadows.  
It's a common saying, that there are more waste lands in England, in these particulars, than in all 
11. Deficiency, concerning waste Lands.  Europe besides, considering the quantity of land. I dare not say this is true; but hope if it be so, that it will be mended. For of late much hath been done for the advancement of these kinds of land; yet there are as yet great Desiciencies. In the times of Papistry, all in this Island were either Soldiers or Scholars; Scholars, by reason of the great honours, privileges, and profits, (the third part of the Kingdom belonging to them) and Soldiers, because of the many and great wars with France, Scotland, Ireland, Wales. And in those times Gentlemen thought it an honour to be careless, and to have houses, furniture, diet, exercises, apparel, etc. yea all things at home and abroad, Soldierlike: Music, Pictures, Perfumes, Sauces (unless good stomaches) were counted, perhaps unjustly, too effeminate. In Qu. Elizabeth's days Ingenuities, Curiosities, and Good Husbandry began to take place, and then Salt Marshes began to be fenced from the Seas; and yet many were neglected, even to our days, as Hollhaven in Essex, Axtel-holme Isle in Yorkshire: many 1000 of Acres have lately been gained from the Sea in Lincolne-shire, and as yet more are to be taken in there, and in other places. Rumsey-marsh in Kent, consisting of 45000. Acres and upwards, (as Cambden relateth) is of some antiquity, where the land is usually let for 30. s. per Acre, and yet 1. d. per week constantly is paid, through the whole levil, for the maintenance of the wall, and now and then 2. d. whereas ordinary salts are accounted dear at 5. s. or 6. s. per Acre; so that the improvement is very considerable: the same I may say of Fens, especially that great Fen of Lincolne-shire, Cambridge, Hungtingdon consisting as I am Informed of 380000. Acres, which is now almost recovered; and a friend of mine told me very lately, that he had proffered a mark per Acre; for 900. Acres together, to sow Rape on, which formerly was scarcely valued at 12. d. per Acre; very great therefore is the improvement of draining of lands, and our negligence very great, that they have been waste so long, and as yet so continue in divers places: for the improving of a Kingdom is better than the conquering a new one.  
2. I see likewise no small faults in this land, by having so many Chases and Forests, where brambles, brakes, furzes do grow, when as these trumperies might be cut up, and pot-ashes made of them; and the ground employed profitably for Corn, or Pasture. I know a Forest by Brill in Buckingham-shire taken in, and the land is usually let being now well enclosed, for 4. or 5. Nobles per Acre.  
3. Sort of waste-land, is dry heathy Commons. I know that poor people will cry out against me, because I call these waste-lands; but it's no matter: I desire Ingenious Gentlemen seriously to consider, whether or no these lands might not be improved very much by the Husbandry of Flaunders, (viz.) by sowing Flax, Turnips, great Clovergrasse, if that Manure be made by folding Sbeepe after the Flaunders way, to keep it in heart?  
2. Whether the Rottenness and scabbiness of Sheep, Murrain of , Diseases of horses, and in general all diseases of  do not especially proceed from Commons?  
3. If the rich men, who are able to keep great stocks, are not great gainers by them?  
4. Whether Commons do not rather make poor, by causing idleness, than maintain them; and such poor, who are trained up rather for the Gallows or beggary, than for the Commonwealth's service?  
5. How it cometh to pass, that there are fewest poor, where there are fewest Commons, as in Kent, where there is scarce 6. Commons in the County of a considerable greatness?  
6. How many do they see enriched by the Commons; & if their  be not usually swept away by the Rot, or starved in some hard winters?  
7. If that poor men might not employ 2. Acres enclosed to more advantage; than twice as much in a Common?  
And Lastly, if that all Commons were enclosed, and part given to the Inhabitants, and part rent out, for a stock to set all the poor on work in every County; I determine nothing in this kind: but leave the determination for wiser heads.  
4. Parkes. Although I cannot but reckon Parks amongst lands, which are not Improved to the full; but perceive considerable waste by them, by brakes, bushes, brambles &c. growing in divers places, and therefore wish there were fewer in this Island; yet I am not so great an enemy to them, as most are: for there are very great Uses of them, as.  
1. For the bringing up of young .  
2. For the maintaining of Timber, so that if any have occasion, to use a good piece of Timber either for a Mill-post, or a Keel of a Ship, or other special uses, whither can they go but to a Park?  
3. The skins of the Deer are very useful, and their flesh excellent Food. Not to speak of the Medicinal Uses, nor of Acorns for hogs etc. But some will object, that the plough never goeth there. To the which I answer, It's no matter: for I cannot but 
Preemminence of English laws.  say as Fortescue Chancellor to Henry 6. doth, That God hath given us, such a fruitful land, that without labour we have plenty; whereas France must dig and delve for what they have. And I suppose, that I could maintain 2. things which are thought great Paradoxes, (viz.) that it were no loss to this Island, if that we should not plough at all, if so be that we could certainly have Corn at a reasonable rate, and likewise vent for all our Manufactures of Wool.  
1. Because that the Commodities from , are far more stable than Corn: for, Cloth, Stuffs, Stockings, Butter, Cheese, Hides, Shoes, Tallow, are certain even every where: Corn scarcely in any place, constantly in none.  
2. Pasture employeth more hands, which is the second Paradox; and therefore Pasture doth not depopulate, as it is commonly said: for Normandy and Picardy in France, where there are Pastures in a good measure, are as populous as any part of France; and I am certain that Holland, Frizeland, Zealand, Flaunders and Lombardy, which rely altogether on Pastures are the most populous places in Europe. But some will object and say, that a shepherd and a dog formerly hath destroyed divers villages. To this I answer, that we well know what a shepherd and a dog can do, (viz.) look to two or 300. sheep at the most, and that 2. or 300. Acres will maintain them, or the land is extremely barren; and that these 2. or 300. Acres being barren, will scarcely maintain a plough (which is but one man and 2. boys,) with the horses: and that the mowing, reaping, and threshing of this Corn, and other work about, will scarcely maintain 3. more with work through the whole year. But how many people may be employed, by the Wool of 2. or 300. Sheep, in Picking, Sorting, Carding, Spinning, Weaving, Dying, Fulling, Knitting, I leave to others to calculate. And further, if the Pastures be rich Meadows, and go on dairing, I suppose all know, that 100 Acres of such land employeth more hands than 100 Acres of the best Corne-Land in England, and produceth likewise better exportable Commodities. And further, if I should grant, that formerly the shepherd and his dog did depopulate; yet I will deny, that it doth so now: for formerly we were so unwise, as to send over our Wool to Antwerp and other places, where they were Manufactured; by which means 1. pound oft brought 10. unwrought to them; but we set now our own poor to work, and so save the depopulation. Yet I say, it's convenient to encourage the plough; because that we cannot have a certainty of Corn, and carriage is dear, both by sea and land, especially into the Inland-countreyes'; and our Commodities by Wool do cloy the Merchants.  
5. Rushy lands. Blithe telleth us, good Remedies for these Inconveniencies, (viz.) making deep-trenches, oft mowings, Chalking, Liming, Dunging, Ploughing. I know where hungry guests Horses soon make an end of them.  
6. Furze, broom, heath, these can hardly be so destroyed, but at length they will up again; for God hath given a peculiar propriety to every kind of earth, to produce some peculiar kinds of Plants, which it will observe even to the world's end, unless by Dung, Marle, Chalk, you altar even the very Nature of the earth. In Gallitia in Spine, where such barren lands do very much abound, they do thus: first they grub them up as clean as they can; of the greater Roots and branches they make firewood; the smaller sticks are either employed in fencing, or else are burnt on the ground; afterwards the land being ploughed twice at least, they sow Wheat, and usually the crop is great, which the Landlord and Tenant divide according to a compact; then the ground resteth, and in 3. or 4. years, the Furze or broom will recover their former growth, which the painful Husbandman grubbeth, and doth with it as formerly. I set this down that you may see how laborious the Spaniard is in some places, the poverty of the country compelling him to it.  
7. There are other Inconveniencies in land, besides weeds and trumpery (viz.) Ill tenors, as copyhold, Knight-service, etc. so that the Possessor cannot cut any Timber down, without consent of the Lord; & when he dies must pay one or 2. years' rent. But these are not in the power of the poor Husbandman to remedy; I therefore pass them by: yet hope that in little time, we shall see these Inconveniencies remedied; because they much discourage Improvements and are (as I suppose) badges of our Norman slavery.  
To conclude, it seemeth to me very reasonable, and it will be a great encouragement to laborious men, to improve their barren lands, if that they should have recompense for what they have done, according as indifferent men should judge, when they leave it, as is the custom in Flaunders.  
I have likewise observed some Deficiencies in Woods, which I shall briefly declare, with the best 
12. Deficiency, in Woods.  way to Remedy the same.  
1. It's a great, fault that generally through the Island the Woods are destroyed; so that we are in many places very much necessitated both for fuel, & also for timber for building and other uses; so that if we had not Coals from Newcastle, and Board's from Norwey, Plough-staves & pipe-staves from Prussia, we should be brought to great extremity: and many mechanics would be necessitated to leave their callings.  
2. Deficiency, is that our Woods are not ordered as they should be; but though Woods are especially preserved for timber, for building and Shipping; yet at this time it's very rare to see a good Timber-tree in a Wood  
3. That many of our Woods, are very thin, and not replenished with such sorts of Wood, as are convenient for the place.  
4. That we fell continually, and never plant or take care for posterity.  
These Deficiencies may be thus Remedied.  
1. To put in execution the Statutes against grubbing of Woods, which are sufficiently severe. It's well known, we have good laws; but it's better known, they are not executed. In the Wild of Kent and Sussex, which lies far from the Rivers and Sea, and formerly have been nothing but Woods, liberty is granted for men to grub what they please; for they cannot want firing for themselves, and they are so seated, that neither firewood, nor timber can be transported elsewhere. I know a Gentleman who proffered there good Oake-timber at 6. s. 8. d. per tun, and the land in those parts in general is very good. About Tunbridge there is land which formerly was Wood, is now let for 30. s. per Acre; so that to keep such lands for Wood, would be both loss to the owner and to the Island: But in other parts of the Island it is otherwise, and men are much to be blamed for destroying both timber and fuel. I have seen at Shooters-hill near London, some Woods stubbed up which were good ground for Wood, but now are nothing but furze, which is a great loss, both to the owner and to the Country: For the land is made worse than it was formerly. I conceive there are lands, which are as naturally ordained for Woods, viz. Mountainous, Craggy, uneven land, as small hills for the Vines and Olives; plain lands for Corn; and low moist lands for Pasture: which lands if they be stubbed, do much prejudice the Commonwealth.  
2. That all Woods should have such a Number of Timber-trees per Acre, according to the Statute. There is a good law for that purpose, but men delude both themselves and the law, that they every felling cut down the standers which they left the felling before, lest perchance they should grow to be Timber, and leave 12. small standers, that they might seem to fulfil in some measure the Statute; but it's a mere fallacy, and causeth the Statute to fail of its principal end, which is to preserve Timber.  
3. The best Remedy against thinness of woods, is to plash them and spread them abroad, and cover them partly in the ground, as every Countryman can direct; by this means the wood will soon grow rough and thick. It's good Husbandry likewise to fill your woods with swift growers, as Ashes, Sallow, Willow, Asp, which are also good for Hop-poles, Hoops▪ Sycamore is also a swift grower. In Flaunders, they have a kind of Salix, called by them Abell-tree, which speedily groweth to be timber.  
4. That some law be made, that they which fell, should also plant or sow. In Biscay there is a law, if that any cut down a Timber-tree, he must plant 3. for it, which law is put into execution with severity: otherwise they would soon be undone; for the Country is very mountainous and barren, and dependeth wholly on Iron Mines, and on Sbipping: their Woods are not copsed there, but only pollard's, which they lop when occasion serveth. I know one, who was bound by his Landlord to plant so many trees yearly, which according he did, but always in such places that they might not grow. In France, near to the borders of Spain, they sow Ashkey, which when they grow to such a greatness, that they may be slit into 4 quarters, & big enough to make Pikes, than they cut them down; & I have seen divers Acres together thus planted: hence come the excellent Pikes, called Spanish-Pikes. Some Gentlemen have sown Acorns, & it's a good way to increase Woods. Though the time is long, I doubt not but every one knoweth, that it's excellent to plant Willows along the waters side, and Ash▪ s nigh their houses for firing: for they are good pieces of Husbandry; and it's pity that it's not more put in practice. There is a Gentleman in Essex who hath planted so many Willows, that he may lop ●000. every year: if others were as Ingenious, we should not want firewood; Osiers planted in low morish grounds do advance land from 5. s. per Acre to 40. s. 50. s. 3. l. and upward; it's much used Westward of London: these Osiers are of great use to Basket-makers. There is a sort of small Osier or willow at Saint Omars in Flaunders, which groweth on Islands which float up and down; it's fare less than that which the Western men call, Eights, with this they make their curious fine Baskets: this plant is worth the procuring, being so nigh: John Tredescat hath some plants of it. There is a plant likewise in England, called, the sweet Willows; it's not only good for shade and firing; but as I am informed, the leaves do not sour the grass, but that the  will eat them sooner than Hay: if this be so, it may be of singular use for Meadows.  
5. That those things which mightily destroy Woods, may be restrained, as Iron-workes are; therefore the State hath very well done to pull down divers Iron-workes in the Forest of Deane, that the Timber might be preserved for Shipping, which is accounted the toughest in England: and when it is dry as hard as Iron, the Common-people did use to say, that in Q. Eliz. days the Spaniard sent an Ambassador purposely to get this Wood destroyed: how true this is I know not; but without question it's admirable Wood for Shipping, and generally our English Oak is the best in the world for Shipping; because it's of a great grain, and therefore strong: but the Oaks of other Countries have a finer grain, and more fit for Wainscot; and in this kind our Forefathers have been very provident; for we have an Act of long standing, prohibiting Iron-workes within 20. miles of London, and within 3. miles of the River of Thames: though you may find Ironstone in divers places, as in the great gravil-pit at Woolwhich. There are some Ingenious men, who lately have got a Patent for making Iron with Sea-coal: I hope they will accomplish their desires; for it would wonderfully advance this Island, and save Wood There are 2. faults in Sea-coal, in respect of melting Iron-oare:  
1. That it is apt to bake together, or cake.  
2. It hath a sulphurous fumein it, which is an enemy to Metal, and consumeth it as we see by our Iron-Bars in Windows at London; so that the Metalline nature of the Ironstone is much wasted by it, and that which remaineth is very brittle, and will be Could-shire. I know that by the mixture of Coal beaten with loam and throughly dried, one (if not both of these Inconveniencies) may be taken away. In the Duke of Cleveland's Country they use half Turf, half Charcoal. There is a way by making a kind of Barter with Loame, Urine etc. which will cause Charcoal to last very long, as I am informed: but these discourses belong to another place.  
It's a great Deficiency here in England without 
13. Deficiency, of Bees.  question, that we have no more Bees, considering that they are neither chargeable, requiring only a few straws for an house, nor troublesome: and this Island may maintain ten times as many: for though a place may be over-stocked with these Animals, as with the greater; yet I know no part of this land, that is so: and I know divers places which would maintain many 100 hives, yet scarce one to be seen.  
2. Our Honey is the best in the world, and Wax a staple Commodity. Further we know, that cold Countries, not comparable to ours as Moscovia, have fare greater quantity than we have; so that it's incredible what quantity is found in the Woods, if the story of the man be true, who fell up even to the ears in Honey, and had there perished, had not a Bear, on which he caught hold, pulled him out. Now I have enquired, how it cometh to pass that there is so great store of Honey in Moscovia; considering the Winters are extreme cold, and also very long: and I am credibly informed that first, the spring when it beginneth, cometh extraordinary fast, that the days are very long, and the Summers fare drier than ours here in England, so that the Bees are not hindered by continual showers; as they are some years here in this Isle: and lastly, that the Country aboundeth much with Firs, and Pinetrees, which the Inhabitants usually cut, that the Gum, Rosinous or Turpentine substance may sweat forth, to which places the Bees do come, and presently fill themselves, and return laden: and perhaps for these very reasons, Bees thrive very much in New-England.  
2. We are Deficient in the ordering of them. Not to speak of the negligence of particular men, which is very frequent: nor to write a general story of the ordering of them; because it requireth much paper: and Mr. Leveret and Butler; especially the latter, hath written so exactly, and upon his own experience, that little can be added to it: only in a point or 2. I differ from him; of the which I will speak briefly.  
1. That we must take and destroy all the Bees for their Honey, and not drive them, as they do in Italy once or twice yearly.  
2. That if a swarm be poor, with little Honey, that that swarm ought to be taken; because it is poor; so that the rich stocks are destroyed, because they be rich, and the poor swarms, because they be poor: so that be they rich, or be the poor, they must be destroyed. An Italian reporteth, that in the City of Askaly, there was a law made, that none should destroy a swarm of Bees, unless he had a just cause; accounting it a part of extreme injustice and cruelty, to take away without cause, both the goods and lives of such good and faithful servants. I am credibly informed, that an English Gentleman beyond the Seas, getteth many 100 l. yearly, by keeping Bees after a new and Ingenious Manner, which is thus. He hath a room made very warm and close; yet with glass-windows, which he can open at his pleasure, to let the Bees fly abroad when he pleaseth, where he keepeth his Bees, and feedeth them all winter with a sweet composition made of Molessoes, Flowers, sweet Wine, Milk, Raisins, etc. (for with such things as these, they usually feed the Bees in Italy) and oftentimes in summer, when the weather is rainy, windy, or so disposed, that the Bees cannot conveniently go abroad, he feedeth them at home, with divers sweet things, and gathereth divers flowers, and layeth them amongst them, and sticketh up many fresh boughs in divers places of his Rooms, that in swarming-time, they may settle on them; by these means he preserveth all his swarms, and gathereth an incredible quantity of Honey and wax; and truly this way seemeth to me very probable: for  
1. We know the Bees, (even as we say of the Aunts) will work continually, even night and day; winter and summer, if that they were not hindered by darkness, cold, and moisture.  
2. That Bees do not only make Honey, (for I suppose, that they have a peculiar propriety of making Honey, as the Silk-wormes Silk) out of Mildews or Honey, but also out of all sweet things, as Sugar, Molossoes etc.  
3. That many sweet things may be had, far cheaper than Honey; which (I suppose) the Bees will transmute into perfect Honey. This way, I conceive, would be very advantageous to us in England, for the preserving of late swarms, and also for the enriching of old stocks, so that we need not destroy them, but might drive them from hive to hive, and set them to work again; and truly I think there is no place in the world so convenient for this purpose as England; because that though our Winters be long, yet they are not very cold; but Bees would be stirring in them: and further our Summers are so subject to winds and reins, that many times there is scarce a fine day in a whole week: and Further Molossoes, Refuse Sugar, Sweet Wort, Milk, etc. may be had at reasonable rates.  
I hope ere long to give an exact account of this experiment, and desire those who have any Ingenuities in this kind, freely to communicate them. I have not observed many things more of importance concerning Bees, in my travels; only in Italy they make their hives of thin boards, square, in 2. or 3. partitions, standing either above one another, or very close side to side, by the which means, they can the better borrow part of their honey when they please. In Germany their hives are made of straw, to the which they have a summer-doore, as they call it, which is nigh the top of the Hive, that the Bees when they are laden, may the more easily enter and discharge themselves of their burdens.  
3. We are to blame, that we do not employ our Honeys in making Metheglim: It's true that in Hereford-shire and Wales, there is some quantity of this liquor made; but for want of good cookery it's of little worth; but usually of a brown colour, of an unpleasant taste: and as I suppose commonly made of the refuse honey, wax, dead Bees, and such stuff, as they ordinarily make it elsewhere: for the good housewife thinks any thing good enough for this purpose; and that it is pity to spoil good Honey by making Mead: but I know that if one take pure neat honey, and ingeniously clarify and scum and boil it, a liquor may be made not inferior to the best Sack, Muskadine, etc. in colour like to rockwater, without ill odour or savour; so that some curious Palates have called it Vin Greco, rich and racy Canary, not knowing what name to give it, for its excellency: This would bring very great Profit, not only to the Public by saving many 1000 l. disbursed for Wines through all the world, but would be very advantageous to private families, who use to entertain their friends very Nobly, Wines being at present intolerably dear and naught; I hope therefore ere long to see it put in execution. An excellent drink not much unlike this may be made of Sugar, Molossoes, Raisins etc. of the which I have already spoken, yet think it fit to put you in mind of it again.  
It's a great Deficiency here in England, that we do 
14. Deficiency, concerning Silk-wormes.  not keep Silkworms (which in Italy are called Cavalieri,) for to make Silk. I know that is a great Paradox to many, but I hope by this short discourse to make this truth to appear plainly: The first original of Silkworms, by what I read in Histories, is from Persia, where in infinite numbers they are still maintained; & the greatest profits of that great Monarch do arise from hence: China also aboundeth very much with Silk. In Virginia also the Silkworms are found wild amongst the Mulberry-woods, & perhaps might be managed with great profit in those plantations if Land were not so scarce and dear. I suppose this Silkworm of Virginia is produced by the corruption of the Mulberry-tree, as Cochinneale, from ficus Indica or Indian figiree: for some Ingenious and curious men who have strictly observed the generation of Infects, do find that every plant hath an Insect which groweth out of its corruption, (as divers sorts of louse from Animals, and that these Infects do usually feed on that plant, out of which they were made, as Lice on the same Animals from whence they were engendered. I know a Gentleman here in London, who hath 3. or 400. Infects, and can give a very 
Mr. Marshal.  good account of their original feedings. And also Mr. Moriney in Paris, hath a large book of the same subject. But to return to our purpose: I say that we had Silkworms first from Persia. In Justinian's time about 1000 or 1100. years ago, some Monks presented a few to him at Constantinople; where in his time they began to plant Mulberries: from thence it came to Italy, about 3. or 400. years since: for the Ancient Writers of Husbandry, as Cato, Pallad, Columell, do not so much as mention these creatures: and at length these have passed over the Mountains into France within an 100 years; where they flourish so much, that if we will believe their own Authors, they bring greater profit than the Wine and Corn of that large Country. I know that France hath Silk enough to maintain their excess of apparel, and to export Plushes, Velvets, etc. Now than if that these worms can thrive, not only in the parched Persia; but also in Greece, Italy, yea in France; which differeth not much from the temper of England; why should we think, that they are confined to that place, & must move no farther Northward? for they have come many 100 miles toward the North, why not one 100 or 2. more? & further we see that Mulberries, which is their food, thrive here as well as in anyplace. But some will object that our Air is too cold and moist. To which I answer.  
1. That those who writ of Silk-wormes, say, that you must take heed, that you make not the place too hot: for too much heat may destroy; and therefore that you must set the windows open to let in the cold air.  
2. We know, that moistness of air rather increaseth such Infects, and nourisheth them. Indeed if moisture hurteth, it's because that it too much corrupteth their food, and causeth a flux amongst them: but this easily is prevented, as I shall show you anon. But to be short, it is not only my opinion that Silkworms will thrive here; but the  judgement of King James and his Council confirmeth the same: as you may see by his letter to the Deputy-Lieutenants of every County; wherein also many weighty reasons are contained to convince men of the same; which letter followeth anon.  
Lastly, we find by experience, that Silkworms will thrive here, and therefore the matter is out of question: for divers Ladies, Gentlewomen, Scholars, Citizens, etc. have Nursed up divers worms to perfection, though they have had little skill in the managing of them; and likewise not such accommodations as are necessary for them; and more would they have done, if they could have had Mulberry-leaves. I am informed that one near Charingcross maketh a good living by them: as also another by Ratliffe-Crosse; and therefore if we can bring up an 100 why not a 1000 yea, 100000. if we had food for them? Truly, I know no reason to the contrary, neither could I ever find one that could speak any thing to the purpose against the business. And further I must tell you, that the ordering of this worm is very easy, none need to be bound prentice to the trade; the special business is to be careful in feeding them, and keeping them sweet; which things children use to do. He that would learn this Art exactly let him read Boneil, or an Author W. S. Printed 1609. about Mulberries, and sold in Paul's Churchyard, by Eleaz▪ Edgar; but because that the books are out of print, I will give you a few Rules.  
First endeavour to get store of Mulberry-trees, which are of 2. sorts the white and the black. The white groweth greatest, and hath a fine leaf, and sweetest, and therefore fittest for the young worms. This is easily propagated by Slips, as Quinces, coddlings. The Black Mulberry is difficultly propagated by Slips; but must be raised from seeds, sown either at Michaelmas, when the Mulberries are eaten: or kept in dry sand till the spring; and then sow or how them in, as other seeds and stones, and must be diligently weeded. This groweth not to be so great a tree as the former: the leaves are rougher and harsher, and fittest for the worms. When they are strong and ready to spin, when your trees are grown to a good bigness, you may plant them forth, as is usually done for Walks or Orchards, or in waste places, as they do in Italy, (for the Fruit is little worth, only the Leaves are useful,) where I have seen the trees as bare of leaves at Midsummer as at Midwinter. There are 2. sorts of Silkworms, the Spanish, and Portuguese. The Spanish is the smaller and more tender, and maketh a finer silk. The Portuguese is greater and more hardy, and maketh more Silk, but courser. This sort seemeth to be the best for this Country. When the Mulberry-trees begin to bud, take the eggs of your Silkworms, and lay them on a piece of stuff or say, (some use to  them first in warm Malmsy, and say that it maketh them stronger,) and carry them about you in the day in a Box, in the night lay them under your Bed, or in a warm Oven, till the worms begin to come forth, then lay a piece of paper of the wideness of the box, cut full of holes, on them, and on the paper lay Mulberry-leaves, and as fast as they hatch they will crawl forth, and stick to the Mulberry-leaves; which remove into other boxes, till all be hatched: then when they have passed their second sickness, feed them on shelves 2. foot broad and 18. inches one from another: the Room where you keep your Worms, must neither be a low place, nor nigh the tiles; but a middle Room, warm and dry, yet sometimes a little cold air is good.  
Take heed of Rats and Mice, as also of Hens, Robinred-brests; Sparrows, and other birds; for they will eat them.  
They have 4. Sicknesses, the first 12. days after they are hatched; and from that time at the end of every 8. days: their sickness lasteth 2. or 3. days, and then they are to be fed but very little.  
The whole time that the worms do feed, is about 9 weeks: feed them twice daily at least: at the first when they are small, give them a few leaves; and as they grow greater, more, and feed them oftener. Let your leaves be dry and well aired upon a Table or cloth before you give them; and gather not your leaves, till the dew be off; and in dry seasons if you can possibly, you may keep your leaves gathered 3. or 4. days or longer.  
Keep your shelves and boxes very clean: but take heed you touch not your worms with your hands, when you remove them; but move them not when they are sick.  
In cold moist weather, set a Pan of Coals in the Room, and burn a little Benjamin, Juniper, etc. especially when they are young, (viz.) the first 5. weeks; but afterwards, unless it be extraordinary cold, give them Air, and keep them not too hot, and let the Room be well scented with Herbs.  
Let not your Worms be too thick on the shelves: if any die or be sick, speedily remove them, lest they infect the rest.  
As soon as by the clear Amber-colour of your worms, you perceive that they would spin; make Arches betwixt your shelves, with heath made clean, branches of Rosemary, Lavender etc. where the worms will fasten themselves, and make their bottoms in 2. or 3. days, and about 12. or 14. days after, will come forth: before which time, you must take away the bottom, which you will use for Silk, and kill the worm within, by laying the bottoms in the sun 2. or 3. days, or in an hot Oven.  
The bottom which you will keep for seed, lay in a warm place, till the worms come forth; which put on some pieces of old say, Grogran, Velvet, made fast to some wall: there they will engender, and the Male having spent himself falleth down and dyeth; so the Female, when she hath laid her eggs, which eggs when they are grey, you may gently take them off with a knife, and keep them in a piece of Say in a dry place, till hatching-time come.  
The winding of the Silk off the bottom requireth a peculiar wheel, which an Artificer must make: 1. l. and 2. ounces of the bottom yields from 1. ounce to 3. of Silk.  
An ounce of Spanish seed yields ordinarily 8. or. 10. l. of Silk, and the worms will eat 250. l. of leaves: the Portuguese worms being greater, do eat nigh 300. weight, and yield 11. or 12. l. of Silk.  
To conclude, I desire all men seriously to consider, what Advantage this business will bring to this Island, if it be brought to perfection. Truly I know nothing doth hinder but want of Mulberry-trees, which will in little space come to a considerable greatness. And though I commend those, who endeavour to advance this work in Plantations, and prefer it before Tobacco; yet I know that it cannot be for want of hands; whereas here in England we have plenty of women, children, old folks, lame, decrepit, etc. who are fit to be overseers of this work. And I wonder Gentlemen do not go obout a thing so pleasant and profitable, (for 3 4. or 5. at the most will attend as many worms, as will make 40. or 50. l. worth of Silk in 2. or 3. months) and the worms eat only leaves, which are of no value: neither is there any considerable trouble about the worms unless it be the 12. or 15. last days. I hope, if that particular men will not endeavour to advance this work, for their private profit; yet the State will for the Public Good; it being the best way I know, to set all the poor children, Widows, old and lame people on work: and likewise will save this Nation many 100 thousand pounds per annum. And further, the way to accomplish this work may be done without grievance to the Subject, (viz.) to command every one to plant or sow so many Mulberry-seeds which may easily be procured from beyond Seas etc. But I leave States-matters to Statesmen, I am none.  
A Copy of King James' Letter to the Lords Lieutenants of the several Shires of England, for the increasing of Mulberry-Trees, and the breeding of Silkworms, for the making of Silk in England.  
JAMES REX. Right Trusty and Wellbeloved, We greet you well.  
IT is a principal part of that Christian care, which appertaineth to Sovereignty, to endeavour by all means possible, as well to beget, as to increase among their people the knowledge and practice of all Arts and Trades, whereby they may be both weaned from idleness and the enormities thereof, which are infinite, and exercised in such industries and labours as are accompanied with evident hopes, not only of preserving people from the shame and grief of penury; but also raising and increasing them in wealth and abundance, The Scope which every freeborn spirit aimeth at, not in regard of himself only, and the ease which a plentiful estate bringeth to every one in his particular: but also in regard of the honour of their Native Country, whose commendations is no way more set forth then in the people's activeness and industry. The consideration whereof having of late occupied our mind, who always esteem our people's good our necessary contemplations: We have conceived as well by the discourse of our own reason, as by information gathered from others, that the making of Silk might as well be affected here, as it is in the Kingdom of France, where the same hath of late years been put in practice. For neither is the Climate of this Isle so far distinct or different in condition from that Country; especially from the hither parts thereof, but that it is to be hoped, that those things which by industry prosper there, may by like industry used here have like success▪ and many private persons who for their pleasure have bred of those worms, have found no experience to the contrary, but that they may be nourished and maintained here, if provision were made for planting of Mulberry-trees, whose leaves are the food of the worms. And therefore we have thought good thereby to let you understand, that although in suffering this Invention to take place, we do show ourselves some what an Adversary to our profit, which in the matter of our customs for Silk brought from beyond the Seas, will receive some diminution: Nevertheless, when there is question of so great and Public Utility, to come to our Kingdom and Subjects in general; and whereby (besides multitudes of people of both Sexes and all Ages) such as in regard of impotency are unfit for other labour, may be set on work, comforted and relieved; we are content that our Private Benefit shall give way to the Public; and therefore being persuaded, that no well-affected Subject will refuse to put his helping hand to such a work as can have no other private end, in us, but the desire of the welfare of our people, we have thought good in this form only to require you (as a person of greatest authority within that County,) and from whom the generality may receive notice of our pleasure (with more conveniency than otherwise) to take occasion either at the Quarter-Sessions, or at some other public place of ineeting, to persuade and require such as are of ability, (without descending to trouble the poor, for whom we seek to provide) to buy and distribute in that County, the number of ten thousand Mulberry plants, which shall bedelivered unto them at our City of etc. at the rate of 3. farthings the plant; or at 6. s. the hundred, containing five score plants. And because the buying of the said plants at this rate may at the first seem chargeable to our said Subjests, (whom we would be loath to burden) we have taken order that in March or April next, there shall be delivered at the said place a good quantity of Mulberry-seeds, there to be sold to such as will buy them; By means where of the said plants will be delivered at a smaller rate than they can be afforded being carried from hence: having resolved also in the mean time, that there shall be published in print a plain Instruction and Direction, both for the increasing of the said Mulberry-trees, the breeding of the Silkworms, and all other things needful to be understood, for the perfecting of a work every way so commendable and profitable, as well to the planter, as to those that shall use the Trade. Having now made known unto you the motives, as they stand with the Public Good, wherein every man is interessed; because we know how much the example of our own Deputy-Leintenants and Justices will further this cause, if you and other your neighbours will be content to take some good quantities hereof, to distribute upon your own lands: we are content to acknowledge thus much more in this Direction of ours, that all things of this nature tending to plantations, increase of science, and works of industry, are things so naturally pleasing to our own disposition, as we shall take it for an argument of extraordinary affection towards our person: Besides, the judgement we shall make of the good dispositions in all those that shall express in any kind their ready minds, to further the same: And shall esteem, that in furthering the same, they seek to further our honour and contentment; who (having seen in few years' space past, that our Brother the French King, hath since his coming to that Crown, both begun and brought to perfection the making of Silks in his Country, where he hath won to himself honour, and to his Subjects a marvellous increase of wealth) would account it no little happiness to us, if the same work which we begun among our people, with no less zeal to their good, (than any Prince can have to the good of theirs) might in our time produce the fruits which there it hath done: whereof we nothing doubt, if ours will be found as tractable and apt to further their own good, now the way is showed them by us their Sovereign, as those of France have been to conform themselves to the Directions of their King.  
Given under our Signet at our Palace of Westminster, the sixteenth of November, in the sixth year of England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the two and fortieth.  
15. Deficiency, is the Ignorance of the Husbandry of other 
15. Deficiency, concerning the Ignorance of the Husbandry of other places.  places (viz.) what seeds, what Fruits, what Grasses they use; what Ploughs, Harrows, Gardening-tooles they have; how ill they manage and improve their lands; what  they have; how they feed and fatten them; and how they improve their Commodities etc.  
For there is no Country, where they are such ill Husbandmen, but in some particular or other they excel: as we see even in the several Counties of this Island, every County hath something or other, wherein they outstrip their Neighbours. And that much profit may arise from hence in this Nation, is manifest by that excellent Treatise which is published by you concerning the Husbandry of Flaunders; wherein briefly are set down divers particulars very useful for us here in England, and formerly unknown. And without question France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Poland, Germany, etc. have many excellent things both for Husbandry, Physic, Mechanics, worth the manifesting, and very beneficial to us: so likewise there are divers things in our plantations worth the taking notice of, in Husbandry. To pass by the Southern Plantations, as Barbadoes, Antego, Saint Croix Christopher, Mevis, Monferate, where the Commodities are only Cotten-woolls, Sugars, Gingers, Indicoes, which our cold Climate will not produce; and also Tobacco, which groweth also with us, about Norwich and elsewhere. We will only sail upon our Northern Plantations, Virginia, New-England, and instance in a few things. Why may not the Silke-grasse of Virginia, the Salsaperilla, Sassafras, Rattlesnake-weed (which is an excellent Cordial) be beneficial to us, as also their Cedars, Pines, Plum-trees, Cherries, great Strawberries, and their Locusts (which is a prickly plant, a swift grower, and therefore excellent for Hedges) be useful to us? So for New-England, why should we think, that the Indian Corn, the Marsh-wheate, that excellent Rye, the Pease, (which never are eaten with maggots) the French or Kidney Beanes, the Pumpions, Squashes, water-melons, Musk-melons, Hurtleberries, wild Hemp, Fir etc. of those parts, are altogether useless for us? as also the Cramberries, (which are so called by the Indians, but by the English, Beare-Berries; because it's thought the Bears eat them in winter, or Bar-Berries; by reason of their fine acid taste like Bar-Berries) which is a fruit as big and as red as a Cherry, ripe only in the winter, and growing close to the ground in bogs, where nothing else will grow? They are accounted very good against the Scurvy, and very pleasant in Tarts. I know not a more excellent and healthfuller fruit.  
But some will object, that they will not grow here with us, for your forefathers never used them. To these I reply, and ask them, how they know? have they tried? Idleness never wants an excuse; and why might not our forefathers upon the same ground, have held their hands in their pockets, and have said, that Wheat, Barley, would not have grown amongst us? and why should not they have been discouraged from planting Cherries, Hops, Liquorish, Potatoes, Apricockes, Peaches, Melicotones, and from sowing Rape-seeds, Colliflowers, great Clover, Canary-seeds etc. and many more of this kind? and yet we know, that most of these have been brought to perfection, even in our days: for there is a Vicissitude in all things, and as many things are lost, which were known to our forefathers, as well the Purple colour, etc. as you may read in Pancivoll: so many things are found out by us, altogether unknown to them, and some things will be left for our posterities: for example, not to speak of Gunpowder and Printing, nor of the New-world and the wonders there, which notwithstanding are but of a few 100 years standing: I say 20. Ingenuities have been found even in our days, as Watches, Clocks, Way-wisers, Chains for Fleas, divers Mathematical Instruments, Shortwriting, Microscopes, by the which even the smallest things may be discerned, as the eggs, eyes, legs, and hair of a Mite in a Cheese: likewise the Selenoscope, which discovereth Mountains in the Moon, divers stars, and new planets, never seen till our days. But to return to our purpose, I say that in Husbandry it is even so. For the Ancients used divers plants which we know not; as the Cytisus-tree, so much commended for ; as also their Medick fodder, which Colum. saith, endureth 10. years, and may be mown 4. years, 7. times in a year: & one Acre he esteemeth enough for 3. horses. This fodder likewise is accounted very sweet and healthful, whereas the plants which are usually called Medicaes with us, are Annual plants, and have no such rare proprieties. So we are ignorant what grain their Far, or fine Bread Corne was, what their Lupine, Spury, and a 100 of this kind, as you may read in Matthiol. or Dioscorides: so on the contrary, infinite are the Plants which we have, and they knew not; as well appeareth by their small and our large herbals; and daily new Plants are discovered, useful for Husbandry, Mechanichs and Physic, and therefore let no man be discouraged, from prosecuting new and laudable Ingenuities. And I desire Ingenious Gentlemen and Merchants, who travel beyond Sea, to take notice of the Husbandry of those parts (viz.) what grains they sow? at what time and seasons? on what lands? how they plough their lands? how they dung and improve them? what  they use, and the Commodities thereby? Also what books are written of Husbandry, and such like? And I entreat them earnestly, not to think these things too low for them, and out of their callings: nay I desire them to count nothing trivial in this kind, which may be profitable to their Country, and advance knowledge. And truly, I should thank any Merchant that could inform me in some trivial and ordinary things done beyond Sea, (viz.) how they make Caviar out of Sturgeons Rows? in Moscovia, how they boil and pickle their Sturgeon, (which we English in New-England cannot as yet do handsomely)? how the Bolognia Sausages are made? how they ferment their bread without yeast? of what materials divers sorts of Baskets, Brooms, Frails are made? What seed Groute or Grutze is made of? and also how to make the Parmisane Cheeses of Italy, which are usually sold here for 2. s. or 2. s. 6. d. per pound? or the Angelot's of France, which are accounted better Cheeses than any made in England? as also the Holland Cheeses, which are far better than our ordinary Cheeses; and yet these sorts of Cheeses are made not of Mare's milk, as some think, but from the Cows; and our Pastures are not inferior to theirs etc.  
2. I desire Ingenious men to send home whatsoever they find rare of all sorts; as first Animals, the fine-woolled Sheep of Spain, Barbary Horses, Spanish Sonnets etc. and so likewise all sorts of Vegetables not growing with us, as Panic, Millet, Rice which groweth in the Fenny places of Milan; and why may it not grow in our Fens? and the best sorts of Grains or Fruits in use amongst us? perhaps there is Wheat that is not subject to Smut or Mildew; perhaps other seeds will give double increase, as Flax, Oats, Pease; and divers other things of Importance there are beyond Sea, which may be useful to us; as the Askeys, the Cork, Acorns, the scarlet Oak, sweet anise, which groweth abundantly in Milan, Fenel etc. Tilia or Linder-tree for basse Ropes etc. Spruce, Pines for masts and Board's, seeing that they are swift growers, and many will stand in a small piece of ground: they have formerly grown here, and some few do flourish in our Gardens and in Scotland. I suppose that this aught seriously to be considered: for although we have plenty of Oaks, yet what will it profit for Shipping without Masts? and how difficult it is to get great Masts above 22. inches diameter, is very well known. Many things I might add of this kind, but for brevity's sake I reforre you to Mr. John Tredescan, who hath taken great pains herein, and daily raiseth new and curious things.  
3. Consider that these new Ingenuities may be profitable, not only to the Public, but also to private men; as we see by those, who first planted Cherries, Hops, Liquorish, Saffron, and first sowed Rape-seeds, Colliflowers, Woad, Would, Early Pease, Assparagus, Melons, Tulips, Gillyflowers, etc. and why may not we find some things beneficial to us also?  
16. Deficiency, is the Ignorance of those things, which 
16. Deficiency, of the Ignorance of things taken from the Earth & Waters of this Island.  are taken from the earth and waters of this Island.  
Although it may seem to many that these things do little concern the Husbandman, who usually is not a Naturalist, but only endeavoureth to know his own grounds and the seeds proper for it, and seldom pierceth into the bowels of the earth: yet if we consider, that out of the earth he hath Marle, Lime, Stone, Chalk, for the enriching his lands; and also Loame and sand for his buildings; oftentimes fuel for fire etc. it will plainly appear, that it is necessary for him to know even all Subterrany things, and to be a petty Philosopher, and that the knowledge of these things will be very beneficial for him. And here I cannot but take notice of a great Deficiency amongst us, (viz.) that we have not the Natural History of all the Sands, Earth, Stones, Mines, Minerals, Metals, etc. which are found in this Island: It would not only advance Husbandry; but also many other Mechanic●… Arts, and bring great profit to the Public. I hope some Ingenious man will at length undertake this task: For the Lord hath blessed this Island, with as great variety as any place that is known, as shall in part appear anon: and it may be proved by that great variety which is found near the Spaw-waters in Knares-borough, as Doctor Deane relateth in his Book called the English Spa: Or the glory of Knares-borough, springing from several famous Fountains there adjacent (called the Vitriol, sulphurous & dropping well) sand also other Mineral Waters: Whose words are these: Here is found not only white and yellow Marle, Plaster, Ochre, Rudd, Rubric, Freestone, an hard Greet-stone, a soft Reddish stone, Ironstone, Brimstone, Vitriol, Niter, Alum, Led, and Copper: (and without doubt divers mixtures of these) but also many other Minerals might (perhaps) be found out by the diligent search and industry of those who would take pains to labour a little herein.   

Printed at York by Tho. Broad being to be sold in his shop at the lower end of stone gate, near to Common-Hall-Gates, 1649.  
This letter will not permit me to make a complete Natural History of the things of this Isle; yet I shall relate divers things which may be as hints, to set some others to work, which I have found in Mr. Cambden and others: and shall briefly Instruct the Husbandman what he ought to take notice of, for his own and others good. And first, if he live nigh the Sea; let him take notice of those things the Sea casteth up: for it hath even with us, cast up Ambergrease, which is worth so much Gold; with the which not long since a fisherman of Plymouth greased his boots, not knowing what it was: sometimes it casteth up Jet and Amber, as at Whitbey oftentimes. In former times we had Oysters, which had very fair great pearls in them, of good worth; and at this time some of them are found in Denbighshire; Copperas-stone likewise is found along by the seacoasts of Kent, Essex, Sussex, Hampshire, out of the which Copperas is made; a thing very useful for Dyers, Curriers, etc. further Seaweeds are not to be slighted; for in Jersey they have no other fuel amongst them; and here in England it is burnt to make Kelpe for Glassemen, and is also very good manure for divers lands; also Sea-owse is not only good to lay on land, but at Dover, and other places, the inhabitants make brick thereof, called Flaunders-brickes etc. Sea-sands in Cornwall do very much enrich their lands; and in Cumber-land out of a certain kind of sand they extract salt etc.  
2. Let him take notice of all sorts of Waters, which issue forth of the earth differing from the ordinary, in Colour, Odour, Taste: for it is well known, how advantageous these waters are; oftentimes not only to particular men, but also to the Country about; yea to the whole Island, as appeareth by the waters of Tunbridge in Kent, and of Epsham in Surrey, Knares-borough-Spaw in Torke-shire, and by the Allum-waters in Newenham in , like milk in taste and colour, and are excellent for the Stone and Wounds: and also it appeareth by the Salt-fountaines in Worcester-shire and Cheshire, which furnish all those parts, with an excellent fine white salt: by the hot Baths in Summerset-shire, and the lukewarm waters by Bristol etc. At Pitchford in Shropshire, is a fountain which casteth forth liquid Bitumen which the people use for Pitch etc.  
3. Let him not despise the sorts of Sands, which he findeth: for some sands are for buildings, as the rough sorts; others for scouring; others for casting fine metals, as Highgate-sand, others for the Glassemen, as a sand lately found in Sussex. In Scotland there is a sand, which containeth a considerable quantity of Gold: and in divers Countries fine Gold aboundeth very much in sands; and if we may believe an excellent Dutch Chemist, there is scarce any sand without it. 
●lauler.   
4. Let him take notice of the Earth, Loames, Clayes etc. which have divers and necessary uses: as first, the stiffest Clayes, as Newcastle, and Nonsuch, are for the Glassemens' pots, for Crucibles, melting-pots: the less stiff for ordinary Earthen wares, Brewers, Tiles, Bricks, etc. white Clay is for Tobbaccopipes: Marle of divers Colours and stiffness is excellent for Husbandmen: Fuller's earth is found in Kent, Surrey, and lately in divers other places, for the great benefit of the Clothier: Rub and Rubric in Yorkshire, as also divers other in Oxford and Glocestershire excellent for Painters etc. Turf for firing may be found in most parts of this Isle, if people were Industrious: necessity now and then compelleth them to be Inquisitive; as it did lately at Oxford, and Kent, where it is found in good quantity. In Holland they have little fuel, save what is taken out of their ditches; and therefore it is truly said, that their firing, is as it were fished out of the water, and it's indifferent good fuel: Coals are found in very many places, yet divers places are in great want of them.  
5. Let him take notice of the several stones found in this Isle, as of Freestones for building; Cobbels and rough hard stones for Paving, Toombe-stones; soft sandy stones commonly called fire-stones, because that they will endure strong fires, and therefore fit for Iron furnaces; and this propriety these soft stones have, that when they are white hot, a steel Instrument will scarce touch them to hurt them: Alabaster is found at Burton on the Trent, and in Staffordshire and at Titbury-Castle: xcellent Marble at Snothill in Hereford-shire: a course Marble near Oxford, in Kent, also at Purhick in Dorsetshire: Millstones in Anglesey, in Flintshire, Derby shire, Lime-stones: Chalk in very many places, for divers uses: Allum-stone is found in Anglesey, but especially at Gisborrow in Yorkshire, where the Allum-workes are, which serve this Island: Lapis Calaminaris is lately found in Summerset-shire, by the which Copper is made Brass: Manganese for those that make white Glass, lately found in the North: the best Emery for polishing Iron in Jersey: Plaster at Knares-borough: Black-leade in Cumberland, and no where else in Europe: There is a stone in Durham out of which they make Salt: Diamonds are found about Bristole and Cornwall, very large, but soft: There is a stone near Beaver-Castle like a Star. In Yorkshire another like a Serpent Putrefied: and also other stones round like bullets, which being broken, have as it were a serpent in them without an head etc.  
6. Of all Minerals and Metals Ironstone is found almost in every County, and is profitable where wood is plentiful▪ the best is found in Lancashire, one load and a half making a tun of Iron: it hath been transported into Ireland to mix with poor Mine. In Richard the 2. time a Copper Mine was found in Wenlock in Shropshire, but exhausted: in Queen Eliz. days one was found at Keswick in Cumberland: and lately in Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and near Barstable in Devonshire, one which some Gentlemen intent speedily to work: Lead is found in Durham-wall and Devonshire: Brimstone in Yorkshire and Wales, Antymony in Staffordshire: a Silver Mine in Cardiganshire: a Gold Mine was discovered in Scotland in King James his time: and many rich Mines, might be discovered in England, if that the King's prorogative (which was to take all Royal Mines to himself, (viz.) Silver, Gold and Copper) were so certainly abolished, that they which should find these Metals in their own lands, might safely dig them. But some will object and say, that many things are of little worth and profit. To these I Answer, that God hath made nothing in vain: every thing hath his peculiar use, and though some things seem to be of little worth and contemptible, as Sand, Loame, Chalk; yet it hath pleased the wise Creator to make these things very necessary for man's comfortable subsistence, which they that want these things can testify: As for example in New-England, where there is no Chalk nor Limestone, they are compelled, to burn Oyster shells, Cocles, to make Lime; or else they could hardly build any houses. The like I may say of Sand and Loame in divers places, where they are wanting.  
2. I say that most of those things I have spoken of, are very profitable in one place or other. To instance in some of the meaner sort; at London Brick-men give 50. l. per Acre, only for loam to make bricks, and pay 3. l. per Acre, of yearly Rent, and are to leave the land worth the same yearly Rent; likewise I know a Chalke-cliffe in Kent not 2. Acres of ground, valued at many 100 l. and that one Column of Chalk which is 10. foot square, is valued at 40 or 50 l. at 8. d. per load: The Ochre Mines of Oxford and  are of great value: and so would others of that kind, if they could be found; so is the Black-leade Mine. Also the pits of Clay, Marle, Coale, Turf etc. And therefore I desire all Countrymen to endeavour to know all sorts of Stones, Clayes, Earth's, Oars, and to teach their children the use of them, that they may know that this sand is for building, this loam for bricks, this clay for pots, this Marl for Corn-land: and if that they shall find any Stones, Earth's, which they know not, that they would lay them up, till that they meet with some ingenious man, that can inform them. The richest Mines of the world, have been found out by these means, if we will believe Histories. And this I am sure of, that by this means, they may much advance their knowledge, and be more profitable to the Public, their Neighbours, and also to themselves.  
17. Deficiency, is the Ignorance of the Vegetables of 
17. Deficiency, of the Vegetables of this Island, & their Virtues and Uses.  this Island, and their Virtues and Uses.  
And the first Deficiency that I take notice of, is the Ignorance of the ordinary seeds which are commonly sown amongst us: for usually the Countryman contenteth himself with one or two sorts, and knoweth no more, when as there are very great varieties; some of which agree with one sort of ground, some with another: as for example, there are very many sorts of Wheats, some called White Wheat, some Red Wheat, some Bearded, (which, as I have said before, is not so subject to Mildews, as others) others not: some sorts with 2. rows, others with 4. and 6. some with one ear on a stalk, others with double ears, or two on the same stalk; Redstalke-wheate of Buckinghamshire, Winter-Wheat, Summer-Wheate, which is sown abundantly in New-England, in April and May, and reaped ordinarily in 3. months; and many sorts more. Not to trouble my discourse with Spelt, Zea, Tiphine-Wheate, or Olew, Far, Siligo, Alica, which were used amongst the Ancients; but now unknown not only to the Countryman, but even to the learned-est Botanics: so I may say that the ordinary Yeoman is ignorant of the diversities of Bailie's, for there is not only the ordinary Barley, but also Big, Sprat-Barly, which hath lately been sown in Kent with good profit; also Winter Barley sown in winter, Barley with 4. 6. rows, naked Barley, which require divers dispositions of land: some delighting in finer, others in stiffer grounds. So there is also Winter and Summer-Rie, and 20. sorts of Pease, the ordinary s●chew, the raith or Early-ripe Pease, the Roncivals, Hastivers, Hotarses, Gray-Pease, Green-Pease, Pease without Skins, Sugar-Pease, whose shells are sweeter than the Pease itself, and have been within these 10. years plentifully sown in Lincolne-shire with profit; also Fulham, Sandwich-Pease, etc. which require divers sorts of land and seasons: so also there are divers sorts of Oats, White, black, naked, which in New-England serveth well for Oatemeal without grinding, being beaten as they come out of the barn; Scotch, Poland, etc. Also Buckwheate, Lentiles: divers sorts of Tares, of Hemp and Flax, altogether unknown to most Countrymen: but I hope that hereafter they will be more inquisitive after them: for divers of them may be of good use on their lands.  
2. Deficiency in this kind, is, that they are ignonorant of the Plants and Grasses which naturally grow amongst us, and their Uses, which likewise were made for to be food for , and also for the service of man. This ignorance causeth them to admire and to esteem even as miraculous, ordinary and trivial things; as for example, how it cometh to pass that in one Meadow an Horse thriveth very much and speedily, and yet a Bullock will not in that place: and contrariwise in a Meadow close by the former, the Bullock will thrive, and the Horse not: so also how it cometh to pass that Coneys and Sheep will thrive well, where there is scarcely any Pasture, and yet come to nothing on Commons, where there is a greater quantity of Pasture; which proceedeth from this cause, that somekinde of Plants are more agreeing and sweeter to one sort of  then to another, and every beast almost hath some Plant or other, which they love exceedingly. I suppose, that the observances of this kind, might be very useful in Husbandry. These Deficiencies I will draw to 3. heads.  
1. I say that divers Plants (not to speak of Fruits, because we have already spoken of them) that grow naturally in our Island, may be very serviceable to the Husbandman, both for his Pastures & Corne-lands. To instance in some few: we see that divers sorts of wild Vetches, Chiches, Tares, etc. grow wild in divers places, which though they bear not so great and large crops, as some others already used; yet who knoweth what they would do, if they were manured as other grains, and in land proper for them: for we see that the transplanting of Plants into Gardens, doth very much meliorate or better them; and without doubt all those grains, which are in use with us, were at first picked out of the field and woods; and by Ingenious men found useful for man or beast; and of late divers have been found, not known to our Forefathers, as Saint Foin, Lucerne; and why may not we find divers Grasses, Vetches, Medicaes, Wild Pease, etc. which as yet are scarce taken notice of?  
2. There grow divers sorts of wild Pease, but to speak of 2. only.  
1. Sort which groweth on the stony beaches of the Sea, where there is little or no earth, the roots are many foot deep in the ground. In Queen Mary's days in a dearth, the poor people gathered divers sacks full of them, and they were no small relief to them: who hath tried, whether they would thrive better on better land?  
2. sort groweth on dry barren land, and is commonly called the everlasting Pease; which continually groweth out of the same root. In Gardens I have seen it grow 10. years together, and larger at the 10. years' end, then at the first. I have also seen it flourish on barren grounds, where Oats were burnt away: who knoweth but these and other Plants may be serviceable, if not for man at least to beasts, or Pigeons? for in New-England, the great flights of Pigeons are much maintained by these; I am sure it were good to make experiments on these, and divers others.  
2. Head, is the Ignorance of the Mechanical Uses of Herbs and Trees; for even for these Uses most Plants have some peculiar propriety. To instance in a few. We know that Elm is for Wheels; and the best wood for to make Herrings red, Oak is for the Shipwright, joiner, Tanner; Horne-beames Beech, for the Millwright; Line-tree for base ropes, Old Elder without pith is very tough & fit for Clogs of wheels, Tooth Pickers; Pear-tree for Mathematical Instruments and Engravers etc. Osiers for Baskets; Walnut for Gunstockes; Asp for Hoops; Box, Ash for a 100 uses; and much more might be spoken of this kind, if time would permit. So likewise divers Plants are for Painters, as you may see in Batte's Experiments: some for the Dyers, but as yet we know but 4. (( viz. Woade, Would, Green-wood, and Madder) amongst 1200. plants and upward, which grow wild with us. I could wish some Ingenious man would take the pains to search out the Mechanical Uses of Plants; surely it were a good way to advance Mechanickes, who in their callings usually go round, as the causes of their operations. I know a Gentleman, who promiseth some things in this kind, and I hope will be as good as his word.  
3. Head, the is ignorance of the Physioal Uses of Plants: for though very many 100 Plants do grow amongst us; yet but few of them are used Physically: whereas there is scarce any one, but may be useful in this kind. And truly in my opinion it is a great fault, that we so much admire those things, that are far fetched and dear bought; when as ofttimes they are gathered in unseasonable times, and corrupted by long voyages by sea, counterfeited by Merchants; yea we have very oft Quid pro quo, and rank poisons, and do neglect those Medicines which God hath given us here at home. I am credibly informed, that in former times, Virga Aurea was in great use with us, and usually sold for 8. d. per ounce, and brought from France: but so soon as it was found growing plentifully in our hedges, it was cast forth of the Apothecary's shops, as of little virtue. And though some will object, that our Plants have little virtue: I say it's false; for God hath tempered them for on Complexions: and we see that very oft one simple Medicine doth more good than the great Compositions of the Ancients, which are rather ad pompam then for health, and seem to savour somewhat of the Mountebank; because Opium is always an ingredient. And further we see, that where any Endemicall or National disease reigneth, there God hath also planted a specifique for it: As the Cochleare or Scurvygrasse for the Scurvy, in the Baltic Sea, where it is very frequent, and also in Holland, England. So in the West-Indies, (from whence the great Pox first came, and where it reigneth very much, that not only man, but other Creatures are infected with it, so that even Dogs die of that disease in our Northern Plantations, perhaps catching this infection, by mingling with Indian dogs,) there grow the specifiques for this disease, as Gujacum, Sassaperilla, Sassafras, and the Savages do easily cure these distemper. Further we see, that even the Irrational Creatures, can find not only meat, but also Medicines for themselves; as the Dog, Couchgrasse for a vomit: the Dove, Vervein; the Weasel, Rue; the Swallow, Celandine; the Toad Plantine; and where is our reason, that we cannot?  
I therefore desire all Countrypeople, to endeavour to know these Plants which grow at their doors: (for God hath not planted them there for no purpose; for he doth nothing in vain,) and to collect together the plain simple Medicaments of their Grandam; by this means they may save many a 40. dence: I mean preserve themselves and families, and Neighbours, in good health Some small Treatises have of late been written, to show the Use of our Plants, in Physic; and I hope Ingenious men will daily more and more communicate the Secrets of this kind, which they have in their hands, for the Public Good.  
They that writ of 4 footed beasts, do reckon about 
18. Deficiency, concerning Animals.  120. species of them: half of them are scarcely known amongst us. I do suppose therefore, that divers species are wanting, which may be useful. To instance in some: And  
1. To begin with the Elephant, the greatest, wisest, and longest-lived of all beasts: which abound very much in the Eastern parts of the world; as China, India: and are accounted very serviceable, both for the wars, and for carriage (15. men usually riding on his back together,) they are not chargeable to keep; why may they not be of use even here, when I am credibly informed, an Elephant lived divers years here in a Park? so that they can endure the coldness of this Climate.  
2. The Buffle, which is as big as an Ox, and serviceable both for the plough, and for their milk: their skins make the best buff, they will far very hard, and live in Fens and bogs, where nothing else can. In the Duke of Floernce's Country near Pisa, are many of them.  
3. The honest and patiented Ass, which was very much used in the old time for carriage, (as the Horse for the war, and the Ox for the plough,) and in many Countries at this time, they will eat thistles, and live even with nothing. They may save poor men (who are not able to keep an Horse, because he is a great feeder,) much labour.  
4. Mules, which is a very strong and proud beast, and will carry far more than an Horse, and are more surefooted. I suppose, that they might be serviceable to the Carriers here, as they are beyond the Seas.  
5. Black Foxes, may be profitable; whose skins have been fold from 20. l. per skin to 90. l. I might add divers more of this kind: as Musk-cats, Sables, Martin's, Minx, Musk Squash, Guiney-pigs, and a sort of Coney, which some few have in Hamp-shire, whose Fur is worth 2. s. 6. s. or 3. s. per skin, being little inferior to Beaver, etc. but for brevity's sake I pass them over: as also divers sorts of Fowls, of good use; as a kind of Duck with a Crooked bill, which layeth constantly as Hens do, as also Hawks of diver; sorts, of good value, which perhaps the Countryman loveth not; because they are enemies to his Poultry.  
2. Deficiency, is that we do not endeavour to advance the best kinds of these , which are amongst us. And  
1. To begin with Horses. The Frenchman that writeth a book called the Treasure Politic, saith, that in England in Qu. Eliz. days, we had not above 3. or 4000 Horse worth any thing for the war, & those only in Nobleman's stables; which thing perhaps did the more encourage the Spaniard to invade us: but at this time we are known to have very many 1000 of Horse, not inferior to the best in the world: yet I suppose, that we might much meliorate our breed by Spanish Jennets, Barbary, etc. And we are not so careful to increase good Horses, as we should be.  
2. We are too negligent in our Kine, that we advance not the best species: for some sorts give abundance of milk, and better than others: some sorts are larger, more hardy, and will sooner fat, etc. Lancashire and some few Northern Counties, are the only places, where they are a little careful in these particulars.  
3. We are not curious in procuring the best sorts of Sheep, for greatness, soundness, and fine wool. I wonder that some of our Sheep-masters have not procured of those exceeding fine-woolled Sheep of Spain; whose wool costeth the Merchant nigh 10. s. per pound, before it is exported: I suppose, that it would for a time mend our wool, if not continue so for ever: for these Sheep were first carried forth out of England, if we may believe stories, Spain not affoarding such Sheep before. Dutch Sheep are reported to have 2. or 3. Lambs ordinarily. Dutch Sheep are very great with great tales; but their wool is very course, not only because of their course feeding; but also because in hot Countries, they ordinarily mingle with Goats; and therefore in Venice ordinary Porters will scarcely eat any Mutton. And here I cannot but relate, that all strangers very much wonder at 2. things in our Sheep, (not to speak of the fineness of wool.) And  
1. That our Sheep if they be sound, seldom or never drink, even in Summer; though they go on the driest Chalky lands: as it plainly appeareth in Kent, where there is scarce water for the great ; which proceedeth from the moisture of our air, and abundance of Rains and dews.  
2. That our Sheep do not follow their shepherds, as they do in all other Countries: for the shepherd goeth before, and the Sheep follow like to a pack of dogs; this disobedience of our Sheep, doth not happen to us, as Papist-Priests tell their simple flocks; because we have left their great shepherd the Pope; but because we let our Sheep range night and day in our fields without a shepherd; which other Countries dare not for fear of Wolves and other ravenous beasts, but are compelled to guard them all day with great dogs, and to bring them home at night, or to watch them in their folds.  
3. Deficiency in this kind, is the neglect of Fishponds, which are very profitable: for Fish usually live by such worms and flies as are engendered in the ponds, and require no charge. Concerning the ordering of them, and the profit of them, Read Mr. Vaughan's Golden Grove. And surely it would be a great benefit to this Island, if we had Fish at reasonable rates. I cannot therefore pass by two extreme Abuses, which exceedingly destroy Fish, and are in no wise to be permitted.  
1. That divers poor men keep many Swine, and in nets, or otherwise catch many bushels of the young fry of Fish, and feed their Swine with them.  
2. That the Fishermen in the River have the meashes of their nets so strait, that they take many sorts of Fish when they are too small, and do destroy fare more Fish than they take. I hope these Abuses will be reform with all severity. To this head I may add Decoys, which are very frequent in Holland, and profitable; but very rare with us in England: yet may be very profitable and delightful.  
4. Dificiency, is the Ignorance of the Infects of this Island. And though it may seem ridiculous to many, to affirm that Maggots, butterflies, should be of any importance; yet I desire them to consider, that we have our Honey, the sweetest of foods from Bees, which are  of this kind: also all our Silks, Satins, Plushes, and bravery from the poor Silkworm, which may be called a Maggot, Caterpillar, or Butterfly etc. the richest of our Colours from the Cocheneile, which is one of this sort. Gumlac is made by Aunts, some are used for food, as Locusts, etc. as you may read in Musset's Book de Insectis. Many of these likewise are used in Physic, as Cantharideses, Wood-sowes, Lice, etc. Some think, that Medicines transcending even the Chemists, may be had out of these; for every Plant, which hath a Medicinal virtue, is also sublimed up into this living Quintessence: & therefore I commend divers ingenious men, as Mr. Marshal and others, who have collected many hundred sorts of these; and I hope they will communicate ere long their experiments to the world.  
19 Deficiency concerning divers things necessary for the 
19 Defiency, concerning divers things necessary for the good of .  good of .  
1. That we are ignorant of the divers Diseases of  & their Cures. Not to run over all the Diseases of  and their Cures, which would be too long, and you may read them in Mr. Marrams works, The Countrey-Farmer, and others. I will instance only in two, which some years sweep away , as the Plague doth men, (viz.) the Murrain amongst Great , and the Rot amongst Sheep. And though divers have wrote concerning the Cures of these Diseases; yet we do not find that effect which we desire: and therefore I hope some will attempt to supply this Deficiency, and write a good Treatise about the Diseases of . Of these 2. Diseases, I shall briefly declare my mind: And  
1. Of the Murrain, which proceedeth from an Inflammation of the blood, and causeth a swelling in the throat, which in little time suffocateth the . The especial Causes of this Disease, are an hot and dry season of the year; which drieth up the waters, or at least doth so putrefy them, that they are unwholesome: and also the letting of Carrionly unburied. This Disease is thought to be infectious; but perhaps it may proceed from one Common Cause, as the Rottenness of Sheep. The best way to keep your  from this Disease, is to let them stand in cool places in Summer, and to have abundance of good water, and speedily to bury all Carrion: and if any of your  be infected, speedily to let them blood, and to give them a good drench etc. by these Means divers have preserved their ; when their Neighbours have perished.  
2. Concerning the Rot of Sheep: not to speak of the Pelt-Rot, or Sheep that are starved; but of the Ordinary Rot, called by some the White Rot; and is a kind of Dropsey: their bellies are full of water and their liver discoloured. I have seen out of the livers of Sheep tending to Rottenness, living creatures leaping like small Flounder: which without question in little time will destroy the liver, and consequently produce an indisposition not unlike to the Rot. The common people say, that these worms are caused by the over-heatings of Sheep, and that Rottenness proceedeth from a plant called Cotyledon, or Marsh-Penny-wort, which is of a very sharp taste, and therefore not likely that Sheep will eat it; but it may be a sign of wet rotten land, as broom is of sound and dry land. This is certain, that in wet moist years, Sheep die very much of the Rot; and in dry years on the same ground, they hold sound: and yet I have heard that in Ireland, which is fare moister than England, Rottenness of Sheep is not known. It were therefore well worth the labour of an Ingenious man, to inquire into the Causes of these Indispositions in Sheep.  
The Means, which have been found very effectual for the curing these Diseases, are these: first, to drive your sheep up to dry lands, or to keep them in the fold, till the dew be off the grass, or to feed them some days with fine dry hay, especially of Salt Meadow, or to put them into Salt-Marshes; for in those places Sheep never Rot, or to drive them to some salt River, and there to wash them, and make them drink of the water, this will kill the Scab; and also the tickes, and fasten the wool; but if you have not the conveniencies before said; then Rub their teeth with salt, or rather make a strong pickle with salt and water, and force them to drink thereof. Some dry pitch in an oven, and add to the pickle, and have found very good success: for these Medicines do exsiccate the superfluous humidities, open obstructions, and kill worms. Some commend the Antimonial Cup, as a Catholic Medicine against all Diseases of .  
2. We are Ignorant of divers Ingenuities, concerning feeding and fatting of  and other creatures. To instance in some: And  
1. Of the Horse who is a great feeder. In Kent and Hartford-shire they usually cut all their Oats and Pease small, and give them with their Chaff; by this means the Horses sooner fill themselves, and eat all the straw up: some put this Horsemeat into a bag, and so order it that a little only lieth in the Manger; which when that is eaten up, more falleth down, and not before; by this way Horses do not blow their meat, nor throw it out of the Manger with their noses. A further good piece of Husbandry they use, which is this, when their Horses are well fed at night, they fill the rack with Wheat or Barly-straw, and so leave them; the Horse perceiving that that which is in the rack is not very pleasant, lieth down and taketh his rest, which is as good to him as his meat: if he rise in the night, and fall to the rack and Manger, as he usually doth, and findeth nothing but straw, he sleepeth till the morning; but if it be Hay, Tares, or Pease, the Jade will pull it all down and spoil it, and likewise will be hindered from his rest; by the which double damage doth ensue. Currying and dressing of Horses ought not to be forgot, it is half as good as their meat. Brimstone and Elecampane roots are the especial Ingredients for this Physic.  
2. Of the feeding and fatting of Cowes. We usually feed  with straw in racks in the yard, or turn them to the fields, and there let them feed as much; and how they please; which hath many Inconveniencies: as first,  spoil as much with their heels as they eat, especially if the ground be moist, or if the fly be very troublesome, and they blow and stench and tumble much, and if the fly be busy, they run up and down, and over-heate themselves, and fat very little; so that oftentimes in June or July they fatten as little as at Christmas, and most of their dung is lost by these means etc. But in Holland they do thus: They keep their  housed Winter and Summer; for the Winter-provision, they lay in not only hay, but also grains, (which they buy in the Summer, and bury in the ground:) and also Rape-seed Cakes, and sow Turnips, not only for themselves, but their Cows also; with the which Turnips being sliced, and their tops, and Rape-Cakes, and grains etc. they make Meshes for their Cows, and give it them warm; which the Cows will slop up like Hogs, and by this means, they give very much Milk. In the Summertime, they mow the great Clovergrasse, and give it them in raikes; so that their  are not troubled with the pinching frosts, nor reins, nor with the parching Sun in Summer, neither with the fly, nor do they over-heate themselves or spoil half so much meat; and are always as fat as their Masters, or Bacon-hogs. The Dung and Urine they charily preserve, and thereby keep their Meadows of Clovergrasse (which are constantly mown twice or thrice yearly) in good heart: & indeed  ought not to go amongst Clovergrasse, because it usually groweth with long Haume (as they call it) like Pease, which if it be broken will not thrive. In Barmudaes' they have a peculiar way of fattening their , not used any where else that I know, which is with Green Fennell, that groweth in that Island plentifully.  
There is a plant in Essex called Myrchis, or Cow-pursley, which groweth fast and early in the spring, which they give their  at the beginning of the year, and they eat it well.  
It is an ill custom that is used almost every where, to let Hogs lie in their Dirt and Dung, when they are fattening; for all creatures Generally do hate and abhor their own Dung: and an Hog is the cleanliest of all creatures, and will never dung nor stolen in his Sty, if he can get forth, which other creatures will: and though he tumble in the dirt in Summer; yet that is partly to cool himself, and partly to kill his Lice, for when the dirt is dry, he rubbeth it off and destroyeth the Lice thereby.  
Sir Hugh Plattes in his writings setteth down divers Ingenious ways, of Fattening Poultry etc. and more may be found out daily. The Jews have a peculiar way of fattening Geese, with Milk, Figs, Raisins, and other sweet things; by the which they make the liver of an extraordinary greatness, and is a dish much valued by them.  
In moorfield's there is one that keepeth many 100 of Coneys, with grains and bran: and some others who keep the great laying Ducks, with these things and blood, to their great advantage. I have seen a Book translated out of French, which teacheth how to gain divers 100 l. per annum. by 50. l. stock in Hens. I suppose that about London, where eggs are so dear, great profit might be made by them. Turkeyes may be kept with good profit, where there are many Meadows, as in Soffolke. In Berkshire many keep tame Pheasants, and have gained well thereby.  
3. We do not know how to improve the Commodities proceeding from  to the highest: as for example, our ordinary Eutter might be better scented and tasted: some Ladies have fine Ingenuities in this kind. We cannot make Cheese comparable to the Parmesan, nor so good as the Angelot's of France: our ordinary Cheese is not comparable to the Holland Cheeses, where also divers sorts of Cheeses are made of divers Colours: but I cannot much commend their Green Cheeses, which are made of that Colour by Sheepes-dung etc. but I hope that in little time, our good Housewives will scorn that any shall excel them.  
20. Deficiency, is The want of divers things, which 
20 Deficiency, Of the want of divers things, which are necessary for the accomplishment of Agricuture.  are necessary for the accomplishment of Agriculture— As  
1. That we have not a Systema or complete Book of all the parts of Agriculture. Till the latter end of Qu. Eliz. days, I suppose that there was scarce a book wrote of this subject; I never saw or heard of any. About that time: Tusser made his verses, and Scot wrote about a Hop-garden, Gouge translated some things. Lately divers small Treatises have been made by divers, as Sir Hugh plats, Gab. Plattes, Markham, Blithe and Butler, who do well in divers things; but their books cannot be called complete Books, as you may perceive by divers particular things, not so much mentioned by them. The Country Farmer translated out of French is enough, if not more than enough; but it's no ways framed, or squared for us here in England: and I fear, the first Authors went on probabilities and hearsays rather than experience. I hope some Ingenious man will be encouraged, to undertake a work so necessary and commendable.  
2. Deficiency is, that Gentlemen try so few Experiments for the audance of this honest and Laborious Calling; when as many Experiments might be made for a small matter: for half a Pole square, will give as certain a demonstration, as an Acre; and a Pottle as a Hogshead. I hope in time there will be erected a College of Experiments, not only for this, but also all other Mechanical Arts.  
3. Deficiency is, That Gentlemen and Farmers do not meet and communicate secrets in this kind, but keep what they have experimented themselves or known from others, as Sibyl's leaves, I mean as rare secrets not to be communicated. I hope that we shall see a more Communicative spirit amongst us ere long. And Sir, I cannot but desire you, if you have any things more in your hands of Gabriel Platte's, or any men's else, that you would with speed publish them.  
4. Deficiency is, That we want a Place, to the which men may resort for to find such Ingenious men, as may be serviceable for their ends and purposes; and also know where to find such seeds, and plants, as they desire, as the great Clovergrasse, Saint Foin, La Lucerne, etc.  
5. Deficiency, That men do usually covet great quantities of Land; yet cannot manage a little well. There were amongst the Ancient Romans some appointed to see that men did till their Lands as they should do, and if they did not, to punish them as Enemies to the Public; perhaps such a law might not be amiss with us: for without question the Public suffereth much, by private men's negligences; I therefore wish men to take Columells Council; which is, Laudato ingentia Rura, Exiguum Colito. For melior est culta exiguitas etc. as another saith, or as we say in English, A little Farm well tilled, is to be preferred: for than we should not see so much waste Land, but more Industry, greater Crops, and more people employed, then are at this present, to the great profit of the Commonwealth.  
21. Deficiency is, That by reason of our sins we have 
21 Deficiency, That because of our sins we ha●… not the blessin of God upon our Labours.  not the blessing of the Lord upon our Labours.  
And this is the reason, that although the Husbandman hath been laborious and diligent in his calling these last years; yet our Crops have been thin, his  swept away, & scarcity & famine hath seized on all parts of this Land; and if we had not been supplied from abroad, we had quite devoured all the creatures of the Island, for our sustenance, and yet we could not have been satisfied, but must have devoured one another. And therefore to conclude; though I desire the Husbandman to be diligent and laborious in his calling, yet I council him to break off his sins by Repentance, to have his eyes towards him, who is the Giver of every good thing, and to pray daily to him for his blessings, who giveth freely to them that ask, and upbraideth not. And although all callings ought to look up to him that is on high; yet the Countryman especially; for he hath a more immediate dependence on him then any other: for if the Lord withhold his fat dew of Heaven, or the former or latter Rain, it is in vain that the Hushandman rise up early, and go to bed late, and eat the bread of carefulness: for we know, that it is the Lord that maketh barren places fruitful, and he likewise that turneth fruitful Lands into barrenness, (as the Land of Canaan, which was very fruitful even in the time of the Canaanites, but now a barren desert) and therefore, I again desire the Countryman to walk as it becometh a Christian, in all Sobriety, Righteousness and Godliness: not to trust to his confidence, in his own labours, and good Husbandry; but on the Lord that hath made all things: for though even Paul himself doth plant and Apollo doth water; yet it is only the Lord that giveth increase and plenty, which he will not deny to those that fear him: for they shall want nothing that is good.  
And thus Sir, I have written to you very largely my thoughts concerning the Husbandry of this Island, and partly what I have seen in many travels. Good Sir, be not offended at my long and impertinent stories, my rude language and unmethodical discourse. It was, if not to satisfy; yet somewhat to gratify the universal goodness of your spirit, and care of the Public, which God hath enriched you withal. And these are only my first thoughts, which in haste I have huddled up together. I hope (if the Lord send life and health) my Second thoughts shall be better: But whatsoever I have done, pray look on it, as coming from one who is desirous to serve you, and to advance the Public Good, according to the talon the Lord hath given him. Thus I commit you to the protection of the Almighty: And rest  
SIR Your,—— Anno 1651.   

Copies and Extracts of more letters written to Mr. Samuel Hartlib: They all tending very much to the great Improvement not only of Agriculture, but of true and real Learning, and Natural Philosophy.  

SIR,  
The several things observed and set down during my stay in the Country, are these.  
1. I learned the whole way and Art, of making and ordering of Woad, viz. the time when they sow it, when first they weed it, and cut it. I saw the manner of their gathering it, grinding, bawling, drying it, and after sweeting and curing it. Informing myself of the whole charge and profit of it: Have made divers Annotations on it: And taken order for some seed to be sent to me, for other more Compendious and Profitable trials, answerable to the Nature and Philosophy of it.  
2. This and some other things gave me occasion to make the best inquiry I could, of Housewives and of Fowlers, for all sorts of dying weeds, and herbs, used in the dying of wool, or of nets, which I have carefully collected to improve to a more than ordinary use; some being very remarkable.  
3. Among other General Inquiries and Adventures, I heard of one at Ware, that charred Sea-coal; procured an errand and Commendations thither; went, was civilly used; and satisfied in the truth and manner of the thing, and found the Gentleman who was the first Author of it, to be one Airs, now dead, an Ingenious man, a great Malster, made much profit of it: It drying Malt as sweet, as if the Sun itself did it: Is cheaper than either Wood, or Straw; and may be many other ways applied.  
4. I went into the Isle of Ely, to see one of the Holland-mills, for dreyning; though set up there and kept by certain Frenchmen. The Invention seemed to me but mean and rude, and Mr. Wheeler's way much more Ingenious.  
5. I saw at Wicklesen the manner of your Holland Sluices. The ruins also of a Cochlea, for the emptying and draining of water, of which Vbaldus hath writ a whole Treatise. Likewise a petty kind of Pinnace with ordinance, somewhat like a close Litter, but Flat-bottomed; which rowed with wheels instead of Oars, employed it seems formerly with admirable success, for the taking in of Crowland, and which gave me a proof of what I for many years have thought possible, and of very great use and service, and still think it of unknown value, if it were skilfully indeed framed, and applied as it might be.  
6. The Lord F. W. assured me of a Gentleman in Norfolk, that made above 10000 l. sterl. of a piece of ground, not 40. yards square, and yet there was neither Mineral or Metal in it. He after told me, it was only a sort of fine Clay, for the making a choice sort of earthen ware; which some that knew it, seeing him dig up, discovered the value of it, and sending it into Holland, received so much money for it: it's a story not to be despised.  
7. His Lordship told me the way of making of Spunke or Touchwood.  
8. Mr. H. His Lordship's Bailiff, shown me a small plat of ground, scarce an Acre and half, wherein he assured me, he had in one year 21. hundred of Hops; and falling out then to be scarce in other places, he made of that small parcel of ground 9 score l.  
9 At Milton, I saw a Spring, that might have been made big enough to serve a large Town; which my Friend Wheeler had newly discovered, and broke up; every man opposing him in it, and deriding his confidence, till he made it appear, and ashamed them. Hereupon he gave me several marks of knowing and finding out Springs under ground.  
10 From Springs we converted our discourse to Pipes, for the carrying along of water under ground to any House, or Town; wherein he imparted some secrets to me, both of the fittest Wood and Trees for Pipes, and preserving them whole ages from corruption, by ways extremely rational and not hitherto observed or found out by any.  
11. This drew on some Discourse of Woods, their Differences and several Applications: in which he told me many singular Observations.  
12. After this, I saw at Milton an Excellent Model of a Garden, Orchard and Walks; and being further curious, my Friend related a Witty Invention he once put in Practice, to plant an Orchard in a Moorish place, where never grew a Tree.  
13. I casually met with one Boughton, a most singular rare man, in carving or cutting out Figures in small or in great of Stone; and for that reason servant in ordinary to the late King: Who acquainted me of many excellent Ingenious men, and promised to seek me at my lodging.  
14. Being in Camebridgeshire, I examined more particularly the Husbandry, planting, ordering and curing of Saffron.  
Some other things came in my way, not without notice: But these are the chief. My own Improvements, and comments upon all which, I shall more at large give you, when we meet together; being always  
SIR, Yours——   

Quere's sent into France about the Seed called La Lucerne.  
WHen one N. N. was last in France, being in discourse with Doctor D. concerning Saint Foin, he was then told by Doctor D. that (for the Improvement of barren grounds) there was (in those parts of France about Paris) another seed that did fare excel that of Saint Foin, and that the name of that more excellent seed was La Lucerne. I am desired by a friend of mine (to whom N. N. related this passage of Doctor D.) that by your kindness he may be spoken to of this La Lucerne: and his direction's desired, where the said seed is to be had? for what price? how much is usually sowed upon an English Acre? what time of year it is sown? whether it be sown alone; or with any other ordinary Corn? and with what Corn? and with what kind of land it best agrees with? and finally what other particulars he can direct more than is here set down?   

The Answer to the Quere's from Paris.  
I Have been with Doctor D. about Lucerne, who tells me that it groweth best in wettish grounds, that the best time of sowing it in England will be in February at the same time that Oats are sown, with the which also it may be sown, but best alone; that to the sowing of an Arpent, which is much what the same with an English Acre, there will go 12, or 15. l. of the Seed, the which useth to be sold here at 8. or 9 sols the pound.   

More Quere's concerning Lucerne.  
I Desire further to know, what kind of wet grounds are best for it? whether Moorish or clay? whether Poor or Rich? whether it must be sown yearly? or whether it will continue over a year in the ground? and if more than a year, then how many years it will continue without being new sown? whether it be only good for Meadows, or for Pasture? and if for Pasture, then whether the Sheep or  be suffered to go upon it? or whether it be carried off green as the Clovergrasse is in Flaunders?  
Lastly, for what  it is most proper?   

Another Answer from Paris.  
I Thought to have sent you 9 l. of the seed of Lucerne for the sowing of three Acres, Doctor D. having told me, as heretofore I told you, that 3. l. would sow an Arpent or Acre; But as I was going about it, I met with a Gentleman an acquaintance of mine, who some years since (but unknown to me hitherto) hath had some Acres of Meadow of Lucerne upon his Ground, to whom having casually spoke of my business, and told him all that Doctor D. had told me about the Lucerne; he answered me, that Doctor D. was most grossly mistaken in the quantity of the Seed required for the sowing of an Acre; and that it would not take up 3. l. but two whole sacks, each sack containing the full load of a strong Porter; after which rate the quantity of Seed for the sowing of 3. Acres would fill a great dry-fat, the sending whereof by land would come to excessive great charges, and therefore necessarily to be sent by Sea in my opinion. You will be pleased to impart these things to your Friend, and to let me know his final resolution upon them, the which shall be faithfully accomplished by me; and in the mean while I will get him a perfect and full Answer upon all his Quere's, not from Doctor D. (whom I dare trust no more in this business, having found him guilty of such gross mistakes about it) but from that other Gentleman, who told me he could himself resolve most of those Questions; but that for to be the surer, he thought it best to confer first with his Farmer about it. You make Apologies for putting me upon these Inquiries; but I pray you to believe, that at any time I shall most readily and cheerfully perform any service that shall lie in my power, for you or any of your Friends for your sake. And I were very unreasonable, to think troublesome any thing that you require of me, when as continually I put you to so much trouble myself.   

The last Answer concerning Lucerne.  
THe information about the Lucerne that I have got from my Friend, being a very particular one, and containing a very full Answer to all the Questions propounded by your Friend; is such as followeth: It requireth a rich ground, but somewhat lose and light, so as a stiff Clay, and such other tough grounds are no ways fit for it; The ground must not be over-dry nor over-moist, but in a mean; yet somewhat more inclining to moisture, then to the contrary. It must be ploughed three times; the first time in October, and the second and third, towards the Spring. Naturally it doth not love Dung, and cometh much better in a ground that is sufficiently rich of itself, then that which hath been enriched by Dunging; and where Dung is made use of, it must be very stolen and well rotten, and long before the sowing-time. It cannot endure the cold, and therefore must not be sown till the cold weather, and all the danger of it, be quite past, viz. about the beginning or midst of April. The Quantity of the Seed, is the Sixth part of Corn, that the same ground would require: so as only one Bushel of Lucerne is to be sown on that space of ground, which would require six Bushels of Corne. It must be carefully weeded, especially in the beginning. And to the end that it may take the more firm root, some Oats must be mixed with it, but in a very small proportion. It is to be cut as soon as it beginneth to flower, which in the hot Countries (Provence, Languedock, and Spain) it doth five or six times, and some years seven and eight times in a Summer: but in this Climate it useth to be cut but twice a year, about the end of June, and about the end of September: Being cut, it must be turned very oft, that it may dry the sooner, and be carried off the ground the soon that may be; and it must be kept in close barns, being too tender for to be kept in reeks, open to the air, as other Hay. It is good for all kind of , Kine, Sheep, Goats, and as well for the young ones (Calves, Lambs, Kids) as for the others; but above all it agreeth best with Horses. It is much more feeding then any other Hay: insomuch as any lean beasts will soon grow fat with it; and to Milch-beasts, it procureth abundance of milk: but it must never be given alone, especially to beasts that have not been long used to it: but must ever be mixed with Straw, or with some other Hay: for otherwise it over-heateth them, and filleth them too much with blood; and that so suddenly, as it greatly indangereth their health, and their life too; which it doth principally to Kine: to whom it is more dangerous, if too plentifully given, then to any other . After the last cutting, you may let your Cattles graze on your Lucerne-fields, and that all Winter long, until the beginning or middle of March. Of once sowing you will have your Meadow continue good for 10. or 12. years, and until 15. and afterwards too, it will still continue to bear; but the herb will then notably decay in goodness. Wherefore it is best to turn in then to some other use. Kine must never eat of this herb green; but only dried, and that moderately too, as hath been said. But Horses eating their fill of it green in the Spring, are purged thereby, and grow fat by it in 8. or 10. day's time: If one desire to have of the Grain, one may let such a proportion of the Meadow, as one will, grow up to seed, after the second cutting, any year except the first only: and when the seed is ripe; the tops of the herb, with the cod's wherein the seed is enclosed, must be cut in a dewy morning, and put into sheets, for fear of losing the seed, and must be beat out with Flails upon the same, when that it is well dried: and afterwards the remaining part of the herb must be mown close to the ground; after which it continueth to sprout out again after the usual manner. The Hay on't will keep good two or three years; and one Acre is sufficient to keep three Horses all the year long.   

A Postscript to the last Answer concerning the Lucerne.  
SIR,  
THe Gentleman, who had given me the Note about the Lucerne, hath told me since two particulars more, which he had forgot to put into it: The one, that not only to other , but even to Horses, with whom that Hay agreeth best, of all other beasts: it is not to be given but in Winter; because that in the Summer it would too much heat their blood: And the other, That this Hay must be perfectly well dried, before it be carried off the ground; and to that end turned very often: because that being put up with any the least moisture, it will quite spoil much more than any other Hay. Now these, and all the other particulars, which I have had from that Gentleman, have been confirmed to me by many others. And yet within these 2. or 3. days I met with a Physician of Rochel, who assuring me that the Lucerne was very common in his Country, made me a relation of it agreeing with the former, only in these three points, viz. That of once sowing it will continue 10 or 12. years; That it is cut twice a year, serving afterwards for Pasture all Winter; And that it wonderfully fatteneth all kind of ; but very much different from it in all the others, and in some of them point-blank contrary to it. For he saith, that it is to be sown in the beginning of March; that it desireth a temperate ground, but rather dry then wet, and no ways fat nor clayish, but stony and gravelly; that it need not be mixed with any other Hay, but may be given alone, and all the year long; in Summer aswell as in Winter; not only to Horses, but to Cows and other . He added, that the proportion of the seed, is the charge of a Porter for four Arpents or French Acres. Which particulars I thought good to impart unto you; that your Friend comparing them with the other's, might make his best profit of them; and this Rochellois; (or Rocheller) who hath lived 3. or 4. years in England, thinks that the Lucerne will come admirably well in that Country.   

NOTE.  
THe meaning of these Words — The quantity of the Seed is the sixth part of Corn that the same ground would require— is this, That whatever quantity of Wheat or Barley an Acre of ground would require of the seed of Lucerne, you must take but the sixth part of that quantity of seed of Lucerne; so as that ground which for its sowing requireth six bushels of Corn, doth require but one bushel of Lucerne-seed.  
An Arpent de terre (which how much it is in English measure COTGRAVE'S Dictionary will perfectly tell you) requireth 10. l. of that seed, as several Grain-sellers (of whom I went to inquire for it) have unanimously told me: the seed being exceeding small, and to be sown wonderfully thinly. As for Saint Foine or Holy Hay, I have seen it grow here about Paris in several places, in rich fat grounds, and those both high and dry, and others low and Marshy. It is cut but once a year, much-what about the same time of other Hay, and a great deal of the seed of it is required for sowing the ground with it. But being once sown, it lasteth 10. or 12. years, as well as Medica or Lucerne, wherewith also it correspondeth altogether in its Virtues and Uses.   

A Copy of a Letter, relating a Proof or Experiment of an English Husbandry.  
Honoured SIR,  
I desire your acceptance of this small present, may be according to the real worth of the thing; not as at first sight it may appear to be (viz.) straw or stubble. This is I assure you, no other than the true and real Experiment of what by the blessing of God the native fertility of our English ground, rightly husbanded, will bring forth: nay I can upon most probable grounds affirm, that had I used all the Art and Care which I could and might have done (had I not been otherwise taken off) it could hardly have failed to have been double, triple, or quadruple to what it is. And it is also most true, that any reasonable good ground well managed may yield one, ten, a hundred, etc. Acres, in which there shall be very many superior to the biggest root of these, and hardly one inferior to the best, but one; by which account it will easily appear, how much beyond the old way, this is the increase, there being between two and five quarters on the Acre; and the product of this way will be rarely under 10. quarters, not rarely 16. or 20. and the same for most grains; yet will this dull age as to goodness not believe it without some testimony, and perhaps scarce suffer themselves to be convinced by this so eminent an Experiment; wherein it plainly appears, That out of one fingle Barley - Corn is sprung about 80. Ears, of which near 60. had, some 38. some 36. 34. 32. 30. and hardly any less than 38. which in all is above 2000 for one: And truly, the charges to be bestowed on a Acre of this sort is no way double to the common way. Accept it therefore, and reserve it as a real Rarity, and a jewel only fit for a Public and Pious Spirit, as yours is: till I shall by God's assistance be able next year to produce you more abundant examples of God's wonderful power and bounty that offers, and man's ingratitude that neglects, or refuses such honest means, of the truest and most justly gotten humane wealth, honour, and happiness.  
Your most faithful and obliged Friend and Servant— September 26. 1650.   

An Extract of A Letter from Amsterdam dated the 28. of November 1650. in answer to the former Communication, with an other Experiment of a French Husbandry.  
SIR,  
I am much obliged unto you for sending me the Discourse of the Braband-Husbandry, which I have perused. Not long ago I was told of certain Men which would feign have mortgaged some thousand Acres of Heathy grounds which lay here and there as Commons. But the late Prince of Orange by the advice of his Council durst not entertain any such Propositions, the Lands belonging to the Communality. On the other hand the Undertakers would not be contented with less for imparting of their Secret. It appears unto me by all circumstances, that it was the same design of Husbandry with yours, the parties (if I remember well) being Englishmen. From Paris I am advertised (for certain) of one, who did last year (1649.) ferment one Grain of Wheat, which this year hath produced him 114. Ears and within them 6000. Grains, which is more than 80. Ears, and 600. Grains of your English Friend's. This year (1650.) he hath a great many fermented and sown.   

An Answer to the foregoing extract of a Letter from Amsterdam.  
SIR,  
I Have received from you a Relation of a very great and wonderful Production or Increase, which your Friend at Amsterdam relates to be done in France. I am fare from lessening the admirable greatness of that person's skill and success. Only since I find myself taken notice of by the same party, and the Experiment I made the last year of Barley weighed in the scales with this, and found too light; I shall take leave to say, that (besides all difference that is or may be conceived to be, betwixt the Soils; that of France hath a manifest advantage in the elevation and powerful operation of the Sun.) That it is probable he did use all possible Means both to the Ground and Seed to make them both fruitful, which I did not at all; but quite contrarily I chose the worst seed I could procure, and my ground was as barren as any whatsoever in the parts adjacent. I added nothing to either; all I did was after the blade was sprung up. And whereas your Friend mentions 600. out of 80. ears, those ears contained, one with the other at the least 30. single corns, which is 2400. That besides that, Wheat is no whit inferior to Barley, but rather more inclined of its proper nature to branch and spread. It is also allowed as long time again to grow, and therefore may better spread to many ears than Barley. That my ears of Barley rated at 30. one with the other, (which they were at least, some having 38. a thing I suppose rarely (if ever) seen in England before) are full as high as his Wheate-eares rated at 52. And the seeming great difference between 2400. and 6000. when looked into, will prove not to be in the number of ears, which differ no more than as 14. to 10. but in the nature of the Grains, there being universally as many more in an ear of Wheat as in an ear of Barley. That if (as it is most like) he in France did only try conclusions, to what height nature might possibly be screwed by Art, and that what is here related, was the effect of that trial; that holds not comparison with mine, which is generally practicable, without any considerable expense of time or stock more than in the common-way. Lastly I affirm, in all possible humble reference and submission to God's good pleasure, power and providence; that when I shall make use of good Seed rightly prepared, good Land in right condition, & all other helps which I know & can use; I shall not doubt for smaller numbers of the same grain (viz.) Wheat to produce 200. or 300. ears, and in them 10000 12000. or 15000. corns, (and somewhat like that, for whole fields together, and that here in England,) howsoever let us always remember to give all possible praise to God, whose blessing only makes rich.  
SIR, I am your faithful Friend and Servant—   

Another Letter from Paris, discovering the secret of the forenamed French Husbandry.  
SIR,  
I Do with much impatience desire the Treatise or Discourse published by you about the Braband-Husbandry, and do very much admire the industry of that English Gentleman your Friend, who hath found out the ways of making Corn multiply so prodigiously. The Parisian Experimenter of Corn's multiplication I know not: but a Friend of mine very well acquainted with him, assureth me to have had the following Description of his Secret from himself; and to have seen the experience of it very fully in the year 1649. not in any great quantity, but in a Garden, only for trials sake.  
Pour into quick or unslak't Lime as much Water as sufficeth to make it swim four inches above the Water; And unto ten pounds of the said Water poured off, mix one pound of Aquavitae, and in that liquor steep or soak Wheat (or Corn) twenty four hours: which being dried in the Sun or in the air, steep again in the said liquor 24. hours more, and do it likewise the third time: Afterward sow them at great distances the one from the other, about the distance of a foot between each grain. So one grain will produce 30. 36. 38. 42. 52. ears, and those very fruitful, with a tall stalk, equalling the stature of a man in height.   

Another Extract of a Letter from the Lowe-Countries.  
SIR,  
THese are to give you special thanks for communication of the Parisian Experimenter's Secret. Water (if he means Cold water) poured into quick or unslak't Lime cannot work much in one hour upon the Lime; but if it be boiled with it, and that the water be poured always afresh upon the Lime, than it will come to be so strong at last that an egg may swim in it, as I learned by tradition from Doctor Hartmannus, but could never make any trial of it for want of unslackt Lime in the place where I live. This perhaps may be yet better; but Experience goes beyond Reason in these cases. The often macerating or steeping, and drying of grains I like very well. I have only according to Mr. Gabriel Platt's directions steeped them 24. hours in turned or tained Rainwater and Cowdung, and afterwards sown them thus wet; which on Sandy grounds hath produced such goodly corn, as if it had been very good Land. Some here use Salt-Peter, which also doth much good; but is found likewise in Sheepes-dung, as may appear by its fertility. I have lost the Book of Husbandry of Mr. Plaits, which was called, A Discovery of Infinite Treasure hidden since the world's beginning; Whereunto all men of what degree soever are friendly invited to be sharers with the Discoverer. For having lent the same to a Friend, that it might be translated into High-Dutch, I could never see it again. I am told it is out of print. But if you could help me to another, you would do me a pleasure. I have nothing to add for the present, but that the Genius of this Age is very much bend to advance Husbandry; & that in all Countries I hear there are found Gentlemen; that study professedly these Improvements more than in former times. I rest always  
SIR, Yours——   

Another Letter expressing the Reasons, why the Experimenter of the Barly-Corne, thinks it not fit or expedient to part with his secret as yet, for a more common use.  
SIR,  
I Find daily more and more, that it is too true, that most men love money, that they even worship it in their hearts, as the only Summum Bonum. I need not go fare for a proof, since they have brought one to my hand. That (having so fair and just offers made, in order to the Corne-business; as I have presented to them by your hands,) will by no means (though so very much to their own profit and the Public Good) part with their moneys; and yet stick not to demand (in effect) the discovery from me of that talon of knowledge, which God hath made mine by his free gift; as the reward of my Industry, and faithful love to my native Country; (An Estate, if I mistake not better gotten then by any of the common means; by which men grow rich daily.) Surely the commodities cannot be less than equal. The most wise and virtuous men that ever lived, have preferred Art, Industry and Ingenuity fare before money. Money (especially the Abuse of it) is become the very Poison of the world, against which Art and Industry is an Antidote or Cordial. Money is counted and enjoyed by thousand thousands, Art and Industry but by a few. And things of excellent use are accounted Jewels, especially when rare and scarce. The Professors of Art and Industry prefer their private gain (too often) before the being and well being of the whole world; nay of their own sold. These are ever ready to part with unvaluable treasures upon easy conditions: Those will not upon any conditions whatsoever (but such as please themselves, or are full of oppression) part with their moneys (no not to save a Brother's, or hardly a Father's, or a Child's life.) And finally, if they judge it improvidence to part with a little of their estates, only for a time, to return again to them shortly, like Noah's Dove with an Olive-branch, a double branch of Peace and Prosperity: I desire to be excused, if I upon better grounds, hold it profane to sell a better right then a birthright for less than a mess of pottage; even for just nothing, and for ever. I can never forget the exceeding great Ingenuity to the world, showed & given by Mr. Gabriel Platt'es, as will more fully appear, when you shall have printed those writings of his which he left to your trust & custody) & the world's base Ingratitude, that let such a man fall down dead in the street for want of food, without a shirt to his back; none (but yourself that want not an enlarged heart, but a fuller hand to supply the world's defects) being found with some few others, to administer any relief to a man of so great merit. In a word, that God that hath forbid to muzzle the Ox that treads out the fodder, hath appointed every man to use his blessings (next to his Glory) for the providing for and preservation of his family, which he that can do and doth not, is worse than an Infidel. I dare not give away this means of obtaining outward blessings to myself and family, till I have found a way to make it instrumental to that end; and that end once effectually attained to, I dare not deny God's mercy and bounty to me, nor longer restrain the Public Use of this universal good: I remain  
SIR, Yours——   

A Secret practised with very good success in England, concerning sowing of Wheat, to prevent it from being Smutty.  
FIrst take your Wheat, pour the same into a tub of Water, and stir it about; take off all the Corn that swimmeth on the Water, and pour the rest upon a floor, letting the Water run off. Then make a strong brine of Bay-Salt, and pour some of the brine on the Corn upon the floor; and take to half a quarter of Corn, half a peck of Salt, and strew it on the Corn, and stir and mix it continually, as you pour thereon the brine, and strew the Salt thereon, until the Corn be all wet and overstrowed with Salt.  
Then take to a half Quarter of Corn, half a bushel of Vnslaked Lime, and strew that likewise over the Corn, mingling it well together; which done, you may sow the same the next day. The brine must be cold when you pour it on the Corn, and you must prepare no more Wheat, than you intent next day to sow.   

Another Secret practised in Germany for the enriching of Meadows.  
A Meadow yields 6. times more Hay, when it is turned up with a plough, and sown thick with ashes burnt out of the substance thereof, but the rain must fall first. Afterwards sow your Meadow with the seed of Trefoil, and plough and harrow them in. The first grass which groweth thereon, let it be very ripe, that the seed may fall off itself; then let some go over it, and with rakes stir it, that it fall out. Afterwards let it be mown off, and carried to a certain place where it may be dried, so the Grass will grow presently again, and may be mown again in three weeks.   

How to make Rushy ground to bear Grass.  
Break the Rushy ground, and rake the roots and the rushes together, and burn them or carry them away, Then spread upon that ground, Turffe-ashes, or Pigeons-Dung, Chalk or Lime, according to your ground. Try of every one of these upon a little plot of your ground: you may use other Ashes, Marle, or Dung for experiments: and that which you find doth kill the Rushes and other Weeds best, use it: you are to make gutters or drains to carry away the water from the ground: you may destroy Rushes or Ferne, if you will; but cut or mow them down in the beginning of June, and so use to do it 2. or 3. years together at that time.   

For planting or sowing Walnuts.  
IN the season when they are full ripe on the trees, a few days before they would fall, as near as can be guessed, let them be gathered or beaten off; and in the green husk, or without it, put them into good ordinary earth in a barrel or basket: So let them continue until the beginning of March following: as soon as that month gins, get as much warm Milk from the Cows as will steep them 24. hours: after they are steeped, set them in ground well digged, and judged natural for such fruit, with their little end, or their prickled sharp end upwards, about 3. or 4. inches deep in the earth, and not one of 28. will fail, as hath appeared by experience. This may make dry Walnuts also prove trees: the Nuts used as above said, as fare as may be, set them near one foot asunder, and in a right line to weed them. The Walnut breeds good Timber, good shadow, good smell, good fruit. At 4. year's growth transplant them.   

Mr. Lanyon's Description of the usual manner of planting & transplanting (according to that of Flaunders) of those Trees called Abeales, impanted for Public Good.  
THey are first planted from any even the least part of the Root of the same Tree: you must divide the root, by slipping each part from the other, and not by cutting it in sunder: you may take those parts from those trees whilst they grow, and without danger to them, rob them of all the small sprigs of the root, and leave only the Master-Roots; but the most usual way is to multiply them, when they are transplanted; which time is at their growth of 5. years: their season is in March. They are first planted in the way of a Nursery, in lose earth, moist and sandy, or inclining to it: their distance is 10. inches, one from another (the earth being first prepared as for a Garden): you are to make holes with a stick, the depth of the length of the part you have to set setting him so that you may only see a part of it above ground, the earth being closed about them; they are to be kept weeded as any other plants. The second year in February you are to prune off all from the Master or Middle shoot, and so to the 3. and 4. year: the 5. you may transplant them, so as they like the ground of their Nursery. Their usual distance one from another is 10. foot: you may drive a stake with them when you transplant them, to secure them stiff against the wind; for that they will grow very tall in those years, and so be much exposed to the winds. They may without much prejudice (to Corn) be planted in the furrows where it grows; so as the ground be moist, and you keep them well pruned, and leave only a bush at the top of the tree. No stiff Clay grounds will admit them to thrive, they will grow in moist Clay ground, but only in height, and will not burnish for want of room to extend their roots. This tree if he likes his ground; will be at full growth in 20. years. He is valued in Flaunders after 7. years' growth, worth every year 12. d. until his time be up. He grows very strait without boughs, only a bush on the top, and so exceedingly well becomes a Walk. This Timber is uncomparable for all sorts of wooden vessels, especially Trays; Butchers-trays cannot well be made without it, it being so exceeding light and tough. Some years ago there were ten thousand at once sent over into England, and transplanted into many Counties. Mr. Walker at Saint James can give the best account of them to all such as desire further to be directed in this particular.    
FINIS.