Common-Good: OR, THE IMPROVEMENT OF Commons, Forests, and Chases, BY ENCLOSURE.  
WHEREIN The Advantage of the Poor, THE Common Plenty of All, AND The Increase and Preservation of TIMBER, With other things of common concernment, Are Considered.  
By S. T.  
LONDON, Printed for Francis Titan, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the three Daggers near the Middle-Temple gate, 1652.   

TO THE Supreme Authority OF THIS NATION THE Parliament of England; The only proper Councillors for COMMON-GOOD.  
All Wisdom, Peace, Honour, and universal Happiness,  
Is desired (of that God, whose Spirit in a mystery of Providence hath been eminently seen in you,)  
BY An observing Honourer of Your Faithfulness, Silvanus Taylor.   

The Contents.  

SEct. 1. In the which are set down the general Exceptions against Enclosures of Commons, with brief Answers thereunto.  
Sect. 2. In which is set forth the several sorts of Commons.  
Sect. 3. Wherein the Common-fields near Towns and Villages are treated of.  
Sect. 4. Of Commons in rich low Grounds.  
Sect. 5. Of Commons which are plain Upland Grounds.  
Sect. 6. Of Commons which are apt for Wood, and overspread with Bushes.  
Sect. 7. Of Commons cumbered with Briars, Thorns, Heath, Moss, etc.  
Sect. 8. Which treateth of Forests and Chases.  
Sect. 9 Of the way and manner of enclosing Commons.  
Sect. 10. Treating of the manner of enclosing Forests and Chases, with some brief directions for planting and preserving Wood; that so it may be a provision for our Navy to all generations.    

Common-Good: OR The Improvement of Commons, Forests, and Chases, by Enclosure.  

SECT. I. In which are set down the general Exceptions against Enclosures of Commons, with brief Answers thereunto.  
IT is believed, that Commons are a sixth part of the Land of England, and being common to many consequentials, there's no personal propriety, the chief reason that they continue still overrun with a Curse.  
It is natural for all men to love propriety; the reason, because conveniency is its adjunct, and men do delight rather to say this is mine, than this is ours; for the one, he holds but in Common a notion of extenuation to love, the other he is sole Lord of, and so hath it at his own disposing. Man's Will (as corrupted) would be lord paramount, and had it but wings and strength, would quickly surmount the whole Universe, and be (as our desire is) as Gods. It was once Adam's happiness (even in the state of innocency) to dress the Garden, and eat of the fruit thereof, but it was his great unhappiness to be thrust out into the large field of the World: in the one were all things delightful, the other had the curse; Briars and Thorns shalt thou bring forth: Did that curse terminate in the person of Adam? Surely no; for the same God saith now to the sons of Adam, He that will not work, let him not eat. The Turks will tell you, the bread of Idleness is no man's. What's the matter with us in England, that we labour not to remove the curse, and reduce those large briary and thorny Commons (who offer themselves) if not into a Paradise, yet into pleasant Gardens, fruitful Orchards, goodly fields of Corn, feeding pastures for all sorts of , stately Woods, and pleasing Groves? All which, with reasonable labour, would be obtained. But is there not a worse curse befallen ●s, even the curse of blind ignorance? that we cannot see nor know the great good that would redound to this our Commonwealth, by the Enclosing of those many large, yet little profitable Commons amongst us, that still lie under the curse; and therefore many oppose the good, and like drunken men, labour more to be sick, then sober men do to keep themselves in health. If you continue to be deceived, yet it shall be my work, and truly I think it my duty, to employ my poor Talon for my Country's good (though I bring but a little Goat's hair) to undeceive those, that either by their own weakness, or others delusions, are still kept in the dark. Therefore the Method that I shall use, will be,  
First, to set down the general Objections against Enclosing, and then to give some brief Answers thereunto.  
Secondly, I shall show the several Natures of Commons in England, and how they are more or less commodious by enclosing.  
Thirdly, and lastly, I shall treat of the way and manner of Enclosing.  

The Objections are these:  
1 Object. The first Objection is, That the Enclosures of Commons is the undoing of many poor, who have their only livelihood out of them; for that a poor man, having a wife and many children, by a cottage and Common, hath the benefit of a Cows going, and the keeping of sheep, and of getting bushes for his fuel: And Experience tells us, that those, who have enclosed, and thrust out the poor, have received proportionable to their demerits; for the Curse of the poor hath lighted on them, or their Families.  
2 Object. That if Commons are enclosed, it will much decrease sheep, and consequently Wool and Manufactory, by which the hands of many poor are employed, and Merchants enriched by transporting our Cloth into many remote parts of the World; for there will be so much converted to tillage and pasturage for other , that little will be left for sheep.  
3 Object. The third Objection is, That the Free and Copy-holders' have now the benefit of Commons, which if enclosed, the Lord will have a third part; so that thereby many will be made poor, for the enriching of one, against the nature of a Commonwealth.  
To the first Objection, where it is said, That incloseing hath and will be the undoing of many poor, etc.  
I answer, That did that poor man live in some other place, where himself, his wife and children might be employed in some manufactory, or they betake themselves to the spinning of Worsted, woollen, Flax, or such like easy works (which a child of six years old may profitably be employed in) certainly it would be much more comfortable for them, and much better for the Commonwealth, then if they (as usually now they do) should be Lazying upon a Common to attend one Cow, and a few sheep, for we seldom see any living on Commons set themselves to a better employment. And if the father do work sometimes, and so get bread, yet the children are seldom brought up to any thing; but being nursed up in idleness in their youth, they become indisposed for labour, and then begging is their portion, or Thievery their Trade: so that though Commons be a help to one, yet it's a ruin to many, which the Government of a Free State abhors, in that a common plenty and liberty (the greatest advantages of society) naturally conserve it, as the contraries do a Monarchy, which at the best is best but for a few. And for that it is said, the curse of the poor hath lighted on the Inclosers of Commons, or their Families; I answer, That if the way hereafter proposed for the enclosing of Commons be followed, the poor (as they will have no cause to curse) will exceedingly bless God for the enclosing of them.  
To the second Objection, That enclosing of Common will much lessen the breed of Sheep, etc.  
I answer, That there are many grounds now in Commons so unkindly for Sheep (which the skilful Countryman observes, and is much discouraged to put sheep thereon) which if enclosed, then would he so sever his grounds, that he would put  in each ground most agreeable to their nature; the dry Upland grounds for sheep, and the low wet grounds for his other ; and this would be so far from lessening the breed of sheep, that it will much increase them: for a good Husbandman will quickly find out what his Land his most fit for.  
Again, Commons generally are overgrown with Heath, Moss, Fearn or Brackin, Furzes or Gorst, etc. so that both sheep and other  must be still picking to keep them alive: And it is seldom seen, that those which are bred on Commons are of any great growth; but we find by experience, that generally the improvement of one sheep in pasture is more than of two that are kept on the Commons.  
It is further said and granted, That Wool is the great Staple Commodity of this Nation, and therefore ought chief to be preserved.  
I must acknowledge, that Wool is a clothing-blessing to this Nation, more than to any other, it being eminently useful for Manufactory, and that which Merchants trade with into many parts of the world, by which we at home are supplied with many conveniences. But observe, that the super-abundance of that commodity of Wool we now spare, is often exchanged for the supply of that which is of more absolute necessity; as Corn, which by enclosing might be procured at home. Wherefore judge, whether it be not much better to lessen our Wool, and thereby have plenty of Corn and  within our own Nation, then by selling our Wool to buy Corn in other Countries. For known to all, that Corn is of absolute necessity, and therefore primarily to be intended, it being by the Spirit of life called the staff of life, and having the best concocted spirits, and most suitable to the nature of man, it being of the immediate production of the Earth (as man was.) Our ancient and common Law, the very life (if actuated by the influence of Authority) of Common-Good, well provided, that distresses on the Plough should not be made; but so much cannot be said of Wool, though it be of good and great use. And although our Merchants are an honour to our Nations in most parts of the World, and do bring home many necessary Commodities, yet still it must give this honour, That Corn and  are of most absolute necessity: And that all foreign commodities and incommodities (as Wine, Silks, Spices, and Tobacco) are purchased with that which ariseth out of our own Nation, as that chief of Wool, Fish, Tin, and Led; all which (it's hoped) will be much improved to the increase of foreign Trade.  
To the third Objection, That Free and Copy-holders' have more benefit by Commons now, then if enclosed, etc.  
I answer, This benefit is not unto all that have a right to Common, but to some few that live near upon the Common; for others, that live but half a mile from the Common, have but little benefit thereof: And unless the , which are put thereon, be daily looked unto, they oftentimes stray so far (if not lost) that the time spent in looking after them, is more than the profit of the Commons comes to: And indeed those that have the largest purse, have the largest share on the Commons; by which means there is a petty Tyranny exercised: so that this Mystery of Oppression should be unravelled by the hand of Common-Good. And surely much better would it be for them to have two Acres enclosed, then to have a right to five Acres in Common, out of which cometh very little profit at present; and so long as it is in Common, no hopes of improvement for the future: And therefore I desire that the name of Commons at least may be altered; for its denomination is contrary to its nature, an old cloud generated to darken all that have not a Perspective to look beyond Tradition.  
By that little which hath been said, it may be easily discerned, that the present benefits by Commons are not of such great worth as many men would blow them up unto: And that, which will come far short of the good which may redound unto the Publique-wealth, if enclosed in that manner hereafter prescribed.    

SECT. II. In which is set forth the several Sorts of COMMONS.  
COmmons in England are of divers natures: As,  
1. First, Common-fields, which usually are near and about Towns or Villages, and ordinarily kept in Tillage.  
2. The second sort of Commons are those low grounds of Meadows or Marshes, that have the benefit of Rivers or Brooks, which overflowing them, make them fruitful, or otherwise of themselves are naturally so.  
3. A third sort of Commons are those that are commonly called Downs, and are chief for the keeping of sheep, being dry grounds, and not much cumbered with Bushes, Furzes, Fearn, Heath, or Moss.  
4. The fourth sort are such as are apt for Wood, and are overrun with bushes, which are most fit for the breed of young  and Horses.  
5. A fifth sort are that which are overspread with Furzes, Heath, and Moss, being such as most part of Wales doth abound with, and on which are Sheep and  of all sorts bred.  
6. The sixth sort are those of Forests and Chases, in which were great store of Red and Fallow Deer preserved, to the prejudice of the Inhabitants adjoining.  
My endeavour herein shall be to show how each of these may be improved to each particular man's interest, and so to the Commonwealth in general. I shall say but little to the three first of these, but shall chief insist on the great improvement that may be made on the three last: And my aim therein is Plenty, one means of a flourishing Commonwealth: And yet I would as much as possible preserve each man's particular interest. And that which I lay down for a ground whereon I mean to build, and to have an eye unto throughout my Discourse, shall be these three generals:  
First, The increase of those necessary Commodities which our Country doth naturally afford, and that chief Corn, , and Wood  
Secondly, The increase of Manufactory, and so consequently of Trade.  
The third is, of Strength and Safety.  
All which, I doubt not, will find acceptance with those, whom God by his wise Providence hath now placed in Authority, for the good of the Commonwealth.   

SECT. III. Wherein the Common-fields near Towns and Villages are treated of.  
FOr this first sort of Commons, there is very little loss to the Public thereby, the Owners thereof being necessitated to keep them in Tillage.  
But yet if enclosed, I desire it may be considered, if these benefits would not follow; as first, whether it would not be more profitable, if enclosed, and that every man had all his own ground at his own disposing, to make choice of those grounds most fit for Corn, and them to employ with less labour, less cost, and much more increase: for oftentimes it is seen, that the Common-fields are very much impoverished by continual ploughing, especially in light, sandy, and gravelly grounds, or in any other light ground where the soil is but shallow: And to such Land there must be a continual help by some kind of compass or other, else the Corn is thin and weak, and bears a small humble-Bee-Ear with few grains therein; so that the Husbandman hath very little increase in such Common-field ground. Besides, such light ground in wet years doth produce tares, and other weeds, very destructive to the Corn; all which would be avoided, if the Husbandman could make choice of his ground to such uses as his experience shall find it most fit for: And then his enclosed Ground, which now he is necessitated to keep for grazing (and is oftentimes overgrown with Moss and other rubbish) he would convert to Tillage, which would for two or three Crops, with little cost, bear twice so much Corn, as the Common-field-ground usually doth; if so (as I believe it will be granted by experienced Husbandmen) then there will be a very great improvement by the enclosing of those Common-fields; for if one Acre bear a double burden, than there is not only saved the one half of the seed, but also the one half of the work, which would be the Husbandman's great gain; for seed, and work to an Acre of Ground, is more than the Rent of four Acres of such ordinary barren Field-ground (we now speak of) comes to. Again, very much of such light ground, in two or three years after ploughing, bears better grass, then before it did, when not broken up; for such ground calls for the plough once in twelve or fourteen years, and will return to the Owner, not only his seed (which the Common-field Grounds come many years short of) but also a good increase, all clean, and without weeds.  
Another benefit to the Husbandman would be, that what remains after the Corn is taken off in Harvest, would be so disposed of in such an orderly way, either by grazing of , or otherwise, which to him would be more beneficial, then in Common. I have often seen at the end of Harvest, that men through covetousness of having the first of the grass in the Common-fields have thrust in their Milch Cows, and have thought they have gained much thereby, in saving two or three days grass, when as indeed they have lost  more in their Cow's milk, than they have saved by the grass for their other . Experience hath told many, that the stubble, and grass that is usually growing amongst the same, is of a dry benty nature, which so drieth up the milk, that it is seldom recovered at that time of the year, though again put in better pasture: the like you shall find if you put your Cows in any Meadow presently after the mowing thereof.  
Object. But some will object, That by enclosing, much ground is taken up with hedges and ditches; so what we get one way we lose another.   diagram of a square measuring sixty units on each side 
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SECT. FOUR Of Commons in rich Low grounds.  
FOr the second sort of Commons, which are your rich Low grounds, though very fruitful, yet have I seen very little that might not be made more profitable to each man's particular (that hath a right thereunto) by enclosing: For though it may be truly said of some part of this kind of land, that it bringeth forth as much now, as by Art it can be forced unto; yet I dare say, it is not so orderly disposed of for the general good, as it might be, were it enclosed: for although it hath neither Bush nor Bog, Moss nor Furze, so that the  have all the fruit; yet is not this in so orderly a way, (which Nature, as well as Policy, doth embrace) as otherwise it might be. For commonly all sorts of  are put on such grounds, though all good grounds are not good for all sorts of ; for some good grounds are good to feed , that are not good for Milch Cows. I know many such grounds, that if you put Milch Cows in them, they will feed so fast, that presently they become dry, or yield very little milk. Other grounds are good for horses and young beasts, that are not good for sheep. And if these rich grounds are kept till the grass have a good head, yet there is usually such thrusting in at first, that the grass is brought so short, that horses and sheep must be put to a labour to live upon it: so that if it were enclosed, it might be so ordered, Some for Meadowing, and some for Pasture, and other such uses as the several owners shall find it most fit, according to the several natures thereof.  
I may compare the disorderly feeding in those Common grounds, to an unskilful Master of a Ship, that having his ship well victualled for a long voyage, at his first going out is so prodigal thereof, that much more than what may well serve, is quickly wasted: but if he meet with a cross wind, (as oftentimes it falls out) then well if they can with small allowance keep themselves from starving; which an orderly disposing with providence at the first, would have prevented.   

SECT. V Of Commons which are plain Upland grounds.  
FOr the third sort of Commons, which are plain Upland grounds, such as the Downs in Hampshire, Wiltshire, and many other Western Counties; which are more fit for Sheep then any other : of which there will not be such an extraordinary benefit by enclosing, as by the other three sorts of Common next to be treated of. And it is not my purpose to force arguments that have not apparent reason in them; for should I do so, I should transgress my own Law. The work in hand is of a high nature; and I know, before it comes to application, it will be well weighed by wise men; and where the reasons given prove but a grain too light, they shall be cast by: and I am not over-confident of the success.  
I know there are many that have set themselves against it. I have long desired that some of more able parts than myself would have taken the discourse of this subject upon them; and earnestly desire, that the Reasons I here give, with their own, may be improved to the advantage of the Public, which in this is my aim.  
If this doth but prepare the minds of some Countrymen (who are Common proof, and are now led more by Tradition then Reason; who have no more to say for this, then for their Religion; It was thought well of by our forefathers, and they were as wise then, as you are now, etc.) to a willingness, when those that are in Authority (and trusties for their good) shall do them good against their will (for against the wills of many it must be, or else it never will be) by Commissioning such as they shall think fit in each County, for the work; if so, than my labour will not be lost. I endeavour no more the enclosing of Commons, then where the enclosing may redound to the Common Good. And therefore I say no more but this, (to those that have an interest in such Commons which are of the nature of this third sort) That enclosing by good Quick-fences, would keep the ground warm, and it would be a good shelter in a storm: and what ground soever of it is subject to Moss, the Plough once or twice in twenty years would better it: and those that have had experience will tell you, that change of feeding  will make the ground more fruitful: As for example, that ground you usually keep for your Pasture, if you graze it but one or two years with sheep, it shall be far more fruitful for milk two or three years after. Again, oftentimes we see dainty Springs that run stealing thorough some pleasant bottoms; which if enclosed, would be of very great use either for raising of Corn, Pasturage for , or pleasant Groves.   

SECT. VI Of Commons which are apt for Wood, and overspread with Bushes.  
FOr this fourth sort of Common, to wit, Wood-ground, if enclosed, the improvement would be very great; for now there is little wood, little grass, very few sheep, no corn; so that five acres of this land now, doth not produce so much fruit as one acre would do if enclosed; for now the ground is so overspread with bushes, that there is little else but a shady four grass, which is of no other use but for the breed of young beasts and horses; and those there bred, are of small growth.  
And as for the wood, it is seldom that any young plant steals thorough the midst of a bush, & so escapes the cattle's nipping; and if it doth escape the mouth of , and come to some growth, yet it is then as seldom seen that it escapes the (indeed violent) hands of men: for usually if it come thus far, it must suffer a remove, either to the fire, or to the hedge, or to some other such like uses. But if it haply escapes all these, yet it is still liable to such lopping and topping, that it cometh to be but a knotty pollard; and at last, after it hath long cumbered the ground, it serves for no more at best but for a doted log to lie behind the fire.  
And as for the young  that are there bred, their feed is so much upon Hazel, Oak, or Hawthorn-bushes, that their teeth are worn to stumps before they come to be four years old. And if some sheep are in the winter put there for shelter, and that when deep snow is, they may feed on the bushes; yet they leave there hanging much of their fine wool, for a requital of their safety.  
Now were these Commons enclosed, it would much redound to the benefit of the Commonwealth, and to every of those in particular that have a right therein: for many Commons of this nature are very good grounds, and there may be found good pastures for the rearing or feeding of sheep and all other sorts of ; so that the same quantity of land which in such Commons will now maintain but twenty , (and those of small bone) would then maintain one hundred of very large growth. There may in many places thereof be had goodly Meadows, and other parts may be fit for Corn, and some other parts thereof not so fit for any of the last mentioned uses, yet very apt for wood, and would produce very gallant trees, which in a few years will be precious in this Nation, if some speedy course be not taken for the preservation of timber.   

SECT. VII. Commons cumbered with Thorns, Briers, Heath, Moss, etc.  
THe fifth sort of Commons, which are cumbered with thorns, briers, furzes, fern, heath, moss, and such like unprofitable fruit, the soil thereof is in many places so pestilent both to  and sheep, by reason of those many Gauls, Moorish Bogs, and cankered Puddles or Lakes, that it it occasions many diseases, as the Mountain-evil, the Giddy, the Rot, etc. Nay, there is such an unkindliness in many of these grounds, that it hath an influence on the very bodies of men that inhabit those parts; all which might be made both healthful and fruitful, were they enclosed; and great increase would accrue thereby, of all sorts of , sheep, corn, and wood, to every man, both poor and rich, that hath his particular interest therein; and so be both honourable and beneficial to the Commonwealth in general.  
I dare say, that many of you that have your enclosures near those vast Commons which are mountainous and bleak, can say that your now-enclosed grounds would be much more fruitful, were those Commons enclosed also: for it is often seen, that those cutting winds that have their free passage the row many vast Commons, and also the thick mists that are occasioned by those rotten boggy grounds, causeth much unkindliness both in corn and grass: for, in the time of your corn-blowing, you say those bleak winds blow the blossoms off (the ear) before it be ripe, so that the grain in the ear is small and horny, and will yield but very little flour, especially in the top and bottom thereof. And in harvest these winds have oftentimes such a clear passage, without any interposition (of hedges or trees) that the ripest and best corn is blown forth before it comes to the Sickle.  
Again, look on your Commons with an indifferent judgement, and tell me if you have not seen much of it of which you can say, that that piece which now bears little else but Moss, and rubbish matter, were it enclosed would bear excellent Corn. And do you not look on another piece of Moorish ground that now bears little but Peny-grass, or by some called Liver-grass (which kills many thousands of your sheep year by year) and you find the very form and colour of it in their Livers, and can say that the sheep feeding on such ground kills them; and can also say, that much of that ground, were it enclosed and drained, would be worth ten or twenty shillings the acre by the year, which now is worth less than nothing, for that it breeds the Rot and many other diseases in your sheep, to their great mortality, and no little loss to the Commonwealth? And I pray tell me (if you can) of any man that ever went about to better such ground thus in Common, by expending five shillings thereon, though so much would better the ground five pounds twice told: for my part, I can hear of none; and knew I any such, I would here name and commend him for a good Commonwealths man. In this, the Proverb is good, That that which is every man's, is no man's: for no man takes care for the bettering of Commons.  
I dare say, had they such grounds in the Low-Countries as many of our unprofitable Commons are, they would build Villages, Towns, and Cities, and maintain an hundred thous●nd families, which with us do not maintain many thousands of persons, as now they are used.  
What, hath not God made us a Commonwealth as well as them? Are not we to bless God for it, by improving those blessings he bestows on us to the best advantage, that the many thousands unborn may bless God for the Change he hath wrought for us, by putting the opportunity of doing good in our hands? If now then we neglect these excellent improvements, we may thank ourselves; (the lot is cast into the lap.) It puts not me alone, but all the world in admiration, what the Lord will do by us, that hath put three such great Kingdoms into this our one Commonwealth, which naturally offer unto us such variety of Improvements, that no one Nation of the world can parallel. Hath God given us so much rich ground that now lies Common (I may almost say useless) situate extraordinarily convenient to many Navigable Rivers, and offer themselves very natural and apt for the planting of Woods, whereby our Shipping may be for ever maintained, and our Nation thereby (so far as means can go) made strong and safe? And hath God furnished us with all needful riches of Inland-commodities, that no one part of the world hath more, that are of so real a worth, and hath seated these Isles of our Commonwealth in the midst of those Seas that do abound with such riches, that our neighbour-nation must be beholden to us for a great part of their livelihood; I mean, the variety of Fish and Fishing, which oothers cannot have without our leave (notwithstanding the mare liberum that floats in so many men's brains, who indeed have no English saltitude, and therefore too bad to have rest on a dunghill? Set up then your Fishing Busses; and let those twice forty thousand hands in building of Busses, and making of Nets, be an employment for our own Poor (that now are both idle and chargeable) which our neighbour-nation hath now the benefit of: and let not the greater good, by enclosing the Commons, be neglected: for thereby will be a great increase, and a good change, when sixty acres of your Common ground that would not keep above sixty sheep, will then keep an hundred sheep, six beasts, and a horse.  
I pray consider, if one and twenty acres were ploughed and sowed for two or three years, and then let lie for grass again, if it would not keep more  and sheep than sixty six acres would do when it lay overrun with Moss and other rubbish.  
It is verily believed by good experienced men, that the very sraw and after-grass that would arise from fourteen acres of the one and twenty acres kept in Tillage, will keep more  than all the sixty six acres would do in such Commons as now we treat of, if wisely ordered according to the nature of the soil, by turning Tillage into Pasture, and Pasture into Tillage; which you may do (if enclosed) at your pleasure, to your great advantage: and the dung that will be made of the straw, will be a constant supply to keep your ground in continual heart.  
I know very many Commons so large, that a Freeholder that hath not thirty three acres of Enclosure belonging to his tenement, would then by his right of Common have sixtysix acres more come to his share, were the Commons enclosed. And were then those sixty six orderly disposed of, (as thus) forty two acres in Meadow and Pasture, and three acres to plant with Wood, and the other one and twenty acres in Tillage, to sow yearly with Rye, Wheat, Barley, Oats, or what other kind of grain it is most fit for. If this orderly way were taken, the now-Freeholder, with this additional enclosure, might have a full employment for his many children, which now in most parts are brought up very idly, having little to do but to look after a few sheep scattering on the Common.  
The greatest Objection against the enclosing of such Commons as are overspread with Heath, is, (say some) Our  and sheep will make a good shift to live on it in a hard Winter, when fodder is scarce.  
Answ. It must be granted, that Necessity will force to Endeavour, especially where it is for life: but as for nourishment by such feeding, there is very little in your great old Heath, which oftentimes you are necessitated to put fire into, that so young Heath (that is tender) may come up for your , or otherwise that they may come to a better feed, which is the grass that groweth at the bottom of such Heath. And surely you would say, that could you turn it all to grass, it would be much better, and a more thriving feed for your . Nay, there are many, that could they have it enclosed at the worst, (that is) if no better should grow on it then Heath; yet so, they could make more benefit of it then as now, it lying in Common: for then, the poor man not able to stock, may rend out his ground; the richer man may so order it, that he may feed therein what  it is most agreeable unto: and then at all times he knows where to look for his ; but in Common he must oftentimes look for them two or three miles, and sometimes more, there being neither gate nor hedge to keep them from straying: and this gives great encouragement to a thievish heart to fall to stealing (which experience tells us in many large Commons:) so that if in the worst condition, these and all other grounds would be more profitable if enclosed. But I know not any but that may be improved: there is much of this ground very good for Corn, especially where the soil is deep, and of a fast earth. I have seen of this sort of ground, that by the husbandry of Betting and Burning, there hath been a very great increase: and although this kind of Husbandry is destructive to many fine grounds, where the soil is shallow, as experience tells Landlords in Hampshire, and in other places where the soil is of the like nature, (where none but short leased tenants have the benefit of this husbandry;) yet where the ground is cold, and the soil deep, there this husbandry may be called good.  
And if the soil be hollow, lose, and black, like your Moorish ground, it will bear excellent good Oats (a Grain no whit inferior to that we have in most esteem amongst us:) and the ploughing of such ground doth beget a very good grass. If you look on the Forest of Windsor, in which there are many places of it as bad grounds of this Heathy nature (as ever I saw) yet the Enclosures adjoynining (though but a Hedge between) doth produce either Corn, Grass, or Wood; and surely the worst of that bad, where it enclosed (with husbandry) would be much bettered; therefore seeing the worst may be much improved, be you encouraged that God hath given but one ralent of ability unto in this way of improvement; wrap it not up in a Napkin, but exercise your parts, and be at some little cost in setting poor labourers on work, to enclose by ditching and setting Quick; let there be but care taken to make choice of such kinds of sets your ground is most apt for, as also to plant it at fit seasons of the year, and trust God with the blessing. For there's no ground in England, but, with good Husbandry, will bear some kind of wood or other (except it be some land near the Seaside:) The benefit that will come to many hereby, will be seen quickly to hasten the increase of all Husbandry, Manufactory, Trade, & the greatest Merchandise: Therefore my desire to all my Countrymen is, that you would not content yourselves to hear or see these improvements afar off, but labour to bring it home with your own hands, and your enjoyments shall be very great: Petition those that are in Authority that they would Commission such that may with wisdom and all indifference draw out the lines, so to make the Dividend, that there may be no complaining; but all might rejoice to see the poor made rich, and the rich yet more rich.  
How pleasurable and how profitable would it be to see one part of the Commons converted to Corn, another part to Meadowing, another to Pasture, and another part to dainty Groves, and pleasant Woods; and to see the man that lived very poor, and his many children wandering from door to door begging their bread, now all of them employed, some ploughing, some planting, some milking Cows of their own, and joyfully eating the fruit of their own labour!   

SECT. VIII. Which treateth of Forests and Chases.  
A Sixth sort of Commons are those of Forests and Chases. Of these I need say but little; all men's eyes are on them, and every man's judgement can reach to say, that Enclosures here would be of singular advantage to the Commonwealth. If you would have asked the Countryman that lived near those Forests, and had right of Common therein (when his honest and painful labour had raised his hopes to a crop of good Corn) but thirty years ago, whether he would have been willing to have the Forest enclosed, He would have said, Yea, with all his heart. If you had asked him whether it would have been good for the Commonwealth in general, he would then have said, Yes sure; and would have given you many reasons for it: one reason would have been, We now lie under Forest-laws, which are made chief for the preserving of Deer; which is very prejudicial not only to us here living, in particular, but to the Commonwealth in general. As for our own Enclosures, we cannot make the best advantage of them; we dare not: for if we do, what with Hunting, and the Deers feeding, we have most of our Corn spoiled: and if five hundred Dear lie in our Corn all night, and we kill any one of them, it is a hanging matter. And if we keep but a dog (especially with claws) to hunt them out, upon any displeasure taken by an under Ranger, we should presently be complained of, and our punishment would be greater than the loss of all our corn. Another reason would be, that in many Forests sheep are no Commonable ; and surely this is a great prejudice to the Commonwealth; for Wool is one of the greatest riches in England: and had we that benefit of keeping sheep, than our servants which we are necessitated to keep (all the year for Summer's work) and our children, would have a full employment in the Winter, by Carding, and Spinning, and Knitting: then we should not only make Cloth for our own families (which now we buy) but for others also; and it would be a good means to advance our Clothing for foreign Trade, and many hands would thereby be employed.  
And were the Forests and Chases enclosed, by the wise ordering of them, there would be a great advantage to the Commonwealth: for then there may be care taken that the Forest of Dean, so famous for Ship-timber (not to be paralleled) might again flourish with goodly trees; which to waste, comes not far short of Treason: and that goodly Forest of Waltham, so apt for Wood and Grass, and lying so convenient to a Navigable River, may abound with , and gallant Timber: And that Upland and now-Bushie Chase of Enfield, will then be loaded with Corn and Sheep.  
And do not those rich grounds in Needwood-Forest (or Chase) and that large Forest of Sherwood, with many more of the like or better nature, all offer themselves, with abundance of fruitfulness to this Nation, were they enclosed?  
Surely the great increase of Riches to this Nation, cannot but be foreseen by wise men, if those fruitful grounds now lying in Common, and much of it waste and unoccupied, were once enclosed: insomuch that those good Commonwealthsmen that have their eyes upon it, will say, and do believe, that were the Commons enclosed, there would be sufficient for a third part of people more than are now in England. (I do not go so high.) Others think, were they enclosed, they would maintain an eighth part more. (My thoughts are not so low.)  
But many there are which do believe (of which I am one) that, were they enclosed, there would be plenty for a fifth part more, and employment for many hundred thousand labouring hands more than are now in England, which this Nation (so apt for Procreation) is now necessitated to part with (for want of employment;) and to other Plantations they go, where the Air is no whit agreeable to their constitutions, and so they quickly return to their dust; which for many years (till these Commons were fully peopled) by enclosing would be in a very great measure prevented, and we should here at home enjoy the benefit of their endeavours with us; which would greatly enrich and strengthen us: for thereby (if need should be) there would in few years be added to our gallant Soldiery an Auxiliary of twenty thousand men, able and ready to oppose any foreign Enemy, either by Sea or Land.  
I might have added many more Reasons, for an encouragement to the enclosing of Commons, and answered some toyish Objections, with which I am not willing to swell up this Book, for that it would make it more tedious to the judicious Reader.  
If that which hath been said do but point out the great good to the Commonwealth which at first I laid down in my three general grounds, I shall therein rejoice, when others, and those many hundred thousands, shall receive the benefit thereof.  
I cannot see wherein it should be doubted of other then of a very great increase of all necessary Commodities which our Nation doth naturally afford, if those many fruitful Commons were enclosed: for than we should have such variety of soils, that we might very plentifully be furnished with those Commodities which come from other Countries, and we now are many times necessitated to be beholden to them for, as Corn, which some years were we not supplied with from other parts, we should be brought to great straits: which by God's blessing on the Husbandman's labour in those rich grounds in many Commons, would be prevented. And much of that ground which now lieth waste, would be very apt for Hemp and Flax (commodities too much neglected amongst us) and we thereby might employ many hands of our own, and be very plentifully furnished with the most needful Linen, which now in a great part we have from other Countries.  
As for the benefit which will be to this Nation, by draining and severing the Fens, every one may now see, as in the rich feedings, the getting of Corn, Hemp, and Flax, the abundance of Oil, and many others, all which at the first undertaking was very much opposed by many thousands, who do enjoy, and can speak of (by good experience) the great commodities that those Countries receive thereby.  
Another increase of the Native Commodities by enclosing, will be in Cattles and Wood; for much of those grounds that yield but little now (other than Moss, Furze, Brackin, and such unfruitful matter) would then produce fruitful grass, which would redound much to the increase of all sort of cattles, and the increase of timber will not be the least commodity; the late decay thereof our enemies did rejoice in, as some can well remember, when those notable Popish Politicians (Sir ●ohn Winter, Sir Bazill Brooks, and Mr. Minn, Rome's Agents) had designed the destruction of those goodly woods in the Forest of Dean, and truly our friends cannot take any great joy in the great waist that hath been made since.  
And what a great strength to our Nation shipping is, and what a multitude of people are employed, and maintained thereby, is very visible to all wise men: I dare not enter into particulars, for should I, they are so many, they would make a great volume, and my intentions of half an hours reading would be disappointed.  
It is seen by many, that Trade and Manufactory doth very much depend upon our preserving and improveing our Native commodities; all foreign commodities must be obtained by those of our own Country. Now those which chief maintain foreign commodities, are fish (I call it ours, for we have had prescription for many Ages, that which the Law of Nations (if it be granted that there be any) doth maintain as one of its purest begotten Issue) Wool, Tin, and Led; and although many of our other Native commodities are of more absolute necessity, yet these are not to be neglected; and it's not to be doubted, but our God, who hath so wonderfully blest our faithful trusties with wisdom to this day, will be still with them in their Christian care, and willing endeavours in these so necessary works for the universal good of all (the three Nations now united) in this our Commonwealth, and here though collaterally to my work, I must say that that Noble Act of making conquered Scotlond one free body with us, (and what if our Sea neighbours were thus incorporated) a Maxim which the Roman and Venetian States never admitted, may be more subservient to common liberty, than thirty Armies, but enough of this dish at this season.   

SECT. IX. The way and manner of enclosing Commons.  
MAny will say the work of itself is good, if such a way might be found that might preserve each man's right.  
Now if I might have but this granted me, that it is but right that the poor aught to be maintained one way or other, (which surely good men will confess) then do but observe these my humble Proposals, and I doubt not but satisfaction will be given.  
First, then for all those Commons in which men have an undivided right, for to them only I shall now direct the remaining part of my discourse. Let the Commons in England, in this I except Wales, having for them a further intention, be divided into four equal parts, and let one of these four be first set a part for the good of the poor, to the uses following.  
Out of this fourth part, let the present Cottagers be first provided for, and let respect be had to the number of each Family, that so allowance may be made accordingly, and let twenty, thirty, or forty Acres, more or less be laid to every Cottage: as for example, if there be a Common of twelve hundred Acres, out of that let three hundred Acres be allotted for the poor. Now suppose you have of poor four Families that are Cottagers, the one having four, the other six, the third eight, and the fourth ten persons in their several Families, if it shall be thought fit, let there be twenty Acres allowed to the first, thirty Acres to the second, forty Acres to the third, and fifty Acres to the fourth, in all one hundred and forty Acres: so of the first fourth part, there will be one hundred and sixty Acres remaining; out of which one hundred and sixty acres, it would do well to consider the number of poor that are in each Parish, besides those that have Cottages on the Commons, and are maintained by the Parish, and that one third or fourth part, more or less, be allowed to that Parish for a constant relief of their poor.  
This being done, let those Cottagers, to whom this land shall ye allotted, have a lease thereof for term of years, or for two or three lives, and that at a very easy rent, not to be more than the fifth part of the present truevalue, respect being had to the charges of enclosing and fencing thereof; as thus, if the Land be worth twenty pence the acre per annum, and there be thirty acres laid to a Cottage, then let the Cottager pay during his life seven, eight, or ten shillings yearly at the most, and by this means, he that is poor this year, will be made rich in a very few years after, for there will be now employment for the many hands in his Family, some digging and planting both in garden and Orchard, some ploughing for Corn, Hemp, and Flax, some one way, some another, all carefully labouring with their hands, that so they may enjoy the fruit thereof.  
Ob. But it will be asked how the rent reserved on these Cottages, as also the improvement at the expiration of their leases, and likewise the remainder of the fourth part of the Common shall be employed?  
An. I answer, let the remainder of the fourth part, not disposed of to the Cottagers, be let by lease, or otherwise for a yearly rent, and let that rent, and the reserved rent on the Cottagers, with their improved rent upon the expiration of the leases, be employed in raising work-houses, and stock to set the poor on work in those places most needful, which I look on as a living way, for the supply of the decays in stock, for lack of which heretofore many worthy undertake have in a short time fallen to the ground; for it is not to be expected, that the increase of such works should maintain themselves, by reason that such works have many Overseers, and Directors that must be maintained by a Salary; and something must be allowed to supply the defects of those weaker hands, that cannot get sufficient for their own livelihood; and the advantage would be great to the Commonwealth, if the labour, in some serviceable commodittes, would maintain but the one half of those idle persons that go wand'ring, and now live by filching, stealing, roguing, drabbing, and beg from door to door.  
I have many times offered to many of those idle persons, both men and women, six pence by the day to work, they have answered, they cannot live on it, and as good play for nothing, as work for nothing. By which it may be gathered, that they like drones, never labouring, do spend out of that which others labour for, each of them six pence a day, so that if there be but two hundred thousand of these idle persons in England, and but the one half of them able to work; there is a daily waist to the Commonwealth of two thousand five hundred pounds, which amounts unto per annum nine hundred twelve thousand five hundred pounds, a sum that would help well toward the maintaining of a gallant Army. Now if but one half of this were got by their work, and the other half supplied, it would be a great saving to this Nation yearly. If then you would reform these great evils, enclose your Commons, and down with those many thousands of blind Alehouses, which are fit for nothing but to uphold drunkenness, idleness, roguery, whoredom, and increase beggary and erect workhouses, for this is one great means to make the poor rich, and the rich yet more rich; and were these many idle persons set to work, it would not only be an inrichment of, but a great honour to our Nation.  
Ob. But here it will be objected, that many of these Cottages are new erections, and ought not by the Statute to be suffered or contained.  
An. My answer is, that you have either given way to the building of them for the ease of your Parish, or out of a base fear of your Lord. The Parish sometimes wants habitation for their poor, and then with consent of the Lord there is a new erection, and for which there are very few Lords, but contrary to Law do receive rend, so that he careth not how many are erected. Again, many times the Lord gives way to erect without consent, either of Free, or Copyholder, and if such are presented, yet very seldom redressed: The Statute doth as well say, that the poor being admitted, and continued a short time in the Parish, they have a right of habitation within the Parish, and must be provided for: but such hath been the cruelty of the former inclosers, that not only those new Erections, but old and new all together have been thrust our, and Might hath herein (as too often) overcome right, and thereby the poor inhabitants necessitated to seek their bread from door to door, which doubtless hath been a crying sin, and it is very like that those which have so done, have had the curse of these poor fallen on them, or their Families: therefore my advice is, that they all be provided for proportionably according to the number of their Families, and then you may expect a blessing; for the Lord hath said it, Blessed are the merciful. And here cast thy bread on the waters, and thou shalt find it after many days; ages to come shall bless God that such mercy hath been shown in our days, and that common curse shall be turned into a blessing to your children's children for many Generations.  
For the other three parts, let the one fourth go to the Lord, and the other three to the Free and Copyholders, that have a right thereunto, or rather let the Free and Copy holder's have the whole, and pay the Lord an easy quit rend for each acre that shall be enclosed.  
But whosoever encloseth, let him be strictly enjoined, that every twentieth acre, besides hedges, be planted with wood, which may be so ordered, that to such grounds it will be a great good, and time may make it of much advantage to the Commonwealth, especially where near navigable rivers, for preserving of wood will not be the least advantage to this Nation, Country men put it in practice? what with your hedges, and those dainty scattered little groves in which you will not only have a great delight, but much profit; for it will keep your ground warm, and thereby make it more fruitful, it will be a good shelter, both to your corn, sheep, and other cattles; you may bedeck your hedges with Pear-trees, and Appletrees, in which you will find a great increase, and take much pleasure. Let the example of Worcester and Hereford shires invite you to this. Again, let the inclosers be enjoined to leave good large high▪ ways, and so left to be by them maintained; but as for those large Commons in Wales; and here may be taken in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and other of those Northern Counties, that do abound with Commons and ignorance, I desire it may be considered, if not requisite to a quiet in Government, that learning be furthered, and that by dividing those large Commons into five equal parts, and that one fifth part thereof should be subdivided, the one Moiety thereof to maintain a free School in every Parish, to teach the English letter, which some poor honest man or woman would undertake for a very small stipend, between five or ten pounds per annum, and all men's children should there be taught freely; and if the Parishes lie near and convenient, than one School may serve two Parishes, this would encourage the poor to send their children sometimes, when they have little to do for them, and thereby attain to some little learning, which would tend much to the civilising of them, and all may acquire so much, as may make them fit for a higher School.  
The other Moiety of the fifth part may be well employed for the maintenance of a Latin free School, and these to be so seated in the several Counties, that men need not send their children above five or six miles at farthest, if so, then poor men would be encouraged to send their children on Monday morning, with a loaf and a cheese, or what other provision they could afford, and have them return home on Saturday night, whereby they may look to them themselves, & not be at charges for others to do it, this little part of those vast Commons thus employed, would not be lost, but found to be of great advantage to their Posterity.  
I am sure the present constitution of Schools is such, as argues a deficiency in our young Government; and I judge the education of youth is more influential than judged by many pretenders to skill in civil Government; and there are notions of this subject, which if applied, after a few years, each of them may be of a more conservative nature to our home-peace then thousand armed men: and as to proficiency in learning, it is not the Genius of youth in general, but as now the estates of a few rich parents, that force the uninclined child to seek knowledge, not knowing that who ever is wise is born so, and that learning is but the improvement of natural reason, which is graduated according to the constitution.  
The other four parts may be disposed of, as before is advised.  
But the carrying on of this work from first to last, must be by that great authority of Parliament; it is to be wished it might be done by these in present power, that so this may be in the Catalogue of their other many good works, for it will not be the least; and that by commissioning some in each County, men both discreet and honest, a greater want than that of money, so that with all indifferency they make the dividend without partiality to each (according to their several interests) their due proportion; if this course be taken, the success will be good, for God will give a blessing thereunto.   

SECT. X. Treating of the manner of enclosing Forests and Chases, with some brief directions for planting and preserving Wood, that so it may be a provision for our Navy to all Generations.  
NOw for the enclosing of Forests and Chases, a work of very great concernment, and aught to be warily handled by the most able and wisest men) those that have a right of Common in these, yet have not such privileges as those others, that have a right to most of those Commons formerly spoken of; and therefore are not to expect so large a proportion to their own particular. For many of such, who live within the Regard of the Forests, heretofore would have been glad to have parted with their right of Common▪ upon condition they might have freely enjoyed the like privileges as other men in their own particular land enclosed▪ For besides their spoil in corn, their pastures and mowing grass may in some sort be said to be common, for they must leave places on purpose in their hedges for the Deer to come in, and when they were in and lodged, they might not disturb them, and fortheir Woods they may not fall any without licence, and many such like inconveniences. But what is each man's particular right to the soil, and what proportion ought to be allowed them, I shall not prescribe, but leave it to their wisdom, who have a power to dispose of more or less, to each man as they shall see good reason for.  
I shall only speak to the manner of enclosing and disposing, and in that I shall desire consideration might be had to the preserving of Timber for a constant and certain supply of the Navy.  
As first to set apart so much ground as is most apt for Wood, and most near adjoining to a navigable river, not distant above three or four miles; and of this ground so fit and convenient, there may be found thirty thousand acres for that purpose; as a great part of the Forest of Dean near Severn side, some part of the new Forest near the Sea. That which is most apt for Wood in the Forest of Windsor near the Thames, much of Waltham Forrest, and Enfield Chase, many other places there be as convenient as these, out of which may be preserved from sale, so much as would for after ages be sufficient to build and maintain shipping, if carefully kept, to all Generations; for this purpose, let there be choice made of men skilful▪ industrious, and faithful, to whose care the charge of planting and preserving shall be committed. Those who are employed for that purpose, must first see that the grounds be well fenced with pale or quick, or rather both, with a good M●und and Dich, that all sort; of cattles may be kept out; for if any cattles come in, before the trees are grown so high as to be out of their reach, there will be very much spoil made, then let there be so many acres prepared by ploughing or digging, as may be well compassed to plant that year, and so yearly till all the ground be planted, either by setting young sets, or sowing of acorns, but sowing of acorns is to be preferred before the other, for they will sooner come to perfection, and be both straight and tall: besides these springing up thick may be removed the next year, but then with them must be tak●n up a good quantity of earth, and little holes prepared for them, or rather ploughed furrows in the place, to which you remove them: when you thus first fit your ground with the plough, raise it up in little ridges, and then you may with a light plough make a furrow on each side the Ridge, and if your Ridge be big enough, let there be one furrow on the top thereof; in these furrows you may put your acorns indifferently thick, but let your furrows be two foot asunder, that so you may with more safety go between, to weed or remove as you still shall have occasion. These plants should be dressed by hoeing or kybing for two or three years, that so the weeds may be killed, and fresh earth put to the plants, till of themselves they top the weeds or grass; but if you use the Ho, take heed you bruise not the plants, for if you do, they carry it with them till they come to be trees; these may grow together to thirty years' growth, and so they will preserve each other from the winds: if the wind have a full stroke at them, and they thin, it will bend them, and sometimes bruise them, which many times is the cause of that in Timber which we call Cup, or Windshakes.  
At thirty years let them be garbled, taking the worst away by grubbing or cutting, leaving the most kindly plants for Timber, which wood so taken away, may be sold, or otherwise disposed of, as the State sh●l think fit, this would be again done, when they come to be of seventy or eighty years' growth, leaving still the most kindly for Timber; each tree than should have ten foot of ground to spread itself in, and so you may expect in each acre, on this account, four hundred and eighty trees (if none miscarry) so that after two hundred years, if you reserve thirty thousand acres, you may have one hundred and fifty acres yearly at a good full growth for your use, which may be disposed of as the State shall still see cause; and when great trees are made use of, it were good they were stocked up by the roots, for if cut, than the roots will cumber the ground so, that there cannot be a new planting till these roots are rotten, which will be long, or else there must be a stocking after the fall, which will be far more chargeable than if they had been stocked at the first; besides if you cut a tree down, there's great waist of Timber; for the kirfe (if it be a great tree) is so deep, that usually there's five or six foot of square Timber lost, being hewed into chips, which would be saved if stocked up, and sawed close to the root; if you cleave this great root, and make it into Charcoal, it will pay the charge: the hole in the ground out of which the great root is taken must be leveled with the plough, or otherwise filled up, for if you set any plant again in that place, it seldom ever cometh to be a kindly tree, the old tree by her many great roots having sucked from the earth that which was most fit for nourishment; therefore it should be often ploughed before it will be fit to plant again, and if it were sowed with corn a year or two after, before it be again planted, it would be much better: These brief directions I thought fit to insert for the help of those not experienced skilful, if it should happen such should be called to this work.  
Ob. But it will be objected, that this way will be very chargeable to the Commonwealth, and long before any profit will come to the same thereby.  
An. I answer, it is natural for man to labour for posterity, his children being truly said to be his more living parts, and it is God that giveth man that providence; had not God inclined man's heart to this disposition, we had had but little Timber to build Ships with at this time. It is said of the Indians in China, that the great Grandfather prepares the earth (that our fine China dishes are made of) for the great Grandchild to reap the benefit of it two hundred years after, and surely if they do this for the enriching of a particular, we ought to do much more for a general safety, and it's better begun once then never; some will say, that's never long, which comes at last.  
Another objection is, that we have many Plantations, as New-England, and others, out of which we have very good and plenty of Timber, and we can have this brought at a cheaper rate, than we can bring our own now growing, to our Docks, or Wharfes.  
I answer, for bringing Timber to the Wharfes or Docks, when you fetch it ten or fifteen miles from a navigable river, it cannot be expected to come at a cheap rate; but if this course be taken, to plant near navigable rivers, it cannot be reasonably imagined, that it should be cheaper farther fetched, then near at hand.  
And to trust to foreign plantations for our Timber, I hope it will be the wisdom of the State to do otherwise then rely on uncertainties deficiency; If we should have difference with other Nations, their work would be to cut off our supplies, which our own practice teacheth; if we besiege a Town or Castle, we presently inquire after their chief supply, and can we but cut off their conduit pipes, we know the place will be quickly ours; it's good and sure work to have our supplies within ourselves, and if the enemies should once find that we were defective in Timber for shipping, it would be a greater encouragement to them, than if we were in want of money to pay our soldiers; for the affection of man can supply this want, but nothing can the other. And it's the wisdom of a State in all things of great concernment, to take the safest way, and not put themselves upon uncertainties, if possible it may be otherwise; if it be but in so small a matter as bringing the Records from the Tower to Westminster, although they may probably come safely by water for twelve pence, yet it is accounted prudence to have them carried by Land, though it usually costs three or four shillings.  
Ob. It is farther objected, that if our Plantations fail, yet our trade will fetch both Timber and Ships at all times, as the Hollanders now do that have no Timber growing, for it's usually said, that though trade be sick, it will never die.  
An. To these I answer, it is not good to adventure a sickness, when we may be sure of a continuated health; the best use of sickness is, that we may see there's a great happiness in health, and those that have been in some desperate disease, will take care to prevent the falling into it again, and the disease of sickness in trade may be such, as that it may seize not only on the humours, but on the very spirits of a Commonwealth; in which, though those guided by sense cannot discern, yet those of reason find it to be of a more deadly nature than the former; thereby we may be made as unable to help ourselves as the Shechemites were. The story is famous of that almost universal league at Cambray, by Pope Julius the second, and most of the Princes of Europe against poor Venice, whom because emulated (which may be our case) by all the Neighbour Nations, they would have destroyed her as at once, and so had done, had she not most subtly complemented with the Emperor, bowed to the Pope, strained herself to nothing, that she might have but a being in the world. If such a league as this be within two years of this time, it will teach us such a one may be in future ages.  
The Hollanders indeed have been a provident people, and have their stores before hand, and have kept peace with those from whom they have had their greatest supply of Timber; but there's no such thing entailed on them, that they shall always have trade and safety, time may come that they may have as much need of friends hereafter, as formerly they had need of us; it is good wisdom to keep old friends, for such friendship is not easily found; however they have prospered, all have not done so, and though we know that want makes a man wise, yet I never heard of that desire, that had want for its object. There is a possibility of wanting provisions for shipping, when only by trade it is to be obtained from other Countries, there is a certainty we may be provided for by our own at home, it is good to choose the surest way. I wish that Old and New-England may prosper together; but sure I am, if the Timber in New-England be once wasted near the Sea side, it will be more hard for them to bring it out of the main Land to the Sea, then for Old-England that hath it adjoining to some navigable river, if not to the Sea itself. And as for the goodness of it (if we can speak by experience it is well) yet I have not heard of any better than Old-England affords. I therefore conclude, and believe it will be most sure and safe to preserve, and improve our own Native commodities.  
But in case this be not approved of, and all the Forest Lands must be sold (as some do report) than I humbly beg leave to propose another way for the preserving of Timber, which before sale may be provided for.  
First, let there be an account taken of all the Timber, of what kind soever, now growing in the Forests and Chases, that are now to be sold, both quantity, quality, and value, in each division of Forest and Chase, and let the account be brought to those that shall be appointed for the sale thereof.  
Secondly, then let it be considered, how many ships are fit to be built, and charged yearly for thirty or forty years, more or less, and if the number of five, six, or seven, more or less are yearly to be built, the certain number being known, then let the Commissioners of the Navy, or some other, send unto those which shall be appointed for sale, the several qualities useful for shipping, whether Oak, Ash, Beech, Elm, Chesnut, or other wood, and quantity of each quality, proportioning of each quality so many load, as in the whole all sorts shall amount unto the full number of loads which yearly must be expended on those ships so ascertained to be furnished out of the Forests and Chases. Then let those that shall be employed for sale make the apportionment, and fix it on each Forest and Chace so much yearly for so many years as shall be appointed for the same; and thus apportioned, let the purchaser of those lands give good security (by his lands) to serve in so many loads yearly of good sound & serviceable timber at such Wharf or Wharves as shall be first agreed upon to be most convenient for the building of the foresaid ships; if the State shall think fit, this may be (a kind of) a rent charged on the land for ever. If what hath been said be approved of, these benefits will ensue, as,  
1. The Navy will be constantly supplied for so many years as shall be agreed on, without any farther charge to the State.  
2. Secondly, the purchaser will be encouraged (and necessitated) to preserve his young timber, at least so so much as may enable him to serve the proportion that shall be set upon him by way of Rent.  
3. The Purchaser will be farther encouraged so to order his land, that some may be for Corn, some for Pasture, and some for Wood  
These last Proposals I thought good here humbly to present, not that I like them best, but lest the other should be disliked. For surely in these weighty businesses the safest way is the best way.    

AN APPENDIX, SHOWING The chief cause of wand'ring poor in England, and the remedies thereof.  
THe two great Nurseries of Idleness and Beggary etc. in the Nation, are Alehouses, and Commons. The truth of the first is seen by most, and the hurtful waist that is to the Commonwealth thereby is such, that it amounteth to more yearly than any Assessment for one year, within these ten years last passed; and yet the moderate use of the creature, whether respect be had to necessity or delight, not to be brought into this account.  
If there were an exact account of all that sell Ale or Beer in England, there would be found an hundred thousand. And that you may have some little to direct you, take here what hath been done in and about London, for the knowledge thereof in the year 1646. There were then some honest men in each Parish within the Precincts of the Militia of Westminster did bring in the number of all the houses that sold Ale or Beer in each Parish, and by conference with some of the ablest to judge in the Tower Hamblets, Southwark, and the City of London, it was judged that there were not then less than six thousand within the weekly Bills of Mortality; since that, we have little cause to believe their decrease.  
And in my observation, upon conference with knowing men of most Counties of England, whose eyes have been upon this great evil, it may be believed, that there are not less than two hundred thousand in England. But lest there should be any mistake in the greater number, I will make use of the less, which is one hundred thousand, to measure our waist, or loss by.  
And that this may be more than probable (viz.) that there is no less than one hundred thousand houses, in which Ale and Beer is sold within this Nation▪ I thus compute it.  
The Cities in England are twenty and six.  
The Market Towns in England are six hundred and forty.  
The Parishes in England, (besides what are in Cities and Market Towns) are eight thousand at least.  
The Cities (say I) have in them, one with another, five hundred, in all thirteen thousand.  
The Market Townes I judge to have in them, one with another, seventy five, in all forty seven thousand.  
The Parishes one with another have five, in all forty thousand, so than if this account be allowed, the total will be one hundred thousand.  
Having this small measure to judge by, which I believe is as small as any measure they sell their Ale by, (comparatively) let it be either the straight laced flagon, or the narrow bottomed pot, the best of them is but the one half it should be, and I believe this is the like; but however the wise will easily judge of the greater, by this less.  
I believe there is no man that looks on the many houses that sell Ale or Beer, but will say there are too many by the one half, and that what is spent in such houses, is too much by three parts of four, nay many will say by nine parts in ten, (in this I agree) but I will take the thoughts of them that judge the least, and so take but the one half of what is spent in these hundred thousand Alehouses to be a waist, and allow the other half to go for what is of necessity, conveniency, and lawful delight; for it cannot be denied, but the calling of itself is both lawful and necessary. And our Inns on great roads in England, are not only very useful, but their entertainment such, that they are an honour to our Nation; and therefore they and such Alehouses as are conveniently placed for the refreshing of the poor Traveller, aught to have all due encouragement.  
My endeavour here, is only to show the abuse occasioned by the multitude of unnecessary Alehouses, which if considered, will be found a great waist indeed. I will take the least to number by, and be it granted, that there are but an hundred thousand houses that sell Ale and Beer (besides Taverns, another waist, which if considered, would be found to be a very great impediment to common good, but with them at this time I will not meddle) and what is spent in them, the one half shall be looked upon as waste, which every drunkard in a sober fit will allow. Now then grant but this, that each Alehouse one with another, doth sell but two barrels weekly, in this I take the least, and that each barrel hath three bushels of Barley Malt, and each bushel worth three shillings and four pence, and this be the charge before it come to be sold for two pence the flagon, than there is spent in each Alehouse weekly twenty shillings, of which the waist is ten shillings, so the waist in the hundred thousand Alehouses weekly is fifty thousand pounds, which yearly amounteth to twenty six hundred thousand pounds.  
Here note, I reckon not as it is sold at two pence the flagon, for than it would come to near three times this sum, nor yet the many hands that are unnecessarily employed about this work, as the Husbandman, the Maltster the Brewer, the Victualler, or Ale-seller, all which would find out better employment for the good of the Commonwealth, if it were no other than to sit spinning, or knitting of Nets for fishing, but if they all sat down idly, and had no employment, yet than it would be less hurtful to the Commonwealth, than so employed as to maintain drunkenness and beggary.  
I think it needless here to speak of those that I have observed to come to beggary, by frequenting of Alehouses, if it should reach to hundreds, what would that be to the many thousand in England, that fall to beggary yearly by this great evil!  
Should I begin with Gentlemen of very good Families, who make it their only business to sit piping and potting all the day, nay all the week, the year, nay their life; and when their estate will not bear the Tavern, or Inns in Towns, yet they may be found in some smoky blind Alehouse, if it be no more than a Cott of turf set against a tree on some Common. And how often is it seen that they take their children, yea their eldest son along with them, and think it well to be the best in the company, though it be but with Raddle-men, Tinkers, and Grate-carriers; (making them also hereby to spend their time and neglect their markets) and so this Gentleman by misspending his estate, brings his family, his (it may be) careful) wife and many children to utter beggary.  
There are very few, but by their own observation may more fully demonstrate the misery, that such poor souls have been brought unto; and who can think of it without grief, to see so many good parts thus drowned in an Alehouse? And who doth not see the Country-Husbandman (in whose labour consists the welfare of a Commonwealth) spend more time in these pestilent Alehouses than he doth on the plough, and oft times runs so far on the score, that he runs himself out of all, and then he, his wife and children must beg. Do but look on the Tradesmen, if many of them do not spend more time in the Alehouse then in their shops; and if a Customer come to speak with him, his careful wife many times must hunt from Alehouse to Alehouse for her husband, (and many times finds him speechless,) and when he should be carefully tending that which should keep him, he is carelessly at the Alehouse spending, and so hastens to beggary himself and whole family.  
Look also on the poor Labourer (that indeed labours to bring his wife and children to beggary, whether Carpenter, Mason, or such like) who oftentimes on a Munday-morning going to work, are caught in an Alehouse, (which are placed in the way as it were on purpose) which like Spider's webs, do catch daily many of these silly creatures, who oftentimes run more on the score, before they come thence, than they get all the rest of the week with their labour; and if they miss this web the beginning of the week, yet at the later end when they have got a little money, they seldom escape, but there sit drinking themselves penniless, witless, and their wives and children bloodless; for indeed it is very often seen, that they lie languishing at home, expecting some refreshing on the Saturday night, when he (like a ravenous creature) lieth sucking their blood at the Alehouse.  
I may instance in many more, but surely it's enough to mind all men of what daily experience speaks, viz. that the multitude of Alehouses is the greatest occasion of the multitude of beggars in England.  
I cannot imagine a greater waist in the Commonwealth than these Alehouses are an occasion of: Should I tell you of thirty thousand bushels of Barley daily in England thrown upon the dunghill, it would not be such a waist; for that would fat the earth again. Should I tell you of an hundred and twenty thousand dozen of bread fetched by a company of wicked lewd men from several Baker's shops, purposely to starve the poor of this Nation, and throw one dozen in one street, and another in another; and so strew all the streets of England, till all were thrown away, and this done day by day throughout the year, surely you would cry out on the Magistrates, and say they were not worthy to live that suffer such waist, as to the starving of so many thousands; yet this bad, is not so bad as the great waste occasioned by the multitude of Alehouses, for this bread so thrown away will find some hogs or dogs to gather it up, which at the worst would be a preserving of some creature useful; but the other serves for nothing, but to make men worse than dogs or hogs, that drink the fruit of many men's labour, and wallow in their own dung: Nay let me say, that if lewd wicked men should take thirty thousand bushels of wheat, and throw so much daily into several rivers in England, it would not be so destructive to the well-being of this Nation, as is the multitude of Alehouses that are in this Land at this day; for in the first waist there would be a saving of a great labour that goeth to the fitting of it for use, which the other takes up before it comes to the drunkard; for it must have the Maltster, the Market, the Mill; besides many hedges must be torn by the Ale-seller to brew withal, to the hurt of many men's Corn, which many times is more than all the Malt is worth, which the wretched Ale-man never careth for.  
And what comes of the one half of the drink that is thus spent, but to be excremented against the wall, and so run down the channel, never do more good, till it come to the Sea: and when drunkards drink five dozen in a day, to the loss of the Commonwealth, the spending of time, and the wasting of his brain and spirits, and then comes abroad vomiting and casting forth some at one corner of a street, some at another; at last the dirty wretch tumbles himself with the rest in the dirty channels; yet there is no complaining against the Magistrate, (the saddest complaint of all) for the custom in this hath made it genuine to us; so that our waist is insensible, though this will (if well considered) be far greater than any of the other here spoken of.  
The other great occasion of our wand'ring idle beggar, is our Commons; for there poor men, that happily themselves are honest labourers, yet their children are brought up to idleness, having nothing to do but to tear hedges, or some other the like pilfering employment; and when the father dieth, who during life did get them bread, they are altogether unfit for work, and then beg they must.  
There are many Commons in England, that have many hundred of such Families living on them (in this the Commons in England are fruitful, for they send forth yearly many thousand idle wand'ring beggars, which have not done a day's work (to the benefit of the Commonwealth) in their lives; for indeed if they have not attained to the use of labour in their youth, they seldom ever betake themselves to it when of riper years.  
The remedies will be in taking away the occasion, and in putting opportunities of being rich into their hand, whereby they may be encouraged to labour: but if neither of these will do, than the means must be constraint.  
The first and greatest remedy will be the suppressing of many thousand Alehouses in England, and that by apportioning a certain number to each County (a small number will serve, unless on Roads and Market Towns) not to be exceeded upon a great penalty to be on the Justices of Peace for every Alehouse licenced above the number appointed to that County; all Alehouses to be licenced at a Quarter Sessions, and not otherwise, and there to be registered, that so they may be sure to keep within the number; and let there be Certificate sent to the chief Officer in every Parish, of the number and the names of all such that shall be licenced in the said Parish. If any sell without such licence, or less than measure in any Parish, after notice given to the chief Officer, he neglecting to afflict the punishment which shall be appointed for such offenders, shall have a penalty laid on him, the one half to go to the informer, the other to the poor of the same Parish: And let the informer have the third penny of all fines that shall be set on Alefellers, Tiplers, or Gamesters.  
A second remedy will be enclosing of Commons, that so there be no room left for idleness; and that those now Cottagers may have such a competent measure of land laid to their Cottages, that may invite their children to labour.  
A third remedy is the erecting of workhouses and setting up such a manufactory that may invite to labours, not by force, but where you meet with resolute idle persons, such constrain to the mill, or some other hard labour; then he that will not work, let him not eat; man's nature is more easily drawn, then driven. I have often seen in and about London Porters take up such burdens for the rewards sake, that would have broke a good horses back, and poor men that carry sacks of coals from the water side, that make their knees to buckle, and their backs to bend, and these voluntarily taken up for the pays sake, is done with much willingness; but if half that weight should have been forced on them by authority, they would have fallen down under it, crying out upon oppression and cruelty, as not possible to be undergone; therefore my advice is that such works be found out, and such wages given that may invite them to a willing endeavour. If in these workhouses they earn but half their livelihood, it will be a great saving to the Commonwealth, as I have already shown in Section the ninth. And I believe, if they were but for some time unwonted of their idle course, they would then be quickly ashamed of it, and as well find out employment themselves, as the poor in the Netherlands, or any other place do.  
The several ways of employment were too long here to insist on, and should I come to particulars (fitter for a debate then a pen) yet there must be a large latitude still left to the wisdom of those that shall be entrusted in the ordering of this affair: For respect herein must be had to each commodity of an English producture, and that what of that is transported do not procure an overbalance, and so that be said of us on this account, what was said on another by a great master in humane affairs, to wit, that England is a great Animal, and not to be destroyed, but by itself.  Prov. 27. 23, 24, 25. 
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.  
Thy hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.  
The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of thy field.  
And thou shalt have goats milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for maintenance of thy maidens.  
FINIS.