A Discourse touching the draining THE GREAT FENS, LYING Within the several COUNTIES of Lincoln, Northampton, Huntingdon, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and the Jsle of Ely, as it was presented to his Majesty.  
BY Sir CORNELIUS VERMUÏDEN Knight.  
Whereunto is annexed the Design or Map.  
Published by Authority.  
LONDON. Printed by Thomas Faucet, dwelling in Grubstreet near the lower Pump. 1642.   

A Discourse touching the draining of the great Fens lying within the several Counties of Lincoln, Northampton, Huntingdon, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and the Jsle of Ely, etc.  
DIvers persons of Quality heretofore have been desirous to attempt the draining of that great and vast Level called the Great Fens, but they found not only the Work but also the composing of an Agreement very difficult, for they could not attain to so much as to make a Contract for the general draining thereof, until of late year's King JAMES of blessed memory, did undertake (by a Law of Sewers) that great Work, who for the Honour of this Kingdom (as his Majesty told me at that time) would not suffer any longer the said Land to be abandoned to the will of the Waters, nor to let it lie waist and unprofitable. But his Majesty's great occasions and the time would not permit so great and good a resolution but it was deferred so long, that at last the late Earl of Bedford (by the Law of Sewers made at Lynne) did undertake the draining of the said great and vast Level so fare as to make it Summer ground.  
Hereupon the said Earl made choice of divers persons of quality who made a purse and joined in the performance of this great Enterprise. And at the last (after the Expense of above One hundred thousand pounds) the said Earl did proceed so fare in this Work, that it was adjugded to be made Summer ground, and the recompense thereupon was set out.  
But now notwithstanding all these great Expenses, they find by experience, that the Lands can yield little or no profit being subject to Inundation still, (though not so familiarly) whereby the Adventurers not only became frustrate of their Expectation, but also all the Owners in general, who cannot make that use of their Lands as they might do, if they made Winter grounds and reduced to a certainty.  
His now Majesty taking consideration thereof, and fore seeing that these Lands being a continent of about 400000. Acres, which being made Winter ground would be an unexpected benefit to the Commonwealth of Six hundred thousand pounds per Annum and upwards, and a great and certain Revenue to all the parties interessed. And likewise, because the Owners (who are very many) could not agree to do so great a Work (the one being willing the other not, the one able to contribute the other not) hath therefore been pleased to undertake the making of those Lands Winter ground at his own charge, whereby the said Four hundred thousand Acres will be made profitable, firm and good.  
And for to execute this Enterprise the better, his Majesty did command divers Gentlemen expert in those Works to give their advice how these Lands might recovered, in such manner as to make them winter grounds, to the end the Work might be performed according to the contract. And amongst others, his Majesty was pleased to make me one of that Commission, and after a View thereof taken, every one of the said Commissioners have returned their report, and opinion (as is usual in such case, and especially in a matter of such great weight) they differ much in their way, and so no resolution could be determined at that time, but did remain unresolved; yet all of them were of opinion that the Work was very Feasible.  
When King JAMES of blessed Memory, undertook the draining as aforesaid, at that time I was come over into England, invited to this Work, I took several Viewes thereof, went away, returned, and reviewed the same, took advice of the Experienced men of the Low-Countries, and from time to time did study how to contrive that Work for the best advantage, being at that time in proposition to have undertaken the doing of that said Work, together with my Friends at our own charge for a proportion of Land. And my opinion therein I declared but lately to his Majesty, and his Highness being well pleased with that way, after debate had thereupon, was pleased to put the Direction of that Work upon me, and to perform it at his own Charge, and for further Information therein, hath commanded to have it set down in Writing, which accordingly hereafter followeth.  

The Situation of the Great Fens, and the State thereof.  
THe Level lieth in six Counties, (viz.) Cambridge, and the Jsle of Ely, Huntingdon, Northampton, Lilcolne, Norfolk, and Suffolk. It is of a great and vast extent, that for its quantity at is of the Latitude of a whole Shire, and bounds on the Northwest on the River of Glean; on the West and Southeast upon the Upland-Countries aforesaid; and on the North, on Marshland and Holland, being likewise in the said Level separated by Banks.  
There do run through these Fens eight Rivers which do come out of divers vast and great Countries which lie about it, the said Rivers are called Glean, Welland, Neane, Ouse, Grant, Milden-hall, Brandon, and Stoke.  
These Rivers lie common with the Land without separation by Banks, save only Glean, and Welland, are something Imbanked, and some Banks there are in some places on some of the other Rivers, but not to that purpose as to save any part of the Lands, and for this reason, and for want of a sufficient passage for the waters that come by the Rivers, all the Lands are overflowen.  
The said Rivers have three several Outfalls from the Fens into the Sea, and by these Outfalls the said Rivers and Lands unwater themselves in that manner as now they do.  
The Level is broad, and of great extent, and flat, with little or no descent of its own, and grown full of Hassacks, Sedge, and Reed, and the Rivers full of Weeds; and the Waters go slowly away from the Lands and out of the Rivers, and they come swift into and upon it out of the upland Counties, where the Rivers have a great fall. The aforesaid three outfalls are of great length before they come to the Sea, the Lands of Holland, and Marshland, being great Countries which lie between them, and do hinder the speedy Current of the Waters towards the Sea.  
There is much increase on the Sea side, and very large and vast Sands all dry at low Water, and because of the Point of Norfolk, it makes it an Imbay, whereby the Sands of the Sea are thrown there by the Floods, and these three Outfalls come through these Sands, and the Tides every day bring into the mouth of the Rivers a great quantity thereof, and there is but a few times sufficient Land-water to set the Sands out again, to keep the Outfall open, insomuch that Welland and Wisbitch Outfals are choked every Summer, But the Outfall of Lynne hath sufficient water to keep open his Channel, and although in the Summer the Sands in Lynne Haven overcome the Ebbs, somewhat, yet they do not lie long, but the first Land waters or next Spring Tides, carry them away again.  
But it is not only to be feared, but apparent that in process of time, the outfalls of Wisbich and Welland, will utterly decay, by the said increase and Sands the Sea, if they should remain as now they are, by reason of the daily increase of the Marshes.  
The Soil of this vast Country is Moorish, gathered and grown up higher by the Weeds and Oaze of the waters, many of them are rich grounds, and all would (if they were well drained) be very profitable and become good grounds, especially after they be burned, manured, and husbanded as such grounds should be.  
There be many Isles, and rising grounds within this great Level. And the Rivers pass by Towns low seated, lying here or next unto the Uplands, wherein the Inhabitants of the Fens do live in great abundance.  
The said Countries of Marshland, Wisbich, and Holland, are fenced by Banks from the waters of the Fens, and sometimes they have been overflowen by the said waters, and have often been in great danger, and they are at a continual charge for the maintenance of the said Banks.  
The King's contract is to make these Land's Winter ground, that is to free them from the overflowing of the Rivers aforesaid, so fare as by Art can be devised.   

Considerations to be taken in the Ordinary way of Drayning.  
THere is in use a general Rule of Drayning and gaining of drowned Lands, which is by imbanking all the Rivers on each side, and by leading away the Downfall by drains and Sluices, and this is the Ordinary way of Drayning, as is usual in all such cases.  
But in this case of the Great Fens, I cannot advise to go altogether in such a way to avoid inconveniences of great and vast expense, many difficulties of Inundation and uncertainties which otherwise would depend thereupon.  
For then a multitude of Banks must be made about 70000 Rods in length on a Level and Moorish ground, and fare distant from the Falls. The yearly reparation whereof would be (besides the charge of making them) very great.  
The Head Draynes (which in this case are to be cut) for the leading away of the Downfall, must be carried in all places through a higher ground than the Lands drained, which will be the greater charge, and those grounds wherein they are to be laid must be dear bought.  
The Towns of Peterborough, Erith, and many others standing upon the Upper ends of the Rivers, and but Low would be thereby sometimes drowned, unless great Forelands and Receptacles be.  
A great inconvenience would be on the Southside of Ouse, for by the imbanking of the Rivers on that side, there would be Three or four Levels the one above the other, and all of them would want fall all the Winter time. And to lead away the downfall of them it must be carried by Tunnels underneath the three several Rivers of Milden hall, Brandon, and Stoake, and that in sundry places, and the water must go about 28. miles before it cometh to the Fall, and so the upper Level must of necessity commit the water thereof into the next, and so into the lower again. And all this length of 28. miles go in a slow pace. And how the downfall should be brought such a length without surcharging the drains either in the one or other Level, I know not. And especially there being several Brooks, the which in Winter time will overtake the Downfall, and being liberal with their waters (being more than the drains and Tunnels can swallow) the Level would become surrounded and so without perfection from within.  
And by the waters without the Banks, will lie in continual danger of Inundation for want of a good Fall in the winter, and by a wind, catch, break and undo all again.  
And although each mouth of the several Rivers of Milden-hall, and Brandon, be brought through new Channels lower to the Fall; yet will it not take away these inconveniences in this way. And if by another way the several Rivers of Milden-hall, and Brandon, should be brought to Stoake all in one along the upper end of the Level, and so by Stoake mouth into Ouse; yet that way the Downfall will have no issue neither for the water of the several Rivers being all brought into Ouse, near together and kept within Channel, will so swell in the Rivers, that the downfall thereof which is to be kept under Soil, will have no issue, and so the Level be overflown, and as it is now and no better.  
And the Lands will be by this way much subjected to Inundation and Drowning, both by the Rivers and downfall; and therefore not be worth so much in purchase or to be let as otherwise: and the charge of the works in this way (In works not accounted) will be much greater than the whole draining will require the other way which I direct hereafter following.  
Therefore to avoid these and many more inconveniences, I find it best to lead most of the Rivers about another way, whereby these four benefits will arise.  

1 That the works may be made at a fare less charge.  
2 That they will stand with more safety and no hazard of Inundation, and so may become habitable.  
3 And not subject to half that Reparation.  
4 And the Land of a fare better value than the other way.    

Divers things to be observed.  
ANd to the end the Works may be made to Answer the difficulties the Lands now lie in, in the contriving thereof, these following things are to be observed:  
1 That the Rivers come down swift out of the Upland Countries, and when they be in the Fens (they being Level grounds) go but slowly away.  
2 That the Level is of great extent, Twenty miles at least from the upper end to the Fall; and therefore before the water can come thither, within a convenient and answerable time and in that proportion as it is still said by the River water from above out of the Uplands, it must go swifter than Level water.  
3 That the Banks (so much as may be) be laid out from the Moorish grounds.  
4 That the Rivers be carried on the highest grounds where possibly they may be.  
5 That the drains be laid in the lowest Grounds.  
6 That there be receptacles for the waters to Bed on in all times of extremity, otherwise the Work might be put to an impossibility and a continual hazard of Inundation.  
7 And that the Towns lying on the upper part of the Rivers may not be damnified, by putting the waters too high between the Banks.  
8 And although all this be provided for, yet the Banks to be made 10, 11, or 12. Foot high, on a Seat of 40, 45, 50, or 60. Foot broad in general, according to the occasions more or less.  
9 And that the River water and the Downfall be kept a sunder, and brought to the Fall severally.  
Now farther, observe how it stands with the River of Glean, (to give you an Example) which River drowns Deeping Fen, by the often breaking of the Banks on that side, and by two Slakers (which are Inlets, whereby the Waters of Glean when the Banks cannot contain them are let into Deeping Fen by a certain measure (that when the water is above the bottom of the Slakers, than it) runneth over into the Land. And this is because the Banks on either side of Glean are laid too near together, therefore if the Waters should be kept within the Banks as now they are, without Slakers they would run over and break them, and Deeping Fen would thereby be drowned on every occasion by the breaches which the Water would make. Those Slakers than are made to keep the said Bank from breaking, which is no otherwise then an issue in a corrupt body, where there is a neglect to take away the occasion by a known Remedy, It cannot be denied but that the Banks of Glean were laid too near, for had they been laid four times so fare a sunder, as now they are, the River would be contained within Banks without Slakers, for if the Water be penned into a narrow room, than the water in that narrow room must be higher, and so rise over the Banks, but if it shall lie on a wide Bed, than it lieth broader and the Cubes of two several bodies will much differ, for you shall find a greater proportion, and also gain a greater easement to the said Banks, than the other way and room to lodge the Water between them without any Slakers or Inlets, for they are Remedies worse than the disease, not to be suffered in any work whatsoever if you desire perfection.  

☞  There should be great room left between Bank and Bank on each side of the Rivers, Yet the one River according to the greatness thereof, will require more than the other. For the greater the confluence of waters the more room is required to receive it. And the more distance from the Fall the more room likewise is to be left, because the waters being fare distant from the fall, go not so speedy nor have that current which they have at a short distance.  
And in case that all the Rivers should be Inned and fenced by Banks to free the Lands, and that great distances should be left between Bank and bank; yet still it must be confessed, that a multitude of Banks in this Level must be made through Moorish grounds in length about 70000 Rod, which would be very chargeable and dangerous. And (if all be considered) impossible that way to be made a sure work, and in such a case divers drains for the downfall must be made and all through high and valuable Lands, and more Sluices (which are very chargeable, not only in their first making but also in their future maintenance) as may be seen by the drains of Deeping Fenne and others which are but newly made, and yet already almost grown up with all kind of Water weeds. You may observe this in all kind of drains of this nature throughout the whole Country. So that thereby the works become unfruitful after a little while, and in this way many Thousands might be spent to small or no purpose. But to avoid the multiplicity of Banks and the making of many drains, and to reduce the Work to a possibility, it should be so contrived that there should be but few of either of them made. Therefore it is best that divers Rivers be brought as into one, to avoid ne'er the moiety of the Banks, which otherwise must be made. And for the receptacles I resolve to imitate nature (as much as can) be in the upland Countries, for between the Hills there are meadows, and on each side pasture grounds or plough Land. I shall endeavour to contrive the works that way, that there may be Meadows between the upland and the Winter ground of the Fens likewise.  
Hereby first to avoid multiplicity of Banks, which are very chargeable both in their making and maintaining.  
Secondly, for that the Meadows will be receptacles for the water in time of extremity to bed on upon all occasions of Floods, and so to keep the waters at a lesser height by fare, against the Banks and and no hurt, but a great deal of good will be thereby; For those Meadows will lie very convenient for the upland Country, and for the Winter grounds of the Fens. And of these Meadows there will be no greater quantity than the Imbanking of the Rivers by the ordinary way of Drayning will take up, for there must be room left between Bank and Bank.  
And when all this is taken into consideration, with the Situation of the whole, I find it the fittest way to divide the whole Level into Three parts.  
1. The one from Glean to Mortons' Leame.  
2. From Mortons' Leame to Bedford River.  
3. From Bedford River Southwards, being the remainder of the Level.  
To drain the Lands between Glean and Mortons' Leame, all Stow-Brooke, and so much of the River of Glean, as the Banks cannot contain, must be turned along Deeping into Welland, and all Welland, into Mortons' Leame, which lieth convenient to receive Stow-Brooke, part of Glean, Weiland and Neane, to be carried to Guyhurne, and from thence by Wisbich to the Sea, and so those Rivers to make but one, whereby the Work will be made at lesser charges by fare, and also gain a more perfect Out fall, because the Rivers of Wisbich and Spalding are not sufficient for want of water to keep open their Channels as they should be kept, but are interrupted & subject to grow up by reason of the Sand which the Sea bringeth in, whereas they ought to be kept open and have their full depths and fall, for the ground to be drained so fare upwards as into, or adjoining to the drowned grounds, for the issuing of their downfall.  
To make a sure Work thereof, I advise to bring the aforesaid Rivers into one, that they may (in time) gain themselves a natural Channel, which will be fare better than to leave them to sundry outfalls, which in future ages (as is conceived) will reduce the Work into an uncertainty again, by reason of the daily great increase of the Salt Marshes, and the Sands of the Sea.  
And by this means the old Channel of Welland, will become very useful to the Country, by the Sasse or Navigable sluice to be set at Waldron Hall for Navigation to water the Country in Summer and to scour the outfall, and in Winter the Channel will serve to convey away the downfall of the adjacent Lands, which otherwise must be done by drains to be made at great charge, and there is no conveniency to have such drains, and beside the charge which is intolerable, the service thereof will be incertain, be cause there is no place for them, but through high grounds in which drains can not be made so useful as they should, especially for Deeping Fens, which are very low grounds, and hardly to be drained, except Welland be turned to Wisbich.  
And hereby the said Deeping Fens will be more certainly secured, and they and Elow, as I verily believe will be more worth to be purchased, by Fifty or Sixty Thousand Pounds, if Drayned this way, then if they should be drained the other way.  
Object. But why should the two Rivers be brought to Wisbich and not through Welland, Welland lying in the middle of this part of the Level?  
Answ. I find many reasons which move me to bring these Wates to Wisbich, and they are these:  
1. The outfall of Wisbich lieth convenient for the draining of South Holland (alias) Ellow, and the North side of Wisbich, by the Shire drain. And if Welland be not put that way, the Out-fall of Wisbich cannot so well be kept low enough to drain them as they should be, they being very Low grounds, and the low water of the Sea lying now but little lower than they, and yet must be sufficiently drained, and by the turning of Welland thither, the Out-fall of Wisbich will grind deeper and gain a greater fall to lay them dry, and high above water.  
2. And consider that the Lands of South Holland, by descending from Spalding to the Shire drain above Four foot, and therefore of necessity they must have their best issue into Wisbich Outfall, by the shire drain, And that part of Thorney Abbey grounds, Wisbich Common, and such lands as cannot run to Welland with their down fall, must have a drain between Guyhurne and the Shire drain, at a place called Murra Plash.  
3. Wisbich Outfall and Mortons' Leame, lie in the midst of the Level of Fens, and hereby w●ll become Navigable to the great benefit and convenience of the Country, and the Outfall will be thereby made safe for ever, and the Fens be kept absolutely drained.  
4. By the water of Glean and the Downfall which goeth and is to go that way, the Channel of Welland will be kept open and remain Navigable for small Boats, and serve for the Downfall of the Country on that side.  
5. Welland is a lesser River than Neane, and runneth on a higher bottom, and it is more convenient to bring the higher and lesser to the low and greater than contrariwise.  
6. It will be a less charge and more certainty. For the River of Welland is more narrow, and Wisbich River is more wide and easy to be opened, because of the works already made by the Earl of Bedford, and hath already three foot better fall then that of Spalding.  
7. I find in the Report of Sir Clement edmond's, 20. Septemb. 16 18. by Order of his late Majesties most honourable Privy Council, upon occasion of the differences which arose amongst the Commissioners of Sewers, for those Countries. That upon examination it was found, that anciently the waters of Welland and Neane went to the Sea by Wisbich Outfall. And by the said Report it was likewise found good to draw the waters to their ancient Outfalls, which confirms me in my resolution. And observe that Glean is higher than Welland, and Welland then Neane; therefore of necessity Welland must be brought to Neane as anciently nature brought it which is now hindered by a Bank & not Neane to Welland. And it is very true, that the water of Welland, for the most part runneth now naturally by Crowland into Neane, which confirmeth the said Report, and that Neane lieth the lower, and that but little of Welland water goeth by Fossedike.  
8. That part of the Level between Welland and Neane, lieth descending from Welland to Neane 4. or 5. foot, and if the River of Neane should be carried to Welland, than the water of Neane must be raised higher than it runneth naturally, and be kept between two Banks, and one Bank will not serve as it may be bringing Welland into Neane. And in such a case, the Town of Peterborough, the Receptacles and all would be drowned upon every petty Flood, especially all the Lands between Stanground and Peterborough.  
Object. There are some men which either out of Ignorance or for other ends to hinder this good work object, that if Welland should be turned to Neane, it might in the first place hinder the Level drained by the Earl of Lindsey, and Secondly, Boston Deeps.  
Answ. For the Earl of Lindsey's works which ran into the Fall a Mile and a half above Fasse-dike. I answer, that put the case the Outfall should utterly decay, than the Earl of Lindsey's drain may be brought below Fossedike, and so fall into the deep Outfall there, where there is an open way to the Sea, but that Outfall will not decay but remain always (as the work will be contrived) for the River Glean shall always go that way for so much thereof as the Bank can contain, which will be a greater quantity than now cometh thereby, because the Banks by the scouring of Glean will be made the more sufficient, and also part of Welland, all the Summer if need shall be to water the Country, and keep that Outfall open by the Lock at Waldron-hall, which will be so much as now there goeth by Welland old Channel, for the most part goeth now by Crowland and drowneth Thorney, Crowland, and Peterborough Fens, and goeth that way to Wisbich as is aforesaid, & in the Winter drowneth them and all Deeping and Ellow, and all the Country and nearer Towns to the Outfall.  
And in the Winter there will be all the Downfall of Crowland Fens, Deeping Fens, and the Earl of Lindsey's Level, On the North of Glean which will all fall into that Outfall together with Glean, which will be able to keep it sufficiently open for Glean and the Downfall, and if there shall want (as there will not) more will be sent either by a drain through Deeping Fens, or by the Old Channel of Welland, but it shall not need, one year's experience will take away all the fear, for there will be water enough.  
And for instance, the Leame at long Sutton (which runneth through the like Soil) hath been and is kept open through the Sands of the Sea by the four Goats near Cutton about 7. Miles from Spalding Outfall, and doth run but 7. or 8. months in the year, those waters which do and always have kept open the said Leame, are not so much as the 20th part of that water which shall go to Welland Outfall by these works, which makes it evident that Welland Outfall will be kept open, And further take Examples by all the Outfalls on the Coast of Lincoln and Norfolk, where all the Outfals are kept open, and yet have no River to help them, but nevertheless are kept open by the downfall only.  
It is in use and practise every day where the Havens or outfals in the Low Countries have no River, to make a Pan, and at every Tide to take water into the said pan, and so they do keep open their out-fals of two or three Miles long, but Welland hath a better remedy, that Outfall (as it will be there contrived) will be the best outfall of all the Country.  
If it were not to preserve Navigation for Spalding it were not amiss to bring allthe downfall of Deeping and Thorney through Ellow, and so to Wisbich outfall by a new Channel, and this is another remedy.  
It is considerable to be spoken of thus fare, because that the Works may be very well contrived thus, or towards Wisbich, all parties provided for and saved thereby, and so well for the Navigation of Spalding to Wishbich, in stead of that of Fosse. Dike, as for the downfall.  
As touching Boston Deeps. I answer that the Floods of the Sea come over all the Sands which lie between them and the point of Norfolk, and do return with the Ebbs towards the North thither again, and these Ebbs are that which have always maintined Boston Deeps. It is not the River of Welland, and that of Boston that can do it, they are but small waters, especially that of Welland, and the less powerful when it cometh abroad into a vast place where it is not to be discerned. For instance, Welland cannot make a deep in a narrow Channel at Fez dike, but at every low water travellers tied through, the water being not above half Leg deep, which showeth that it hath neither force nor great quantity of water.  
And consider, that when Weiland went by Wisbich, yet Boston Deeps were then, I did not ground my reason upon Sir Clement edmond's report, and that there is a descent from Welland to Neane, but do likewise take it into consideration, that the great stone Bridge at Spalding, through which some small part of Welland water did come in the Winter time, which was of great antiquity, was not Twelve Foot in the watercourse, and but Five Foot deep, and the stone Pillar or Peer in the midst thereof, which supported both Arches, was but now of late taken away by the maintainers of Deeping Fens, when they did widen the River, which maketh it evident, that but little of Welland water went that way either of late or anciently; yea, less than now the Downfall will amount unto, as I do contrive it.  
Moreover consider, that when the River of Welland went to Wisbich, than the Bridge at Boston stood firm, and in ancient time was made with doors to shut out the Floods in manner of a Sluice, that it should not go higher than the Town, which Bridge now hath none, so that the Sea doth now flow up with a great quantity of water 20. miles by the water course above Boston, yet so long ago when the said River had not the fourth part of the Ebb, which now it hath, and that Welland as aforesaid, did go to Wisbich fall, yet Boston deep, was and the town had then a great commerce in Wool and other Merchandise. And the reasons why it was so, is, that the Ebb which cometh over the Sands which lie between Norfolk, and it cometh that way, and so keepeth a Deep there which could not otherwise be possibly maintained. For the Rivers are not such as to keep open a Depth of such wideness as Boston Deep is, especially among the Sands of the Sea. If it were not for the Ebbs of the Sea it would soon decay. Moreover, the River of Wisbich Ebbs towards the North by Boston Deep into the Sea, and if the river of Welland be brought to Witbich, it must go that way likewise to the Sea, as now it doth, so in this case it makes no alteration.  
Object. 3 It is objected by some, that it were better to let the River of Welland go between Banks to Spalding, and the River of Neane to Wisbich, and so leave two Outfals.  
Answ. 1 That two Rivers to be brought into one will make a better Outfall, and such an Outfall will serve the Country in general, better than two Outfals, and will never decay.  
2 That the 2. Outfals will burden the maintenance more than 1000 l, yearly at least at all advantages.  
3 That it will require 18. miles of Banks more and drains, and the charges thereby increase at least 20000. l. and 1000 l. the year, for the maintenance more, and make a worse work.   

Now for the Particulars concerning the contriving of the Works between the River Glean, and Mortons-Leame.  
FOr the overplus of the River Glean which drowns Deeping-Fenne on that side of the Country, is to be brought by a drain into Welland above Deeping, and the Slakers to be removed and the Channel to be kept within the Banks thereof. I do resolve only to take the overplus of the River of Glean, that the remainder may be kept within the Banks, and the Slaker to be removed to save Deeping Fen on that side. And that the Towns by which the said River runneth may not want water, and to keep Welland Outfall thereby, and if need be, the sooner to gather head by means of the Sluice and Sasse which are to be below it on Welland to scour the Outfall, and by the said Sluice likewise the downfall of this Level shall issue by Welland: and the said drain above Deeping, is to take away also Stow brook and the downfall of all the Country between Welland and Glean, which now runneth into Deeping Fens and drowns it.  
The River of Welland is to be brought unto Mortons' Leame; therefore a new River is to be cut to begin near Waldron-hall, & so go on towards the Bridge which leads from the Upland to Thorney Abbey somewhat below the Bridge, and from thence below Willowhall, and so to Mortons' Leame. And next unto Welland a Sasse to be set to let water into old Welland and to preserve Navigation.  
Where by will be left on that side of the Country between the Upland ground and the Banks, some quantity of Meadow ground and Pasture, to serve for receptacles for water in the Winter, but these grounds will be by the white waters and the making of the rest of the Lands winter grounds, become of a greater value than they now are, and this number of Acres and the rest of the receptacles which are to be left every where will not exceed the quantity which would be left between Bank and Bank, if every Channel or River were Imbanked, and thereby the waters of the Rivers and the waters which in time of great reins comes from the Hills, will be kept between the Uplands and the Banks, and from the drained Land, and this will prevent the rising of the waters to a great height, and the Banks will thereby in a measure be disburdened, and so the Lands better freed from Inundation then by any other way, & the Towns which lie without the Banks be kept safe from drowning.  
The River of Wisbich from Guyhurne downward must be widened to make it sufficient for both waters.  
The Sluice at Clowes Cross, made to issue the waters of the Fens must be stopped, and the Fen waters for that part of the Country must go part to Crowland, and so by Spalding to the Sea and by Murra plash as need shall require, and if the Fall can be gained at Guyhurne part may go by Wisbich, otherwise Welland and Murra plash must remain the only drains for the downfall which are not sufficient to receive it.  
By these Works the Lands of Ellow will be freed from Inundation, and Deeping be safe together with the rest of all the Lands in that Level from Gloan to Mortons' Leame, and thereby the Lands of Ellow, and on the North-side of Wisbich will be discharged of the Fen water which did run above the same all the winter by the Sheire-drayne. And now to the contrary, Welland and the Sheire-drayne will be turned to be good servants in stead of ill Masters to those Countries, to issue their down fall all Winter by them. And so they will be made sure and certain Countries, and if the owners of the Lands of Ellow and the North side of Wisbich cleanse their Ditches to lead away their Downfall, they shall not want any further head Draynes other then that of Welland and the Sheire-drayne. The Shire drain must be for a certain length amended something and altered, and a Sluice to be set next the outfall of Wisbich river, to issue the waters of Ellow and the North side of Wisbich, which Outfall will last always, the work being made as aforesaid.   

The Work which lieth in the middle of the Level between Mortons-Leame and Bedford River, the River now running through it.  
THis part is to be drained by a Bank which is to go from Stanground to the fields of Witlesey, and from Eldernell to Guyhurne on that side. On the other side a Bank to be made from or near Ereth Causey along Bedford. River to Poedike bank, or Salter's Load, and by these Banks the waters of Neane on the one side, & the Ouse on the other side will be fenced out of this part of the Level, and Neane hereby will be turned to Wisbich.  
Object. But when Neane is turned to Wisbich and so to the Sea with Welland, though there be provision made for all those waters in time of extremity to Bed on between Bank and Bank, and between the Bank and the Upland, yet the Channel of Wisbich from Guyhurne to the Sea, will not be sufficient (may be objected) to issue the said waters of the said Rivers, and so the Levels on both sides may be endangered and the Banks be overflown and broken down, when great waters come down for want of sufficient issue made from Guyhurne to the Sea.  
Answ. I confess that it is needful to make the opening of Wisbich river in a larger manner than now it is, and as is heretofore spoken of.  

☞  But yet is a question, when there is sufficient room left for the water to Bed on, whether in such a case the opening in a great measure every where shall be needful, and my reason is, that when all these Waters are put that way the River lying in a Sandy ground, they will grind their own Outfall especially the lower, ends thereof, and make itself Navigable and more deep by fare then now it is, and the Sluice at the Horseshoe will not be sufficient to carry away the water, therefore the water is to be cut through near the Sluice. If the River by the strait line through the North side of Wisbich be not made, and by this work either way a fall will be gained.  
That this part of the Fens will issue its downfall that way so well as if it were in the Ouse, because that anciently the waters of Neane and the most part of that of Welland and Ouse by the West water went by Wisbich to the Sea, and that the Channel at that time could not be broader, as may be guessed and seen then now it is, It shall not need to be widened any more. The two Rivers meeting will grind the Channel through the Marsh, and make Wisbich a Haven Town like that of Lynne, though not in such measure of wideness.  
And that Objection of the Sands which the Floods bringeth in, and so stop the Channel again, is not to be considered here, for when there is a River which hath a back water as this will have, it will grind deep and open itself by the water at every Ebb, and for instance the Ouse from Little-port to Lynne keeps his depth by reason of the back Waters, so will Wisbich River keep itself open, having the water of these two Rivers.  
Object. Because it may be objected, that the Inhabitants of Peterborough have Navigation from their Town to Lynne by the River Neane as now it runneth, which will then be taken away.  
Answ. It is answered, that the Works being thus contrived, they shall not need to fetch and carry their commodities so fare, but go the nearest way to Wisbich, and then it shall not be requisite to have a Navigable Sluice at Stanground (unless they and the Towns thereabouts shall give sufficient reason for it) which I shall endeavour to avoid with such like works as I can, because they are both chargeable and dangerous in the making and maintaining, and having their Navigation to Wisbich they shall need no other.  
Object. There is for the service of this work in the opinion of most men, a drain to be made from Well to fall into Ouse about Germans- bridge, thereby to lead the Downfall of this Level to the Sea, with a Sluice in the head thereof.  
Answ. For Answer hereunto, I say; that my opinion is: That this drain and Sluice, the reason of the third work and of the opening of Wisbich River considered, shall not be needful, for if the Ouse at Salter's Load be disburdened of the confluence of waters now it hath, than the Poedike where it falls into Ouse will issue four times more water than now it doth, for the Ouse doth now receive fare more water than it shall after the third work be made as hereafter is expressed, and thereby it must consequently follow, that this drain from Well to Germans-Bridge shall not be needful.  
Moreover the great receptacles which are in this Level by the great Mere of Witlesey, Ramsey, etc. make it evident, that the downfall will never want a Head drain on that side, for if there were one, yet the Waters would first go to the receptacles, And there lie until the drains receive them; And in that interim the Channel of Neane, willbe sufficient to send it down in good time to the fall, considering the Poedike to be as sufficient as Neane can be; And the Waters of Peterborough being turned to Wisbich, it will disburden the Channel of Neane and the Level in general.   

The third Work being a Level on the Southside of Bedford River, and so along and between the Uplands of Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridge.  
THe River of Ouse, is the principal River that Runneth through this part of the Country to the Sea, And cometh from Huntingdon by Saint Ives to Erith, where it beginneth to come into three Fens, and so to Ely, then to Little Port, and from thence to Salter's Load, Dounham, and Lynne, and so to the Sea; And with the other Rivers doth familiarly over run all these Fenny Lands on all occasions of Floods, which come down by the Rivers; And as this River of Ouse goeth down through the Fens, the River of Grant, which cometh from Cambridge, falls thereinto, some distance above Ely,; The River of Brandon, likewise falls into it at Priests-Houses, And the River of Stoke, falls into it something above Salter's Load, and all these lose their names by Ouse. A great part of the River Neane, which cometh from Peterborough, dothfall into the Ouse, likewise all which meeting in one at or about Salter's Load, do surcharge the River in such manner as that this part of the Country is more over flown and dangerously drowned then any other partof the Fens are; And the said several Rivers which fall into Ouse, except Neane, do all fall into the South side thereof, the one above the other, and all of them Gross wise inclining to the North, and the Ouse running to the East in such a manner indeed, as if the Lands were made purposely to be overflowen and so to remain; The thwarting thereof divides it into several levels the one above the other; And if those Lands should be drained by several divisions than the one Level must put his water on the other, and so Annoyed the one by Discharging the other, which would make an Imperfect work; And my reason thereof, I have given more at large heretofore.  
To have this part of the Country and those several levels drained and made Winter Ground, they must be made but one Level and many great alterations are to be made therein, by bringing the very Rivers which run through it another way; for as they cross-ways fall into Ouse those Lands can not be made Winter grounds by the ordinary way of draining, as heretofore is made mention of.  
Therefore the principal River which is Ouse, may not go down through the Fens as now it doth, but the best way is to turn that River at Erith into and next unto Bedford river, and to shut the passage of Ouse as now it goeth by a Crosse-banke through the River to the firm Land, & so force it into that course as now Bedford river goeth, whereby all the Lands below Erith willbe freed from the overflowing of Ouse.  
And to the end that the water of Ouse shall not annoy the Country any farther, the said Beford River is to be Imbanked on each side thereof to keep Ouse within certain bounds, the Banks thereof must be a great distance the one from the other, so that the water in time of Extremity may go in a large room to keep it from rising too high, and the more because there is a great distance of about 25 miles from Erith before it cometh to the perfect Fall. And those Lands which are to be left for the water to Bed on, will be good Meadow ground within some time Improved by the water of Ouse to a great value.  
The three Rivers of Mildenhall, Brandon, and Stoke, must be made one River, and to that end Mildenhall must be brought into Brandon, and both into Stoke, and all into Ouse; and in that manner that the downfall of that Level may be brought through a drain to be made to a better Fall than that of Stoke, for the downfall of Grant to go in.  
The Land between the new Cut and the Banks to the number of Four or five Thousand Acres by guess, will be fit Receptacles for the waters at all times of Extremity, and the old Rivers will thereby remain to be sufficient drains to lead the downfall to Ouse within the Stop.  
The Upland Country from Milden-hall to Stoke, is a Barren and sandy Country; Therefore the Meadows which are to be left between the Banks and the Upland as aforesaid, will be very useful for them, and receive by the white Waters within some time as good an Improvement as any other Lands made Winter grounds.  
The River of Neane being turned to Wisbich, as is aforesaid in the Second work, none other River remains to be taken order with but Grant, and this River must be led away by Ouse in such manner as the Alteration of the Works shall appear to require, after all the other works be done.  
And for the Brooks and Runlets which lie that way, they are likewise to be guided, as upon the Alteration shall appear to the best service.  
By this Alteration all the Rivers except Grant are turned out of their usual course, so that the old Channel of Ouse which was the Channel, for Ouse, Grant, Mildenhall, Brandon and Stoake, having now to receive but Grant alone with the Downfall, will find room enough within the Channel without much Imbanking.  
To facilitate this Work for a perfection, there must be made a sufficient Fall for that Level by a sufficient drain to begin at Ouse stop, and so to go downward near the Fall underneath Stoke if need be, to bring Grant and the Downfall by this drain below into Ouse at the Ouse stop through the Sasse, and the Sluice to be made there a good quantity will issue, but all cannot issue there, nor at all times, for the Rivers when they are up will take away the Fall and the drain for Grant to go in, must have a good Fall continually to speed the water of Grant away, because it is mixed with the Downfall of that Level contrary to the Rule of Drayning, and therefore by Art it must be observed how that must be according to the operation which shall happen. And though it be against the Rule to mix the Downfall with the River, yet in this case it cannot be avoided. And the Channel of Ouse being of a great wideness and depth, whereby it receives not only Ouse, but also Grant, Mildenhall, Brandon, Stoake, and part of Neane, and the tide of the Sea will be sufficient when all the Rivers and confluence of waters are lead and turned out of this Channel save Grant only. And that there is made a new River or passage to the Fall as is aforesaid, for Grant and the Downfall, which being done, I conceive this Channel of Ouse being of such wideness and depth will be able to receive with ease, the River of Grant, together with the Downfall without prejudice of the Lands, the Works being contrived accordingly as they should be.  
Consider that if the three Rivers should fall into Ouse where Stoake River now falls in, that then the Ouse will leave all the same waters which it had before, except Neane, and then the Ouse will not be so fare discharged. That the Drayn may be spared, for the River of Grant and the Downfall of that Level to go in, but must go underneath Stoake in a Pipe or tunnel, and so in the drain, go into Ouse where the Fall is sufficient, unless the turning of Ouse a straighter way to the Sea do not hinder the Fall, but this must be contrived according to the event thereof, and before, no certainty can be had therein.  
And if the three Rivers be brought to fall into Ouse where the Fall is good and sufficient, than the Ouse at the outside of the Sasse, will be discharged of that quantity of water, which together with Neane I esteem a Mosty of all the water it had before, and no question but thereby a sufficient Fall, for the Downfall may be gained and not be put to a drain for Grant and the Downfall in that measure of charge which otherways it would be.  
And by this it may plainly appear to your Majesty, that near the Moiety of Banks, which in the other way of ordinary draining are to be made, are cut of, and consequently the charge for the making and maintaining of them lesser this way then by any the other Designs.  
And hereby the Land will become more certain for habitation, and by reason thereof of a far greater value than otherwise.  
And this is as much as I can inform your Majesty by writing.  
FINIS.    

The 22. of February, 1641.  
IT is Ordered by the Committee for the Great Level that the Design offered by Sir Cornelius Vermuiden Knight, together with the Map be Printed.   

The 25. of February, 1641.  
ORdered by the Committee for the Great Level that it be Printed, together with the Design, that all men whom it may concern to take notice of, may thereby inform themselves, and may make their exceptions against it, and likewise may offer any other design, and they shall have notice to be heard.  
Hen. Pelham.