be_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o dependence_n upon_o we_o and_o relief_n from_o us._n be_v the_o old_a activity_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n who_o in_o former_a time_n be_v esteem_v the_o great_a undertaker_n in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n grow_v now_o so_o dull_a and_o insufficient_a that_o we_o must_v pray_v in_o aid_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o improve_v our_o own_o demayne_n the_o duke_n of_o venice_n be_v say_v to_o marry_v the_o sea_n as_o if_o he_o have_v with_o it_o but_o divisum_fw-la imperium_fw-la we_o have_v be_v always_o lord_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o our_o common_a law_n have_v adjudge_v the_o sea_n to_o be_v part_n of_o our_o kingdom_n shall_v we_o suffer_v that_o regality_n to_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o stranger_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o the_o fresh_a water_n within_o our_o continent_n as_o if_o ourselves_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v they_o into_o order_n sure_o our_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o fruitful_a 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have_v as_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n as_o by_o the_o latter_a this_o guidance_n of_o nature_n if_o we_o follow_v and_o add_v art_n as_o a_o handmaid_n unto_o it_o we_o shall_v by_o remove_v the_o cause_n avoid_v also_o the_o effect_n and_o by_o consideration_n how_o the_o mischief_n have_v grow_v learn_v to_o prevent_v it_o in_o the_o future_a wherein_o the_o spare_n of_o cost_n be_v no_o frugality_n but_o if_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o those_o englishman_n that_o offer_v to_o adventure_v their_o estate_n and_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o skill_n be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v the_o business_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o beside_o that_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v their_o ability_n what_o praejudice_n can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o idle_a spectator_n while_o they_o expend_v their_o money_n and_o exercise_v their_o skill_n they_o require_v no_o recompense_n till_o the_o work_n be_v perform_v the_o three_o and_o last_o question_n be_v how_o a_o competent_a reward_n may_v be_v apportion_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v undertake_v so_o great_a a_o work_n this_o indeed_o have_v be_v the_o great_a and_o main_a impediment_n of_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n for_o many_o year_n most_o man_n interest_v be_v unable_a to_o disburse_v money_n and_o also_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o any_o of_o their_o land_n of_o how_o little_a value_n soever_o it_o have_v be_v unto_o they_o or_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o remainder_n may_v be_v or_o if_o some_o be_v willing_a yet_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n have_v not_o be_v unlike_o the_o water_n of_o the_o fen_n which_o not_o be_v contain_v within_o due_a limit_n but_o disperse_v abroad_o over_o the_o surface_n of_o so_o great_a a_o level_n be_v easy_o interrupt_v in_o their_o course_n by_o the_o slender_a opposition_n of_o flag_n and_o reed_n even_o so_o these_o man_n mind_n not_o be_v restrain_v by_o authority_n nor_o guide_v by_o rule_n of_o reason_n do_v 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that_o whole_a country_n by_o the_o acre_n to_o enable_v the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n legal_o to_o convey_v part_n thereof_o to_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o advance_v the_o whole_a king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o undertaker_n a_o decree_n of_o sewer_n be_v enact_v at_o cambridge_n the_o 20._o day_n of_o february_n in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o our_o late_a sovereign_a lord_n king_n james_n of_o england_n france_n and_o ireland_n the_o 19_o and_o of_o scotland_n the_o 55._o whereby_o be_v design_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o his_o majesty_n for_o the_o supportation_n of_o that_o vast_a charge_n 120000._o acre_n of_o the_o fen_n land_n to_o be_v convey_v unto_o his_o majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n that_o be_v to_o say_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a part_n a_o proportion_n answerable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o drayn_n of_o fen_n and_o surrounded_a ground_n in_o the_o six_o countey_n of_o norfolk_n suffolk_n cambridge_n with_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n huntingdon_n northampton_n and_o lincoln_n print_a at_o london_n 1629._o the_o printer_n to_o the_o reader_n gentle_a reader_n this_o discourse_n come_v unto_o my_o hand_n not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o well-willer_n to_o the_o business_n therein_o treat_v of_o and_o i_o hear_v that_o the_o fennie-countreys_n be_v at_o this_o time_n more_o than_o ordinary_o overflow_v have_v think_v fit_a to_o publish_v the_o same_o if_o haply_o it_o may_v persuade_v such_o as_o be_v interest_v to_o set_v forward_o the_o work_n of_o drayn_v which_o will_v be_v both_o honourable_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o i_o conceive_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n concern_v the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n in_o the_o six_o county_n of_o norfolk_n suffolk_n cambridge_n with_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n huntingdon_n northampton_n and_o lincoln_n as_o well_o on_o this_o side_n boston_n as_o beyond_o there_o arise_v three_o main_a question_n the_o first_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v honourable_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o king_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o general_a and_o to_o those_o country_n in_o particular_a if_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v the_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v feasable_a the_o three_o how_o a_o compitent_a reward_n may_v be_v apportion_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v undertake_v so_o great_a a_o work_n for_o the_o first_o the_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v the_o counsel_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n in_o every_o age_n since_o this_o kingdom_n begin_v to_o be_v improve_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n concern_v this_o business_n as_o against_o wear_v gorce_n stanke_n etc._n etc._n begin_v the_o 9_o of_o h._n 3._o itterate_v the_o 25._o of_o ed._n 1._o augment_v the_o 25._o and_o 45._o of_o ed._n 3._o the_o 21._o of_o rich._n 2._o the_o 1._o and_o 4._o of_o h._n 4._o and_o at_o length_n more_o district_o the_o 12._o of_o ed._n 4._o but_o in_o all_o these_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o turbulent_a condition_n of_o the_o state_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o business_n be_v either_o altogether_o fore_o flow_v or_o so_o snatch_o pursue_v that_o little_a fruit_n come_v thereof_o but_o in_o the_o peaceable_a time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8._o who_o be_v the_o first_o great_a improver_n and_o in_o who_o time_n the_o mischief_n be_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n a_o settle_a course_n of_o commission_n of_o sewer_n be_v establish_v with_o a_o very_a endless_a power_n such_o as_o have_v neither_o length_n nor_o breadth_n against_o offender_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o statute_n not_o only_o against_o the_o forenamed_a inconvenience_n but_o now_o for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o increase_n of_o wall_n ditch_n bank_n gutter_n sewer_n goat_n caulcy_n bridges_n stream_n and_o other_o defence_n against_o inundation_n by_o which_o very_a name_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o former_a act_n not_o mention_v it_o do_v appear_v how_o the_o mischief_n be_v grow_v almost_o past_a remedy_n before_o any_o sufficient_a provision_n be_v public_o make_v for_o redress_n yea_o although_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n be_v ordain_v like_o act_n of_o parliament_n not_o examinable_a by_o any_o other_o authority_n as_o be_v the_o most_o absolute_a that_o pass_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n such_o be_v my_o lord_n pophams_n judgement_n yet_o so_o bootless_o seem_v the_o labour_n unto_o the_o country_n afflict_a that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n think_v fit_a to_o provide_v a_o other_o act_n two_o year_n after_o to_o constrain_v the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o country_n under_o pain_n and_o forfeiture_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o a_o commission_n of_o sewer_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v thereunto_o design_v in_o this_o time_n also_o that_o royal_a lady_n margaret_n countess_n of_o richmond_n procure_v a_o admeasurement_n and_o division_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v ground_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o spalding_n which_o before_o that_o time_n lie_v promiscuous_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n not_o for_o those_o time_n only_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o have_v continue_v ever_o since_o even_o unto_o these_o day_n and_o will_v be_v a_o great_a guide_n in_o this_o drayn_n business_n whensoever_o it_o be_v undertake_v neither_o do_v that_o royal_a lady_n rest_n in_o this_o but_o she_o sit_v herself_o among_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n yea_o and_o set_v her_o hand_n to_o the_o very_a work_n of_o drayn_v and_o indeed_o hit_v upon_o the_o right_a way_n but_o in_o her_o work_n there_o be_v some_o notable_a error_n the_o world_n not_o be_v then_o so_o skilful_a which_o be_v follow_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o country_n in_o time_n forfeit_v her_o gracious_a intention_n after_o she_o stand_v up_o john_n of_o gaunt_n duke_n of_o lancaster_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o perfect_v what_o she_o have_v begin_v he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n in_o person_n and_o employ_v all_o his_o authority_n in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o country_n shall_v have_v bear_v the_o charge_n when_o he_o be_v once_o pass_v on_o to_o york_n nothing_o go_v forward_o that_o he_o have_v project_v notwithstanding_o his_o many_o letter_n and_o increpation_n in_o the_o 3._o of_o ed._n 6._o the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n be_v make_v perpetual_a which_o by_o the_o former_a statute_n of_o h._n 8._o be_v to_o endure_v but_o twenty_o year_n and_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o eliz._n it_o be_v enact_v that_o every_o particular_a commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v continue_v for_o ten_o year_n which_o before_o be_v limit_v to_o five_o and_o that_o in_o the_o interim_n between_o the_o determine_n of_o one_o commission_n and_o the_o award_v of_o another_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n may_v execute_v the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n for_o a_o whole_a year_n after_o that_o by_o these_o provision_n and_o precedent_n man_n wit_n be_v a_o little_a set_v on_o work_n in_o the_o 29._o of_o el._n some_o gentleman_n undertake_v the_o recovery_n of_o the_o marsh_n of_o erith_n lesnes_n and_o plumstead_n for_o who_o encouragement_n a_o statute_n be_v make_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o moiety_n of_o all_o such_o gain_a land_n and_o a_o eight_o part_n of_o the_o other_o moiety_n and_o hold_v it_o of_o the_o queen_n as_o of_o the_o manor_n of_o east-greenwitch_n in_o socage_n by_o fealty_n paâ—ing_v a_o penny_n a_o acre_n yearly_o and_o no_o tithe_n for_o seven_o year_n this_o act_n of_o parliament_n encourage_v many_o man_n to_o undertake_v also_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o country_n confine_n and_o that_o with_o approbation_n of_o the_o state_n because_o say_v the_o statute_n such_o approvement_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o her_o majesty_n her_o heir_n and_o successor_n disburthen_v her_o highness_n of_o many_o chargeable_a bank_n and_o work_n of_o sewer_n in_o those_o surround_v ground_n and_o in_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o able_a subject_n by_o habitation_n be_v there_o erect_v and_o in_o like_a sort_n profitable_a to_o many_o her_o highness_n subject_n both_o body_n politic_a as_o corporate_a who_o have_v estate_n of_o inheritance_n and_o other_o interest_n within_o the_o same_o the_o same_o also_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o state_n in_o the_o four_o of_o king_n james_n his_o reign_n when_o the_o parliament_n pass_v a_o act_n for_o the_o undertake_n of_o francis_n tindall_n henry_n far_o and_o john_n cooper_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n which_o act_n give_v they_o two_o part_n of_o the_o land_n so_o to_o be_v in_v and_o drayn_v and_o immunity_n of_o tithe_n for_o seven_o year_n after_o those_o seven_o year_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o they_o to_o do_v their_o work_n in_o to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o improvement_n of_o marshland_n waldersey_n the_o londoner_n proportion_n and_o diverse_a other_o which_o though_o they_o remain_v chargeable_a to_o the_o owner_n because_o the_o general_a drayn_n be_v not_o effect_v yet_o do_v they_o yield_v so_o great_a a_o improvement_n as_o well_o witness_v how_o abundant_a it_o will_v be_v if_o those_o charge_n by_o a_o general_a drayn_n be_v prevent_v but_o if_o any_o man_n beside_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o so_o many_o age_n wise_a and_o politic_a prince_n and_o assembly_n of_o parliament_n do_v desire_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o those_o particular_n whereby_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o be_v move_v let_v he_o consider_v first_o the_o costly_a and_o troublesome_a meeting_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n grievous_a though_o necessary_a taxation_n hartburning_n emulation_n controversy_n and_o insupportable_a charge_n for_o cut_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v of_o
if_o occasion_n shall_v require_v be_v all_o public_a profit_n and_o of_o excellent_a consequence_n to_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n such_o also_o will_v be_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o navigation_n unto_o the_o town_n of_o wisbich_n spalding_n and_o waynflet_n and_o from_o thence_o up_o into_o the_o country_n these_o be_v public_a benefit_n and_o for_o private_a the_o drayn_n will_v increase_v the_o revenue_n of_o many_o corparation_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a and_o of_o many_o his_o majesty_n particular_a subject_n as_o well_o layman_n as_o rector_n and_o vicar_n of_o many_o great_a parish_n which_o now_o afford_v the_o incumbent_n very_o small_a mean_n there_o be_v one_o other_o great_a commodity_n which_o a_o drayn_n will_v produce_v worthy_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v the_o secure_n of_o sheep_n and_o other_o cattle_n from_o the_o rot_n for_o it_o be_v a_o true_a thing_n that_o when_o the_o fen_n yield_v most_o pasturage_n than_o they_o do_v the_o most_o mischief_n to_o man_n in_o their_o sheep_n and_o cattle_n thence_o be_v the_o common_a say_n of_o the_o country_n from_o the_o farm_n to_o the_o fen_n from_o the_o fen_n to_o ireland_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o fen_n be_v never_o so_o dry_a but_o there_o be_v many_o watery_a plash_n and_o much_o rot_a spire-grasse_n in_o it_o wherewith_o the_o sheep_n be_v usual_o taint_v in_o the_o summertime_n and_o whereof_o they_o die_v in_o the_o winter_n if_o man_n be_v not_o careful_a to_o sell_v they_o to_o the_o butcher_n before_o if_o they_o be_v so_o provident_a then_o be_v the_o country_n and_o city_n too_o feed_v with_o unwholesome_a food_n as_o for_o other_o cattle_n together_o with_o the_o wet_a grass_n they_o slap_v up_o such_o a_o abundance_n of_o small_a stikleback_n that_o when_o they_o die_v of_o the_o rot_n or_o be_v kill_v for_o use_v their_o maw_n will_v be_v find_v full_a of_o they_o contrariwise_o in_o the_o marsh_n beyond_o wainflet_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o such_o like_a where_o the_o ground_n be_v sever_v and_o trench_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o poor_a man_n though_o they_o sit_v at_o great_a rent_n for_o their_o cattle_n be_v always_o sound_a and_o thrive_a and_o therefore_o ever_o merchandable_a or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o a_o mischance_n yet_o fit_a for_o food_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n appear_v by_o the_o session_n at_o peterborough_n the_o eight_o of_o september_n 1619_o there_o be_v present_a the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o peterborough_n the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n sr_n francis_n fane_n and_o 25_o other_o knight_n and_o gentleman_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n assist_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o country_n they_o agree_v and_o conclude_v that_o by_o a_o drayn_n a_o apparent_a great_a profit_n will_v arise_v to_o the_o country_n and_o owner_n of_o land_n &_o that_o it_o will_v be_v without_o prejudice_n public_a or_o private_a and_o thereupon_o do_v decree_v the_o design_n shall_v be_v proceed_v in_o and_o determine_v to_o give_v all_o lawful_a aid_n &_o assistance_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n which_o also_o be_v confirm_v the_o 23_o of_o september_n follow_v at_o ely_n and_o the_o 24_o at_o st_n jues._n and_o the_o business_n be_v prosecute_v at_o cambridge_n the_o 15_o of_o oct._n and_o at_o st_n jue_n and_o hunting_n the_o 16_o of_o oct._n where_o there_o be_v 20._o shill_n set_v upon_o every_o acre_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n if_o man_n descend_v unto_o particular_a objection_n then_o must_v several_a answer_n be_v give_v they_o first_o therefore_o it_o be_v object_v that_o they_o find_v less_o burden_n of_o foath_a upon_o the_o ground_n in_o dry_a year_n then_o in_o wet_a i_o answer_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o ground_n which_o bear_v reed_n or_o sedge_n will_v not_o be_v so_o fruitful_a if_o it_o be_v dry_a because_o such_o rank_n trash_n require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o moisture_n but_o when_o through_o want_n of_o such_o store_n of_o moisture_n it_o improve_v into_o grass_n as_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o it_o will_v certain_o do_v than_o a_o little_a moisture_n will_v suffice_v as_o we_o see_v in_o ordinary_a meadow_n it_o will_v be_v urge_v that_o even_o in_o meadow_n overflowing_n will_v do_v good_a it_o be_v true_a if_o so_o be_v the_o water_n remain_v not_o long_o upon_o the_o soil_n but_o to_o be_v surround_v or_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o sud_n as_o we_o say_v three_o quarter_n or_o half_a a_o year_n more_o or_o less_o do_v mischief_n not_o help_v the_o ground_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o country_n if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o year_n 1619_o many_o thousand_o load_n of_o foath_a get_v where_o scarce_o ever_o any_o be_v have_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n witness_v the_o great_a stack_n which_o be_v then_o see_v all_o along_o the_o wild_a fen_n as_o thick_a to_o man_n seem_v that_o road_n aloof_o as_o shock_n of_o corn_n in_o a_o cornfield_n and_o that_o of_o reasonable_a good_a grass_n for_o if_o the_o water_n be_v drayn_v and_o the_o cold_a moisture_n remove_v from_o the_o root_n of_o reed-ground_n that_o reed_n will_v in_o one_o summer_n return_v into_o sedge_n and_o that_o sedge_n short_o into_o good_a grass_n of_o which_o there_o have_v be_v abundant_a experience_n throughout_o the_o fen_n in_o the_o dry_a year_n 1619_o and_o 1620._o but_o the_o drayn_n some_o say_n will_v decay_v fish_v and_o fowl_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o profitable_a to_o drayne_v porsen_a in_o crowland_n or_o some_o deep_n in_o the_o east-fen_n beyond_o boston_n or_o the_o mere_n of_o whittlesea_n ramsey_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o chief_a place_n for_o fish_n and_o fowl_n for_o other_o fen_n there_o be_v no_o fish_n or_o fowl_n take_v in_o they_o but_o only_o in_o the_o river_n or_o drayne_n and_o those_o will_v be_v both_o more_o in_o number_n and_o more_o enlarge_v after_o the_o drayn_n and_o the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n better_o contain_v in_o they_o and_o so_o more_o easy_o get_v for_o now_o the_o water_n overflow_a all_o the_o fowl_n be_v so_o disperse_v that_o man_n can_v come_v at_o they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o must_v there_o be_v any_o shoot_n in_o the_o fen_n and_o the_o fry_n of_o the_o fish_n be_v lose_v or_o devour_v in_o the_o reed_n or_o sedge_n which_o in_o the_o deep_a river_n and_o drayne_n will_v be_v secure_v but_o all_o this_o be_v not_o considerable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o will_v be_v make_v of_o grass_n in_o so_o large_a proportion_n of_o excellent_a land_n it_o will_v again_o be_v object_v that_o although_o the_o drayn_n will_v be_v benefitiall_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o owner_n yet_o the_o poor_a commoner_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o loose_v his_o common_a by_o the_o encroach_a lord_n or_o at_o lest_o when_o such_o common-fen_n be_v recover_v and_o secure_v the_o rich_a man_n will_v so_o overcharge_v they_o with_o cattle_n that_o the_o poor_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o benefit_n where_o now_o he_o get_v a_o poor_a live_n partly_o by_o the_o pasturage_n of_o a_o few_o cow_n partly_o by_o his_o labour_n in_o fish_v and_o fowl_v which_o labour_v the_o rich_a man_n will_v not_o take_v now_o say_v the_o poor_a fen-man_n we_o have_v every_o year_n a_o order_n bring_v from_o northampton_n which_o lay_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o rich_a that_o they_o oppress_v not_o the_o commons_o he_o mean_v the_o confluence_n of_o water_n which_o drown_v all_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n and_o of_o consequence_n and_o have_v two_o part_n to_o the_o first_o part_n concern_v the_o lord_n encroach_a upon_o the_o commons_o i_o know_v not_o what_o provision_n the_o state_n will_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v but_o there_o be_v already_o a_o good_a care_n take_v for_o it_o in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v make_v for_o approvement_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o 43._o eliz._n cap._n 11._o the_o word_n be_v these_o provide_v always_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o this_o act_n nor_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v shall_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o impair_n diminish_v let_v take_v away_o or_o extinguish_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o commoner_n or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o owner_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o or_o to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o waste_v or_o commons_o which_o be_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o be_v set_v forth_o or_o assign_v to_o the_o undertaker_n nor_o to_o any_o franchise_n or_o liberty_n or_o waife_n stray_v leete_n law-day_n nor_o other_o liberty_n to_o be_v use_v or_o take_v in_o the_o part_n so_o to_o the_o undertaker_n assign_v but_o that_o as_o well_o
the_o commoner_n as_o lord_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o soil_n shall_v and_o may_v enjoy_v their_o commons_o in_o the_o residue_n thereof_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o rich_a man_n will_v over-charge_v the_o common_a when_o it_o be_v secure_v and_o so_o oppress_v the_o poor_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o common_a calamity_n in_o all_o unstinted_a commons_o and_o deserve_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n and_o care_n in_o the_o state_n to_o prevent_v it_o especial_o in_o such_o rich_a soil_n two_o help_n there_o be_v one_o that_o the_o commoner_n who_o dwell_v upon_o or_o near_o the_o common_a will_v make_v good_a shift_n if_o the_o rich_a man_n dwell_v but_o a_o mile_n off_o as_o in_o the_o fen_n it_o will_v often_o be_v but_o if_o the_o land_n which_o be_v set_v out_o for_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o drayn_n be_v let_v part_n to_o the_o poor_a sort_n at_o reasonable_a rent_n than_o the_o poor_a man_n have_v several_a ground_n adjoin_v to_o the_o common_a wherein_o to_o succour_v his_o cattle_n at_o need_n and_o whereupon_o to_o get_v foath_a for_o they_o he_o may_v shift_v with_o his_o rich_a neighbour_n so_o much_o the_o better_o other_o help_v i_o know_v none_o but_o a_o apportionment_n which_o in_o the_o fen_n will_v be_v more_o difficult_a then_o in_o other_o unstinted_a commons_o because_o in_o one_o fen_n many_o township_n have_v interest_n of_o common_a and_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v enough_o for_o all_o if_o it_o be_v well_o order_v it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o if_o the_o drayn_n shall_v succeed_v there_o will_v be_v then_o as_o much_o want_n of_o water_n as_o there_o have_v be_v former_o too_o much_o i_o answer_v that_o when_o the_o river_n and_o drayne_n be_v deepen_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n must_v be_v perform_v they_o will_v hold_v a_o world_n of_o water_n more_o than_o they_o now_o do_v and_o it_o will_v ordinary_o be_v hold_v up_o also_o to_o a_o sufficient_a height_n by_o the_o work_v for_o the_o drayn_n except_o when_o a_o flood_n be_v fear_v which_o if_o it_o come_v there_o will_v be_v water_n enough_o and_o two_o much_o if_o it_o come_v not_o yet_o within_o a_o few_o hour_n if_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n at_o the_o work_n be_v inhibit_v the_o country_n will_v be_v full_a enough_o beside_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o land_n assign_v for_o recompense_n of_o the_o drayn_n will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v ditch_n enough_o to_o contain_v more_o water_n than_o the_o cattle_n in_o those_o part_n will_v use_v and_o by_o common_a intendment_n all_o good_a husband_n will_v make_v ditch_n for_o division_n in_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o sluice_n to_o detain_v or_o let_v go_v the_o water_n at_o their_o pleasure_n final_o some_o will_v say_v they_o be_v many_o time_n drayn_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o man_n help_n true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n almighty_a have_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o dry_a year_n though_o rare_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o wilderness_n of_o water_n &_o a_o goodly_a green_a meadow_n to_o lead_v they_o by_o sense_n who_o be_v hardly_o govern_v by_o reason_n to_o discern_v what_o may_v be_v best_a for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n of_o which_o great_a document_n if_o they_o make_v sinister_a use_n vain_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o that_o which_o be_v to_o man_n reason_n impossible_a they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v punish_v according_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whereas_o such_o dry_a year_n shall_v have_v drink_v up_o the_o water_n if_o not_o of_o the_o river_n yet_o of_o many_o of_o the_o drayne_n which_o thereupon_o be_v grow_v up_o and_o pester_v with_o weed_n and_o rubbish_n it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o upon_o the_o next_o confluence_n of_o water_n into_o that_o level_n the_o sewer_n which_o contain_v they_o be_v stifle_v they_o have_v breed_v a_o great_a and_o more_o fearful_a inundation_n beside_o these_o there_o be_v certain_a tacite_fw-la and_o silent_a objection_n which_o some_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o utter_v and_o yet_o be_v obstinate_o govern_v by_o they_o i_o will_v name_v but_o two_o the_o one_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o land_n the_o other_o be_v mere_a envy_n or_o if_o you_o will_v give_v it_o a_o gentle_a name_n private_a emulation_n the_o former_a i_o may_v more_o bold_o avouch_v because_o it_o please_v his_o late_a majesty_n to_o fasten_v upon_o it_o when_o he_o give_v gracious_a audience_n to_o a_o hear_n of_o this_o business_n in_o the_o year_n 1619._o viz._n the_o lord_n or_o owner_n have_v rather_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n or_o owner_n of_o 1000_o acre_n though_o they_o be_v scarce_o worth_a to_o he_o 1000_o shill_n in_o the_o year_n than_o part_n with_o 500_o to_o make_v the_o rest_n worth_a 500_o angel_n by_o the_o year_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o commoner_n reason_n for_o this_o if_o they_o can_v give_v any_o it_o be_v likely_a i_o also_o be_v able_a to_o render_v some_o but_o in_o truth_n i_o can_v nor_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n but_o as_o a_o sullen_a bird_n that_o be_v take_v when_o it_o be_v old_a will_n rather_o die_v then_o feed_v so_o such_o fen-man_n not_o consider_v that_o though_o the_o alotment_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o drayn_v shall_v be_v in_o land_n yet_o the_o expense_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v in_o money_n much_o of_o the_o land_n must_v be_v sell_v for_o supply_v thereof_o which_o they_o that_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a may_v purchase_v before_o any_o other_o to_o keep_v their_o inheritance_n entire_a be_v exceed_o improve_v for_o emulation_n it_o be_v so_o notorious_a so_o diffusive_a a_o vice_n among_o they_o as_o a_o man_n may_v imagine_v it_o to_o be_v bread_n there_o as_o hydra_n be_v in_o the_o fen_n of_o lerna_n i_o will_v put_v a_o case_n john_n a_o style_n have_v 2000_o acre_n in_o the_o fen_n worth_n he_o haply_o 50._o li._n a_o year_n and_o no_o other_o live-load_n john_n a_o nokes_n have_v 200_o acre_n in_o the_o same_o fen_n worth_a 50._o li._n a_o year_n but_o beside_o he_o have_v a_o inheritance_n of_o 300._o li._n a_o year_n and_o think_v himself_o and_o so_o be_v a_o gentleman_n of_o some_o reckon_n the_o other_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a man_n and_o life_n hardly_o when_o the_o question_n of_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n come_v john_n a_o style_n be_v glad_a and_o promote_v it_o all_o he_o may_v but_o john_n a_o nokes_n his_o rich_a neighbour_n what_o say_v he_o shall_v john_n a_o style_n be_v a_o better_a man_n than_o i_o who_o have_v be_v always_o glad_a to_o shroud_v himself_o under_o my_o wing_n that_o i_o can_v i_o must_v not_o endure_v for_o if_o the_o fen_n be_v drayn_v his_o land_n may_v be_v worth_a 500_o li._n a_o year_n though_o he_o part_v with_o one_o half_a for_o the_o drayn_n my_o improvement_n will_v be_v little_a worth_n no_o drayn_n therefore_o by_o my_o consent_n but_o enough_o in_o a_o unpleasing_a argument_n it_o be_v against_o my_o disposition_n to_o have_v but_o touch_v so_o harsh_a a_o string_n have_v thus_o long_o hold_v the_o candle_n to_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v prove_v what_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n in_o the_o six_o county_n will_v be_v both_o honourable_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n and_o many_o particular_a person_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n which_o some_o ignorant_a or_o wilful_a people_n stand_v most_o upon_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v feasible_a or_o no._n first_o let_v it_o be_v for_o the_o time_n admit_v not_o grant_v that_o this_o great_a work_n can_v be_v accomplish_v i_o ask_v what_o shall_v the_o country_n loose_v for_o they_o that_o undertake_v it_o must_v have_v no_o benefit_n till_o the_o work_n be_v do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v they_o indeed_o loose_v both_o labour_n and_o cost_n the_o country_n lose_v nothing_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n must_v gain_v much_o for_o it_o can_v be_v endeavour_v that_o all_o the_o fen_n shall_v be_v drayn_v but_o at_o lest_o some_o must_v necessary_o reap_v great_a benefit_n all_o some_o by_o such_o endeavour_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o parliament_n think_v the_o work_n feasible_a and_o that_o not_o long_o since_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o last_o parliament_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n the_o word_n be_v these_o wherein_o it_o be_v apparent_a to_o such_o as_o have_v travail_v in_o execution_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o counties_n adjoin_v that_o the_o waste_v commons_o marsh_n and_o fenny-ground_n there_o subject_a to_o surround_v may_v be_v recover_v by_o skilful_a and_o able_a undertaker_n and_o the_o
river_n drayne_n goat_n sluice_n bank_n and_o such_o like_a costly_a work_n of_o sewer_n so_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v so_o impossible_a to_o be_v any_o other_o way_n prevent_v then_o by_o a_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o several_a levels_n wherein_o those_o land_n respective_o do_v lie_v next_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o in_o winter_n when_o the_o ice_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n of_o boat_n and_o yet_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v a_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n upon_o the_o hards_n and_o the_o bank_n within_o the_o fen_n can_v have_v no_o help_n of_o food_n no_o comfort_n for_o body_n or_o soul_n no_o woman_n aid_v in_o her_o travel_n no_o mean_n to_o baptize_v a_o child_n or_o to_o administer_v the_o communion_n no_o supply_n of_o any_o necessity_n save_v what_o those_o poor_a desolate_a place_n can_v afford_v moreover_o it_o have_v be_v the_o policy_n of_o this_o state_n to_o demolish_v all_o place_n of_o defence_n save_v those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 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the_o pen-levels_a value_v at_o 500000_o acre_n mr_n camden_o account_n it_o from_o the_o edge_n of_o suffolk_n to_o waynflet_n in_o lincolnshire_n 68_o mile_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o string_n but_o if_o you_o reckon_v the_o bow_n of_o the_o fen_n which_o run_v up_o on_o both_o side_n witham_n till_o you_o come_v within_o a_o mile_n of_o lincoln_n as_o rot_a a_o piece_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v well_o call_v it_o 80_o mile_n in_o length_n in_o breadth_n it_o be_v much_o 30_o more_o 20_o seldom_o so_o little_a as_o 10_o mile_n a_o goodly_a garden_n of_o a_o kingdom_n yea_o a_o little_a kingdom_n itself_o as_o much_o and_o as_o good_a ground_n it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o low-countries_n enjoy_v in_o the_o netherlands_o for_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o soil_n if_o it_o be_v gain_v from_o the_o water_n much_o may_v be_v say_v compare_v it_o with_o high_a ground_n who_o will_v not_o prefer_v a_o level_a meadow_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o ground_n in_o the_o same_o tract_n which_o lie_v but_o a_o yard_n high_o than_o it_o ordinary_o let_v for_o 20._o shil_fw-la a_o acre_n and_o upward_o not_o about_o ely_n and_o other_o good_a town_n only_o but_o at_o thorny-abbey_n my_o lord_n of_o beaford_n let_v between_o 3_o and_o 400_o acre_n of_o rise_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o abbey_n stand_v for_o 300._o li._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la whereas_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o lordship_n of_o thorny_a contain_v 16_o or_o 17000_o acre_n of_o drown_a ground_n be_v esteem_v as_o it_o now_o lie_v of_o little_a or_o no_o value_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o william_n of_o malmesburie_n vouch_v by_o mr_n camden_n who_o live_v about_o 1200_o year_n since_o that_o in_o his_o time_n it_o represent_v a_o very_a paradise_n for_o that_o in_o pleasure_n and_o delight_v it_o resemble_v heaven_n itself_o in_o the_o very_a marsh_n bear_v tree_n that_o for_o their_o straight_a tallness_n and_o the_o same_o without_o knot_n strive_v to_o touch_v the_o star_n a_o plain_n there_o be_v as_o even_o as_o the_o sea_n which_o with_o green_a grass_n allure_v the_o eye_n so_o smooth_a and_o level_a that_o if_o any_o walk_v along_o the_o field_n they_o shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o stumble_v at_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o parcel_n of_o ground_n that_o lie_v waste_v and_o void_a there_o here_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o earth_n rise_v somewhere_o for_o appletree_n there_o shall_v you_o have_v a_o field_n set_v with_o vine_n which_o either_o creep_v upon_o the_o ground_n or_o mount_v on_o high_a upon_o pole_n to_o support_v they_o etc._n etc._n for_o in_o those_o day_n vineyard_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o england_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o abbey_n of_o crowland_n of_o the_o great_a lordship_n of_o whittlesea_n and_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o consist_v of_o part_n dry_a and_o part_v drown_v land_n yet_o those_o dry_a &_o drown_a land_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n the_o drown_a be_v the_o rich_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o two_o extraordinary_a dry_a year_n 1619_o and_o 1620_o when_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o drown_a fen_n be_v dry_a yield_v twice_o as_o much_o grass_n as_o the_o rise_a ground_n do_v i_o shall_v speak_v of_o a_o strange_a thing_n yet_o be_v it_o relate_v by_o a_o gentleman_n interest_v in_o the_o place_n and_o of_o good_a credit_n borrough_n great_a fen_n contain_v about_o 7000_o acre_n this_o fen_n be_v usual_o so_o much_o surround_v that_o the_o dry_a place_n and_o all_o be_v not_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o inhabitant_n cattle_n in_o those_o two_o year_n it_o be_v all_o dry_a and_o yield_v such_o abundance_n of_o foath_a that_o they_o receive_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o summer_n 50._o li._n a_o day_n for_o the_o ioy_a of_o cattle_n as_o they_o call_v it_o out_o of_o the_o high_a country_n the_o like_a may_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o fen_n especial_o if_o the_o ground_n be_v smooth_a and_o free_a from_o hassocks_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o instance_n there_o be_v a_o bank_n in_o thorny_a of_o a_o mile_n long_o or_o more_o cast_v up_o out_o of_o two_o drayne_n of_o the_o most_o miry_a fen_n which_o lie_v somewhat_o high_a as_o be_v a_o horse-way_n from_o thorny-abbey_n to_o peterborough_n be_v grow_v into_o very_o fine_a and_o feed_a grass_n and_o here_o to_o prove_v the_o richness_n of_o the_o fen-soyle_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o where_o water_n stand_v all_o the_o spring_n in_o barren_a land_n there_o will_v be_v no_o grass_n at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o where_o for_o want_v of_o rain_n the_o sun_n burn_v the_o soil_n and_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n of_o sterile_a or_o lean_a earth_n but_o where_o though_o the_o water_n stand_v the_o earth_n notwithstanding_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o fat_a and_o lusty_a soil_n and_o so_o much_o the_o fat_a by_o how_o much_o the_o fruit_n be_v courser_n and_o large_a for_o all_o ground_n that_o will_v afford_v nourishment_n to_o grass_n will_v not_o suffice_v sap_n enough_o for_o sedge_n or_o reed_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o which_o will_v bear_v reed_n or_o sedge_n in_o any_o quantity_n be_v able_a to_o yield_v sap_n enough_o for_o abundance_n of_o grass_n so_o great_a a_o quantity_n therefore_o of_o rich_a land_n be_v gain_v will_v meruailous_o increase_v &_o support_v the_o multitude_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n wherein_o consist_v the_o glory_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o kingdom_n add_v hereto_o the_o augmentation_n of_o his_o highness_n revenue_n for_o there_o be_v in_o the_o fen_n if_o i_o remember_v a_o right_n 16_o manor_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o boston_n beside_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o bullingbrooke_n on_o the_o north_n contain_v about_o it_o by_o estimation_n 60000_o acre_n of_o fen-land_n which_o be_v late_o let_v for_o 18._o li._n a_o year_n to_o sr_n vincent_n skinner_n beside_o his_o custom_n subsidy_n provision_n casualty_n etc._n etc._n what_o shall_v i_o remember_v the_o profit_n which_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o abundance_n of_o provision_n for_o victual_n flesh_n fish_n and_o whit-meat_n the_o breed_n of_o horse_n serviceable_a both_o in_o peace_n and_o for_o war_n the_o rich_a and_o necessary_a merchandize_n of_o wool_n hydes_n tallow_n hemp_n rape_n and_o such_o like_a the_o transportation_n of_o the_o commodity_n of_o the_o country_n from_o place_n to_o place_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o neighbour-part_n the_o ease_n of_o traveler_n who_o now_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v compass_n journey_n to_o avoid_v the_o overflowing_n the_o convoy_n of_o his_o majesty_n army_n
stifle_v with_o weed_n for_o want_n of_o a_o current_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o whole_a fen_n be_v now_o under_o water_n though_o this_o present_a drought_n have_v bring_v all_o other_o river_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o a_o very_a low_a ebb_n which_o mischief_n if_o it_o grow_v but_o a_o few_o year_n more_o as_o it_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v the_o whole_a level_n will_v be_v drown_v perpetual_o and_o become_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o beside_o those_o water_n grow_v deep_a in_o so_o large_a a_o level_a and_o be_v increase_v by_o a_o flood_n a_o storm_n of_o wind_n will_v have_v so_o much_o water_n to_o work_v upon_o that_o it_o will_v raise_v billow_n as_o in_o a_o sea_n the_o force_n whereof_o neither_o the_o bank_n of_o marsh_n land_n nor_o of_o other_o inned_a ground_n nor_o house_n nor_o bridge_n will_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o the_o fish_n and_o fowl_v their_o principal_a comndity_n when_o the_o game_n be_v disperse_v so_o wide_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v worth_a the_o labour_n and_o charge_n to_o go_v about_o to_o take_v they_o what_o will_v become_v also_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o poor_a people_n who_o now_o live_v though_o very_o mean_o in_o those_o fen_n by_o take_v fish_n and_o fowl_n by_o gather_v hassock_n reed_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o transport_v by_o their_o boat_n passenger_n and_o commodity_n too_o and_o fro_o final_o the_o towneship_n and_o particular_a man_n that_o live_v now_o upon_o the_o hards_n will_v be_v confine_v as_o into_o small_a land_n in_o a_o open_a sea_n and_o even_o those_o land_n will_v be_v daily_o lessen_v by_o the_o billow_n which_o storm_n will_v drive_v against_o they_o on_o all_o side_n add_v hereto_o that_o the_o mere_n and_o whitlesea_n meare_n say_v mr._n cambden_n be_v six_o mile_n long_o and_o three_o mile_n broad_a which_o have_v of_o late_a year_n much_o enlarge_v themselves_o be_v yet_o more_o deepn_v and_o their_o wave_n raise_v by_o storm_n and_o rage_a like_o the_o sea_n will_v daily_o swallow_v more_o and_o more_o of_o the_o light_a fenny_a soil_n border_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o at_o length_n may_v grow_v to_o a_o immense_a both_o longitude_n and_o latitude_n and_o make_v it_o true_o circumfusa_fw-la palus_n but_o to_o insist_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o fall_n or_o descent_n of_o the_o level_n of_o the_o fen_n into_o the_o sea_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o river_n of_o peterbrough_n who_o natural_a current_n as_o it_o be_v most_o plentiful_a so_o his_o excess_n be_v most_o inundant_a which_o shall_v fall_v out_o at_o splading_n or_o at_o wisbich_n or_o both_o if_o it_o have_v vent_v pass_v now_o on_o to_o whittlesea_n meare_n and_o so_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a isle_n and_o meet_v the_o river_n of_o ouse_n grant_v brandon_n and_o stoke_n overflow_v all_o and_o fall_v out_o leisurely_o at_o linne_n above_o threescore_o mile_n from_o his_o aberration_n in_o which_o tract_n run_v upon_o a_o level_a and_o in_o small_a and_o cloy_v drayne_n it_o make_v the_o great_a deluge_n beside_o the_o wind_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o water_n when_o they_o be_v out_o with_o great_a violence_n than_o any_o bank_n make_v of_o loose_a earth_n can_v resist_v carry_v they_o whether_o they_o list_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a fen_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o strength_n of_o current_a as_o will_v violent_o lead_v they_o away_o so_o that_o if_o the_o wind_n be_v northerly_a and_o stiff_a it_o beat_v they_o towards_o linne_n and_o then_o the_o fen_n be_v soon_o dry_a but_o if_o it_o blow_v out_o of_o the_o east_n or_o south_n the_o whole_a mass_n of_o water_n be_v carry_v from_o lin_n ward_n &_o find_v no_o other_o out-fall_a continue_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o fen_n till_o those_o wind_n remit_v and_o the_o water_n fall_v back_o to_o linne_n where_o they_o find_v no_o very_o free_a discharge_n because_o they_o be_v hold_v up_o by_o the_o tide_n 12_o hour_n in_o 24._o and_o thence_o it_o come_v that_o if_o any_o flood_n happen_v in_o april_n or_o after_o the_o fen_n be_v lose_v for_o that_o whole_a year_n more_o concern_v the_o possibility_n to_o drayne_v the_o fen_n need_v not_o be_v say_v this_o be_v no_o place_n fit_a to_o discover_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n or_o the_o place_n of_o advantage_n whereon_o to_o set_v they_o or_o the_o old_a or_o new_a drayne_n that_o must_v lead_v unto_o they_o only_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o fen_n and_o the_o levels_n in_o the_o low_a country_n for_o there_o the_o sea_n be_v high_a than_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o their_o only_a way_n be_v by_o bank_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o sea_n and_o then_o by_o mill_n and_o other_o device_n to_o heave_v out_o the_o water_n which_o work_n of_o bank_v though_o it_o be_v exceed_o chargeable_a and_o dangerous_a for_o breach_n yet_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o trust_v to_o it_o because_o they_o have_v no_o fall_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v so_o scant_v for_o land_n that_o the_o value_n thereof_o do_v countervail_v that_o excessive_a charge_n but_o with_o we_o in_o the_o fen_n all_o be_v otherwise_o for_o we_o have_v a_o fall_n to_o the_o low_a water_n mark_n of_o more_o than_o twenty_o foot_n to_o empty_a the_o water_n into_o the_o sea_n beside_o we_o have_v abundance_n of_o river_n and_o drayne_n to_o lead_v they_o unto_o the_o several_a out-fals_a which_o may_v and_o must_v be_v deepn_v but_o we_o have_v no_o firm_a earth_n in_o place_n to_o make_v bank_n nor_o sound_a ground_n to_o place_v they_o upon_o beside_o the_o land_n to_o be_v gain_v will_v not_o defray_v that_o charge_n neither_o if_o all_o the_o trust_n be_v upon_o bank_n can_v it_o be_v secure_a to_o encourage_v man_n to_o inhabit_v build_v plant_v and_o stock_n the_o ground_n to_o be_v gain_v because_o we_o have_v have_v experience_n that_o some_o few_o breach_n in_o marshland_n and_o other_o bank_v ground_n have_v bring_v great_a deluge_n and_o destruction_n of_o house_n cattle_n etc._n etc._n many_o of_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o regain_v other_o hold_v good_a at_o a_o excessive_a charge_n and_o under_o desperate_a danger_n there_o be_v also_o a_o other_o danger_n in_o bank_v procure_v by_o a_o small_a contemptible_a vermin_n they_o be_v water-rat_n which_o make_v their_o hole_n in_o the_o bank_n close_o to_o the_o water_n when_o it_o be_v at_o the_o shallow_a in_o infinite_a number_n and_o feed_v upon_o the_o fry_n of_o fish_n do_v multiply_v like_o fish_n these_o burrow_n deep_a into_o the_o bank_n which_o be_v make_v of_o light_a earth_n when_o the_o water_n do_v rise_v and_o be_v beat_v into_o they_o by_o the_o wind_n many_o of_o those_o hole_n be_v wear_v into_o one_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a bank_n be_v in_o no_o long_a time_n demolish_v a_o mischief_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o remedy_n &_o yet_o such_o as_o will_v render_v all_o bank_a insufficient_a to_o keep_v out_o the_o water_n much_o more_o unsafe_a for_o man_n to_o trust_v unto_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o inhabit_v near_o they_o or_o under_o their_o protection_n final_o the_o cure_n by_o bank_v be_v impossible_a for_o our_o fen_n unless_o the_o water_n can_v be_v take_v into_o those_o bank_v drayne_n before_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o level_a of_o the_o fen_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o the_o river_n descend_v from_o the_o high_a ground_n otherwise_o the_o water_n can_v never_o rise_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o height_n of_o such_o bank_n but_o will_v rather_o return_v and_o drown_v peterborrough_n deeping_n huntingdon_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o way_n must_v be_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o out-fals_a and_o there_o to_o repulse_v the_o salt_n water_n and_o sand_n and_o by_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o fall_n to_o low_a water_n mark_v to_o convey_v away_o the_o fresh_a and_o the_o sand_n and_o other_o silte_n which_o now_o choke_v the_o river_n and_o drayne_n beside_o these_o argument_n against_o trust_v to_o bank_n in_o a_o case_n where_o in_o great_a adventure_n of_o man_n person_n habitation_n and_o estate_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v there_o be_v another_o argument_n against_o entertain_v of_o stranger_n to_o perform_v this_o work_n for_o this_o bank_v be_v the_o conceit_n of_o stranger_n who_o be_v accustom_v only_o to_o bank_v at_o home_n and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n first_o of_o honour_n second_o of_o security_n three_o of_o profit_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o honour_n now_o if_o ever_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o insist_v upon_o it_o when_o the_o reputation_n of_o our_o country_n be_v bring_v into_o competition_n with_o our_o neighbour_n who_o