Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n country_n great_a place_n 1,512 5 4.1011 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A36235 The designe for the perfect draining of the great level of the fens, called Bedford level, lying in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Huntingtonshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and the isle of Ely as it was delivered to the honourable corporation for the draining of the said great level the 4th of June, 1664 : as also several objections answered since the delivery of the said designe now in agitation : and as for the new works intended in this designe appears in the annexed map : and the charge of the whole calculated / by Collonel William Dodson. Dodson, William. 1665 (1665) Wing D1801; ESTC R12203 36,672 50

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v about_o three_o mile_n and_o this_o i_o will_v make_v fifty_o foot_n wide_a without_o bank_n this_o be_v to_o help_v old_a owse_n to_o take_v off_o a_o sudden_a flood_n which_o otherwise_o will_v hang_v long_o upon_o water-beach_n swaffam_n fen_n the_o phillips_n stretham_n and_o other_o ground_n adjacent_a be_v the_o shelf_n and_o stop_v in_o the_o river_n owse_fw-mi be_v take_v away_o croyland_n have_v always_o navigation_n into_o norfolk_n suffolk_z and_o cambridgeshire_n and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o this_o great_a level_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o boston_n lynne_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o york_n which_o be_v now_o obstruct_v i_o mention_v this_o place_n by_o reason_n i_o know_v it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o make_v from_o this_o town_n good_a navigation_n to_o stampford_n croyland_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o that_o town_n and_o country_n likewise_o to_o boston_n lynne_n and_o other_o part_n the_o honourable_a earl_n of_o bedford_n be_v no_o small_a loser_n for_o want_n of_o this_o navigation_n through_o this_o town_n of_o croyland_n into_o the_o river_n welland_n and_o his_o tenant_n at_o great_a charge_n to_o cart_v their_o corn_n and_o other_o commodity_n to_o the_o river_n welland_n and_o elsewhere_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o earl_n and_o his_o tenant_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v five_o hundred_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o but_o i_o know_v the_o want_n of_o navigation_n make_v many_o town_n poor_a and_o the_o have_v of_o it_o make_v many_o town_n and_o country_n rich_a and_o the_o make_n of_o this_o navigation_n good_a be_v perform_v at_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a charge_n lordship_n and_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o drown_v of_o thorney_n ground_n as_o some_o have_v allege_v but_o will_v prove_v beneneficial_a to_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n in_o a_o dry_a summer_n and_o as_o for_o sheir-drain_n i_o have_v no_o intention_n of_o slight_v it_o slight_v it_o be_v good_a to_o convey_v fresh_a water_n into_o the_o country_n and_o of_o great_a use_n and_o benefit_n unto_o holland_n it_o may_v now_o be_v conjecture_v what_o my_o design_n be_v for_o the_o perfect_a draining_n this_o great_a level_n and_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v i_o will_v far_o express_v myself_o it_o be_v to_o cause_v our_o water_n and_o flood_n to_o run_v low_a and_o quick_a in_o our_o two_o great_a river_n of_o owse_n and_o new_a morton_n leam_fw-la for_o if_o once_o these_o two_o great_a river_n be_v bring_v to_o run_v low_a the_o fen_n can_v be_v drown_v nor_o can_v any_o other_o river_n or_o rivelet_n in_o our_o fen_n run_v high_a likewise_o as_o for_o the_o dimension_n of_o these_o new_a work_n i_o have_v name_v and_o what_o water_n way_n i_o will_v make_v both_o in_o the_o new_a river_n and_o through_o our_o new_a sleuce_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o particular_o and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o design_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o my_o reason_n and_o show_v you_o the_o benefit_n the_o king_n kingdom_n undertaker_n and_o the_o country_n will_v receive_v by_o this_o my_o design_n and_o way_n of_o draining_n and_o likewise_o give_v you_o my_o answer_n to_o divers_a objection_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v make_v either_o out_o of_o peevishness_n or_o ignorance_n self-end_n or_o malice_n whereby_o to_o obstruct_v the_o carry_n on_o so_o honourable_a a_o work_n as_o the_o perfect_a draining_n this_o great_a level_n the_o river_n through_o marsland_n from_o the_o horseshooe_n at_o wisbidge_n to_o german-bridge_n marsland_n or_o near_o magdelen_n in_o norfolk_n will_v be_v in_o length_n about_o eight_o mile_n i_o make_v this_o river_n six_o foot_n deep_a to_o a_o perfect_a sole_a quite_o through_o likewise_o i_o make_v it_o eighty_o foot_n wide_a yet_o incline_v wide_o towards_o the_o new_a sleuce_n to_o help_v the_o draught_n of_o this_o river_n i_o leave_v foreland_n to_o this_o bank_n to_o the_o river-ward_n twelve_o foot_n the_o seat_n of_o this_o bear_a bank_n shall_v be_v five_o and_o forty_o foot_n i_o leave_v forelands_n of_o this_o my_o bear_a bank_n to_o the_o land-ward_n eight_o foot_n the_o two_o in-drains_a i_o make_v both_o of_o they_o eighteen_o foot_n wide_a and_o six_o foot_n deep_a by_o which_o mean_n i_o gain_v good_a firm_a earth_n out_o of_o the_o river_n and_o the_o two_o in-drains_a to_o make_v my_o bear_a bank_n twelve_o foot_n high_a from_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o soil_n and_o ten_o foot_n broad_a on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o bank_n which_o be_v flag_v to_o the_o river-ward_n must_v needs_o grow_v well_o as_o for_o the_o slaker_n through_o murrow-gate_n i_o hold_v it_o always_o very_o necessary_a murrow-gate_n by_o reason_n the_o river_n of_o wisbidge_n be_v and_o be_v so_o full_a of_o short_a angle_n and_o every_o shoulder_n of_o those_o short_a angle_n check_v our_o fresh_n run_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o small_a neck_n of_o that_o river_n at_o guyheirne_n too_o hard_o to_o be_v find_v by_o such_o a_o sea_n of_o fresh_n between_o those_o bank_n to_o whittlesey_n that_o the_o water_n grope_v the_o way_n to_o find_v that_o small_a quill_n to_o creep_v out_o at_o wherefore_o i_o make_v from_o guyheirne_n to_o murrow-plash_n which_o be_v two_o mile_n mile_n one_o single_a bank_n which_o be_v on_o the_o southside_n of_o that_o bank_n that_o now_o be_v to_o murrow-plash_n to_o stand_v with_o it_o equal_a in_o height_n and_o that_o old_a river_n to_o be_v bottom_v six_o foot_n to_o raise_v that_o bank_n to_o the_o plash_n and_o to_o have_v there_o a_o convenient_a sluice_n with_o sufficient_a water-way_n into_o our_o slaker_n in_o murrow-gate_n this_o river_n or_o slaker_n from_o murrow-plash_n to_o the_o horseshooe_n be_v about_o four_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a wide_o i_o make_v this_o river_n fifty_o foot_n wide_a and_o six_o foot_n deep_a to_o a_o perfect_a sole_a throughout_o i_o leave_v foreland_n to_o each_o bank_n to_o the_o river-ward_n ten_o foot_n the_o seat_n of_o those_o bank_n to_o be_v forty_o foot_n each_o the_o foreland_n from_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o bank_n to_o the_o land-ward_n ten_o foot_n each_o the_o two_o in-drains_a fifteen_o foot_n each_o bank_n and_o six_o foot_n deep_a this_o be_v all_o solid_a good_a earth_n as_o marsland_n and_o will_v raise_v the_o bank_n to_o stand_v at_o eight_o foot_n high_a from_o the_o superfice_n and_o ten_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o top_n there_o will_v be_v no_o haste_n of_o this_o work_n till_o the_o bank_n above_o be_v sink_v to_o about_o five_o foot_n high_a and_o till_o then_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n have_v no_o good_a drain_n these_o two_o river_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o new_a sluice_n at_o german-bridge_n german-bridge_n or_o near_o magdelen_n in_o norfolk_n and_o i_o conceive_v most_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n in_o their_o judgement_n as_o believe_v this_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v perform_v yet_o tacit_o do_v allow_v that_o if_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v to_o be_v a_o durable_a work_n the_o country_n than_o must_v needs_o be_v drain_v yet_o for_o better_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o which_o doubt_n it_o will_v not_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o take_v the_o judgement_n of_o able_a and_o honest_a artist_n and_o good_a workman_n so_o to_o understand_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o feasability_n of_o this_o work_n viz._n this_o large_a sluice_n and_o navigable_a soss_n and_o to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o inform_v they_o what_o i_o have_v know_v and_o see_v in_o the_o like_a work_n the_o soil_n upon_o and_o foundation_n whereupon_o this_o large_a sluice_n and_o soss_n be_v to_o be_v place_v be_v very_o good_a be_v a_o firm_a and_o solid_a clay_n or_o galt_z which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v for_o that_o purpose_n elsewhere_o and_o our_o material_n be_v most_o of_o they_o by_o we_o have_v as_o brick_n at_o ely_n and_o saltor_n load_v at_o ely_n and_o reach_v lime_n plenty_n and_o cheap_a enough_o good_a season_a oak_n plank_n and_o timber_n in_o norfolk_n and_o suffolk_n and_o good_a deal_n timber_n at_o lynne_n and_o iron_n as_o good_a and_o as_o cheap_a as_o elsewhere_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v except_o terrace_n of_o which_o we_o must_v use_v in_o this_o work_n good_a plenty_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v have_v at_o dort_n or_o rotterdam_n much_o cheap_a than_o here_o at_o peterborough_n and_o ely_n rough_a stone_n for_o our_o foundation_n and_o filling_n now_o i_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o material_n with_o which_o you_o be_v to_o make_v this_o sluice_n and_o navigable_a soss_n now_o follow_v the_o dimension_n of_o they_o both_o the_o sluice_n i_o divide_v into_o four_o and_o twenty_o arch_n sluice_n each_o arch_n contain_v seven_o foot_n in_o wideness_n for_o the_o water-way_n the_o sole_a of_o these_o arch_n shall_v lie_v level_a with_o the_o sole_a of_o great_a owse_n at_o
good_a brick_n stone_n lime_n and_o terrace_n outward_o which_o i_o do_v affirm_v be_v thrice_o the_o strength_n of_o any_o bank_n in_o marsland_n and_o further_o to_o support_v this_o sluice_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n need_v none_o i_o keep_v the_o water_n eight_o foot_n high_a constant_o to_o land-ward_n to_o maintain_v navigation_n so_o that_o i_o can_v have_v but_o the_o weight_n of_o ten_o foot_n water_n upon_o my_o sluice_n in_o the_o great_a tide_n now_o as_o to_o the_o stop_n of_o the_o eager_a which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o flux_n of_o the_o tide_n from_o sea_n which_o come_v in_o quick_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o if_o the_o tide_n be_v once_o stop_v in_o any_o river_n whatsoever_o by_o sluice_n or_o dam_n it_o have_v no_o more_o force_n for_o when_o the_o current_n of_o the_o tide_n be_v so_o stop_v it_o rise_v against_o that_o sluice_n or_o dam_n insensible_o and_o those_o sluice_n or_o dam_n bear_v no_o more_o but_o only_o the_o weight_n of_o water_n that_o rise_v upon_o they_o ten_o object_n it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o the_o tide_n have_v not_o his_o flux_n and_o re-flux_n up_o owse_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o lynne_n river_n may_v be_v lose_v where_o sluice_n with_o in-draught_n be_v place_v to_o any_o out-fall_a near_o the_o sea_n answ_n they_o always_o make_v good_a the_o channel_n or_o out-fall_a without_o they_o as_o well_o as_o deepen_v the_o channel_n of_o those_o river_n within_o they_o now_o the_o flux_n of_o the_o tide_n be_v but_o a_o small_a distance_n from_o this_o sluice_n and_o the_o re-flux_n the_o same_o which_o continual_a motion_n of_o the_o tide_n ebb_v and_o flow_v in_o so_o short_a a_o distance_n it_o can_v fill_v it_o up_o that_o river_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o fresh_a within_o our_o in-draught_n in_o those_o two_o great_a river_n that_o lead_v all_o our_o fresh_n and_o flood_n to_o that_o sluice_n and_o follow_v the_o tail_n of_o the_o tide_n to_o sea_n which_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n grind_v the_o channel_n to_o sea_n to_o a_o great_a depth_n below_o lynne_n and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a this_o will_v improve_v it_o to_o the_o admittance_n of_o great_a vessel_n then_o former_o to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o that_o port._n and_o if_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v design_v to_o drain_n this_o great-level_a shall_v prove_v any_o way_n injurious_a to_o this_o town_n of_o lynne_n i_o will_v soon_o desist_v from_o prosecute_a it_o any_o further_o but_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o they_o understand_v a_o benefit_n and_o no_o damage_n to_o that_o town_n if_o i_o divert_v wisbidge_n river_n from_o run_v through_o the_o washes_n object_n or_o salt_n marsh_n than_o all_o those_o washes_n will_v become_v good_a ground_n but_o then_o that_o part_n of_o holland_n from_o the_o sheir-drain_n to_o the_o river_n welland_n with_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n will_v be_v lose_v by_o reason_n they_o will_v lose_v the_o out-fall_a of_o sheir-drain_n sutton-goat_n fleet-goat_n quapload-goat_n and_o weston-goat_n which_o be_v their_o drain_v into_o the_o washes_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n to_o drain_n one_o part_n and_o drown_v another_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o design_n but_o what_o i_o endeavour_v be_v to_o perfect_a and_o drain_n that_o part_n of_o holland_n with_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n and_o yet_o drain_n the_o great_a washes_n contain_v near_o fifty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n waste_v without_o prejudice_n to_o any_o land-holder_n in_o that_o part_n of_o holland_n or_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n but_o to_o their_o great_a benefit_n for_o it_o will_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o town_n and_o high_a land_n of_o tid_n st._n mary_n sutton_n gidney_n holbeach_n quapload_n molton_n to_o spalding_n lie_v high_a by_o six_o foot_n then_o the_o low_a ground_n on_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n and_o holland_n and_o all_o these_o high_a land_n before_o name_v lie_v betwixt_o the_o sea_n and_o these_o low_a ground_n so_o that_o cubbet_n spalding_n drove-chappel_n gidney_n st._n james_n and_o fleet_n be_v force_v to_o drain_n themselves_o by_o small_a cut_n through_o this_o ascent_n betwixt_o the_o sea_n and_o they_o in_o some_o place_n three_o four_o five_o or_o six_o mile_n and_o many_o of_o they_o seven_o and_o nine_o foot_n deep_a yet_o for_o all_o this_o great_a depth_n of_o those_o drain_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o those_o low_a ground_n be_v drown_v common_o two_o foot_n although_o you_o be_v at_o great_a charge_n with_o the_o spade_n to_o keep_v your_o goat_n and_o sluice_n open_a into_o the_o salt_n marsh_n or_o washes_n and_o yet_o can_v drain_n yourselves_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n that_o the_o sea_n of_o late_a year_n have_v lodge_v its_o silt_n and_o sand_n some_o foot_n above_o your_o sluice_n or_o goat_n to_o sea_n and_o in_o short_a time_n the_o loss_n of_o much_o good_a land_n may_v be_v fear_v yet_o to_o help_v you_o i_o do_v endeavour_n but_o to_o hurt_v you_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o country_n be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o design_n now_o to_o free_v you_o from_o these_o inconvenience_n the_o turn_n of_o wisbidge_n river_n through_o marsland_n near_o to_o germans-bride_n will_v be_v of_o much_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n to_o those_o low_a ground_n for_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o sluice_n at_o german_n we_o keep_v wisbidge_n river_n when_o we_o please_v as_o low_a as_o we_o will_v and_o this_o river_n of_o wisbidge_n will_v prove_v the_o out-fall_a for_o all_o those_o low_a ground_n of_o holland_n and_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbide_v and_o perfect_o drain_n they_o winter_n and_o summer_n my_o reason_n be_v this_o those_o low_a ground_n in_o holland_n lie_v high_a than_o those_o low_a ground_n on_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n and_o those_o water_n in_o wisbidge_n river_n will_v lie_v low_a by_o six_o foot_n then_o the_o superficies_n of_o those_o land_n or_o drown_a ground_n on_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n so_o that_o at_o all_o time_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o navigable_a river_n through_o that_o part_n of_o holland_n from_o cubbit_n upon_o welland_n to_o grammoke-house_n upon_o sheir-drain_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o murrow-gate_n and_o so_o to_o leverington_n into_o the_o river_n of_o wisbidge_n where_o you_o have_v so_o great_a a_o fall_n that_o it_o absolute_o drain_v all_o those_o drown_a ground_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o certain_a out-fall_a for_o sheir-drain_n when_o clowes-cross_n will_v give_v leave_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o thorney_n burrough_n great_a fen_n and_o the_o town_n of_o croyland_n this_o work_n will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o perfect_a draining_n of_o all_o those_o ground_n but_o likewise_o better_a navigation_n from_o lynne_n wisbidge_n and_o peterborough_n to_o spalding_n to_o boston_n to_o croyland_n to_o deeping_n and_o to_o stampford_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o small_a single_a soss_n place_v upon_o welland_n river_n near_o cubbit_n this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v be_v perform_v at_o a_o inconsiderable_a charge_n consider_v the_o profit_n it_o bring_v with_o it_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o allowance_n from_o the_o honourable_a corporation_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v be_v very_o willing_a to_o serve_v the_o country_n upon_o so_o public_a a_o account_n be_v of_o so_o great_a advantage_n to_o those_o part_n and_o little_a or_o no_o damage_n to_o themselves_o thus_o have_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o judgement_n answer_v the_o aforesaid_a objection_n and_o do_v confess_v my_o obligation_n to_o he_o or_o they_o that_o do_v make_v they_o by_o which_o mean_n reason_n will_v find_v the_o better_a allowance_n and_o truth_n appear_v with_o more_o justre_n i_o shall_v now_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o some_o few_o objection_n of_o my_o own_o against_o that_o design_n last_o intend_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practrice_n which_o be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o honourable_a corporation_n and_o shall_v as_o willing_o receive_v satisfaction_n from_o he_o or_o they_o which_o be_v the_o present_a director_n as_o i_o be_o desirous_a my_o judgement_n in_o this_o affair_n may_v receive_v their_o approbation_n according_a to_o a_o order_n of_o this_o corporation_n the_o 17_o the_o of_o november_n 1664._o i_o do_v here_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o say_a corporation_n humble_o tender_v these_o my_o objection_n follow_v against_o that_o design_n now_o in_o agitation_n whereas_o it_o be_v design_v by_o this_o last_o new_a design_n that_o all_o river_n shall_v be_v leave_v open_a to_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o tide_n to_o have_v his_o free_a passage_n into_o all_o those_o great_a river_n first_o object_n to_o this_o i_o object_n that_o if_o
withstand_v a_o reasonable_a flood_n to_z and_o through_o this_o great_a level_n run_v certain_a river_n and_o rivilet_n design_n i_o exclude_v the_o river_n welland_n as_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o it_o in_o this_o design_n and_o those_o which_o i_o call_v rivers_n which_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o be_v new_a nean_n alias_o morton_n leame_z bedford_z river_n and_o great_a owse_n the_o river_n nean_n be_v very_o considerable_a it_o run_v out_o of_o northamptonshire_n and_o bring_v many_o river_n and_o rivilet_n which_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o with_o reason_n we_o may_v believe_v northamptonshire_n to_o be_v the_o high_a county_n in_o all_o england_n there_o be_v no_o river_n which_o run_v into_o it_o but_o many_o which_o run_v out_o of_o it_o east_n west_n north_n and_o south_n bedford_z river_n be_v equal_a with_o nean_n river_n and_o bring_v with_o it_o all_o those_o river_n and_o brook_n out_o of_o bedfordshire_n and_o buckinghamshire_n old_a owse_n i_o call_v it_o a_o considerable_a river_n for_o those_o of_o grant_n owse_n milnall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n make_v owse_v before_o it_o meet_v with_o bedford_n river_n at_o saltors_n load_n a_o great_a and_o considerable_a river_n as_o for_o south_n ea_fw-la drain_n peakirk_n drain_n bevil_n leam_fw-la whittlesey_n dike_n swards_o delft_n elm_n leam_fw-la march_v river_n ox-willow_n load_n sandy_a dike_n downham_n load_v dr._n william_n load_n reach_v load_n fordhorm_v load_n and_o samms_n cut_v with_o many_o other_o small_a creek_n which_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o our_o work_n but_o much_o to_o our_o benefit_n and_o ease_n and_o will_v be_v much_o for_o our_o use_n as_o for_o the_o several_a descent_n in_o this_o level_n &c_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o thus_o from_o the_o height_n of_o burrough_n fen_n and_o thorney_n fen_n and_o from_o bull_n dike_n and_o catt_n water_n the_o descent_n lie_v to_o the_o low_a part_n of_o thorney_n fen_n by_o clow_n cross_a and_o murrow_n plash_n all_o those_o fen_n and_o ground_n from_o stanground_n mare_fw-la whittlesey_n mare_n ug_v mare_n and_o ramsey_n mare_n king_n delft_n west_n fen_n all_o those_o ground_n or_o fen_n of_o ramsey_n pedley_n doddington_n chatris_n and_o march_n all_o those_o ground_n lie_v descend_v to_o the_o river_n of_o march_n and_o the_o west_n water_n all_o those_o ground_n and_o fen_n which_o lie_v east_n of_o the_o west_n water_n to_o the_o north_n bank_n of_o bedford_n river_n river_n have_v their_o descent_n incline_v to_o well_o river_n and_o welney_n to_o the_o po_n dike_n all_o those_o fen_n and_o ground_n lie_v southeast_n of_o bedford_n river_n have_v still_o their_o descent_n eastward_o to_o littleport_n and_o to_o priest-house_n and_o so_o into_o great_a owse_n river_n yet_o though_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o all_o those_o land_n and_o fen_n from_o morton_n leam_fw-la to_o the_o river_n owse_fw-mi have_v their_o descent_n still_o eastward_o yet_o be_v as_o true_a it_o be_v not_o above_o half_a a_o foot_n in_o a_o mile_n and_o that_o be_v no_o considerable_a draught_n to_o convey_v our_o downfall_n to_o our_o two_o river_n of_o great_a owse_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la which_o upon_o necessity_n must_v drain_v the_o country_n but_o if_o morton_n leam_fw-la and_o great_a owse_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o run_v so_o low_a as_o to_o gain_v a_o draught_n into_o they_o we_o can_v be_v perfect_o drain_v but_o this_o without_o all_o doubt_n may_v be_v effect_v those_o fen_n and_o ground_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o great_a owse_n in_o norfolk_n and_o suffolk_n owse_n with_o sohame_n fen_n swaffam_n fen_n ditton_n burwell_n fen_n isesam_n milnall_n whelp_n moor_n and_o the_o fen_n of_o feltwell_n have_v their_o descent_n west_n to_o the_o river_n owse_fw-mi but_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o to_o gain_v these_o river_n two_o foot_n fall_v into_o the_o river_n owse_fw-mi and_o that_o sohame_v mere_a shall_v never_o come_v within_o four_o foot_n of_o its_o former_a height_n in_o ordinary_a flood_n for_o beside_o the_o sock_n and_o down-fall_a into_o this_o level_n we_o have_v three_o considerable_a river_n which_o run_v through_o it_o into_o the_o sea_n level_n morton_n leame_z who_o way_n be_v through_o wisbidge_n and_o so_o into_o the_o washes_n and_o bedford_n river_n and_o great_a owse_n which_o join_v together_o at_o saltors_n load_n undertaker_n and_o run_v entire_a to_o lynne_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o sea_n below_o the_o washes_n there_o have_v be_v great_a industry_n and_o much_o money_n expend_v in_o make_v of_o great_a and_o vast_a bank_n to_o keep_v those_o river_n within_o their_o bound_n and_o to_o carry_v our_o fresh_n to_o run_v at_o that_o height_n as_o to_o ride_v the_o tide_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o the_o undertaker_n since_o lin_z law_n be_v first_o make_v but_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v find_v the_o descent_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o the_o tide_n their_o great_a enemy_n can_v not_o then_o have_v possible_o prevail_v to_o flow_v into_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o this_o great_a level_n every_o twelve_o hour_n enemy_n though_o the_o late_a make_v new_a river_n do_v run_v high_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o imbank_a and_o the_o flux_n of_o the_o tide_n one_o other_o enemy_n though_o not_o so_o dangerous_a to_o this_o great_a level_n enemy_n be_v the_o want_n of_o fresh_n in_o the_o summer_n to_o water_v the_o ground_n and_o cattle_n enemy_n and_o to_o scour_v the_o outfalls_a and_o the_o other_o enemy_n be_v the_o fuzzy_a light_n moor_n to_o make_v bank_n withal_o which_o moorish_a earth_n have_v deceive_v all_o the_o worthy_a undertaker_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v any_o more_o neither_o be_v it_o without_o reason_n that_o those_o three_o i_o last_v name_v be_v such_o obstacle_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o draining_n this_o level_n draining_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o flood_n which_o fall_v down_o into_o this_o great_a level_n intend_v for_o the_o sea_n which_o for_o want_v of_o descent_n can_v run_v quick_a and_o the_o tide_n every_o twelve_o hour_n meet_v our_o fresh_n and_o beat_v they_o back_o the_o tide_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o great_a ascent_n at_o sea_n flow_v quick_a into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o our_o fen_n so_o far_o as_o above_o welney_n upon_o bedford_n river_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o eight_o and_o twenty_o mile_n from_o the_o sea_n and_o likewise_o it_o flow_v above_o guyheirne_a in_o morton_n leame_z into_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o fen_n and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v the_o tide_n flow_v into_o we_o three_o hour_n and_o a_o half_a and_o we_o allow_v four_o hour_n for_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o water_n to_o ebb_v back_o again_o so_o that_o at_o the_o most_o we_o have_v but_o four_o hour_n and_o a_o half_a in_o twelve_o hour_n to_o run_v out_o our_o fresh_n which_o drown_v we_o thus_o the_o flood_n increase_v in_o our_o river_n between_o the_o bank_n and_o rise_v and_o lie_v on_o they_o at_o a_o great_a height_n and_o as_o i_o have_v say_v these_o moory_n banks_n will_v deceive_v all_o that_o trust_v in_o they_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o moor_n earth_n be_v tough_a so_o long_o as_o it_o lie_v wet_a but_o be_v good_a no_o long_o than_o till_o it_o be_v rot_v and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v if_o it_o lie_v dry_a four_o or_o five_o summer_n moor._n and_o then_o it_o sink_v and_o become_v a_o light_n black_a mould_n and_o if_o it_o chance_v that_o a_o flood_n lie_v upon_o it_o but_o three_o or_o four_o day_n it_o soak_v in_o the_o water_n and_o become_v sob_v and_o be_v neither_o earth_n nor_o water_n and_o then_o it_o leave_v you_o when_o you_o have_v most_o need_v of_o it_o and_o drown_v the_o fen_n more_o then_o if_o there_o be_v no_o bank_n at_o all_o the_o three_o enemy_n be_v the_o want_n of_o fresh_n in_o the_o summer_n which_o do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o country_n and_o the_o cattle_n miserable_a but_o the_o outfalls_a will_v be_v destroy_v for_o want_v of_o water_n to_o scour_v they_o in_o dry_a summer_n draining_n nor_o will_v i_o have_v the_o late_a drip_a summer_n be_v a_o encouragement_n that_o the_o outfalls_a be_v so_o good_a that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v they_o may_v they_o always_o continue_v good_a i_o wish_v but_o if_o the_o outfalls_a once_o fail_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o the_o break_n of_o a_o bank_n only_o my_o fear_n hereof_o be_v just_a enough_o in_o a_o dry_a summer_n you_o have_v none_o or_o very_o few_o fresh_n either_o by_o the_o river_n morton_n leame_z or_o great_a owse_n and_o you_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v visit_v with_o the_o tide_n every_o twelve_o hour_n and_o then_o i_o may_v tell_v
by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o shelf_n of_o sand_n upon_o that_o coast_n so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a strength_n of_o that_o small_a river_n come_v from_o bergue_n bergue_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v out_o of_o that_o haven_n what_o the_o sea_n lodge_v in_o it_o but_o then_o reason_n and_o industry_n do_v the_o work_n of_o that_o haven_n thus_o when_o the_o haven_n be_v silt_v up_o to_o such_o a_o height_n the_o town_n cause_v the_o river_n aforesaid_a to_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o their_o sluice_n or_o soss_n for_o some_o eight_o or_o ten_o day_n together_o than_o they_o command_v the_o ship_n and_o other_o vessel_n in_o that_o haven_n to_o ride_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o as_o close_o to_o each_o other_o as_o they_o can_v in-draught_n and_o be_v thus_o place_v they_o at_o a_o level_n water_n open_v their_o sluice_n and_o soss_n and_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o pin_v up_o water_n from_o bergue_v to_o run_v through_o the_o haven_n so_o that_o it_o grind_v the_o bottom_n through_o the_o interval_n between_o the_o ship_n that_o it_o carry_v away_o all_o the_o silt_n and_o sand_n out_o of_o the_o haven_n whilst_o the_o ship_n rock_v too_o and_o fro_o as_o if_o they_o will_v fall_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o haven_n become_v as_o deep_a again_o it_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o delft_n haven_n in_o hollaud_v and_o that_o small_a river_n which_o come_v from_o overkey_n to_o the_o town_n and_o haven_n do_v the_o like_a effect_n with_o that_o of_o dunkirk_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o haven_n but_o by_o reason_n the_o sluice_n which_o cast_v their_o in-draught_n into_o both_o these_o haven_n stand_v at_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o grind_v and_o effect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n now_o look_v back_o to_o ourselves_o which_o have_v be_v so_o much_o mistake_v waldersey_n as_o to_o make_v receptacle_n of_o in-draught_n within_o land_n so_o remote_a from_o the_o outfalls_a and_o you_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o if_o the_o receptacle_n or_o in-draught_n make_v at_o waldersey_n have_v take_v that_o effect_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o a_o spring_n tide_n from_o sea_n six_o foot_n water_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o have_v do_v you_o any_o good_a by_o reason_n it_o lay_v so_o far_o from_o the_o out-fall_a but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o it_o have_v prove_v that_o that_o in-draught_n have_v but_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n four_o five_o or_o six_o foot_n water_n the_o bank_n have_v be_v go_v long_o ere_o this_o and_o wildersay_n and_o coldham_n have_v be_v both_o lose_v or_o little_a worth_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o no_o far_o trouble_v but_o to_o assure_v you_o of_o my_o readiness_n to_o answer_v any_o other_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v against_o this_o my_o design_n or_o way_n of_o draining_n to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o give_v you_o my_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n which_o will_v arise_v to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n the_o honourable_a corporation_n the_o country_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n his_o majesty_n subject_n in_o this_o level_n kingdom_n who_o be_v former_o very_o poor_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o their_o ground_n lie_v dry_a but_o be_v once_o perfect_o drain_v will_v grow_v rich_a and_o populous_a to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n it_o will_v better_a navigation_n and_o trade_n to_o all_o his_o town_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n waste_n it_o secure_v his_o majesty_n land_n be_v ten_o thousand_o acre_n lie_v in_o this_o level_n from_o all_o far_a charge_n or_o fear_v of_o be_v drown_v by_o any_o flood_n either_o in_o winter_n or_o summer_n his_o majesty_n gain_v hereby_o fifty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o good_a land_n call_v now_o the_o washes_n or_o salt_n marsh_n this_o land_n be_v equal_a to_o those_o land_n in_o marsland_n or_o holland_n for_o goodness_n the_o one_o lie_v on_o the_o east_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o westside_n of_o these_o washes_n or_o salt_n marsh_n which_o be_v all_o the_o king_n waste_n and_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o those_o washes_n contain_v more_o land_n than_o lie_v in_o marsland_n itself_o and_o more_o those_o washes_n lie_n much_o high_a than_o do_v marsland_n or_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbide_v yet_o through_o this_o wash_n do_v wisbidge_n river_n sheir-drain_n and_o spalding_n river_n make_v their_o way_n to_o the_o sea_n but_o when_o wisbidge_n river_n sheir-drain_n with_o spalding_n river_n be_v force_v to_o a_o better_a out-fall_a as_o wisbidge_n to_o great_a owse_n and_o spalding_n river_n and_o glean_v secure_v to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o north_n and_o south_n holland_n then_o must_v those_o spacious_a washes_n sudden_o become_v good_a land_n for_o this_o reason_n viz._n for_o these_o river_n by_o force_n of_o winter_n flood_n do_v scour_v and_o cleanse_v these_o washes_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o silt_n or_o sand_n to_o bed_n upon_o they_o but_o these_o river_n be_v take_v away_o which_o run_v through_o and_o spread_v themselves_o upon_o these_o wash_v every_o low_a water_n do_v carry_v away_o to_o sea_n what_o the_o tide_n have_v leave_v behind_o but_o the_o cause_n be_v take_v away_o the_o effect_n cease_v and_o all_o those_o washes_n will_v become_v good_a land_n at_o little_a or_o no_o considerable_a charge_n and_o yet_o the_o navigation_n of_o his_o majesty_n town_n of_o lynne_n boston_n and_o wisbidge_n much_o better_v and_o prove_v great_a outfalls_a and_o navigable_a channel_n to_o the_o north_n sea_n yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o fresh_n that_o though_o the_o fresh_n work_v this_o effect_n to_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v the_o washes_n yet_o the_o washes_n grow_v and_o get_v height_n upon_o they_o and_o though_o former_o wisbidge_n be_v the_o best_a out-fall_a in_o this_o great_a level_n and_o take_v much_o of_o our_o water_n into_o it_o sheir-drain_n which_o now_o run_v by_o lin_z by_o reason_n of_o late_a year_n the_o sea_n have_v leave_v we_o and_o the_o washes_n have_v gain_v a_o great_a height_n and_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o gain_v any_o good_a out-fall_a through_o those_o washes_n either_o for_o the_o river_n of_o wisbidge_n sheir-drain_n or_o spalding_n river_n as_o for_o the_o noble_a and_o honourable_a adventurer_n i_o shall_v say_v little_a only_o assure_v they_o that_o this_o design_n and_o way_n of_o draining_n this_o great_a level_n be_v perfect_v the_o great_a level_n will_v be_v perfect_o drain_v off_o whereby_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o maintain_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o mile_n in_o bank_v already_o make_v will_v be_v take_v off_o which_o be_v of_o no_o far_a use_n will_v be_v of_o no_o far_a charge_n neither_o be_v they_o free_v from_o this_o charge_n alone_o but_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o many_o of_o their_o sluice_n and_o soss_n useless_a as_o that_o of_o well-creek_n and_o that_o upon_o owse_n at_o saltors_n load_n and_o those_o work_n at_o ely_n which_o will_v become_v as_o useless_a as_o the_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o mile_n of_o bank_v and_o in_o fine_a it_o may_v be_v believe_v that_o six_o penny_n the_o acre_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la will_v maintain_v the_o charge_n of_o uphold_v the_o work_n and_o procure_v a_o stock_n if_o the_o beforementioned_a work_n be_v once_o sufficient_o effect_v for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o repair_v of_o bank_n any_o more_o the_o benefit_n which_o will_v arise_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n will_v be_v very_o considerable_a in_o be_v free_v from_o all_o danger_n of_o be_v drown_v any_o more_o that_o they_o may_v free_o plough_v and_o sow_v build_v and_o plant_v and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o the_o want_n of_o water_n in_o the_o summer_n for_o themselves_o or_o cattle_n and_o which_o will_v be_v very_o considerable_a be_v the_o navigation_n to_o almost_o every_o small_a town_n in_o this_o level_n especial_o if_o their_o intercommon_n be_v divide_v inter-common_a which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a benefit_n both_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o tenant_n but_o in_o all_o these_o navigable_a cut_n avoid_v bank_n and_o then_o these_o cut_n and_o division_n dikes_n may_v be_v do_v at_o a_o small_a charge_n have_v a_o care_n to_o carry_v your_o lead_n drain_v into_o their_o proper_a outfalls_a of_o bedford_n river_n great_a owse_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la i_o shall_v not_o deviat_v from_o my_o present_a discourse_n if_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o my_o observation_n abroad_o both_o in_o my_o youth_n and_o age_n i_o gain_v some_o experience_n to_o serve_v my_o native_a country_n and_o that_o one_o province_n of_o holland_n holland_n i_o compute_v to_o be_v equal_o as_o large_a as_o this_o great_a level_n and_o
i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o hundred_o time_n more_o money_n expend_v in_o this_o province_n in_o river_n sluice_n soss_n and_o bridge_n then_o can_v be_v needful_a in_o this_o great_a level_n of_o the_o fen_n they_o the_o province_n of_o south_n and_o north_n holland_n freizland_n and_o gronning_a admit_v of_o no_o tide_n or_o river_n from_o the_o sea_n to_o run_v into_o they_o only_a south_n holland_n admit_v of_o the_o river_n maze_n to_o run_v to_o meet_v the_o river_n rhyne_n yet_o this_o holland_n run_v her_o water_n into_o the_o river_n maze_n by_o substantial_a sluice_n and_o navigable_a soss_n as_o i_o have_v see_v at_o mazelandt_n ulerdine_n skeydam_n delfts-haven_n and_o at_o rotterdam_n all_o these_o play_n into_o the_o river_n maze_n which_o run_v by_o the_o brill_n to_o dort_n on_o the_o north-side_n of_o this_o province_n be_v harlem_n mare_n by_o sluice_n and_o soss_n at_o amsterdam_n there_o be_v many_o at_o myden_n nardam_n all_o these_o run_v into_o the_o zuyder_n sea_n and_o yet_o those_o sluice_n and_o those_o upon_o the_o river_n maze_n have_v not_o one_o quarter_n of_o the_o ebb_n to_o run_v at_o north_n holland_n upon_o the_o zuyder_n sea_n have_v its_o sluice_n to_o run_v at_o sardam_n at_o monkenden_n horn_n ancusen_n and_o middle-bleak_a and_o they_o have_v not_o above_o a_o quarter_n ebb_v to_o run_v at_o though_o they_o force_v their_o water_n into_o those_o lead_a river_n by_o costly_a mill_n and_o in_o this_o north_n holland_n much_o of_o their_o rich_a ground_n where_o they_o make_v their_o best_a cheese_n lie_v under_o the_o low_a water_n mark_n at_o sea_n mill_n at_o least_o six_o or_o seven_o foot_n as_o the_o bempster_n the_o skermer_n and_o the_o wart_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v all_o drain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o mill_n each_o mill_n cost_v near_o six_o hundred_o pound_n sterling_a in_o the_o skermer_n i_o have_v see_v four_o mill_n foot_n one_o stand_v four_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o other_o and_o they_o have_v work_v one_o to_o another_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v the_o water_n sixteen_o foot_n high_a to_o run_v into_o the_o drain_v which_o lead_v to_o the_o sea_n freizland_n and_o gronning_n province_n from_o campen_n in_o gilderland_n to_o dam_n in_o gronning_n be_v all_o drain_v by_o soss_n and_o sluice_n to_o seaward_o the_o length_n of_o those_o three_o province_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mile_n along_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o river_n run_v into_o they_o from_o the_o sea_n i_o do_v observe_v in_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o netherlands_o where_o i_o have_v be_v they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o sea_n to_o flow_v into_o any_o of_o their_o province_n sluice_n but_o keep_v it_o out_o by_o their_o sluice_n and_o soss_n so_o far_o as_o art_n and_o cost_n will_v promise_v they_o security_n these_o work_n of_o they_o will_v confirm_v all_o rational_a person_n that_o if_o they_o have_v but_o one_o quarter_n of_o the_o ebb_n to_o run_v at_o and_o lie_v dry_a what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o a_o sluice_n and_o navigable_a soss_n at_o german-bridge_n more_o upon_o old_a owse_n and_o new_a nean_n which_o have_v half_o the_o ebb_n but_o in_o a_o flood_n more_o because_o the_o fresh_n do_v rise_v one_o foot_n within_o the_o sluice_n for_o two_o foot_n the_o tide_n rise_v against_o the_o sluice_n without_o to_o seaward_o i_o hope_v the_o experience_n we_o all_o have_v of_o holland_n owse_fw-mi the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n with_o that_o of_o marsland_n all_o of_o they_o lie_v below_o the_o fen_n of_o the_o great_a level_n five_o or_o six_o foot_n yet_o drain_v themselves_o into_o great_a owse_n and_o the_o sea_n neither_o be_v the_o benefit_n inconsiderable_a which_o holland_n the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n and_o marsland_n will_v receive_v by_o this_o design_n as_o for_o hollaud_v secure_v all_o that_o bank_n call_v south_n ea_z bank_n from_o dowesdale_n to_o clowes-cross_n be_v eight_o mile_n which_o be_v believe_v former_o to_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la charge_n will_v be_v secure_v the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n save_o the_o repair_n of_o that_o bank_n from_o clowes-cross_n to_o guyheirn_n and_o part_n of_o the_o bank_n upon_o wisbidge_n river_n which_o former_o cost_v much_o money_n but_o the_o great_a benefit_n this_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n will_v receive_v mary_n be_v the_o perfect_a draining_n of_o all_o that_o flat_a and_o low_a country_n for_o which_o they_o of_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n and_o tid_n st._n mary_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n do_v contract_n for_o the_o give_v a_o great_a proportion_n of_o land_n for_o the_o draining_n thereof_o now_o as_o for_o marsland_n their_o benefit_n will_v be_v the_o great_a for_o this_o work_n be_v do_v they_o save_v the_o charge_n of_o repair_v all_o those_o bank_n from_o germans-bride_n upward_o on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o river_n owse_fw-mi marsland_n to_o saltor_n load_v which_o be_v eight_o mile_n and_o all_o those_o bank_n call_v new_a and_o old_a po_n dike_n which_o by_o their_o confession_n cost_v they_o yearly_o 1600l_o and_o withal_o they_o recover_v hereby_o the_o great_a common_a belong_v to_o the_o seven_o town_n in_o marsland_n and_o the_o common_a also_o call_v the_o smee_n smee_n for_o which_o a_o great_a quantity_n of_o land_n be_v offer_v to_o those_o which_o shall_v undertake_v the_o draining_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v and_o another_o considerable_a benefit_n be_v they_o will_v constant_o have_v fresh_a water_n out_o of_o the_o river_n from_o wisbidge_n to_o german-bridge_n and_o the_o bank_n lie_v upon_o the_o west_n of_o marsland_n upon_o the_o washes_n marsland_n near_o fifteen_o mile_n in_o length_n it_o cost_v much_o money_n and_o many_o time_n in_o danger_n of_o break_v be_v hereby_o secure_v the_o washes_n or_o salt_n marsh_n be_v gain_v from_o the_o sea_n which_o will_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o this_o work_n be_v perform_v it_o be_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o corporation_n to_o drain_n the_o great_a common_a in_o marsland_n belong_v to_o the_o seven_o town_n charge_n contain_v five_o thousand_o acre_n with_o the_o common_a call_v the_o smee_n contain_v about_o fifteen_o hundred_o acre_n likewise_o the_o draining_n of_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n contain_v twelve_o thousand_o acre_n also_o all_o those_o ground_n in_o holland_n belong_v to_o gedney_n drive_v chapple_n holbidge_n fleet_n st._n james_n tid_n st._n mary_n which_o be_v report_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v eight_o thousand_o acre_n of_o drown_v land_n and_o if_o the_o corporation_n please_v they_o may_v drain_n all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o queen_n manor_n in_o croyland_n call_v posant_a which_o will_v be_v rich_a ground_n if_o once_o drain_v and_o contain_v in_o it_o seven_o thousand_o acre_n six_o whereof_o belong_v to_o the_o queen_n william_n dodson_n finis_fw-la answer_n to_o the_o several_a objection_n against_o this_o my_o design_n since_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o honourable_a corporation_n first_o object_n it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o place_n that_o i_o intend_v to_o set_v the_o great_a sluice_n upon_o which_o be_v near_o magdalen_n be_v a_o quicksand_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o the_o place_n i_o have_v design_v to_o set_v the_o great_a sluice_n upon_o be_v no_o quicksand_n but_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a clay_n as_o the_o place_n where_o magdalen_n bridge_n stand_v or_o the_o sluice_n at_o saltors_n load_n or_o well-creek_n and_o this_o be_v at_o a_o easy_a charge_n make_v appear_v to_o they_o that_o doubt_v by_o sink_v the_o place_n twelve_o foot_n where_o they_o will_v find_v what_o i_o have_v assert_v in_o my_o design_n to_o be_v truth_n second_o object_n it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o river_n be_v deep_a there_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o set_v a_o sluice_n in_o the_o river_n it_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o set_v this_o sluice_n and_o soss_n in_o the_o river_n answ_n for_o that_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o undertake_v but_o this_o sluice_n be_v set_v near_o the_o river_n of_o owse_n and_o so_o cut_v into_o the_o river_n and_o although_o the_o river_n be_v as_o deep_a again_o as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o i_o set_v not_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o sluice_n two_o foot_n below_o the_o channel_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v but_o i_o set_v it_o two_o foot_n below_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o river_n or_o low_a water_n mark_v and_o therefore_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o river_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o i_o by_o be_v so_o deep_a but_o contrary_a a_o great_a advantage_n and_o of_o much_o benefit_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o fresh_n three_o object_n it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o a_o sluice_n shall_v be_v set_v there_o that_o
1649._o at_o their_o meet_v there_o that_o those_o bank_n make_v so_o high_a by_o i_o then_o will_v not_o stand_v above_o four_o or_o five_o foot_n high_a twenty_o year_n after_o their_o make_n and_o i_o do_v promise_v they_o then_o that_o my_o design_n be_v finish_v the_o flood_n shall_v never_o charge_v those_o bank_n above_o two_o foot_n and_o it_o must_v have_v be_v so_o if_o this_o design_n of_o i_o have_v go_v on_o and_o be_v perfect_v neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o two_o foot_n of_o a_o flood_n shall_v have_v lie_v out_o of_o the_o river_n three_o neap_n of_o a_o tide_n if_o the_o sluice_n at_o german-bridge_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v many_o wise_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n object_n that_o the_o bank_n be_v repair_v every_o year_n the_o draining_n may_v be_v perfect_v wise_a man_n may_v think_v so_o answ_n and_o the_o country_n man_n which_o get_v all_o the_o money_n for_o repair_v every_o year_n will_v tell_v they_o so_o till_o the_o charge_n exceed_v the_o profit_n but_o if_o they_o look_v upon_o deeping_n fen_n drain_v with_o moory_a bank_n by_o captain_n lovel_n and_o continue_v a_o small_a time_n rich_a ground_n till_o the_o moory_n banks_n be_v rot_v to_o a_o mould_n than_o the_o bank_n fail_v though_o there_o be_v no_o cost_n spare_v by_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n to_o repair_v or_o maintain_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v now_o and_o have_v be_v these_o twenty_o year_n under_o water_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v have_v from_o it_o but_o a_o little_a fish_n yet_o this_o fen_n do_v contain_v thirty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o good_a land_n if_o drain_v look_v upon_o bishop_n morton_n work_n the_o lord_n popham_n work_n governor_n peyton_n work_n the_o honourable_a francis_n earl_n of_o bedford_n work_n all_o these_o honourable_a person_n be_v wise_a man_n and_o undoubted_o do_v act_v by_o a_o great_a scale_n of_o prudence_n in_o their_o undertake_n yet_o can_v not_o make_v their_o moory_a bank_n any_o long_o durable_a then_o till_o the_o moor_n become_v mould_n these_o precedent_n be_v all_o within_o our_o level_n and_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o our_o age_n but_o if_o you_o run_v our_o fresh_n so_o low_o in_o winter_n object_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v for_o water_n for_o ourselves_o and_o cattle_n in_o summer_n whilst_o you_o have_v water_n at_o deeping-bridge_n answ_n at_o peterborough-bridge_n saint_n ives-bridge_n cambridge-bridge_n and_o at_o the_o bridge_n of_o milnall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n undoubted_o our_o level_n can_v want_v water_n for_o under_o these_o bridge_n come_v all_o those_o water_n which_o drown_v we_o and_o under_o these_o bridge_n shall_v come_v those_o water_n for_o we_o and_o our_o cattle_n yet_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o great_a sluice_n at_o german-bridge_n or_o near_o madelen_n be_v able_a to_o hold_v up_o the_o water_n with_o little_a help_n as_o high_a as_o you_o please_v than_o it_o will_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v a_o absolute_a draining_n when_o we_o can_v drown_v and_o drain_n at_o our_o pleasure_n but_o how_o shall_v those_o fen_n in_o norfolk_n object_n suffolk_z and_o cambridgeshire_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o east-side_n of_o owse_n be_v drain_v for_o they_o lie_v the_o low_a of_o all_o the_o fen_n in_o this_o great_a level_n if_o great_a owse_n run_v low_a answ_n than_o all_o these_o fen_n you_o name_n will_v lie_v dry_a for_o still_o your_o great_a sluice_n drain_v all_o your_o water_n out_o of_o owse_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la if_o you_o please_v but_o then_o navigation_n will_v be_v hinder_v which_o be_v to_o be_v help_v by_o bottome_v of_o those_o river_n where_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n neither_o be_v the_o bottome_v of_o a_o river_n so_o chargeable_a as_o bank_v wisbidge_n river_n may_v run_v where_o it_o do_v object_n as_o well_o as_o at_o german-bridge_n to_o go_v through_o marsland_n the_o ground_n will_v cost_v dear_a and_o that_o money_n may_v be_v save_v to_o answer_v this_o i_o have_v much_o to_o say_v answ_n first_o wisbidge_n out-fall_a lie_v high_a upon_o the_o washes_n and_o then_o it_o be_v too_o near_o our_o fen_n to_o check_v our_o fresh_n my_o drift_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o sea_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n that_o i_o may_v have_v our_o fresh_n at_o all_o time_n both_o night_n and_o day_n to_o run_v quick_a under_o the_o bridge_n of_o wisbidge_n and_o downham_n without_o the_o least_o check_n again_o the_o river_n at_o german-bridge_n lie_v low_a than_o the_o river_n at_o wisbidge-bridge_n and_o there_o be_v more_o fall_n from_o wisbidge-bridge_n to_o german-bridge_n at_o low_a water_n then_o at_o the_o fall_n from_o peterborough-bridge_n to_o wisbidge_n and_o our_o out-fall_a at_o lynne_n be_v below_o the_o washes_n and_o this_o river_n of_o wisbidge_n join_v with_o the_o river_n owse_fw-mi at_o the_o sluice_n make_v a_o gallant_a in-draught_n and_o will_v gain_v lynne_n a_o complete_a channel_n to_o sea_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o that_o fine_a town_n and_o the_o town_n of_o wisbidge_n as_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o ground_n through_o marsland_n i_o may_v just_o answer_v good_a and_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o do_v without_o cost_n but_o the_o cost_n of_o this_o will_v not_o be_v much_o by_o reason_n we_o may_v carry_v much_o of_o the_o river_n through_o the_o common_a viz._n the_o great_a common_a belong_v to_o the_o seven_o town_n in_o marsland_n and_o the_o common_a call_v the_o smee_n and_o drain_n they_o both_o which_o the_o marsland_n man_n will_v thank_v you_o for_o the_o river_n of_o wisbidge_n be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o widen_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v in_o it_o all_o those_o water_n which_o fall_v from_o peterborough_n odject_n and_o therefore_o you_o may_v spare_v your_o pain_n and_o cost_n at_o murrow-gate_n wisbidge_n river_n be_v wide_a than_o it_o be_v answ_n especial_o at_o the_o out-fall_a which_o do_v and_o will_v destroy_v we_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o depth_n nor_o the_o width_n of_o the_o river_n that_o will_v drain_v that_o level_n it_o be_v the_o descent_n and_o quick_a current_n that_o must_v do_v our_o work_n but_o this_o river_n be_v so_o full_a of_o small_a angle_n to_o shoulder_v up_o our_o fresh_n yet_o i_o will_v say_v it_o will_v serve_v till_o the_o moory_a bank_n in_o the_o fen_n be_v sink_v but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sure_a in_o this_o great_a work_n for_o if_o this_o river_n shall_v prove_v defective_a to_o receive_v and_o carry_v away_o a_o great_a flood_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o have_v our_o ground_n drown_v but_o may_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o good_a man_n estate_n to_o the_o value_n of_o ten_o time_n the_o charge_n of_o make_v the_o slaker_n through_o murrow-gate_n to_o the_o horseshooe_n beside_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o river_n and_o the_o in-drains_a to_o drain_v all_o the_o north-side_n of_o wisbidge_n which_o be_v many_o thousand_o acre_n of_o good_a land_n the_o tide_n be_v stop_v at_o german-bridge_n object_n or_o near_o magdelan_n will_v rise_v high_o and_o run_v over_o our_o bank_n and_o drown_v we_o in_o marsland_n this_o objection_n be_v easy_o wave_v answ_n the_o tide_n have_v its_o bound_n and_o can_v rise_v high_a than_o its_o centre_n at_o sea_n and_o though_o it_o be_v stop_v at_o german-bridge_n it_o shall_v not_o rise_v high_o by_o the_o thickness_n of_o one_o hair_n as_o if_o it_o never_o have_v be_v stop_v at_o all_o but_o your_o great_a sluice_n and_o soss_n at_o german-bridge_n object_n or_o near_o maddelen_n will_v be_v quick_o silt_v up_o and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o fen_n then_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v answ_n be_v no_o silt_n come_v near_o it_o nor_o any_o salt_n water_n for_o which_o i_o give_v this_o reason_n viz._n the_o fresh_n at_o low_a water_n have_v get_v the_o channel_n at_o lynne_n there_o the_o tide_n come_v in_o and_o beat_v the_o fresh_n back_o the_o fresh_a and_o salt_a water_n unwilling_a to_o mix_v the_o tide_n beat_v back_o those_o fresh_n to_o its_o own_o height_n that_o so_o two_o mile_n below_o the_o sluice_n at_o german_n it_o will_v not_o be_v brackish_a i_o hope_v the_o river_n of_o thames_n at_o blackwall_n and_o london-bridge_n will_v give_v you_o a_o experiment_n and_o if_o no_o salt_n water_n at_o the_o new_a sluice_n and_o soss_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v no_o silt_n and_o sand_n we_o have_v great_a frost_n some_o year_n object_n and_o then_o upon_o a_o sudden_a thaw_v the_o ice_n come_v down_o and_o will_v choke_v your_o sluice_n and_o soss_n soss_n and_o sluice_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o ice_n in_o a_o sudden_a thaw_n answ_n it_o be_v confess_v many_o bridge_n by_o the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o ice_n have_v be_v beat_v down_o but_o the_o use_n of_o sluice_n prevent_v
that_o danger_n thus_o in_o great_a and_o long_a frost_n we_o can_v have_v no_o flood_n and_o if_o our_o river_n be_v freeze_v over_o to_o make_v it_o impassable_a for_o boat_n then_o be_v our_o sluice_n to_o run_v by_o this_o mean_v i_o sink_v the_o water_n and_o the_o ice_n with_o they_o as_o low_a as_o i_o can_v then_o by_o our_o sluice_n i_o hold_v up_o our_o water_n and_o this_o water_n rise_v one_o foot_n or_o two_o above_o the_o ice_n which_o be_v freeze_v fast_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o river_n after_o a_o night_n or_o two_o lie_v there_o and_o although_o they_o be_v not_o dissolve_v yet_o they_o be_v so_o rot_v brittle_a and_o short_a and_o can_v hurt_v either_o bridge_n or_o sluice_n this_o i_o have_v make_v experience_n of_o by_o sluice_n and_o can_v prove_v it_o and_o this_o be_v practise_v in_o holland_n freezeland_n and_o gron_v our_o division_n dikes_n object_n and_o all_o our_o dikes_n in_o our_o fen_n though_o they_o be_v make_v twelve_o foot_n wide_a and_o six_o foot_n deep_a they_o keep_v their_o width_n yet_o in_o our_o dry_a year_n the_o bottom_n rise_v two_o foot_n and_o our_o dikes_n become_v shallow_a and_o they_o be_v no_o good_a fence_n observation_n and_o experience_n will_v teach_v you_o answ_n that_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o dikes_n grow_v not_o up_o nor_o rise_v as_o you_o say_v but_o it_o be_v your_o ground_n lie_v dry_a the_o moor_n earth_n grow_v solid_a to_o a_o good_a and_o fruitful_a soil_n and_o it_o be_v not_o your_o dikes_n bottom_n which_o rise_v but_o your_o ground_n which_o sink_v and_o become_v much_o better_a therefore_o when_o your_o ground_n be_v thus_o sink_v with_o lie_v dry_a bottom_n then_o your_o dikes_n two_o foot_n and_o your_o dikes_n will_v hold_v good_a for_o many_o year_n it_o be_v perceivable_a by_o your_o design_n for_o the_o draining_n of_o this_o great_a level_n object_n that_o in_o a_o flood_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o navigation_n upward_o from_o your_o new_a sluice_n up_o bedford_n river_n up_o owse_n to_o cambridge_n or_o up_o your_o new_a river_n to_o wisbidge_n and_o peterborough_n by_o reason_n the_o water_n will_v run_v so_o quick_a that_o we_o can_v hale_v with_o our_o horse_n against_o the_o stream_n but_o our_o three_o river_n will_v become_v like_o the_o river_n rhyne_n for_o swiftness_n in_o a_o flood_n it_o be_v grant_v answ_n the_o river_n in_o a_o flood_n will_v run_v quick_a by_o reason_n they_o have_v water-way_n and_o fall_v sufficient_a at_o the_o great_a sluice_n but_o this_o force_n of_o a_o flood_n will_v not_o last_v for_o above_o a_o day_n or_o two_o it_o may_v be_v long_o and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o long_o therefore_o you_o must_v stay_v while_o the_o flood_n be_v past_a neither_o be_v these_o river_n so_o much_o your_o enemy_n as_o constant_o to_o oppose_v you_o as_o the_o river_n rhyne_n do_v all_o which_o work_n against_o a_o constant_a stream_n must_v have_v patience_n and_o so_o must_v you_o yet_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o great_a vessel_n down_o the_o river_n rhyne_n be_v quick_a and_o so_o will_v you_o be_v in_o a_o flood_n which_o last_v not_o long_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v common_a with_o we_o for_o the_o comparison_n will_v not_o hold_v between_o the_o river_n rhyne_n and_o any_o of_o our_o river_n in_o our_o level_n if_o this_o design_n of_o you_o be_v perfect_v object_n we_o may_v then_o lay_v all_o our_o boat_n aside_o as_o have_v no_o use_n for_o they_o for_o owse_n bedford_n river_n morton_n leam_fw-la and_o the_o new_a river_n through_o marsland_n will_v draw_v in_o all_o our_o land_n water_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o morton_n leam_fw-la and_o owse_n will_v run_v low_a answ_n by_o reason_n that_o at_o german-bridge_n at_o low_a water_n mark_v the_o river_n will_v be_v low_a than_o the_o height_n of_o the_o level_n soil_n at_o saltors_n load_n by_o twelve_o foot_n and_o much_o more_o and_o so_o likewise_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o guyheirne_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o raise_v the_o bank_n from_o thence_o to_o bevis-hall_n for_o there_o be_v bank_n enough_o and_o the_o river_n will_v run_v low_a than_o the_o soil_n or_o superficies_n of_o wisbidge_n high_a fen_n for_o wisbidge_n river_n will_v quick_o grind_v itself_o to_o its_o old_a bottom_n and_o keep_v it_o and_o it_o be_v feizable_a and_o necessary_a to_o bring_v part_n of_o owse_n from_o erith_n unto_o wisbidge_n by_o the_o west-water_n through_o the_o town_n of_o march_n and_o the_o other_o branch_n by_o chatris_n doddington_n and_o wimbleton-hook_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o drown_v any_o part_n of_o the_o level_n level_n and_o will_v water_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o middle_a level_n even_o to_o maney_n the_o two_o well_n and_o to_o saltor_n load_v and_o will_v prove_v good_a for_o navigation_n to_o the_o undertaker_n and_o the_o country_n which_o have_v quantity_n of_o ground_n lie_v upon_o this_o west-water_n and_o if_o the_o division_n of_o the_o intercommon_n be_v lay_v out_o there_o will_v be_v a_o necessity_n that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o west-water_n be_v make_v good_a this_o you_o will_v say_v will_v afford_v you_o water-way_n for_o your_o boat_n no_o you_o be_v deceive_v for_o without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n at_o our_o outfalls_a into_o bedford_n river_n owse_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la to_o hold_v up_o your_o in-drains_a you_o will_v still_o have_v no_o water_n for_o your_o boat_n and_o this_o will_v cost_v money_n which_o to_o do_v i_o compare_v it_o to_o paper_n and_o packthread_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rich_a commodity_n bind_v up_o in_o it_o we_o have_v now_o two_o gallant_a in-draught_n object_n as_o bedford_n river_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la for_o our_o flood_n to_o bed_n in_o as_o receptacle_n and_o after_o the_o flood_n be_v spend_v those_o run_v and_o scour_v the_o outfalls_a and_o maintain_v they_o i_o know_v not_o what_o you_o mean_v by_o a_o in-draught_n answ_n but_o if_o you_o believe_v either_o of_o those_o river_n to_o be_v your_o in-draught_n in_o which_o your_o water_n now_o bed_n who_o bank_n be_v at_o such_o a_o wide_a distance_n and_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o your_o out-fall_a as_o near_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o mile_n it_o be_v a_o riddle_n to_o i_o and_o beyond_o my_o understanding_n and_o in_o my_o judgement_n against_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o draining_n for_o in_o all_o draining_n we_o have_v respect_n to_o our_o out-fall_a for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v master_n there_o all_o other_o endeavour_n signify_v nothing_o you_o may_v as_o well_o call_v whittlesey_n mare_n in-draught_n ramsey_n mare_n soham_n mare_n in-draught_n and_o the_o dutch_a may_v better_o call_v harlem_n mare_n a_o in-draught_n for_o none_o of_o those_o i_o have_v name_v be_v in-draught_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o in-draught_n but_o it_o must_v be_v close_o to_o the_o out-fall_a in-draught_n otherwise_o it_o work_v no_o effect_n you_o have_v a_o example_n in_o holland_n and_o in_o all_o the_o low_a country_n their_o in-draught_n be_v at_o their_o sluice_n close_o to_o the_o neck_n of_o their_o outfalls_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o haven_n river_n or_o creek_n lie_v upon_o foul_a sea_n that_o have_v not_o sufficient_a fresh_n to_o maintain_v its_o out-fall_a but_o he_o must_v by_o art_n gain_v a_o in-draught_n which_o in-draught_n must_v be_v at_o hand_n to_o use_v when_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o wherefore_o for_o all_o true_a in-draught_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v up_o and_o be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o at_o the_o last_o quarter_n ebb_v or_o before_o and_o so_o it_o work_v its_o effect_n but_o when_o the_o in-draught_n be_v about_o a_o mile_n or_o two_o above_o its_o out-fall_a it_o be_v so_o weak_a upon_o its_o stream_n by_o that_o time_n it_o come_v to_o its_o out-fall_a that_o it_o can_v work_v any_o effect_n to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o either_o haven_n river_n or_o creek_n i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o two_o havens_n or_o harbour_n though_o i_o can_v trouble_v you_o with_o many_o haven_n the_o one_o be_v dunkirk_n in_o flanders_n the_o other_o be_v delfts_n haven_n in_o holland_n as_o for_o that_o of_o dunkirk_n i_o have_v see_v it_o when_o upon_o the_o wharf_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o use_v a_o ladder_n to_o go_v up_o into_o a_o ship_n of_o a_o hundred_o tun_n at_o low_a water_n the_o next_o day_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o use_v the_o same_o ladder_n down_o from_o of_o the_o wharf_n into_o the_o same_o ship_n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o i_o to_o see_v by_o what_o a_o small_a mean_n this_o effect_n be_v wrought_v which_o be_v thus_o viz._n in_o all_o dry_a summer_n the_o haven_n be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v silt_v up_o by_o the_o sea_n bear_v its_o foul_a water_n into_o it_o
cut_v can_v be_v perform_v at_o six_o foot_n deep_a at_o the_o river_n call_v the_o horseshooe_n as_o i_o have_v design_v it_o and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o if_o i_o make_v my_o river_n there_o six_o foot_n deep_a the_o height_n of_o the_o tide_n will_v not_o reach_v the_o sole_a of_o that_o river_n to_o be_v cut_v through_o marsland_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n answ_n it_o be_v altogether_o without_o reason_n or_o sense_n but_o refer_v you_o to_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o objection_n which_o will_v give_v any_o one_o full_a satisfaction_n seven_o object_n it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o sluice_n the_o purchase_n of_o the_o ground_n through_o marsland_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_v design_v by_o i_o will_v cost_v 200000l_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o certain_o they_o that_o make_v so_o large_a a_o estimate_n upon_o those_o work_n i_o have_v design_v know_v how_o to_o set_v a_o price_n upon_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o estimate_n i_o give_v in_o to_o the_o honourable_a corporation_n with_o my_o design_n do_v not_o amount_v to_o above_o 46000l_o for_o i_o have_v rather_o and_o it_o be_v my_o resolution_n to_o ask_v more_o or_o at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o will_v do_v the_o work_n have_v so_o short_a a_o warning_n then_o ask_v less_o and_o the_o corporation_n shall_v find_v it_o more_o thereby_o to_o induce_v the_o corporation_n to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o design_n but_o upon_o further_a consideration_n and_o have_v better_o digest_v the_o charge_n i_o have_v since_o for_o the_o better_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o honourable_a corporation_n make_v a_o moddel_n of_o part_n of_o the_o great_a sluice_n and_o the_o soss_a proportionable_a to_o show_v the_o true_a dimention_n of_o the_o same_o which_o sluice_n and_o soss_n will_v be_v undertake_v at_o a_o price_n by_o able_a and_o sufficient_a workman_n and_o that_o such_o mistake_n as_o these_o may_v not_o affright_v the_o corporation_n from_o go_v on_o with_o so_o beneficial_a a_o work_n i_o have_v here_o annex_v to_o my_o design_n the_o estimate_n of_o all_o my_o work_n as_o they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v undertake_v and_o shall_v be_v ready_a when_o this_o honourable_a corporation_n please_v to_o make_v every_o particular_a of_o this_o account_n appear_v eight_o object_n it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o sluice_n be_v to_o master_v a_o quick_a water_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o reason_n be_v they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o like_a practise_v elsewhere_o as_o to_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n answ_n by_o several_a reason_n and_o example_n of_o other_o country_n in_o the_o like_a case_n as_o also_o some_o know_v to_o ourselves_o within_o the_o isle_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n freizland_n which_o be_v a_o large_a country_n than_o this_o level_n by_o much_o here_o all_o winter_n their_o ground_n lie_v very_o deep_a in_o water_n freeze_v over_o with_o ice_n and_o snow_n this_o they_o thus_o suffer_v to_o keep_v their_o ground_n warm_a and_o by_o this_o mean_n preserve_v the_o root_n of_o their_o grass_n from_o perish_v by_o the_o frost_n and_o in_o february_n or_o march_n when_o the_o weather_n break_v they_o then_o run_v all_o these_o water_n out_o into_o the_o sea_n by_o their_o sluice_n which_o run_v quick_a and_o violent_o for_o one_o month_n and_o more_o together_o more_o quick_a than_o ever_o it_o will_v run_v at_o the_o great_a sluice_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o way_n to_o avoid_v their_o great_a and_o quick_a water_n but_o by_o sluice_n second_o it_o be_v the_o like_a with_o north_n holland_n and_o south_n holland_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o mill_n work_v all_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o winter_n which_o cause_v a_o very_a quick_a river_n to_o their_o sluice_n at_o sea_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o these_o all_o may_v be_v term_v quick_a water_n three_o if_o we_o look_v at_o home_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o we_o have_v a_o gallant_a sluice_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o wisbidge_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n until_o it_o be_v overcharge_v by_o the_o river_n of_o welland_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o then_o adventurer_n for_o there_o be_v no_o water_n intend_v to_o that_o sluice_n but_o what_o run_v under_o peterborough_n bridge_n from_o burrough_n fen_n and_o thorney_n and_o the_o water-way_n be_v make_v according_o in_o that_o sluice_n and_o that_o sluice_n be_v useful_a and_o convenient_a in_o that_o place_n and_o may_v have_v be_v to_o this_o day_n four_o come_v to_o the_o soss_n at_o well-creek_n which_o be_v still_o stand_v and_o have_v to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o country_n these_o thirty_o year_n preserve_v navigation_n and_o wrought_v that_o river_n to_o a_o great_a depth_n and_o keep_v it_o this_o may_v be_v just_o call_v a_o quick_a water_n upon_o ever_o land_n flood_n or_o down-fall_a five_o look_v upon_o the_o sluice_n upon_o old_a bedford_n river_n at_o saltors_n load_n which_o be_v still_o stand_v and_o for_o many_o year_n preserve_v the_o out-fall_a of_o that_o river_n until_o our_o trouble_n begin_v in_o england_n and_o then_o the_o people_n steal_v away_o the_o floodgate_n so_o that_o the_o out-fall_a of_o that_o river_n be_v sudden_o silt_v up_o and_o this_o sluice_n stand_v upon_o a_o considerable_a quick_a river_n six_o come_v to_o the_o open_a soss_n and_o several_a sluice_n at_o saltors_n load_n which_o be_v set_v down_o some_o fourteen_o year_n since_o upon_o this_o great_a quick_a butt_v upon_o the_o tide_n from_o sea_n and_o although_o it_o be_v make_v of_o wood_n which_o can_v be_v durable_a against_o the_o sea_n neither_o be_v it_o set_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v clear_v it_o do_v much_o preserve_v that_o part_n of_o the_o level_n and_o also_o maintain_v navigation_n whilst_o it_o be_v keep_v in_o repair_n now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o give_v you_o my_o reason_n that_o a_o sluice_n upon_o a_o quick_a water_n be_v as_o useful_a with_o as_o little_a danger_n as_o a_o sluice_n upon_o a_o dead_a water_n as_o it_o be_v term_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o a_o sluice_n upon_o a_o quick_a that_o have_v not_o water-way_n sufficient_a be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o dam_n to_o obstruct_v the_o current_n of_o those_o river_n in_o a_o flood_n and_o be_v destructive_a but_o if_o there_o be_v water-way_n sufficient_a and_o to_o spare_v in_o the_o great_a flood_n than_o this_o sluice_n or_o soss_n preserve_v that_o country_n from_o all_o sudden_a and_o quick_a flood_n without_o danger_n and_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o sudden_a flood_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o flood_n fall_v into_o this_o level_n but_o by_o great_a rain_n or_o sudden_a thaw_v in_o the_o upland_n country_n of_o which_o we_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a some_o day_n before_o it_o come_v down_o in_o which_o interim_n of_o time_n we_o pull_v up_o all_o our_o fall-gate_n and_o run_v out_o all_o our_o fresh_n that_o be_v hold_v up_o by_o the_o sluice_n to_o maintain_v navigation_n so_o that_o when_o the_o flood_n come_v down_o the_o river_n be_v empty_a if_o clear_a of_o weed_n to_o receive_v they_o and_o if_o i_o run_v twice_o the_o water_n of_o those_o bridge_n where_o the_o flood_n must_v come_v under_o certain_o i_o may_v wait_v three_o hour_n in_o twelve_o upon_o the_o re-flux_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o if_o the_o flood_n be_v great_a for_o as_o the_o tide_n rise_v two_o foot_n without_o we_o the_o fresh_n in_o a_o flood_n rise_v one_o within_o the_o sluice_n by_o which_o mean_n we_o run_v the_o soon_o for_o our_o fresh_n run_v whether_o the_o tide_n be_v come_v in_o or_o go_v out_o until_o the_o tide_n rise_v high_o than_o our_o fresh_n and_o shut_v the_o floodgate_n these_o example_n and_o reason_n i_o hope_v may_v be_v sufficient_a ☞_o and_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o they_o that_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v assert_v in_o my_o design_n for_o unless_o in_o my_o judgement_n we_o can_v master_v the_o tide_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o drain_n this_o level_n nine_o object_n it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o sluice_n i_o have_v design_v will_v not_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o water_n that_o will_v lie_v against_o it_o and_o that_o the_o eager_n will_v carry_v away_o the_o sluice_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o the_o sluice_n i_o have_v design_v be_v in_o the_o foundation_n two_o and_o fifty_o foot_n broad_a the_o breadth_n of_o the_o sluice_n upward_o be_v forty_o foot_n and_o beside_o this_o breadth_n between_o every_o arch_n a_o butterice_n raise_v from_o the_o foundation_n on_o both_o side_n the_o sluice_n of_o three_o foot_n square_a all_o of_o
the_o flux_n of_o the_o tide_n from_o sea_n be_v admit_v to_o flow_v up_o old_a owse_n bedford_n river_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la that_o the_o bank_n that_o be_v make_v and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o order_n to_o this_o design_n can_v secure_v the_o level_n from_o inundation_n or_o drown_v my_o reason_n be_v as_o follow_v first_o reason_n the_o tide_n flow_v up_o the_o river_n of_o owse_n and_o wisbidge_n have_v be_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o undertake_n for_o the_o draining_n of_o the_o great_a level_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o spring_n tide_n at_o german_n rise_v twenty_o foot_n from_o low_a water_n mark_v and_o at_o wisbidge_n it_o rise_v fourteen_o foot_n at_o least_o above_o low_a water_n mark_v run_v to_o sea_n now_o the_o ascent_n of_o the_o tide_n from_o sea_n flow_v so_o high_a within_o our_o level_n obstruct_v the_o fresh_n in_o their_o current_n to_o sea_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o bear_v our_o fresh_n back_o as_o i_o be_o credible_o inform_v that_o the_o fresh_n have_v be_v see_v to_o run_v back_o through_o sutton-bridge_n towards_o erith_n which_o be_v near_o thirty_o mile_n from_o german_n the_o same_o it_o be_v with_o morton_n leam_fw-la up_o to_o eldernel_n therefore_o the_o flux_n of_o the_o tide_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o of_o our_o river_n second_o reason_n if_o the_o river_n be_v open_a to_o sea_n every_o spring_n tide_n if_o the_o wind_n blow_v hard_a at_o north_n or_o northwest_n all_o the_o level_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o drown_v as_o for_o example_n the_o last_o winter_n when_o you_o have_v little_a or_o no_o land_n flood_n the_o spring_n tide_n put_v in_o with_o a_o strong_a north_n wind_n put_v morton_n leam_fw-la in_fw-la great_a danger_n and_o as_o for_o bedford_n river_n it_o raise_v the_o water_n so_o high_a that_o it_o carry_v away_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a bank_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o corporation_n and_o country_n three_o reason_n if_o the_o three_o river_n be_v leave_v open_a and_o admit_v of_o the_o tide_n to_o flow_v up_o they_o than_o peterborough_n and_o those_o part_n adjacent_a must_v suffer_v and_o so_o must_v erith_n swacy_n and_o over_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n neither_o can_v haddenham_n swaftham_n water-beach_n stretham_n or_o wilberton_n be_v free_v from_o the_o say_a inconvenience_n for_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v at_o all_o hand_n that_o morton_n leam_fw-la lie_v much_o high_a than_o bedford_n river_n and_o bedford_n river_n lie_v much_o high_a than_o old_a owse_n and_o likewise_o it_o will_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o tide_n will_v flow_v equal_o up_o these_o two_o river_n of_o owse_n and_o bedford_n river_n for_o water_n will_v find_v his_o level_n now_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o indiscreet_o do_v of_o he_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o do_v give_v direction_n for_o a_o bank_n of_o six_o foot_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o owse_n and_o grant_v against_o the_o tide_n owse_v be_v the_o low_a river_n in_o the_o whole_a level_n when_o they_o make_v bank_n of_o ten_o and_o twelve_o foot_n upon_o bedford_n river_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la which_o lie_v high_o than_o this_o river_n by_o much_o and_o as_o for_o those_o bank_n design_v to_o be_v make_v upon_o mildenhall_n brandon_n and_o stoak_n with_o those_o from_o stretham-ferry_n up_o to_o aldry_n causey_n they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v that_o country_n for_o as_o it_o be_v with_o bedford_n river_n at_o erith_n swacy_n and_o over_o the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v with_o stretham_n wilberton_n haddenham_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n yea_o rather_o much_o worse_a by_o reason_n the_o river_n lie_v so_o low_a it_o will_v give_v the_o great_a reception_n to_o the_o tide_n for_o when_o the_o tide_n do_v flow_v up_o owse_v former_o i_o have_v see_v the_o water_n rise_v a_o foot_n at_o stretham-ferry_n in_o a_o spring_n tide_n and_o now_o the_o river_n be_v widen_v from_o saltor_n load_v to_o littleport_n you_o will_v find_v it_o will_v flow_v into_o those_o part_n with_o a_o more_o eager_a than_o former_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o level_n four_o reason_n if_o owse_n and_o bedford_n river_n be_v open_a to_o sea_n for_o the_o tide_n to_o have_v his_o flux_n and_o re-flux_n then_o will_v all_o marsland_n be_v put_v in_o a_o hazard_n of_o utter_a ruin_n they_o be_v now_o at_o a_o vast_a charge_n to_o keep_v their_o bank_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o eage●_n by_o line_n their_o bank_n with_o brink_n wood_n which_o be_v cause_v but_o by_o the_o admittance_n of_o the_o tide_n into_o one_o river_n but_o when_o it_o shall_v have_v its_o free_a ingress_n and_o regress_n into_o those_o two_o spacious_a river_n of_o owse_n and_o bedford_n river_n it_o will_v double_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o eager_a in_o his_o flux_n from_o the_o sea_n have_v so_o great_a a_o reception_n above_o and_o far_o in_o a_o frost_n when_o the_o ice_n shall_v come_v down_o those_o two_o great_a river_n expect_v to_o go_v to_o sea_n the_o tide_n send_v it_o back_o again_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o will_v gore_v their_o bank_n and_o hazard_v their_o bridge_n the_o like_o it_o will_v be_v with_o the_o bank_n of_o owse_n bedford_n river_n and_o morton_n leam_fw-la and_o whereas_o it_o be_v suppose_v nay_o believe_v that_o the_o flow_v of_o the_o tide_n up_o owse_n will_v ease_v bedford_n river_n that_o the_o water_n shall_v not_o rise_v so_o high_a there_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o the_o sea_n be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o furnish_v the_o whole_a level_n with_o a_o conflux_n of_o water_n as_o those_o two_o river_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o tide_n will_v rise_v as_o high_a in_o both_o river_n as_o ever_o it_o do_v in_o new_a bedford_n river_n but_o if_o his_o water-way_n be_v not_o wide_a enough_o in_o owse_n at_o present_a he_o will_v run_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n he_o will_v make_v his_o way_n have_v so_o great_a a_o reception_n as_o be_v now_o allow_v he_o though_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o marsland_n whereas_o it_o be_v likewise_o design_v that_o a_o new_a cut_n be_v make_v from_o rassels_n dam_n to_o littleport_n chair_n and_o the_o old_a river_n dam_v up_o near_o rassels_n dam._n to_o this_o i_o object_n object_n that_o if_o you_o make_v this_o new_a river_n from_o rassels_n dam_n to_o littleport_n chair_n and_o dam_v out_o owse_n and_o suffer_v the_o tide_n to_o flow_v up_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n when_o saltor_n load_v sluice_n be_v take_v up_o you_o hazard_v the_o loss_n both_o of_o the_o new_a cut_n and_o old_a river_n for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o new_a cut_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o right_n honourable_a francis_n earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n in_o lynne_n law_n and_o be_v call_v sandys_n river_n yet_o they_o do_v never_o attempt_v to_o dam_v up_o owse_n this_o river_n be_v make_v then_o in_o a_o direct_a line_n to_o littleport_n chair_n and_o they_o then_o admit_v the_o tide_n to_o flow_v up_o owse_n it_o be_v in_o four_o or_o five_o year_n silt_v up_o and_o utter_o lose_v although_o they_o have_v four_o time_n more_o fresh_n to_o maintain_v it_o than_o this_o design_v river_n be_v like_a to_o have_v and_o as_o to_o old_a owse_n if_o you_o admit_v a_o dam_n upon_o that_o than_o the_o tide_n will_v without_o all_o question_n silt_v up_o that_o river_n have_v little_a or_o no_o fresh_n admit_v to_o run_v through_o it_o to_o scour_v the_o silt_n away_o so_o that_o consequent_o you_o must_v lose_v both_o the_o new_a cut_n and_o the_o old_a rieer_n whereas_o it_o be_v design_v that_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o navigation_n the_o weed_n in_o the_o river_n be_v not_o to_o be_v cut_v or_o rode_v in_o dry_a summer_n that_o the_o water_n may_v not_o run_v out_o of_o the_o country_n but_o hold_v up_o your_o fresh_n to_o this_o i_o object_n object_n that_o if_o you_o keep_v not_o your_o river_n and_o leading_n drain_v to_o them-well_a rode_v twice_o in_o a_o summer_n you_o hazard_v your_o meadow_n and_o other_o good_a ground_n to_o a_o sudden_a flood_n from_o the_o land-water_n for_o the_o weed_n hold_v up_o the_o fresh_n more_o than_o sluice_n and_o these_o weed_n admit_v decay_v those_o river_n and_o drain_v they_o be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v in_o and_o destroy_v navigation_n whereas_o a_o multitude_n of_o bank_n weer-dikes_a cut_n in-drains_a counter-bank_n sluice_n and_o tunnel_n be_v design_v for_o the_o draining_n of_o this_o great_a and_o flat_a level_n to_o the_o vast_a expense_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o corporation_n to_o this_o i_o object_n object_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o