The present state of England. Part III. and Part IV. containing I. an account of the riches, strength, magnificence, natural production, manufactures of this island, with an exact catalogue of the nobility, and their seats, &c., II. the trade and commerce within it self, and with all countries traded to by the English, as at this day established, and all other matters relating to inland and marine affairs : supplying what is omitted in the two former parts ...

Of the Manufactures of England.

MAnufacture is to the Body Politick, what Exercise is to the Body Na∣tural, viz. Prosperity to the one, Health and Soundness to the other; Ildleness be∣ing alike pernicious to both, and causing to both alike Debauchery of Manners, Distemper and Beggary. There are few Nations in Europe, as well a mother parts of the World, wherein some particular Towns are not particularly Eminent for some or other Manufacture, as in Anda∣lusia a Province of Spain, Corduba for the curious Dressing of Leather, which is thence called Cordovan-Leather; in Biscaia Bilboa for the making of excellent Temper'd Blades, Faenza in Italy for fine Earthen Ware, Venice for that rare sort of Drinking Glasses, which are thence called Venice-Glasses; which Art of Glass-making, is by a late Discovery from thence, Im∣prov'd to a very great heigth in England, though we cannot bring Glasses to that perfection, for want of those Materials

which are only to be had in those, viz. two sorts of Plants called Gazul and Subit, out of whose Liquified Ashes the right Venice-Glasses are blown. The most ge∣neral Manufacture of England, is that which of all others is certainly the most useful and profitable, and which from Ancient time hath in a measure conduc'd to the Wealth and flourishing Estate of the Nation; that is to say, the Woollen Manu∣facture, or the making of Woollen Cloths or Stuffs, which being encourag'd and rightly manag'd, is the chief prop of our Trade and Commerce, and (till the Fishery be set up, according to the Pro∣posals of several Worthy Persons) the chief Support and Honest Maintenance of the Poor, whom could there be work enough found out universally to imploy, it would be a happy means to take off that Lewd and Sordid course of Vagabond Beg∣ging, which introduces all those Thievish and unlawful practices, that bring so many daily to shameful and untimely ends. The first Broadcloth (so called, because of the Broad-Looms wherein it was wrought) made in England, is said to have been wrought by Jack of Newbury, in the Reign of King Edward the Third. The first famous Clothiers were the Webscloths

and Clutterbucks in Glocestershire. For this In∣genious and profitable Art or Mystery of La∣nifice or Woollen-work, there is no place in England more fam'd than the City of Nor∣wich, which hath for a long time flourish'd by the making of Worsted-Stuffs, which be∣ing wrought here more Curiously than elsewhere, are thence called Nerwich-Stuffs; which Work hath been brought to the greater perfection, by the Industry of se∣veral Dutch and French Families, who have been here planted for several years. No Nation ever loseth, but gets by the Trans∣plantation of Industrious Foraigners, who by Interest and Converse, soon become one with the People among whom they Inhabit. The Stuffs here vended (the chief Trade whereof, as also of Stockings, is to London) are esteemed at 100000 l. per annum, which Stuffs are under the Go∣vernment of two Companies, the Worsted Company, and the Russel Company. The Stockings at 60000 l. per annum. But there is another Town in this County, which being called Worsted, seems to have been the first noted place wherein these Stuffs were substantially made, in regard they thence took their denomination. Kidderminster in Worcestershire drives a very Trade in the making of certain Stuffs,

which are thence called Kidderminster-Stuffs; and in the same Shire the City of Worcester it self: And also Malmsbury for Woollen-Cloth. In Warwick-shire, Coventry; In Lancashire, Manchester is much Enrich'd by the Industry of the Inhabitants, in mak∣ing Cloth of Linnen and Woollen. Taun∣ton in Somersetshire drives so great a Trade in Mixt and White-Serges, that there are said to be sent up Weekly to London and other places, no less than 700 pieces, a sort of them, besides a sort of course Bays; in the making whereof, there are Weekly im∣ployed no less than 8500 persons. No less doth Wakefield in the West-riding of York-shire; Leeds also in the same County is accounted a Wealthy. Town, by reason of its Cloath∣ing. Exeter by the quantity of Serges there made, returns to London a 10000 l. a Week. Stroud in Gloucestershire, is a Town not only full of Rich Clothiers, but is also particularly Eminent for the Dying of Cloths, by reason of the peculiar quality of the Water for that purpose: Teuxbury also in the same County, is very Rich in Clothing: Likewise Sudbury or South∣bourg in Suffolk; Hadly in the same County. Reading in Bark-shire, which through the greatness of its Trade, is a very Wealthy Town; and Newbury in the

same County. So likewise Shirburn in Dorcetshire, upon the same account: And also in Essex, Colchester, Dedham, Coxal, and other places, abound in Bays, Says, and other new Drapery. Appleby in Cumberland is no less Eminent for its strong Castle, and for being the place where the Assizes for the County are held, than for its great Cloth Manufacture; the like is Kendal in the same County.

Among the woollen Manufacture of Eng∣land, may be reckon'd the weaving and knitting of Stockings, the use of which woven and knit Stockings hath not been in this Nation longer than about the begin∣ning of K. James's Reign: It being ve∣ry memorable what D^r Fuller relates of one William Rider, an Apprentice at the foot of London-Bridge, over against S^t Magnes-Church, who seeing in the House of an Ita∣lian Merchant a pair of knit worsted Stock∣ings, which he brought from Mantua, and taking special observation of them, made a pair exactly like them, which he presented to William Earl of Pembroke, and they are said to be the first of that sort worn in England, and thence-forward they became more and more in use; so that for many years they have been very much, and are now altogether worn, and are a great part

of the Trade in most Places where there is any thing of woollen Manufacture, especi∣ally at Norwich; yet Jersie Stockings have for a long time had a particular name. The Next Place may properly be allow'd to our making of Bone-lace, which is the chief of the Ornamentals worn in this Nation, though not so totally as before the Needle-works came in fashion, which though brought to great perfection, yet have ob∣tain'd so much the less esteem, by how much those of Flanders, and the Points de Venice in Italy, and Larron in France, came more in fashion, as all foreign Artifices usu∣ally (especially the French) have ever the chiefest vogue among our Gallants. So general is this Manufacture in many Parts of England, that the Poor of whole Towns are almost totally imploy'd, and in a great measure maintain'd thereby: Particularly, Honiton in Devonshire is a noted Town for his sort of Workmanship; as likewise Sa∣lisbury and Marlborough in Wiltshire, Ouldny in Buckinghamshire, Amersham and Chesham in the same Shire, Blandford in Dorcetshire; which last Place hath been famous also for making of Band-strings, and now Point-••aces, it is said, are much made there. It is observ'd, that the only Thread made in England, till within a few years, was at Maidstone in Kent.

Besides the Cottons of Manchester, the Tickin, Pins, Points and Laces of that Place, have been thought not unworthy to be mention'd by several of England's Topo∣graphers; so likewise the Gloves, Purses and leathern Points of Congleton, a Market Town of Cheshire; the Pins of Aberford in York-shire. The making of Ropes and Ca∣bles for Ships was heretofore not onely e∣specially eminent at Birtport in Dorsetshire above all other places, but also so highly approv'd for the goodness and curiosity of the Workmanship, that a Statute is said to have been made for a time, ordaining that no Ropes or Cables for the King's Ships should be made any where else; but that Act appears to have been long since out of date, for there are great Rope-yards be∣longing to all the Ship-docks of England, particularly at Deptford there are very fa∣mous and large ones.

Smiths-work, whatever it is at present, hath been heretofore peculiarly attributed to the Artists of Salisbury in Wiltshire, Bre∣micham in Warwickshire, Chedder in Somer∣setshire, Sheffield in Yorkshire, Malton in the same Shire, and Walsal in Staffordshire; particularly Salisbury is commended for Razors; Bremicham and Sheffield for Blades of Knives; Chedder for Teasels or Instru∣ments

used in the dressing of Cloth; Mal∣ton for Instruments used in Husbandry; and Walsal for Bits and Snaffles for Horses; moreover this last Town is noted as well for Pewterers as Smiths. But by the way, the mention of Knives hath brought to mind a just occasion of admiration, that is, since the English have been observ'd, and not without just cause, to be a good stout eating People, there being more substantial Joynts of Beef and Mutton, &c. consum'd among us, than perhaps in any part of the World besides, how it should come to pass, that we should be so tardy in the Art of Knife-making; or what Invention we had in former days, to avoid those Indecencies at the Table, which the want of Knives must in all likelihood be the cause of: For it is credibly reported, that one Thomas Matthews living on Fleet-bridge, was the first that made Knives in England, which was in the 5^th year of the Reign of Q. Eli∣zabeth.

The best Tobacco-pipes, for neatness of shape and form, and for a curious shining gloss, are made at Ambresbury, vulgarly call'd Emsbury in Wiltshire, about a mile or two from Stonehenge; they are commonly call'd Gantlet-Pipes (having the mark of a Gantlet impress'd on the flat bottom of the

Bowl) from M^r. Hugh Gantlet, who was the first that brought them to this perfecti∣on.

There are also several edible and potable Works of Art, which may in my opinion properly enough come under the Head of English Manufactures. The Coagulation of Milk into the Consistence of Cheese, is said to have been the first Invention of the Osci, an ancient People of Italy; but whence or from whomsoever proceeding, this sort of artificial Food is the most com∣mon and universal, in all Parts of the World where the most rational and civil way of Eating is in use. Of all the Shires of England, Cheshire for this kind of Edible, may, I judge, be allow'd the Bays, above all other Parts, at least of this Kingdom; and for ought I know, a true Cheshire Cheese, if rightly valu'd, may stand in competition with the Parmesan of Italy, the Angelot of France, and the Full-moon of Holland, only with this pre-eminence reser∣ved to the last, that but for the bigness, it might serve as well for the Bowling-green as the Table. Suffolk in this particular challenges the next place, but doubtless in respect rather of quantity than quality; for this County furnishes with Cheeses not on∣ly several other Parts of England, but also

Spain, France and Italy; a lean Traveller may possibly be thought able to endure a long Journey better than one that's plump and fat. These are the two principal Cheese-Counties of England; but in other Counties, this Pretension is fixt to particu∣lar Places, as in Somersetshire to Chedder be∣fore-mention'd, the Cheeses whereof are of that repute, as to be frequently, preferr'd even before those of Cheshire; Opinion and Imagination are two great things.

In Warwickshire, Banbury hath a Name both for Cheeses and Cakes, the justifica∣tion of which Name is best left to the ex∣perienc'd taster of both. For Sugar'd-Cakes, Shrewsbury is without controversie allow'd to bear away the Bell from all other Places. But to save the Reputation of the Cake-makers of other Parts, this Super-ex∣cellence is attributed to the nature of the Severn-water in that Place. Other Places there are that challenge their Peculiars of this nature, but the most proverbially emi∣nent are the Whitepot of Devonshire, and Dumpling of Norfolk.

Nor must the Potables of England be al∣together forgotten. For Ale, Derbyshire, and particularly Derby-Town; also Hull, Northdown, and Sandbitch, and Weably afore-mention'd, are most especially fam'd;

for Sider, all Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire; for Metheglin, Shrop∣shire, Herefordshire, and some Parts of Wales.

To the Manufactury of England, may not unfitly be added an account of those cu∣rious Arts and Inventions, which are now flourishing in this Nation, whether newly, or for some Ages last past. And among these, the first and principal is the excel∣lent, and by some highly applauded, and by others most condemned, Art of Print∣ting. This noble Invention, in many re∣spects useful, and no way so pernicious as some would have it thought, was first ex∣ercis'd by William Caxton Mercer, who in the Reign of K. Edw. the IV. kept his Printing-house in Westminster-Abbey, by the permission of Simon Islip Abbot of West∣minster; and the first Book set forth, some say, was Tully's Offices; others say, a Book treating of the way of playing the Game at Chess.

The next Invention appearing here among us, must be allow'd little less inge∣nious than the former, but wonderfully more capable of doing mischief, I mean, the truly black Art of Gunpowder, the swarthy Invention of a swarthy Monk, and possibly by the Inspiration of the Prince of

Darkness. Yet one thing is worthy to be observ'd, viz. that since the discovery of this gloomy Drug, whatever destruction hath been committed by whole-sale, some∣thing of amends hath been made by retail: For whereas in former Times, when the Bow, Lance and Javelin were in use, Histo∣ry makes nothing of 40 or 50000 slain in the Field; now that the Musket, Dragoon and Pistol came in fashion (even with the Cannon to boot) it is a great matter to hear of the fall of 10 or 20000. besides, as a Member sometimes is not ill lost to save a Man, so in greater Bodies, a House may be better spar'd than a whole Street or Town, which deliverance nothing but Gunpowder can effect. But then against this benefit may be oppos'd the springing of Mines, to blow up Castles, Forts and Cittadels, meerly for destructions sake.

It is not to be doubted, and it appears from Histories, that the Chariot hath been known in England as well as in other Parts of the World time out of mind; but the use of those portable Houses call'd Coaches, which at this day being increas'd to a vast multitude, make such a clutter in the Streets of London, to the great disturbance of the poor Foot-Passenger, is said to have first commenc'd about the year 1556. till

when, 'tis to be presum'd, that great Per∣sons seldom stirr'd out but in fair weather, whereas now all Seasons for Visits are alike; otherwise the Cavalcade of Princes and Nobles on Horseback, may doubtless afford the Beholder as comely a Spectacle as a long train of Coaches. Together with the Coach, or not long after, I guess, came in the Coaches Epitome, the Sedan, more elegantly styl'd a Chair, a much more easie sort of passage, as perform'd not by draught but carriage, and that by the more rational sort of Animal. But there is another kind of moving Domicil of much later date, call'd a Calesh, which seems like a Coach cut off in the middle, wherein commonly the Driver and the Driven is one and the self-same person.

Watches, and other horary Motions of that nature, it is certain, came out of Ger∣many, and according to the best conjecture, somewhat more than a 100 years since. The principal Artists of this kind menti∣on'd are Janus Torrianellus, and Cornelius van Drebble; but since all kind of automa∣tous Motions by Clock-work have been wonderfully improv'd by those of our own Nation, particularly M^r Davie Mell, besides his excellent judgement and fancy in Musi∣cal Compositions, and his great perfor∣mance

on the Violin, above all others of his Time, (for within these 20 years, the very quintessence of that Instruments Mu∣sick hath been extracted, as being chiefly in fashion) was so prodigious an Artist in all Mechanick Motions by Clock-work, that if any one since hath equall'd him in Art, he hath at least fallen short in Fame.

But of all Inventions of this kind, the Pendulum of latest date, is also of greatest curiosity and use, being generally acknow∣ledg'd the Design of M^r Hook, Fellow of the Royal Society, a Person of much Esteem among the Learned and Vertuous, for his Mathematical and Mechanick Improve∣ments, however M^r Oldenburg, late Secre∣tary to the said Society, made some Dispute in this Matter, as asserting it of German Original.

All sorts of Optick Glasses and Tubes, as the Telescope, the Invention of the noble Galileo, the Microscope, &c. have been of late years wonderfully improv'd, especially by the Directions of the fore-mention'd M^r Hook, M^r Flamstead, and others of this most renowned Fellowship. But the first fa∣mous Artificer of these Tubes and Glasses, was M^r Reeves in Long-acre, after whom M^r Cock hath continued the Imployment with prosperous success and approbation.

The Barometer, Thermometer, Hydroscope, and such like Contrivances, for the disco∣very of the Change of Weather, have cer∣tainly been the result of those unwearied Endeavours and Enquiries, that have been made into the depth of Natural Knowledg, since the foundation of this Noble Society. And among the sagacious Enquirers into Meteorological Philosophy, D^r Goad, late Master of Merchant-Taylors-School, must be allow'd a principal place.

But for the Air-Pump, the rarest Inven∣tion ever found out for the proof of a Vacu∣um in rerum Natura, it particularly owns the Honourable Robert Boil its Inventor, who by his many Writings and Inventions, hath been a Worthy Contributor to the Ad∣vancement of Experimental Philosophy.

The Art of Torning, as it appears to have been not much less ancient in the World than Sculpture it self, so doubtless it is not very Modern in this Nation. But that curious Improvement of Torning, call'd the Rose-work, doubtless claims here but an Ages Antiquity. The first celebra∣ted Person for Work of this nature, was M^r Reeve, the Brother of the above-men∣tion'd Artist in Optick Glasses. And though this sort of Work hath since been very frequent among us, yet I cannot omit

the mention of a Person, who from his own natural Fancy and Ingenuity, hath arriv'd to that perfection, as well in this as all manner of Torning else, that he is judg'd by knowing Persons not to be exceeded, if equall'd, by any that have been bred up to the Art, M^r John Gearie, living in S^t Anns-Lane in Westminster.

Our Sculpture in Stone appears plainly not to be of Modern Invention or Discove∣ry in this Nation, by the delicate Workman∣ship in several of our Cathedrals and other Churches, and in the Schools at Oxford; and at this present time it is not any way diminish'd, but rather improv'd by the Art and Industry of several eminent Men, M^r Pierce, M^r Latham, M^r Pennel, &c.

But for Carving in Wood, never was any thing in England seen more curious and exquisite, than the Workmanship of M^r Gibbons, his Majesty's Carver, and a great Contributer to the Ornaments of the Royal Palace at Windsor.

Graving in Copper seems not to have been brought to any perfection in England till this present Age. The first Person ve∣ry eminent among us in this Art was M^r William Faithorn, now living in Black-fri∣ers; and since there have sprung up several other ingenuous Artists in this kind, viz.

M^r Loggan, M^r White, M^r Sherwin, and others.

The best for Etching, not only in Eng∣land, but perhaps in any other Parts, was M^r Wenceslaus Hollar, who died here not many years since.

But that rough sort of Graving, or ra∣ther pecking upon Copper, call'd Mezzo Tinto, hath been us'd but lately, being ei∣ther the Design or Encouragement of his late Highness Prince Rupert.

There is also a peculiar Art in the graving of written Letters from the Copies of the most exact writing-Masters. The first emi∣nent in this way was M^r Cocker, who was also himself a writing-Master, to whom, others that have succeeded, have not been inferiour; as M^r Sturt, who grav'd the Copies of M^r Aires; and M^r Elder, who grav'd an ingenious Piece, entituled, Bra∣chyarithmia, of M^r Edw. Noon, Teacher of Writing and Accounts, at the Hand and Pen in Maiden-lane in Covent-Garden.

For Graving in Steel, never was any Man so famous in England as M^r Thomas Rawlins, last Graver of the Mint both to his late and to his present Majesty; the grand Excellency of whose Art was, his graving the Effigies of any one, true and exact upon a small Letter-Seal.

As for Painting, our Nation can boast nothing like the Works of the great Sir Anthony Vandike, who though born a Fo∣reigner, died an Englishman. Nor hath he wanted several famous Successors; as Dobson, Fuller, Walker, Lillie, Greenhill, &c.

The first Person famous among us for Painting in Miniature, was M^r Oliver; af∣ter whom, Francis Clein and his Brother John had been the Prodigies of the Age, had they lived. M^r Cooper's loss comes next to be lamented; the Persons living are M^r Gibson, Mr. Flattman, &c. For Crayons or dry Colours, Mr. Ashfield, lately deceas'd.

Scene-Paintings and Machines have not been known in England till within these 20 years; and the only eminent Men in this kind have been Mr. Streeter, and Mr. Ste∣venson, some years since deceased.

In Musick, it would be too tedious to determine, whether the Improvement or Alteration hath been greater. Certain it is, that several old English Instruments are laid aside; as the Orpharian, the Poly∣phone, an Instrument surely not to be de∣spis'd, considering its rare Structure, and the Esteem had of it by learned and there∣fore most judiciously Musical Persons of this Age, viz. Sir Francis Prujean, and Dr. Rugely.

The Stump, whereon about, an Age ago Andrew Mark was famous for his rare per∣formance. The Bandore, the Ghittern, Cittern, &c. The treble Viol also is much out of doors, since the Violin came so much in request. The Base and Lyra Viol, in the making whereof, Wroth was without dispute the best Workman that ever wrought, keep pretty well in repute, espe∣cially the first, in regard it cannot well be wanted in Consort. Nor did ever any Age produce such wonderful Performers upon this Instrument as this present Age; particularly, Pol-wheel, Theodore Stephkins deceas'd, his Son Frederick, Mr. Young, Sir John Bolls of Scampton in Lincolnshire, Mr. Roger l'Estrange, Mr. Smith, Mr. Gregory, &c. The Lute is not wholly laid aside, but within these 20 or 30 years much neglect∣ed to what it was formerly, notwithstand∣ing the great Improvement of this Instru∣ment among us within a 100 years, by reason of the diversity of Tunings receiv'd from France, some of whose best Lute-Ma∣sters brought over not only these Harp-tu∣nings, but themselves also, and by their active Hands and airy Fancies, oblig'd the Musick-lovers of our Nation with transcen∣dant Harmony, viz. Goutier, Penel, Merceur, Mesanges, Du Faulx, &c. after whom of

our own Nation came Mr. John Rogers, Gou∣tier's Scholar, Captain Hill, Dr. No, Mr. John Hubbard, and Mr. John Wootton now living. And no less famous in their kind, that is, for Workmanship, were old Alla∣by, and Walter Johnson. But the fine easie Ghittar, whose performance is soon gain'd, at least after the brushing way, hath at this present over-topt the nobler Lute. Nor is it to be denied, but that after the pinching way, some good Work may be made of the Ghittar by such as Sir Francesco Corbetto, Mr. Janvier, Signor Pedro, Mr. Wootton afore∣mention'd, and the like. Nevertheless the Theorbo, which is no other than an Arch-Lute, keeping to the old Tuning, is still generally made use of in Consorts. And there are yet among the judicious, who think it the most agreeable and becoming Associate to vocal Musick, remembring how nobly it sounded in the Hands of Dr. Wilson, Mr. Henry Ferabosco, Mr. Edward Coleman, Mr. Alphonso Marsh lately decea∣sed, &c. Play'd on alone, never did it speak such harmonious things in our English Climate, as when touch'd by the famous Dr. Walgrave, Physician at present to his Royal Highness, to whom Mr. Shadwell comes nearest for an excellent Hand. For Consort, our chief Theorbo-men at this

day are Mr. Brockwell, and Mr. Flower. The Organ cannot well be laid aside, as being an Instrument of highest perfection, and the most proper of all others for Ca∣thedral Service. What Antiquity it chal∣lenges in our Nation is uncertain; but as no Nation can boast of greater Masters than old Bull, Tomkins, Jeffreys, Dr. Gibbons, Dr. Child, Mr. Matthew Lock, and at present Dr. Bleau, Organist to his Majesty, Mr. Henry, Pursel, Organist to the Abbey, Mr. Michael Wise, Mr. Francis Forcer, &c. so it hath been wonderfully advanc'd of late years, by the addition of several melodious Stops, the greatest Artist at present, not to mention Pease, Burral, and others of late years, being Mr. Smith, living in the So-ho. The Harpsicon is of late wonderfully im∣prov'd by the Invention of the Pedal, which brings it so much nearer to the Organ, that it only seems to come short of it in Lungs. The greatest Master on it now living in our Region, especially since the decease of Mr. Thatcher, is Mr. Disnier, and the greatest Fabricator Mr. Howard. And here also may not unfitly be mention'd, that pretty Fancy of a Musical Automaton, being a kind of Harpsicon, which by a Clock-work-motion discharcheth a certain set number of Tunes, according as it is wound up to this or that

Tune. Of this sort of Automata, there is to be seen a very neat piece of Art of Reed∣work, at a House at S^t Mary-overs-Dock; the Artificer thereof, Mr. Thomas Hill of Westminster, being a Person of remarkable Ingenuity, as well Musical in respect of his performance, as Mechanical for making of several other Instruments. His Pitch-Pipe, for the tuning of Musical Instruments to consort; Pitch is particularly worthy note for exactness, variety and curious Work, above any thing that is to be seen elsewhere of this nature. The Harp is rather increas'd than diminish'd in repute; and though the Welsh Gut-string formerly gave place to the Irish, Wire-string, by reason of the masterly Hands of Mr. John Cob, and Mr. Lewis Williams, now the Spanish Gut-string comes up with it, through the excellent Mastery of Mr. Maurice, Mr. Evans, Mr. Bedhurst, Mr. Webster, Mr. Robert Grant, living with my Lord Mountague, and for the Outlandish way of Playing, Mr. Arn. The Violin is now of all others generally of highest esteem, and is indeed a very use∣ful Instrument in Consort, and now arriv'd to that perfection of performance, that it were endless to enumerate all that have been of late accounted great Violin-Ma∣sters. Wherefore let the mention of Far∣mer,

Twiss, Ailworth, Ayrs, Claiton, Tomlins, serve for all. The best Workmen for the making of this Instrument have been ac∣counted Comer, Raimund, Florence Barnet. Of Wind-Instruments, the Flageolet with∣in this 20 years, and since that the Flute, have been highest in vogue and frequentest in use: The chiefest Performers on it being Mr. Banister, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Young, Mr. Car, the chiefest Artisans, Mr. Scottny in Lincolns-Inn-fields. But for all sorts of Musical Instruments in general, the Violin, the Base and Lyra Viol, the Harp, the Ghit∣tar, the Lute, (even the Flageolet and Flute not altogether excepted) Mr. John Shaw, living near the May-pole in the Strand, is acknowledg'd by the most skilful in Mu∣sick of all sorts, to be a Workman in a great measure superiour to any that have been in this Nation. Nor have the Cre∣mona Violins or Loxmollar Lutes been late∣ly of such excessive prices as formerly. For Pegs for Lutes, Viols, &c. Mr. Bland is re∣ported the only Man at present that serves all the Instrument-makers in Town.

It is not very many years since the seve∣ral sorts of fine Varnish have come into knowledge and use among us, which give so beautiful a gloss to Musical Instruments, Cabinets, Tables, Picture-frames, and the

like; so that many of our varnish'd Cabi∣nets may vye even with those of Japan and China themselves, their ways of Varnish being now not altogether unknown unto us, whereof the rarest of all is accounted that of Ceo. The first Persons eminent for Varnishing were Mr. Lilly, and Mr. Racket, since whom it is grown very common. But that noble Lacka-varnish which imitates the Gold-colour, and hath sav'd much cost that was formerly bestow'd in the guilding of Coaches, was brought into England a∣bout 30 years since, by the learned Advan∣cer of Learning and all Noble Arts, and my best of Friends, Mr. Evelin, of Says-Court by Deptford.

The Bow-dy about 40 years since was brought into England by Kephler.

Our Tapistry-work, now equal to what∣ever the Attalick-Court could anciently boast, was brought in hither by Sir Francis Crane, towards the latter end of K. James his Reign, by the Encouragement of that learned Prince, who gave 2000 l. toward the building of a House at Moreclack, where Mr. Francis Clein was the first Designer.

Our Vasa Fictilia, or Potters-Ware, by the Art and Industry of Mr. Doight at Ful∣lam, are brought to that height of Curiosi∣ty, that our common Vessels may easily out∣vye

the Dutch, and the finest▪ come not much short of China it self.

The making of Glasses is said to have been begun in England, anno 1557. about which time there liv'd at Chiddingsfold, a Person very famous for this Art, which as it grew improv'd, the finer sort were first made at Crotchet-friers; but the ma∣king of the Flint-Glass, which is the finest and clearest ever made here, and very near, if not altogether equal to those of Venice, was first begun by Mr. Bishop, and since car∣ried on with good success by Mr. Ravens∣croft. There is now a Company of 12 Men of the Potters Trade, who are Dire∣ctors of this sort of Workmanship, chiefly exercis'd at present at the Savoy-House in the Strand. But the first Glass-plates for Looking-glasses, Coach-windows, &c. in England, were made at Lambeth, now a∣bout 10 years since, by the Encouragement of his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, and the Direction of Mr. Reeves afore-men∣tion'd.

The first in England who cast brass Guns, viz. Cannons, Culverines, &c. is said to have been one John Oaven; after him Peter Band a Frenchman, in the first year of the Reign of K. Edw. the VI. cast iron Falcons, Falconets, Minions, &c. but

was exceeded by his Servant Thomas John∣son, who liv'd till the year 1600.

In Gunsmiths-work there hath been of late years discover'd a very large increase of Art and Ingenuity, as to the Locks and Barrels of Muskets, Carbines, Pistols, and the like. In which sort of Artifice there have been many excellent Workmen; whereof at this day, Mr. Shaw, and Gif∣fard, Gunsmiths to his Majesty, and Mr. Sharp, living in Exeter-street, are esteem'd the chiefest Artists of London, and by conse∣quence, in all probability, of England.

Another principal branch of Smiths-work, is the making of Locks and Keys, in which nothing, was ever seen so curious and inge∣nuous, as what is done at this day by Mr. Wilkins.

Mathematical Instruments, as Compas∣ses, Quadrants, Rulers, are most certainly now more exquisitely made than ever. Herein Mr. Foster in Hosier-lane, and Mr. Hays in Moor-fields, were lately the most celebrated Workmen; now Mr. Markham in the Strand, and Mr. Winne in Chancery∣lane.

The Projection of Globes, Spheres and Maps, is without controversie now more exactly understood than formerly, through the Ingenuity first of Mr. Moxon, now of

Mr. Berry near Charing-Cross, and Mr. Mor∣dant in Cornhil. Nor is there without all doubt in all things of this nature, a better Graver than Mr. Lamb.

And here may not unfitly be mention'd the new Invention of an Iron Pen, which besides its lastingness, is equally fit for use with the best Goose-Quill whatsoever: By Mr. Smith, Writing-Master to Christ-Church-Hospital.

Having spoken of Printing, it will not be unseasonable to intimate how much Let∣ter-founding hath been advanc'd of late. S. Henry Savil's silver Character for the prin∣ting of his Chrysostom, was much admir'd at that time; but of late we have had many Books printed in very delicate Characters, both small and great, especially the fine small Greek Character, in which several Greek Poets have been printed at the Thea∣tre at Oxford, is so curious, that nothing can be more, not excepting the fine small Prints of Amsterdam or Leyden.

It would be endless to reckon up all the new Allamodes of Cloths, Stuffs, Silks, Ribbands, and the like.

But of the many curious Pieces in Wax-work, Straw-work, Acupiction in Silks and Sattins, cutting of Paper, Cloth, or fine Leather, into exquisite Figures, folding

of Napkins into the shapes of Birds, Beasts, or Fishes, tho Ingenuity of former Ages (as to most of these Artifices) hath per∣haps not receiv'd much addition. Though in Wax there are to be seen very curious things of late Workmanship, which possibly have arriv'd to utmost Improvement: For Imbossment in Wax, Mr. Houseman was certainly the best Artist that hath been known in these Parts.

The rich Embroidery of former Times, as will appear to those, who visiting the Houses of the old Nobility and Gentry, be∣hold the pompous Furniture left by the An∣cestry of those Families, is, as I conjecture, not easily out-done, if equall'd, by any thing this Age can produce.

The Art of making fine white Thread, is said to have been brought into England about the year 1670. by Mr. Joseph Allen, Citizen and Merchant-Taylor of London, keeping a Thread-shop in Bishopgate-street, at the Golden Anchor near Bethlehem, even to the value of 3 l. the pound, and vying with the Nuns Thread of Flanders.

The Glassen Bee-hive is mention'd by my Ingenious Friend Mr. John Worlidge of Pe∣tersfield, to have been the Contrivance of Mr. William Mew, Minister of Easlington in Gloucestershire. He also mentions a wooden

Hive of an Octangle form, with a glass Window in one of the sides. This glassen Bee-hive, I remember, about 30 years ago, was much talk'd of as a great Rarity, when the late Bishop of Chester, Dr. Wilkins, had of them in his Garden at Wadham-Colledg, whereof he was then Warden; both sorts are now sufficiently common, but they are no where to be seen better order'd and more curious than at Mr. Evelin's Paradice of a Garden by Deptford.

The Plow, though as ancient as Tillage it self; the Improvements are but of late years: The chief whereof mention'd by Mr. Blith and Mr. Worlidge, are the single wheel'd Plow and the double wheel'd Plow, and the double Plow, which is in the nature of two Plows joyn'd together. Mr. John Houghton also (worthily for his great In∣genuity and Industry) a Fellow of the Roy∣al Society, in that most useful Design of his, call'd, A Collection of Letters for the Improve∣ment of Husbandry, inserts an Invention of Thomas Llewellin, at the George in Cateaten-street, for plowing with one Man and two Horses or Oxen, a greater quantity of Land than can be perform'd at the same time with double the number of Men and Cattel. He also in the same Sheet gives a large de∣scription of a Malt-kill at Nottingham.

Engines of grand bulk, force and per∣formance, are doubtless near as ancient as whatever Art or Invention have produc'd, being of too great necessity to be unthought of by any thinking or inventing People.

Cranes and Engines for the drawing up of Goods of great bulk and weight, such as we have at the Custom-house, and such like Places, are mention'd in ancient Authors.

Also in War, the Arcubalistae, and the Arietes or Battering-Rams, which against the Walls of besieged Towns did more than multitudes of Men.

What the Antiquity is of Corn Wind-mills, is hard to determine whether in this or any other Nation.

The Paper-Mill is certainly of no mo∣dern Invention, and it may be wonder'd that in all this time Paper-making hath not been brought to a greater height in this Na∣tion, it being judg'd very possible, that as good Paper might be made in England, as any is brought over from France, Holland, or any other foreign Part.

The Powder-Mill cannot be of very long standing, since it is scarce 200 years that Gunpowder it self hath bounc'd and made a smoak in the World.

Moreover, of these grand performing Engines, there is a very great number even

of late Invention, of which I shall endea∣vour to call to mind at least the most no∣ted.

For the grubbing up of Stumps of Oak, there is an Engine call'd the German Devil, which Mr. Evelin in his incomparable Trea∣tise of Forest-trees, affirms to have been made use of by a Noble Person of this Na∣tion with that success, that by the help thereof one Man was able to do more than could otherwise have been done by 12 Ox∣en. He also in the same Treatise, p. 22. gives a description of another Engine for the transplanting of Trees.

The silk-Stocking Frame is surely one of the most curious Contrivances of this Age. It is said to have been first us'd at Notting∣ham, and was, as I have been told, the sea∣sonable Fancy of a poor Oxford Scholar, who to inch out the slender pittance of a small Living he had thereabouts, was glad to make use of his Wives manual Assistance; but that not sufficing neither to satisfie the importunate Stomachs of an increasing Fa∣mily, he prompted by Necessity, which is the Mother of Art, as ancient Authors af∣firm, joyn'd his Head to her Hands, his In∣genuity to her Industry, and thence brought forth this rare Device, to shorten the la∣bour, and increase the profit of her Work.

The Saw-Mill or Engine for sawing of Timber is of Dutch Original, and about 25 or 30 years ago first brought in use among us, for so long it is since that on the Thames over against Durham-yard was first erected. The Wire-Mill of Mr. Mumma, a Dutch∣man, was first set up at Sheen within these 20 years.

All the Money coin'd in the Tower of London, almost ever since his Majesty's Re∣storation, hath been by an Engine or Coin∣ing-Mill, brought in by the Rotiers, who thereupon became and so continue to this present, his Majesty's chief Moneyers.

The Weavers Loom-Engine hath not been in use many years in England, especi∣ally the highest Improvement thereof call'd the Dutch Loom, brought in about 5 or 6 years since by Mr. Crouch, a Weaver in Bi∣shopsgate-street.

A very useful Invention was that Engine call'd the Persian Wheel, for the watring of Meadows, which lye uncapably of being overflow'd. The first of these Engines brought to any considerable perfection, was erected at the end of Wilton-Garden, by the Direction of the above-mention'd Mr. Worlidge, Wood-Steward to the Earl of Pembroke, in the year 1665. who in his Sy∣stema Agriculturae, takes notice of another

Engine to the same purpose, call'd the Ho∣rizontal Windmil. And in his Treatise of Sider, he describes the Ingenio or rare Si∣der-Engine, a Contrivance doubtless very profitable for those that drive a Trade in the making of this Liquor.

There is also very lately found out the admirable Water-Engine, for raising of Ballas and towing of Ships. Yet as excel∣lent as these Inventions are, and as useful to the Publick, by dispatching at one in∣stant the tedious drudgery of many Hands, yet there are not wanting high Clamours against them, as robbing poor men of their Imployments, and consequently of their Livelihoods; so hard it is to find any Con∣venience totally exempted from Cavil and Exception. Even the Quench-fire Engine, that most excellent and salutiferous Inven∣tion of Sir Samuel Moreland, 'tis possible may be an Eye-sore to such Neronian Tem∣pers, as love to see Towns and Cities on fire. However the World is oblig'd to this learned Mechanick, as well for this as se∣veral other useful and ingenuous Contri∣vances, particularly his Arithmetical Instru∣ment, and his Stenterophonick or Speaking Trumpet, the chief use whereof is to treat or parly with an Enemy at a distance.

There is to be seen by all Lovers of Art, a rare Invention of Mr. Edgebury, call'd the Horizontal Corn-mill, upon a piece of Land at Deptford, belonging to my most Honour'd Friend Mr. Evelin junior.

It is now about 7 or 8 years, since a Print∣ing-Press for the printing of Callcoes, was set on foot by Mr. Mellish; but he soon de∣sisting, the Design was taken up by Mr. William Sherwin, living in Little-Britain, and ever since carried on with great vigour and success.

To conclude: There remains yet to be spoken of one rare Engine, and in some sence above all that have been yet menti∣on'd, since it brings back Old Age to Youth, and makes threescore and ten ap∣pear as fine and gay as five and twenty. I do not mean simply the Perruke, or Frame of Artificial formerly worn, for that may possibly be as ancient as the Emperour Ca∣rolus Calvus his Time, who wanting Hair of his own, is reported to have call'd a Councel of French Barbers, to contrive an artificial Supplement of Natures Defect: But I mean, that lofty towring Structure or Machine of Hair, so heighten'd and or∣namented, as it hath been by Tonsorian Art and Industry, within these last 20 years, so frounc'd, so curl'd in a 1000

amorous Annulets, so plump'd up, so streaming in the Air like a Ships Top-gal∣lant, that certainly never any Cincinnatus or Capillatus whatsoever, could boast a na∣tural Head of Hair comparable to this arti∣ficial; much more may it be judg'd easily to outvye the ancient Median Cidaris, the Persian Tiara, or the now Ottoman Turbant; and doubtless had it been devis'd in Homer's Time, it would quickly have put out of countenance the best of his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.