CAP. XXXV. How the main Levell came first to be a Fenn.
BY what hath been said, it being e∣vident enough, that those Counties of Holland and Marshland were first the gift of the Sea, and afterwards de∣fended with strong banks made by the industry of the Romans; it would there∣fore not be improper for me to go on, and shew with what care and cost, as al∣so by what means those Banks, so made for their safeguard and preservation, have been for many ages supported and maintained till this present: but because I conceive it may better conduce to the more perspicuous carrying on of my story, to shew how that spacious Levell, lying Southwards towards the continent, and bounded with the high land (as I have already observed) came at first to be a Fenny Lake, and then increased, by tract of time, in depth, I shall reserve what I have to say touching the repair and strengthening of those banks, till I speak of the attempts and endeavours, which have in several ages been made, for the gaining or improving of the sun∣dry parts thereof, by the skill and labour of the Inhabitants and borderers, or any other who have been Adventurers in those work.