The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

Iron.

Great the necessity hereof, some Nations having lived in the ignorance of Gold and Silver, scarce any without the use of Iron. Indeed we read not of it in making the Ta∣bernacle (though from no mention no use thereof, therein cannot infallibly be inferred) which being but a Slight and Portable Building, Brass might supply the want thereof▪ But in the Temple which was a firmer fabrick * 1.1 we find Iron for the things of Iron, and a hundred * 1.2 thousand Talents of that Metal imployed therein.

Great the quantity of Iron made in this County, whereof much used therein, and more exported thence into other parts of the Land, and beyond the Seas. But whe∣ther or no the private profit thereby will at long-running countervail the publick loss in the destruction of wood•…•…, I am as unwilling to discuss as unable to decide. Onely let me adde the ensuing complaint, wherein the Timber-trees of this County deplore their condition, in my opinion richly worth the Readers perusall;

Joves Oake, the warlike Ash, veyn'd Elm, the softer Beech, Short Hazell, Maple plain, light Aspe, the bending Wych, Tough Holly, and soomth Birch, must altogether burn: What should the Builders serve, supplies the Forgers turn; When under publick good, base private gain takes hold, And we poor wofull woods, to ruin lastly sold.

But it is to be hoped, that a way may be found out, to •…•…harke Seacole in such man∣ner, as to render it usefull for the making of Iron. All things are not found out in one age, as reserved for future discovery, and that perchance may be easy for the next which seems impossible to this generation.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1 Cron. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2.
• * 1.2

  1 Cron. 29. •…•…