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It lieth frequently in deep Rivers, it is from a Mud or Sludge, it is very soft, full of Eyes and wrinkles, and little shells, is ve∣ry rich; some they sell for one shilling two pence the Load, ano∣ther sort they sell for two shillings four pence the Load at the Ri∣vers-side, which men fetch twenty miles an end for the Inriching of their Land for Corn and Grass, one Load going as far as three
Load of the best Horse or Cow-dung that can be had: It hath in it many Snails and Shells, which is conceived occasioneth the fat∣ness of it.
I am very credibly informed that an Ingenious Gentleman li∣ving near the Sea-side, laid on his Lands great quantities of Oyster-shells, which made his Neighbours laugh at him (as usually they do at any thing besides their own clownish road or custom of ig∣norance) for the first and second years they signified little; but afterwards they being so long exposed to the weather and mixed with the moist Earth, they exceedingly enriched his Lands for many years after: which stands also with reason, the Shells of all such Fish being only Salt congealed into such a form, which when it is dissolved of necessity must prove fertile.
There is in most Rivers a very good rich Mud of great fruitful∣ness, and unexpected advantage; it costs nothing but labour in getting, it hath in it great worth and vertue, being the Soil of the Pastures and Fields, Commons, Roads, Ways, Streets, and Backsides, all washed down by the flood, and setling in such places where it meets with rest.
There is likewise very great fertility in the residence of all Channels, Ponds, Pools, Lakes, and Ditches, where any store of Waters do repose themselves, but especially where any store of Rain-water hath a long time setled.
In Forein parts where Fish are plenty they prove an excellent Manure for Land; in some places here in England there are plen∣ty of some sorts of Fish, and at some seasons not capable of being kept for a Market, it were better to make use of them for our advantage than not; I presume they are of the best of Soils or Manures, but herein I submit to experience.
Doubtless there is not any thing that proceeds from the Sea or other Waters, whether it be Fish or the Garbish of Fish, Vegeta∣bles, Shells, Sands, or Mud, or any such-like dissolving matter, but must be of very great advantage to the Husbandman, if duly and judiciously applied.
Of Oyster-shells.
Of Mud.
Of Fish.