INTRODUCTION. XXI 



'moors' lying along the western border of Middlesex, into several 

 irregularly anastomosing streams, which intersect and feed the Grand 

 Junction Canal between Rickmansworth and West Drayton. Near 

 the latter place a branch, called the ' Old River,' leaves the Colne to 

 flow south-east to Baber Bridge, where it joins the Cran. The 

 ' New River,' which also leaves the Colne near West Drayton, is an 

 artificial stream (or partly so), made in the reign of William III, to 

 supply Bushey Park with water. 



The Cran or Crane is a small stream, called at its upper part 

 the Yedding or Yeading Brook, and originates in several rivulets 

 near Headstone Farm and the low country between Pinner and 

 Plarrow. These unite to form a small stream, which flows south by 

 Yedding Green to Cranford, draining the adjacent country. From 

 this point its course is south across Hounslow Heath to Baber Bridge 

 on the Staines Road (where it is joined by the 'Old River' from the 

 Colne). Gradually curving east to Twickenham, it flows north-east 

 into the Thames a little above Isleworth. The Cran is much 

 increased in size after its union with the ' Old River.' The conjoint 

 streams flow together to within a mile of Twickenham, where the 

 main body of water flows along an artificial canal, locally called 

 the ' Duke's River,' to Sion Park, whilst only a limited quantity is 

 allowed to proceed along the old bed of the stream. 



The Brent commences by several small rivulets, which, flowing 

 down from the hill in Herts on which Totteridge stands, and from the 

 north-east side of High wood Hill in Middlesex, unite to form a small 

 stream which, flowing between Totteridge and Whetstone, forms the 

 boundary of H erts and Middlesex. It enters the latter county about 

 a mile north of Finchle}^,- and passing west of that place receives a 

 small brook from Mill Hill on the west, and several from the north 

 slopes of Hampstead and Highgate on the east. Leaving Hendon on 

 the west, it flows south-west to Kingsbury, before reaching which it 

 is joined by a tributary from the north, bringing the surface drainage 

 of the south slope of the Brockley, Elstree, and Highwood Hills, and 

 the country between Edgware and Hendon. At the junction of this 

 stream a large reservoir has been formed. After passing Kingsbury, 

 the Brent receives a large branch at Wembly Park, formed by streams 

 originating at Harrow Weald, the east side of Harrow Hill, &c., and 

 also streams from the country about Wilsdon, Plolsden, and adjacent 

 parts. From this point the Brent flows west as far as Greenford, 

 where it turns abruptly to the south, and, passing Ilanwell, flows into 

 the Thames at Brentford. 



