[ 385 ] 



ations) and fure to pay a very great intereft for 

 money, where there are no rhynes and deep ditches 

 to be made, which I have ahvays had to do at nearly 

 half the expence; which, befides infuring mod ex- 

 cellent and impenetrable live hedges, has, in feveral 

 inflances, at once laid whole fields dry, lying on a 

 declivity, when we have happened to dig through 

 beds of gravel, fand, or (lone. 



Taking advantage of a very wet day, I have been 

 writing to the Earl of Egremont about cattle; 

 and as you know I have lately dared to ftand upon 

 very bold ground at Bath, and have broached fome 

 very ftrange new doftrines, which the Tup Society 

 are fure to cry down ; I cannot forfear troubling 

 you with an extraft from my letter, as I ftiall be ■ 

 glad to have your thoughts (which I am fure you 

 will give fincerely) on this ufeful and important 

 fubje^l : 



" The opinion I entertained in favour of crofftng^ 

 " I did not prefume to give your lordihip as mere 

 *' matter of opinion and theory; but as I am con- 

 *' vinced, after long experience and clofe attention 

 " to the breeding of domeflick animals, that it is 

 ** the furefl and neareft road to perfeftion for men of 

 " genius to take, as it is alfo in carelefs hands a raoft 

 " dangerous and de(lru6tive praftice. And I charge 

 " Mr. Bake WELL (whofe memory I revere as one 

 " of the grcateft and moft ufeful men this country 



" ever 



