104 PAPERS, ETC. 



procured from the Mendip Hills, which much resemble 

 silver, and formed the spurlous colns. All these circutn- 

 stances prove that the surface of the peat was at that tirae 

 diy, when occupied by the Komans. The late Mr. 

 Anstice, of Bridgwater, who superintended the bullding 

 of the sluices of Highbridge, found a considerable collec- 

 tion of Roman fragments. He also discovered the traces 

 of the Roman road across Brent-Marsh, (coming from 

 "Trajectus," Portbury, by Banwell, and "Bomium," Gross,) 

 six feet below the present surface of the land, shewing 

 how much the marsh has been elevated since the time of 

 the Romans. 



The surface of the peat bogs in Somersetshire is gene- 

 rally covered wlth varieties of heath, willows, bog-myrtle, 

 and numerous other ligneous plants; lichens, sphagnum, 

 and mosses, all intercsting to the botanist. 



Since it has been drained, and subdivided by ditches and 

 watercourses, the whole has become more Consolidated, and 

 laro-e plantations of forest trees, fir, bii'ch, alder, &c., have 

 been made. The oak is still found in some parts, growing 

 luxuriantly, and to a considerable size in the peat. 

 When the surface of the bog has been broken by digging, 

 a decomposition of the peat takes place, and in a little 

 time becomes a black light vegetable mould, capable of 

 producing grass, corn, potatoes, and turnips. To give it 

 a proper Stimulus, however, the application of lime and 

 heavy earth of a tenacious quality, is necessary to con- 

 solidate its particles ; when it becomes capable of bearing 

 wheat and other white crops ; and when laid down to grasa 

 affords excellent pasture, for the feeding of cows particu- 

 larly. Large tracts have been dug up, and brought into 

 cultivation. 



The foUowing vegetables enter into the formation of 



