( 168 ) 



princefs of Wales, who refided, at that time 

 for the advantage of a fea-bath, at Pilewell, 

 the feat of fir James Worfley, which flood 

 within a quarter of a mile of the groaning- 

 tree. 



Tho the country-people affigned many fuper- 

 flitious caufes for this flrange phenomenon, 

 the naturalift could affign no phyfical one, 

 that was in any degree fatisfactory. Some 

 thought, it was owing to the twifling and 

 friction of the roots. Others thought it pro- 

 ceeded from water, which had collected in 

 the body of the tree or perhaps from pent air. 

 But no caufe that was alledged, appeared equal 

 to the effect. In the mean time, the tree 

 did not always groan ; fometimes difappoint- 

 ing it's vifitants : yet no caufe could be af- 

 figned for it's temporary ceffations, either from 

 feafons, or weather. If any difference was 

 obferved ; it was thought to groan leall, 

 when the weather was wet ; and moil when 

 it was clear, and frofty : but the found at 

 all times feemed to arife from the root. 



Thus the groaning-tree continued an object 

 of aftonilhment, during the fpace of eighteen, 

 or twenty months, to all the country around : 

 and for the information of diftant parts a 



pamphlet 



