[ 84 J 



In the eastern part of this district there are also some large arid 

 productive woods, such as Mells, Leigh, Edford, Harwich, Comp- 

 ton, Camely, &c. these being near the coal works are very valua- 

 ble ; interspersed also are many beautiful plantations, which are not 

 only an ornament to the respective seats to which they belong, but 

 are in themselves a fertile source of annual profit. 



On land properly situated, no speculation can be more profitable 

 or more pleasing than planting ; the only objection is the length of 

 time required to bring it to perfection ; but surely this ought not to 

 have much weight, as the benefit must accrue either to the planter, 

 or his heirs ; and certainly there is no way so easy of raising for- 

 tunes for younger children as by planting. 



The Mendip hills are also famous for their mines, particularly of 

 lead and lapis calaminaris. The former are nearly exhausted, or at 

 least the deep working is so incumbered with water, that little can 

 be done, and in all probability millions in value may remain con- 

 cealed in the bowels of this mountain, till spirit enough be found in 

 the country to perforate it by cutting a level or audit, through its 

 base, namely from Compton Martin to Wookey Hole. 



The distance is about 5 miles, and the depth from the surface 

 about 150 yards ; such a tunnel would not only convey off all water, 

 but the driving it, or the sinking of the shaft or perpendicular pits, 

 might lead to a discovery of veins of lead hither unexplored, and 

 perhaps as valuable at that was at West Chewton, which tradition 

 says yielded ioo,oool. within the space of an acre. What the ex- 

 pence of such an adventure might be, I cannot exactly ascertain, 

 but for argument sake, let us suppose it to be ioo,oool. A thou- 

 sand subscribers at 100I. each would suffice, and as no great num- 

 ber of men can, for want of room, be employed at the same time, 

 I would propose that the principal money be vested in government 

 securities, and the interest only expended ; this would keep in con- 

 stant pay more than 100 workmen, and in all probability before 

 io,oool. were expended, discoveries would be made highly bene- 

 ficial to the adventurers, and to the pubhc, and even under the 

 worst supposition, the only loss would be that of the interest of 

 100I. to each individual. 



In times past many thousands per year have been annually paid 

 to the see of Wells for the Lord's share, (that is one tenth) of the 



lead 



