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hills being very thin, and the estates disposed in small portions of 

 common field, no considerable improvement can be effected without 

 a fundamental change in the system of management. 



Hence we descend into the marsh or fen lands, which are di- 

 vided into two districts, namely, Brent Marsh and the Bridgwater, 

 or South Marsh. Brent Marsh is that portion of land compre- 

 hended between Mendip Hills and Polden Hill, on the North and 

 South, Bridgwater Bay on the West, and extending to Wells and 

 Glastonbury on the East. 



This marsh may also be divided into two parts separated by a 

 tract of elevated land on which stand the parishes of Allerton, 

 Mark, Blackford, Wed more, &c. through the northern level runs 

 the river Axe, emptying itself into the Bristol Channel at Uphill; 

 and through the southern the river Brue, emptying itself into 

 Bridgwater Bay near Burnhsm. 



This country has been heretofore much neglected j being desti- 

 tute of Gentlemen's houses, probably on account of the stagnant 

 waters, and unwholsome air; but of late many efforts have beea 

 made to improve the soil, by draining and inclosing under a variety 

 of acts of parliament. The benefit resulting therefrom, has been 

 astonishing. The rhynes and ditches necessarily cut to divide the 

 property, together with the deepening the general outlets, dis- 

 charge so much of the superfluous water, that many thousand acres, 

 which heretofore were overflown fer months together, and of courfe 

 of little, or no value, are become fine grazing, and dairy lands ; to 

 the great emolument of the individual possessors, as well as the 

 benefit of the community. 



The 



