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Whoever therefore has an object nf this kind in view, let hirii 

 atquire consents by private application; for I have frequently seen 

 the "-ood effects thereof manifested, by the irresistible influence of 

 truth, when coolly and quietly administered ; and it has frequently 

 happened, that men hostile to your scheme, have, by difpassionate 

 argument, not only changed their sentiment, but become warm 

 partizans in that cause, which at first they meant to oppose. 



This never could have been done at a public meeting : for after 

 men have once joined the band of opposition, their pride will not 

 permit them to retreat. 



Hew far the commissioners appointed under this act have dis- 

 charged their trust, time will shew ; but the general opinion of 

 their conduct seems to be flattering ; and those who at first sup- 

 posed that the act carried with it the seeds of its own dissolution, 

 are brought to confess, that the present appearances are promising. 



It cannot but be supposed, that in the investigation of four thou- 

 sand and sixty-three claims, (of which only one thousand seven 

 hundred and ninety-six are allowed) and in making compensation 

 for a large portion of land, necessarily cut through, in making the 

 great drain, many causes of offence must be given; but I trust 

 neither partiality, negligence, nor corruption, can be imputed to 

 them ; and if they have erred, it has been an error of the head, 

 and not of the heart. 



Previous to the present drainage, this moor emptied itself into 

 the river Parrett, some miles above Bridgwater, and the fall from 

 the moor was very trifling. Hence it followed, that the least flood 

 covered it with water, and in that state it frequently remained 

 many months. It was at first suggested by many people, whose 

 abilities the county held in high estimation, that nothing more was 

 necessary for the purpose of draining the moor, than the opening 

 and widening these old outlets ; but it occurred to the commis- 

 sioners, that such a partial, and ineffectual mode of procedure, 

 could not produce a radical cure. They therefore set themselves 

 about to discover a convenient place of discharge lower down in 

 the river, by which a greater and more rapid descent might be 

 gained. 



An old sluice called Dunbald Cl.'ze presented itself as the de- 

 sired spot; and on levels being taken by Mr. White, an eminent 



surveyor, 



