23. YORKSHIRE. 295 



ing can be hit upon which would render the 

 improvement greater than the expence of ob- 

 taining it, experience alone can fhew ; and 

 individuals ought to enter cautioufly into the 

 project. 



But, viewed in a national light, an improve- 

 ment of this kind, whether individuals gain 

 or lofe by the profecution of it, is defirable. 

 If through the means of a foil which lies 

 wade, of fofiile fubftances which lie ufelefs, 

 of fire which may be had at will, and of wa- 

 ter which nature has provided upon the fpot, 

 lands which are infertile can be rendered pro- 

 ductive, without robbing thofe which are 

 already in a flare of productivenefs ; the rea- 

 lity oftheacquifition, to the (late, cannot be 

 doubted. 



In the center of thefe hills, among their 

 higheft eminences, lies a plot of land which 

 belongs exclufively to the Duchy of Lan- 

 cafter. Might it not be laudable in Govern- 

 ment to direct fome attention toward its im- 

 provement ? The two hundred thoufand acres 

 of wafle which lie immediately round it 

 would not be the only object in view. 

 Twenty times the quantity of fimilar fur- 

 face lies wafte within the kinghom. 

 U 4 



