156 The Duchess of Newcastle 



XXXIII 



That many laws do rather entrap, then help the 

 subject. 



XXXIV 



That no martial law should be executed, but in an 

 army. 



XXXV 



That the sheriffs in this kingdom of England have 

 been so expensive in liveries and entertainments in 

 the time of their sherifalty, as it hath ruined many 

 families that had but indifferent estates. 



XXXVI 



That the cutting down of timber in the time of 

 rebellion, has been an inestimable loss to this kingdom, 

 by reason of shipping; for though timber might be 

 had out of foreign countries that would serve for the 

 building of ships, yet there is none of such a temper as 

 our English oak; it being not onely strong and large, 

 but not apt to splint, which renders the ships of other 

 nations much inferior to ours; and that therefore it 

 would be very beneficial for the kingdom, to set out 

 some lands for the bearing of such oaks, by sowing of 

 acorns, and then transplanting them; which would 

 be like a storehouse for shipping, and bring an incom- 

 parable benefit to the kingdom, since in shipping 

 consists our greatest strength, they being the onely 

 walls that defend an island. 



XXXVII 



That the nobility and gentry in this kingdom, have 

 done themselves a great injury, by giving away (out 

 of a petty pride) to the commonalty, the power of 



