16 VALE OF PICKERING. 2. 



As a proof of the fiatncfs of the Vale, the 

 waters of the Rye are fome four or five days 

 in pafllng from Hemfley to Malton (about 

 fouitccn miles) : and thofe of the Dervventj 

 FiOt lefs than a week in moving from Ayton 

 (about fifteen miles) to the fame general 

 outlet. It is highly probable, that In a ftate 

 of nature a principal part of the Vale was 

 fubjedt to be overflowed. Even nowj fince 

 rivers have been cut, and embankments 

 made, extenfive fields of water are ftill to be 

 feen in times of floods ; not, however, 

 throu2;h natural neceflitv, but for want of 

 further exertions of art. By Incrcafing em- 

 bankments, and by removing obftruuiionS 

 natural and artificial *, the rivers, in their 

 higheft fvvcll, might be kept within due 

 bounds. 



In'land navigation. The Derwent \i 

 made navigable to Malton ; and might, 

 without extraordinary expence, be continued 

 U) to Ayton •, and the Rye and its branches 



• The cntarcict-likc miil-dam acrofs the Derwent at 

 Old INLilton is a public nuifance which refieus ulfgiace 

 « n cvc y man of propeiry in the Yule. It apj ears as 

 ii intend -d to finifli what nature has left undone ! 



might 



