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Of Moats. 
THESE were made ordinarily for fecuring of dwelling 
houfes, rather than for fith; and fince wars have been lefs 
frequent, or rather, grown fo much an art, that the ancient 
way of fortifying is not ufeful, are almoft difufed. For being 
laid fo near the dwelling, as we obferve commonly they are, 
for want of fun, and air to purge them, the water grows putrid 
and flimy, yielding no pleafant {cent to the houfe; befides, 
when laid dry, as is neceffary fometimes, the {tench and filth of 
them are infupportable ; and therefore many gentlemen have 
either flighted them wholly, or prefented the form only, as a walk 
or low garden, planting the fide- walls with fruit, but without 
water: and fo is the moat at Althrop in Northamptonfhire, 
a feat of the Earl of Surderland’s, much of late beautified, 
put in order, and from a defeat, turned to a great perfection. 
But I am an advocate for moats, ordered as they might be, 
and do efteem them avery great accomplifhment to a feat in 
many refpeéts. 1. Though they are not a fortification for 
refiftance in time of war, yet againft pilferers and tumults, 
they are fufficient and better than any walls you fhall make. 
2. They hall nourifh a world of fifh, which, though not fo 
well at command as in other waters, yet for angling, and the 
fporting part of net-fithing, are better than the others are, 
becaufe nearer, and fifhed with fmaller nets. 3. They are an 
ornament and delight toa feat beyond ima_ination, as will 
appear 
