(74%) 
to make ponds yield a profit to anfwer the great charge in 
making them? 
But we mutt go farther: ground*fhall be vaftly improved by 
fith, and fhall be intrinfically worth, and yield more this 
way, than by any other employment you can give it: for 
fuppofe it meadow of two pounds per acre (which is an high 
value for the beft meadow far from London), I will juftify, 
that four acres in pond fhall return you every year one 
 thoufand carps fed up, from — to fourteen or fifteen inches, 
befides pikes, perch, and tench, and other fry, ufeful on many 
accounts, if the water fuits them. The carps are faleable, 
and will bring perhaps twelve pence, but in all likelihood not 
lefs than nine pence; yet, let it be fix pence apiece, there is 
twenty-five pounds, which is fix pounds five fhillings per 
acre; a little charge of carriage perhaps to be deducted. This 
is improvement enough. 
But lay afide profit, and confider how a gentleman fhould 
entertain himfelf and his family, which I muft fuppofe every 
one hath, who lives upon an eftate, and it may be numerous; 
he muft find fome fort of diverfion for them. Mutt it be 
altogether going abroad to make, or at home receiving vifits? 
Or if the female part are fo grave, to decline that courfe of 
life, muft they always be within? Or if they ftir out, have 
nothing but mere air to invite them? Perhaps the gentle- 
man himfelf may find diverfion by hunting, &c. and meeting 
company upon feveral diverting accounts; and fhall all his 
entertainments be exclufive of his family? No, certainly; 
whoever aims at an eafy and fatisfaf@tory courfe of life, muft 
feek 
