OF NORTH WALES. 
26S 
more particularly in Aiiglesea, where they performed their 
cruel religious riles, offering, as we are told, human victims 
on their altars *. 
Such appears to have been the state of North Wales 
when invaded by the Romans, under whom this district 
must soon have assumed a different appearance. And 
though they substituted their own Pagan forms of wor- 
ship, yet being free from human sacrifices, it was better cal- 
culated to soften and civihze the native Briton, accustomed, 
from the scenes of blood he witnessed in the exercise of his 
superstitious services, to cruelty and bloodshed. 
Besides ameliorating the manners and feelings of the 
natives, the Romans introduced agriculture, and the arts 
that contribute to the happiness and comforts of life; and 
there appears to be little doubt that the seats of some of 
the useful metals were not only known to them, but that 
the ores were raised and prepared for use. 
The country was also in a great measure cleared of its 
forests; lands were brought into cultivation; roads were * 
formed, to communicate between the different military sta- 
tions ; and towns, to secure their conquests. By these means 
a savage and unproductive waste assumed a civilized, cul- 
tivated, and smiling aspect. 
It is probable that, after these foreign invaders had 
quitted this country, the inhabitants would never relapse 
into their former barbarous condition; and though not 
making for many ages much progress in the improvements 
and comforts of life, yet would never become what they 
once were. 
There is every reason, however, to believe, that, long 
before the invasion of Edward I., their frequent struggles 
with the Enghsh princes must have taught them some of 
• — " Nam cruore captivo adolere aras, et hominum fibris consulere 
deos fas habebant."— Tacitus. 
2 
