aTobeen often propofed under the Reignes of Hemy IV. and 
Loup of moft G'orious memory. But whether it be, 
that it hath ever been Judged too difficult or too expence-full, 
or that thofe Great Pr nces were engaged in more urgent affaires^ 
or that their Minifters would not apply themfelves to it in good 
earneft^ foit is^thatit hath been hitherto reje(aed,and as 'twere 
refei ved for the Glory of our prefent Great Monarch LOU YS 
XIV. 
Monfieur Riquet , who long fince had confidered the thing 
by himfelfj having open'd it to the Lord CcUert y was hap- 
py enough to make him relifli it 5 byftiev^jng him the Advan- 
tages, which then might accrue to the Kingdom by facilitating 
Commerce , and by declaring to him the Difficulties, to be 
grapled within this work,tog€cher with the Means of furmoun- 
tingthefame. This Great Minifter, who inceffantly watch- 
eth for the Glory^of the King , and the /nterefts of the State , 
and lets no occalionsefcape of procuring them, focn acquain* 
tedhisMajefty therev^ ith, who having a high concern for what 
may render his Kingdom happy and florifliir.g , gladly hearke- 
ned to him,put the thing in deliberation, and having refolved 
for it , gave aGeneral Commiffion to M. Riquet , efteen ed by 
his' Majeflf the moft capable Perfonfor executing fuch a defign. 
Thisdifficulty being overcome, and M. i?/^//^^ having fatis- 
fied the Objedions , made by feveral forts of peop'e againft this 
Enterprifej it was neccflfary, before the actual undertaking of the 
Work, to refolve upon the Choyce, that was to be made of 
the two WaySjby which the Channel was to be carryed from the 
River Garrene to tht Aude, Some of the Interefs'd would 
have it carryed all along to the Plains, reaching from C^rcaffo- 
rte to Tholofe. Others would have it run into the river Frejqued^ 
from thence into the Plain of Revel ^ and thence into the river 
u^^^i^^,andfo into the Garmne, M. follow'd neither of 
thofe two Ways, but form'd thence a third Avhich was 5 To 
make ufe of what was beft in thefe two Ways, by taking from 
the former, what it had of good convenient Country from the 
Foht of Separation ( defcribed below) to 7ho!ofe 5 and from the 
larterjwhit advantage the bed of Frefqueilv/ould afford him^ yet 
fOjthat whereas fome pretended to make this Channel of Com- 
municatioa 
