[ 324 ] 
When thefe Stones with Wood continuous are 
taken out of the Water, Mud, or Clay, the woody 
Part dries, cracks, and falls away 5 which is the Rea^ 
fon why few can be well preferved; and befides, 
every body, unwilling to truft their Eyes, will touch 
and ferape the Wood, and, by thefe means, deftroy 
the moft curious Part of the Stone. 
The curious Gentleman above-mention’d, who 
hath already begun, and intends, at his Leifure, to 
take an accurate Survey of the Lake, will, I hope, 
be able to give a more juft and fatisfadory Account 
of its petrifying Virtue than I poffibly can 5 my 
Defign in the prefent Attempt being only to pave the 
Way, and induce others to make further Experi- 
ments in fearch of Truth, and for improving natu- 
ral Knowlege. My Habilities do not anfwer my 
Good-will 5 therefore I hope Defeds in the Perform- 
ance and Language of a Foreigner, will be excufed. 
I fhould be very proud, that thefe few Remarks could 
delerve your Approbation, and of your Friends; and- 
fhall be glad to hear of its Succefs. 
Dublin, June 10. 
I74 6 ‘ 
J I R, 
Tout moft humble, 
and obedient Servant > 
James Simon, 
P. 
