i 94 Of H A M P S H I R E. 
god a lm in and petersfield, looks like a dreary wafte: but 
even here the romantic fituation of hind-head, has its charms ; 
and tho’ this part is not well inhabited, it has many fine views 
of a cultivated country. In general, Hampshire is well wood- 
ed, has many delicious downs, pleafant meadows, and fertile 
arable lands. It produces large fupplies of corn, and great, 
plenty of hops. It feeds great flocks of fheep, and great num- 
bers of hogs. The honey of this country is much efleemed ; 
and I am told there are fome iron mines. It is enriched by 
manufa&ures, and receives no fmall advantages from commerce 
both foreign and domeftic. 
The coafts of this county, from allom-head to spithead,. 
take in the harbors of christ-church, limington, South- 
ampton, and Portsmouth, and exhibit a view of a fertile and 
delightful country. Indeed the coafls from Portsmouth, eaft- 
ward to emsworth, which is the boundary of the county on 
this fide, has but a dreary appearance. 
As this county properly includes the isle of wight, fo much 
diflinguifhed for its fertility and rural charms, we may, with: 
boldnefs fay, that, for iize and beauty, it vies with the m off de- 
lightful province, of the mofl delightful ifland in the world,. 
If to this we add the honor it receives by including the port, 
from whence we took our departure, which is the great ren- 
dezvous of our naval flrength, it demands the higher place in 
our efteetn. Am I partial to my own county ? In truth I ne- 
ver faw half fo much of it before I had the pleafure of attend- 
ing you ; and it certainly would not have appeared fo charm- 
ing, had I been with company lefs agreeable. Farewell. 
LET- 
