r *77 ] 
Coafts of the Netherlands againft the Sea, were eat 
through in a few Months, fo as to be broken by the 
leaft external Force. Surprifed at this uncommon 
and dangerous Thanomenonj they inquired into its 
Caufe, and faw that a fort of Worms, before that 
time very fcarce, but now increafed to an incredible 
Number, had in fo fhort a time eat into thofe Piles 
between the higheft and loweft Water-marks, and 
threatened very great Damage to the Inhabitants of 
thefe Countries. 
The fuperftitious Populace immediately perfuaded 
themfelves, that this new Genus of Animals was 
created by the divine Wrath for punilhing the Sins 
of Mankind : But prying Experience has taught, that 
thofe Worms, like other Infects, were created in the 
Beginning; but now multiplied to an incredible 
degree from fome unknown Caufe. 
Sect. II. 
If a Pile of the hardeft Oak has flood fix Months 
on the Shore, and be taken out in Summer or Au- 
tumn, there appears Mud and Filth flicking to its 
outward Surface ; which being feraped off with a 
Knife, difeovers a vaft Number of Holes, fcarcely as 
large as Pins Heads. 
Sect. III. 
If you view this Mud (Sect. II.) through a Mi- 
crofeope, you will fee, 
1 . A Number of whitifli Points, not bigger than 
Grains of Sand. 
2. Some very fmall Worms. 
N n 
The 
