[ v ] 
other works, and we ftand convinced of his Glory; we find the 
ufes, fhapes, and properties in all things different, yet we find 
them all confpiring to promote univerfal, mutual good; we fee 
them all directed fo harmonioufly to one point for the good of the 
whole, that they muff needs proceed from one only, conffantly 
beneficent, and Gracious God. From thefe we deduce and 
argue the other attributes, and derive our own duties, till Natural 
Religion ends ; but whilft we are thus enlightning our undemand- 
ing, and admitting that profpeCt of the Deity which is difplayed in 
his works, gratitude, awed and mixed with reverence, fupples the 
heart, and difpofes it moff effectually to embrace all the fublime 
and ineftimable truths of Revelation. 
These are the undeniable and beneficial confequences of Na- 
tural History in general ; but of this noble Science, of this 
ftately tree of Is-nowledge, the Natural History of a particular 
diftridt (fuch are as the following obfervations) is but a branch; it is 
confined and local, and muff tend chiefly to the defcription and 
improvement of one particular fpot. 
The fituation of this county (fecluded in a manner from the reft 
of Britain) renders it, like all diffant objects, lefs diftindtly fee n and 
regarded by the polite, learned, and bufy world; yet whatever 
concerns its intereft and reputation, it need not be urged, Gentle- 
men, may have fome claim to your attention, who have a natural 
connexion with, and relation to it. 
I t matters lefs to ftrangers whether the arts in a diffant county 
flourifh, are at a Hand, or decay; whether the feveral Natural 
Productions are well or ill managed, underffood or not; juflly effi- 
mated and difpofed of, or otherwife ; but thefe things are moff 
proper and intereffing difquifitions for the inhabitants. 
To awake attention to the real and publick intereft of the 
County, it was neceflary to ftiew the prefent ftate of Knowledge 
with regard to Arts and Metals, and in many particulars to hint at 
a alterations 
