C 129 3 
altogether the childish vanity of establishing 
a borrowed reputation by meddling in the 
minuti^ * of a science, the understanding of 
which is denied to it by education, early pur- 
suits, and more exalted habits of life. 
Had this great national institution been go- 
verned by such motives, and diredted by such 
views on the outset in 1792, we should have 
now the attainment of the following objedt.? 
hi no distant view. 
The competent drainage of millions of 
acres of fens, marsh lands, -f* low lands, and 
all other lands and grounds now unproduc- 
tive, and receiving constant injury from 
water, and in particular instances turning 
that element to the improvement of the soil 
instead of being its greatest enemy. 
* This propensity may not be inapplicably compared to a 
passenger in a stage-coach, who, not contented to sit still, 
and to have tlie vehicle driven safely by the accustomed 
coachman, who knows the temper of his cattle, and the turn- 
ings and windings of the road, must mount the box, and take 
the whip, by means of which the whole are overthrown. 
f Of all land, the most prodeftive when drained, one acre 
of which w'ould be equal in produce to ten of heath land, i 
S 
