and Women, Echoes, Devils and Witches, and other subjects, are very
similar to those of Aubrey. Indeed the plan of the latter's work was
modelled upon those of Dr. Plot, and Aubrey states in his Preface that
he endeavoured to induce that gentleman to undertake the arrangement
and publication of his "Natural History of Wiltshire". On comparing
the writings of the two authors, we cannot hesitate to award superior
merits to the Wiltshire antiquary.

A few passages may be quoted from the latter to shew that he was
greatly in advance of his contemporaries in general knowledge and
liberality of sentiment:-

" I have oftentimes wished for a mappe of England coloured according
to the colours of the earth; with markes of the fossiles and
minerals." (p. 10.)

"As the motion caused by a stone lett fall into the water is by
circles, so sounds move by spheres in the same manner; which, though
obvious enough, I doe not remember to have seen in any booke." (p.
18.)

"Phantomes. Though I myselfe never saw any such things, yet I will
not conclude that there is no truth at all in these reports. I believe
that extraordinarily there have been such apparitions; but where one
is true a hundred are figments. There is a lecherie in lyeing and
imposing on the credulous, and the imagination of fearfull people is
to admiration." [In other words, timid people are disposed to believe
marvellous stories.] (p. 122.)

"Draughts of the Seates and Prospects. If these views were well donn,