My computer having now the world record for 23 trys and 18 conversions at my
sons school rugby match this morning is now back to normal. I however was
very muddy.
This the second part of John Byng's entry for Monday, August 6 visiting the
Mackworth estate. And Tuesday August 7.
....The country around him was barren - now they are mowing three loads of
hay from each acre! His mountains are planted with trees, and his valley's
are covered by beeves. [Cattle]
An ingenious artist (retain'd by Sir Herbert) has invented a curious and
simple borer of ground, which we survey'd. It is work'd by one horse, will
pierce thro' fifty fathoms of rock in ten months, by an auger that brings up
the soil, and by a scupper which carries off the water: the expense of
working this easily constructed engine is about eight pounds per month. Now
to me it appears strange that a gentleman of fortune in any county will not
adventure with this machine; for tho' hatred and malice may deride, yet
great discoveries at least might be made for the advancement of agriculture.
Tuesday, August 7 ...Mr Howell then walk'd with me to the shipbuilding
yards, rope walks, iron forges, and to Sir Herbert Mackworth's shops, water
engines, etc., etc.
The colliers here do not earn more than 1s 4d. per diem, notwithstanding
their labour and danger, many of them being frequently burnt to death by the
foul air taking fire.
His tour continues up to Brecon where he discusses Mrs Siddons place of
birth (Brecon) with a landlord of that town.
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That is all of Byngs Tour relating to Glamorgan. It is certainly a curious
book and there are entertaining passages re his companions health. I don't
get the feeling he is overly keen on the Welsh. But he is not complementary
generally about the 'labouring classes'. It is possible some local
libraries may have a copy. This edition was published by the Folio Society.
Some of his original manuscripts have been lost, and I was disappointed that
the one for Somerset and the West country was one of those.
Thanks to all who sent their messages of enjoyment. And I really did miss
Peters joke so bit dim that morning. I blame the children !!!! Jeff Lewis
kindly blamed Thursdays.
Steve