in Loynsdale, Lancashire, is a track, between the Kent, Leven, and Dudden Sands, which runs north parallel with the west sides of Cumberland and Westmoreland; and on the south runs out into the sea as a promontory. Here, as Mr Camden expresses it, "the sea, as if enraged at it, lashes it more furiously; and in high tides has even devoured the shore, and made three large bays; viz. Kentland, into which the river Ken empties itself; Levensand and Duddensand, between which the land projects in such a manner that it has its name thence; Forenels and Foreland, signifying the same with us as promontorium anterius in Latin." Bishop Gibson, however, derives the name of Fourness, or Furness, from the numerous furnaces that were there anciently, the rents and services of which (called bloomsmithy rents) are still paid. This whole tract, except on the coast, rises in high hills and vast piles of rocks called Forness-Fells; among which the Britons found a secure retreat, trusting to these natural fortresses, though nothing was inaccessible to the victorious Saxons: for we find the Britons settled here 228 years after the arrival of the Saxons; because at that time Egfrid king of Northumberland gave St Cuthbert the land called Carlismell, and all the Britons in it, as is related in his life. In these mountainous parts are found quarries of a fine durable blue slate to cover buildings with, which are made use of in many other parts of the kingdom. Here are several cotton mills lately erected; and if fuel for fire were more plentiful, the trade of this country would much increase: but there being no coals nearer than Wigan or Whitehaven, and the coast-duties high, firing is rather scarce, the country people using only turf or peat, and that begins to be more scarce than formerly. In the mosses of Fourness much fir is found, but more oak: the trunks in general lie with their heads to the east, the high winds having been from the west. High Fourness has ever had great quantities of sheep, which browse upon the hollies left in great numbers for them; and produces charcoal for melting iron-ore, and oak-bark for tanners' use, in great abundance. The forests abounded with deer and wild boars, and the legs or feet, or large flags, whose horns are frequently found underground here. The low or plain part of Fourness, which is so called to distinguish it from the woody or mountainous part, produces all sorts of grain, but principally oats, whereof the bread eaten in this country is generally made; and there are found here veins of a very rich iron-ore, which is not only melted and wrought here, but great quantities are exported to other parts to mix with poorer ores. The three sands above FOW

Fowey.