in Loynsdale, Lancashire, is a tract, 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. Kentsand, into which the river Ken empties itself; Levensand and Duddensand, between which the land projects in such a manner that it has its name hence; Foreness and Foreland, signifying the same with us as promontorium anterius in Latia." 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 Fourness-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 Carthmell, 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 Furness has ever had great quantities of sheep, which browse upon the hollics left in great numbers for them; and produces charcoal for melting iron ore, and oak bark for tanners use, in great abundance. The forests abound with deer and wild boars, and the legh or scope, or large stags, whose horns are frequently found under ground 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 mentioned are very dangerous to travellers, by the tides and the many quicksands. There is a guide on horseback appointed to Kent or Lancaster sands at 10l. per ann. to Leven at 6l. per ann. out of the public revenue; but to Dudden, which are most dangerous, none; and it is no uncommon thing for persons to pass over in parties of 100 at a time like caravans, under the direction of the carriers, who go to or fro every day. The sands are less dangerous than formerly, being more used and better known, and travellers never going without the carriers or guides. "Furnis abbey up in the mountains," was begun at Tulket in Amounderness 1124, by Stephen earl of Boulogne, afterwards king of England, for the monks of Savigni in France, and three years after removed to this valley, then called Bekangescgill, or, "the vale of nightshade." It was of the Cistercian order, endowed with FOW

Fearness above 800l. per ann. Out of the monks of this abbey, Mr. Camden informs us, the bishops of the Isle of Man, which lies opposite to it, used to be chosen by ancient custom; it being as it were the mother of many monasteries in Man and Ireland. Some ruins, and part of the fosse which surrounded the monastery, are still to be seen at Talbot. The remains at Fearness breathe that plain simplicity of the Cisterian abbeys; the chapter-house was the only piece of elegant Gothic about it, and its roof has lately fallen in. Part of the painted glass from the east window, representing the crucifixion, &c., is preserved at Windermere church in Bowness, Westmoreland. The church (except the north side of the nave), the chapter-house, refectory, &c. remain, only unroofed.

FOURTH redundant, in Music. See INTERVAL.