It is very
observable that here are the most holly trees of any place in the
west. It seemes to me that the holly tree delights in the effluvium of
this fossil, which may serve as a guide to find it. I was curious to
be satisfied whether holly trees were also common about the collieries
at Newcastle, and Dr.. .. . , Deane of Durham, affirmes they are.
These indications induce me to thinke it probable that coale may be
found in Dracot Parke. The Earledomes, near Downton, (woods so called
belonging to the Earledome of Pembroke,) for the same reason, not
unlike ground for coale.
They have tryed for coale at Alderbery Common, but was baffled in it.
(I have heard it credibly reported that coale has been found in
Urchfont parish, about fifty or sixty yeares since; but upon account
of the scarcity of workmen, depth of the coale, and the then plenty of
firing out of ye great wood called Crookwood, it did not quit the
cost, and so the mines were stop'd up. There hath been great talk
several times of searching after coale here again. Crookwood, once
full of sturdy oakes, is now destroyed, and all sort of fuel very dear
in all the circumjacent country. It lies very commodious, being
situate about the middle of the whole county; three miles from the
populous town of the Devises, two miles from Lavington, &c.-BISHOP
TANNER.)
[Several abortive attempts have been made at different periods to find
coal on Malmesbury Common.-J. B.]
CHAPTER VI.
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