Note a — BOOK III.

Though there are some that think Mountains to be a Deformity to the Earth, &c. yet if well considered, they will be found as much to conduce to the Beauty and Conveniency of the Universe, as any of the other Parts. Nature (saith Pliny) purposely framed them for many excellent Uses; partly to tame the Violence of greater Rivers, to strengthen certain Joints within the Veins and Bowels of the Earth, so break the Force of the Sea’s Inundation, and for the Safety of the Earth’s Inhabitants, whether Beasts or Men. That they make much for the Protection of Beasts, the Psalmist testifies, The highest Hills are a Refuge for the wild Goats, and the Rocks for Conies. The Kingly Prophet had likewise learnt the Safety of those by his own Experience, when he also was fain to make a Mountain his Refuge from the Fury of his Master Saul, who prosecuted him in the Wilderness. True indeed, such Places as these keep their Neighbours poor, as being most barren, but yet they preserve them safe, at being most strong; witness our unconquered Wales and Scotland.——Wherefore a good Author doth rightly call them Natures Bulwarks, cast up at God Almighty’s Charges, the Scorns and Curbs of victorious Armies; which made the Barbarians in Curtius so confident of their own Safety, &c. Bishop Wilkin’s World in the Moon, pag. 114.