nd_) the staple Commodity
of Tobacco, has a great Advantage of all other Plantations on the
Continent for the Encouragement of the Crown; whereas others belonging
to Gentlemen, or having no peculiar Trade, cannot expect such Power to
advance and promote their Interest.

To this add, that _Virginia_ equals, if not exceeds, all others in
Goodness of Climate, Soil, Health, Rivers, Plenty, and all Necessaries,
and Conveniencies of Life: Besides she has, among others, these
particular Advantages of her younger Sister _Maryland_, viz. Freedom
from Popery, and the Direction of Proprietors; not but that Part of
_Virginia_, which is between the Rivers _Potowmack_ and _Rappahannock_
belongs to Proprietors, as to the Quit-Rent; yet the Government of these
Counties (called the _Northern Neck_) is under the same Regulation with
the other Parts of the Country.

If _New England_ be called a Receptacle of Dissenters, and an
_Amsterdam_ of Religion, _Pensylvania_ the Nursery of Quakers,
_Maryland_ the Retirement of _Roman_ Catholicks, _North Carolina_ the
Refuge of Run-aways, and _South Carolina_ the Delight of Buccaneers and
Pyrates, _Virginia_ may be justly esteemed the happy Retreat of _true
Britons_ and _true Churchmen_ for the most Part; neither soaring too
high nor drooping too low, consequently should merit the greater Esteem
and Encouragement.

The common Planters leading easy Lives don't much admire Labour, or any
manly Exercise, except Horse-Racing, nor Diversion, except
Cock-Fighting, in which some greatly delight. This easy Way of Living,
and the Heat of the Summer makes some very lazy, who are then said to be
Climate-struck.

The Saddle-Horses, though not very large, are hardy, strong, and fleet;
and will pace naturally and pleasantly at a prodigious Rate.

They are such Lovers of Riding, that almost every ordinary Person keeps
a Horse; and I have known some spend the Morning in ranging several
Miles in the Woods to find and catch their Horses only to ride two or
three Miles to Church, to the Court-House, or to a Horse-Race, where
they generally appoint to meet upon Business; and are more certain of
finding those that they want to speak or deal with, than at their Home.

No People can entertain their Friends with better Cheer and Welcome; and
Strangers and Travellers are here treated in the most free, plentiful,
and hospitable Manner; so that a few Inns or Ordinaries on the Road are
sufficient.

As to the Weather,