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[Page 10]
I receivd a well Dry'd Specimen of the Bohemian Chatterer Shot Likewise in this neighbourhood he also Press'd me much to accept of a ring in which was Enclos'd set a small peice of Amber with a very natural fly Enclosd in it appearing of the ant kind which I refus'd as thinking it too Valuable if Genuine to accept of upon so short an accquaintance [acquaintance] & Knowing that they are often imitated with great Exactness by Gum Copal. He carried us afterwards to see a midling Collection of Shells belonging to Mr. Milton which however were disposd with more Elegance than any thing I have seen by his Sister. I forgot to mention one thing we Learnt here from the Commissioner Mr. Tanway which was that Sheerness harbour is now so full of the worm which (tho brought there in ships bottoms from the warm Latitudes) are still so powerfull that one of our frigates had her Planks eat Eight inches deeply them.
28 - This Morn Blows hard West & by South at twelve Set Sail for Sheerness in the Passage Boat for sheerness arive [arrive] at 20 minutes past one. Walk round the Lines find them tho very small a most regular fortification & very strong especialy the half moon Battery comprisd of 30 42 pounders which Commands the Point where the Thames & Medway Join Just Below the Isle of Grain. The Land Side of the Fort is Contrivd so that it can be Laid under water by Sluices for a great Distance round it in the Evening went to See a Singular Contrivance which is the Old Hulls of Shipps that are worn out turnd into houses two or three