[IT has been thought sufficient to print only a few brief extracts
from this Introductory Chapter, which in the original is of
considerable length. Its title (derived from the Greek words {Gk:choros}
and {Gk: grapho}) is analogous to Geography. By far the greater
portion of it has no application to Wiltshire, but, on the contrary,
consists of Aubrey's notes, chiefly geological and botanical, on every
part of England which he had visited; embracing many of the counties.
His observations shew him to have been a minute observer of natural
appearances and phenomena, and in scientific knowledge not inferior to
many of his contemporaries; but, in the present state of science, some
of his remarks would be justly deemed erroneous and trivial.

It will be seen that he contends strongly for the influence of the
soil and air upon the mental and intellectual faculties or "wits", of
individuals; on which point some of his remarks are curious. Ray's
comments on this part of his subject will be found in the letter
already printed (page 7). "The temper of the earth and air", in the
opinion of Aubrey, caused the variance in "provincial pronunciation".

The author's theory of the formation and structure of the earth, which
is here incidentally noticed, will be adverted to in the description
of Chapter VIII. - J. B.]

PETRIFIED SHELLS.-As you ride from Cricklad to Highworth, Wiltsh., you
find frequently roundish stones, as big,, or bigger than one's head,
which (I thinke) they call braine stones, for on the outside they
resemble the ventricles of the braine; they are petrified sea
mushromes. [Fossil Madrepores ?-J. B.]

The free-stone of Haselbury [near Box] hath, amongst severall other