The History of Virginia, in Four Parts

The History of Virginia, in Four Parts gives its first part as the history of the first settlement of Virginia, and the government thereof, to the year 1706. The second part deals with the natural productions and conveniences of the country, suited to trade and improvement, and the third with the native Indians, their religion, laws and customs, in war and peace. A contents list gives chapters headed Courts of Law in Virginia, Church and Church Affairs, Concerning the College, Military Strength in Virginia and Servants and Slaves.

The chapter called Of the Fish says that, as for fish, both of fresh and salt water, of shell fish, and others, no country can boast of more variety, greater plenty, or of better in their several kinds. The same chapter says that in the spring of the year herrings come up in such abundance into their brooks and fords to spawn that it is almost impossible to ride through without treading on them. The book describes musquitoes as a sort of vermin of less danger, but much more troublesome, because more frequent, and as a long tailed gnat.