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The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1
The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 is here in full — 393 sentences across 79 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/78 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.
Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.
But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.
I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.
As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 is here in full — 393 sentences across 79 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/78 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.
/ðə ˈriːzənz fɔːr ðə raɪz ʌv ˈvæljuː ɪn lændz ɑːr ʌv tuː kaɪndz/
Line 2
Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.
Line 3
But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.
/bʌt ðer ɪz əˈnʌðər ˈriːzən fɔːr ðə raɪz ʌv lænd mɔːr ˈɡrædʒuːəl ˈkɑːnstənt ənd ˈsɜːrtən wɪtʃ wɪl hæv ɪts ɪˈfekts ɪn ˈkʌntriz ðæt ɑːr ˈveri fɑːr frʌm ˈflɜːrɪʃɪŋ ɪn ˈeni ʌv ðə ædˈvæntɪdʒɪz aɪ hæv dʒʌst ˈmenʃənd aɪ miːn ðə pərˈpetʃuːəl dɪˈkriːs ɪn ðə ˈvæljuː ʌv ɡoʊld ənd ˈsɪlvər/
Line 4
I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.
/aɪ ʃæl ˈdɪskɔːrs əˈpɑːn ðiːz tuː ˈdɪfərənt kaɪndz wɪð ə vjuː təˈwɔːrdz ðə bɪl naʊ əˈtemptɪd/
Line 5
As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

advancement noun US /ədˈvænsmənt/

encouragement of the progress or growth or acceptance of something

From this reading “Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.”

agriculture noun US /ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/

a large-scale farming enterprise

From this reading “Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.”

bogs noun US /bɑːɡz/

plural of “bog” — wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation; has poorer drainage than a swamp; soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel

From this reading “Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.”

decrease verb US /dɪˈkriːs/

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading “But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.”

gradual adjective US /ˈɡrædʒuːəl/

proceeding in small stages

From this reading “But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.”

manufactures noun US /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərz/

plural of “manufacture” — the organized action of making of goods and services for sale

From this reading “Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.”

marshes noun US /ˈmɑːrʃəz/

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading “Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.”

plantations noun US /ˌplænˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “plantation” — an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading “Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.”

All words in this reading · 108

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

30

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

advancementnounUS /ədˈvænsmənt/

encouragement of the progress or growth or acceptance of something

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

advantagesnounUS /ædˈvæntɪdʒɪz/

plural of “advantage” — the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

agriculturenounUS /ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/

a large-scale farming enterprise

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

attemptedadjectiveUS /əˈtemptɪd/

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

badadjectiveUS /bæd/

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

billnounUS /bɪl/

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

bogsnounUS /bɑːɡz/

plural of “bog” — wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation; has poorer drainage than a swamp; soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

cannot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

carenounUS /ker/

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

constantadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnstənt/

unvarying in nature

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

countriesnounUS /ˈkʌntriz/

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

decreaseverbUS /dɪˈkriːs/

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

devastations

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

discoursenounUS /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

extended verbal expression in speech or writing

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

disimprovements

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

effectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/

property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

encouragementnounUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒmənt/

the expression of approval and support

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

fivenounUS /faɪv/

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

flourishingadjectiveUS /ˈflɜːrɪʃɪŋ/

very lively and profitable

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

fournounUS /fɔːr/

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/

coins made of gold

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

gradualadjectiveUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəl/

proceeding in small stages

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

hedgesnounUS /ˈhedʒɪz/

plural of “hedge” — a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

heightnounUS /haɪt/

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

how

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/

a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

improvementsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənts/

plural of “improvement” — a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/

a quantity that is added

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

inhabitantsnounUS /ɪnˈhæbətənts/

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

kingdomnounUS /ˈkɪŋdəm/

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

landnounUS /lænd/

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

landsnounUS /lændz/

plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

manufacturesnounUS /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərz/

plural of “manufacture” — the organized action of making of goods and services for sale

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

marshesnounUS /ˈmɑːrʃəz/

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

meanverbUS /miːn/

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

mentionedverbUS /ˈmenʃənd/

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

ninenounUS /naɪn/

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

partsnounUS /pɑːrts/

the local environment

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

pastnounUS /pæst/

the time that has elapsed

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

peacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

plantationsnounUS /ˌplænˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “plantation” — an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

quick-set

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

realadjectiveUS /riːl/

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

reasonsnounUS /ˈriːzənz/

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

recoverynounUS /rɪˈkʌvri/

return to an original state

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

riseverbUS /raɪz/

move upward

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

ruinedadjectiveUS /ˈruːənd/

destroyed physically or morally

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

settlementnounUS /ˈsetəlmənt/

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

silvernounUS /ˈsɪlvər/

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

skillnounUS /skɪl/

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

soilnounUS /sɔɪl/

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

tennounUS /ten/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

tradenounUS /treɪd/

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

valuenounUS /ˈvæljuː/

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading The reasons for the rise of value in lands, are of two kinds.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

viewnounUS /vjuː/

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

wantverbUS /wɑːnt/

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

warnounUS /wɔːr/

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Of the first kind, are long peace and settlement after the devastations of war; plantations, improvements of bad soil, recovery of bogs and marshes, advancement of trade and manufactures, increase of inhabitants, encouragement of agriculture, and the like.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading But there is another reason for the rise of land, more gradual, constant and certain; which will have its effects in countries that are very far from flourishing in any of the advantages I have just mentioned: I mean _the perpetual decrease in the value of gold and silver_.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I shall discourse upon these two different kinds, with a view towards the bill now attempted.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading As to the first: I cannot see how this kingdom is at any height of improvement, while four parts in five of the plantations for 30 years past, have been real disimprovements; nine in ten of the quick-set hedges being ruined for want of care or skill.

Chapter 8 of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 by Jonathan Swift holds 393 sentences, grouped into 79 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 8 of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 contain?

Chapter 8 holds 393 sentences of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1, unabridged, divided into 79 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 by Jonathan Swift exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 393 sentences, grouped into 79 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 8 of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1?

Work through the 79 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 79 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 8 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 8 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

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Common questions about reading The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 by Jonathan Swift on this page, its source edition and its audio.

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Yes. All 3571 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #12252 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #12252, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 take to read?

About 297 minutes of reading across 715 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 section by section

How to work through The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Jonathan
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Swift
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Lecky
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Preface
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.