fterwards by the republican parliament, is likewise
recommended to the commissioners. The arbitrary powers then commonly
assumed by the privy council, appear evidently through the whole tenor
of the commission.

The silk manufacture had no footing in England: but, by James's
direction, mulberry-trees were planted, and silk-worms introduced.[**]
The climate seems unfavorable to the success of this project. The
planting of hops increased much in England during this reign.

* Rymer tom, xvii. p. 410.

** Stowe

Greenland is thought to have been discovered about this period; and
the whale fishery was carried on with success: but the industry of the
Dutch, in spite of all opposition, soon deprived the English of this
source of riches. A company was erected for the discovery of the
north-west passage; and many fruitless attempts were made for that
purpose. In such noble projects, despair ought never to be admitted,
till the absolute impossibility of success be fully ascertained.

The passage to the East Indies had been opened to the English during
the reign of Elizabeth; but the trade to those parts was not entirely
established till this reign, when the East India company received a
new patent, enlarged their stock to one million five hundred thousand
pounds,[*] and fitted out several ships on these adventures. In 1609,
they built a vessel of twelve hundred tons, the largest merchant ship
that England had ever known. She was unfortunate, and perished by
shipwreck. In 1611, a large ship of the company, assisted by a pinnace,
maintained five several engagements with a squadron of Portuguese,
and gained a complete victory over forces much superior. During the
following years, the Dutch company was guilty of great injuries towards
the English, in expelling many of their factors, and destroying their
settlements: but these violences were resented with a proper spirit
by the court of England. A naval force was equipped under the earl
of Oxford,[**] and lay in wait for the return of the Dutch East India
fleet. By reason of cross winds, Oxford tailed of his purpose, and the
Dutch escaped. Some time after, one rich ship was taken by Vice-admiral
Merwin; and it was stipulated by the Dutch to pay seventy thousand
pounds to the English company, in consideration of the losses which that
company had sustained.[***]

* Journ. 26th Nov. 1621.

** In 1622.

*** Johnstoni Hist. lib. xix.

But neither this s