There are _two kinds of Changes_, viz. _Plain Changes_, and _Cross-peals_; which Terms do denote the _Nature_ of them; for as the first is stiled _Plain_, so are its methods easy; and as the second is called _Cross_, so are its Methods cross and intricate: The First have a general Method, in which all the Notes (except Three) have a direct _Hunting-Course_, moving gradually under each other, plainly and uniformly: _Plain_ are likewise termed _single Changes_, because there is but one single Change made in the striking all the Notes round, either at Fore or Back-stroke. But the Second is _various_, each _Peal_ differing in its Course from all others; and in _Cross-peals as many changes may be made as the Notes will permit_. In short, as to _Plain-changes_, I shall not dilate on them here, it being so _plainly_ understood by every one that lately have rung a _Bell_ in peal; all therefore I shall add is this, that any two Notes that strike next together may make a Change, which may be done either _single or double_, as you list. The _single_, by changing two Notes; and the _double_, by changing Four, _i.e._ Two to make one Change and two another; which is however called _One double Change_, and not two Changes; because tis made in striking the Notes of the _Bells_ once round.
Or in these _Cross-peals_ we must Observe the _prime Movement_, which sets the whole Frame a going, and that is called the _Hunt_, which hath _one constant Uniform Motion throughout the Peal_, and different from that of the other Notes; and indeed by this the whole Course of the Peal is Steered. This keeps a continual motion through the other Notes, _i.e._ from leading, to strike behind, and from thence again to Lead; which is called one _compleat Course_.
Some Peals upon _five Bells_ consist of single Courses, wherein are ten Changes, and twelve Courses make the Peal. Others upon five consist of double Courses, wherein are twenty Changes to every Course, and six Courses in the Peal.
Upon _six Bells_ there are likewise _single_ and _double_ Courses, _viz._ Twelve Changes in every single Course, as in _Grandsire-bob_, _&c._ and Twenty-four Changes in every double Course, as in _College Bobs_, that being the first Change of every Course, wherein the _Hunt_ leaves Leading: In short, judiciously observe the first Course of any _Cross-peal_, and you will soon see the general Method of the whole Peal: All Courses in Cross-Peals agreeing in these following three Respects. First, _In the Motion of the Hunt_. Secondly _In the motion of the rest of the Notes_: And Thirdly, _In making the Changes_. Which three things being well (to omit Instance of Demonstration) and narrowly observed, will be very helpful both in pricking and ringing Courses; the first and third for directing you in Pricking them, and the first and second in Ringing them.