General view of the agriculture of the West Riding of Yorkshire: with observations on the means of its improvement. By Messrs. Rennie, Broun, and Shirreff. Drawn up for the consideration of the Board of Agriculture and Internal Improvement.

APPENDIX TO THE AGRICULTURAL VIEW OF THE WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE.

APPENDIX.

No. I.

ACCOUNT OF THE DIVISION OF THE FOREST OF KNARESBOROUGH.

BY ROBERT STOCKDALE, ESQ.

THE Forest of Knaresborough, till the year 1775, consisted of a great extent of an∣cient inclosed land, comprized within eleven constableries, or hamlets; to which be∣longed a tract of upwards of 30,000 acres of common, whereon Knaresborough, and several other towns, not within the eleven constableries, claimed, and had exercised a right of common, and turbary, equally with the owners of property within these ele∣ven constableries. This waste, in its open state, yielded the inhabitants fuel, and pasturage for their sheep, horses, and stock of young cattle; and some opulent yeo∣manry profited exceedingly thereby; but to the necessitous cottager and indigent farmer, it was productive of more inconvenience than advantage; if not to them∣selves, at least to the public at large, who was by that means deprived in a great mea∣sure of the exertions of the farmer, and the labour of the cottager and their families; for it afforded their families a little milk, yet they would attempt to keep a horse, and a flock of sheep. The first enabled them to stroll about the country in idleness, and the second, in the course of every three or four years, were so reduced by the rot, and other disasters, that upon the whole they yielded no profit.

In 1770, after various struggles, an act was obtained to divide and inclose this ex∣tensive waste, and the powers thereof committed to no less than five commissioners, and three surveyors, all or most of them unequal to the undertaking, from whom both great delay and expence were incurred. After four years had elapsed, an amend∣ment of this act became necessary, which was obtained in 1774. Thereby a sixth commissioner was named, who had been appointed a surveyor by the first act, and who had thought proper to execute his duty by a deputy. In 1775, the commissioners

made out a description of their intended allotments; and in or about the year 1779, they executed their award, which unfortunately is deficient in every essential requi∣site: but with all these inconveniences, the generality of proprietors, to whom allot∣ments were made, and particularly the small ones, set about a spirited line of im∣provement. The poor cottager and his family exchanged their indolence for active industry, and obtained extravagant wages; and hundreds were induced to offer their labour from distant quarters; labourers of every denomination, carpenters, joiners, smiths, and masons, poured in, and met with constant employment. And though before the allotments were set out, several riots had happened; the scene was now quite changed; for with all the foreign assistance, labour kept extravagantly high, and the work was executed defectively, and in a few years many inclosures almost prostrate, and of course required making a second time. All these circumstances, taken together, were a heavy load upon the allotments, and in general rendered them very dear purchases. The forest, however, got in a great measure cultivated, and rendered a wonderful increase of product to the public, though at the expence of in∣dividuals. A public, or turnpike road was opened through the centre of the forest, which opened an easy communication between Knaresborough and Skipton in Cra∣ven, and the manufacturing towns in the north-east of Lancashire. And though scarce a single cart was before seen in the market of Skipton, not less than 200 are weekly attendant on that market at present.

In consequence the product is increased beyond conception, the rents more than trebled, and population advanced in a very high degree; indeed the lands, both an∣cient and those newly inclosed, being exonerated from tithe, a full scope was given to spirited cultivation; and to the credit of small proprietors, they took the lead, and brought their small shares first into the completest state of cultivation. I wish it was in my power to say as much of the large proprietors, but facts will not warrant it. On the contrary, I know of very few men of independent fortune, or others to whom large tracts were either assigned as their stipulated share, or acquired by purchase, under the clause for sale to defray the expence of the act, who have made any im∣provement, or scarcely effectually ring-fenced their property.

Many impediments prevented their activity; first, what was to be done must be committed to the care of servants, or agents; secondly, the extravagance of wages, by reason of the want of inhabitants; and above all, the impossibility of letting large tracts as farms, where it must be a series of years before any returns could be expected, or even winter provision obtained for their working horses. These obstacles operated to a total neglect, or desertion; and in consequence, large tracts indeed at this hour are in their wild uncultivated state.

It I may be allowed to offer my sentiments how to turn these tracts to better ad∣vantage, I should advise building a number of cottages, with suitable small outbuild∣ings, and laying to each not more than 10 acres of land; tempt individuals by suffering them to live rent-free for the first seven years, but obliging them to break up two acres annually, till the whole was improved, then fix a reasonable rent; and add 10 acres more for the •…•…me term, and conditions; and so proceed gradually, till the whole of such part, as would admit of cultivation, was gone through. The land thus improved, would be considered by the inhabitants as the work of their own crea∣tion, and nothing but cruel treatment by their landlords would drive them away. In

a few years population would improve, and that once locally obtained, every other difficulty would vanish.

Several considerable tracts of this forest have fallen to my lot, both as assign∣ments in right of former property, and by purchase; most of them were of the worst strata, being either confined bogs, or cold steril clay, mixed with white sand, and the surface pared off for fuel. Little profit could be expected from such kind of pro∣perty; but nevertheless, I attempted improvements, which many condemned me for; and I frankly confess, my expectations were not gratified, though I still flatter my∣self my efforts are not wholly useless, as my errors may probably enable others to be∣nefit, by shunning the like plan.

I will state the means I first took, and then point out the errors, or propriety of them; and afterwards give a short account of my present mode of management.

When I first took possession of the clay parts, so injured as stated, by being pared for fuel, I was eager to get my ring-fences completed, and thereby was led to give ex∣travagant wages, and by employing strangers had them badly executed; these men wanting subsistence-money, while completing a contract, were generally in advance before their labour, and rarely finished them, even in their own defective mode, and the work, particularly stone fences, was to do over again; this was folly. I then pur∣chased oxen to plough with, and ploughed as deep as possible; by which means stones were ploughed up, where none were expected, which would have made the fences, and saved a great deal of the former expence of leading from a distance. Had I now to begin, I should first plough as deep as I could with oxen, collect the stones raised thereby, and make a broad case of a fence, at least 30 inches, and raise the wall no higher than the stones would serve to surround the allotment; and rest satisfied therewith till the next ploughing, whereby more stones would arise, which I would use in raising the wall gradually to its proper height; by this means, the walls would be more substantial, and raised at one-third of the expence.

After the first deep ploughing, I left it in that state a year, exposed to frost and heat, then harrowed well, and ploughed across, and added three chaldron, or nearly 100 bushels of lime per acre, to make the land fall, and correct the acidity; and in the spring following sowed with oats, after a third ploughing; and the next year, pease or vetches; then fallowed, and limed as before, and took two crops to each fal∣low, so limed; until I found the repetition of lime did harm, instead of being of ad∣vantage. In place of this, I now take one crop to each fallow, have better crops, and save two guineas per acre by withholding the lime, which cost me 14 s. per chaldron; by this means I get only six crops in twelve years, but which produce more than eight crops by the other mode, keep the land in better condition, and save eight guineas, before expended on lime. Probably lime may be again necessary at a future day; but I am confident, that with some sorts of lime, you may use it till the land will neither produce corn nor grass. The quality of lime varies much; we have two sorts, one burnt near Ferrybridge, and another at and near Knaresborough; where the heaps of the first are laid, there is always the best crop; but where the heaps of the other are laid, you will frequently find the land steril for several years. The first sort is burnt from compact strong stone, the other from a porous marly stone. At proper intervals I sow with grass seeds, eat them the first year with sheep, and lay all my fold-yard compost on the grass, except where some small parcels that will grow

turnips demand it. But this kind of clay land will neither answer well long in til∣lage, nor in grass, but must be frequently changed. By treating this cold clay soil in this mode, building small houses and barns, and working with oxen, I have improved the land so as to be able to let it at 10 s. per acre; but I must observe, that had it been titheable, the tithe alone would have utterly precluded my efforts, for the value of the tithe would often have been more than my profit.

In making my subdivisions, I divided them into 10 inclosures as nearly as possible, and the year preceding the planting quick wood, or white thorns, I prepared the ground, where the fences were intended, by frequent ploughings, and planted pota∣toes. In the autumn, after these were gathered, I made a ditch, breasted the caw with stones, and planted the wood behind the caw, taking care to have the ditch on the higher side of the fence, so as to intercept the water before it reaches the roots of my quick-wood; and as warmth and shelter are desirable attainments in all high exposed situations, within my fences I make a border plantation about 20 feet wide, fence this off with quick-wood, and also fill my subdivision fences with forest trees most adapted to the soil. For though these may ultimately prove injurious both to the fences and the land, yet when that begins to be the case, they are easily taken down, and serve for stakes and bindings, when the hedges require cutting. As water is not always to be had in every situation where it is wanted, I make a square, or round pond, where the fences intersect one another, so as to make one pond serve to supply four closes, thus:

[figure] plan of agricultural inclosures

By this means, I can either plough or pasture any close without inconvenience, and if the strata be ever so open or porous, yet other ponds are easily made retentive, by digging them deep, then laying a covering of lime, or lime ashes, at the bottom and sides, which will prevent worms and moles working; afterwards puddle it well with earth and water, and when that is got dry, pave with small stones the inlets out of each close for the cattle to drink at; and then open ditches to let water into the ponds; and if well executed, they will afford a due supply of water during any dry season. A farm of this unkindly soil, and high situation, will turn to best account in having it occupied in regular courses of one-third arable, one-third meadow, and the remainder pasture, stocked with young breeding stock; and by changing the land from meadow to pasture, and pasture to arable in due succession, and always win∣tering as much or more stock than you can support in summer, you will of course raise considerable portions of dung, and thereby ultimately improve the soil. This

plan is, however, to be far exceeded in rapid improvement where inhabitants abound, so as to enable you to let your property in small parcels, by building small, yet such buildings as are calculated to answer the purpose of any established manufactory.

In the cultivation of my boggy allotments, I was equally erroneous in my first out∣set; for I rushed hastily to effect a drainage, and pursued the advice and plan of one very well versed in that operation, where the defects were only surface water, or day springs; my drains were judiciously placed, well cut, properly filled, and ample bot∣tom apertures left; but unfortunately the nature of the springs or water was of the same hard incrustinating quality as the dropping well at Knaresborough, and this soon adhered to the sides, and every obstructing particle within the drains, so as to block them up; I was then obliged to open them, and suffer them to remain open, at least for a considerable time; even some of them yet emit such hard water as not to allow of covering. This occasioned much expence, and some delay; but having got the surface water off, I pared and burnt, and took rape or turnip, and a succes∣sion of oats and fallow, till I could get it into a state for grass; and then I sowed such parts as were become firm by draining, with hay seeds, and a species of clover called cow grass, being our native honeysuckle grass, which is perennial, and having a solid stem, does not contain so much fixed air as red clover, and consequently never blows cattle.

In this state it has remained eight or ten years, is very good pasturage, and will even feed a Scotch bullock. Such parts as were too boggy to be totally corrected, I have made into willow garths, and plantations of other aquatics, which thrive tolerably well; and in a few years I have no doubt will yield considerable profit. I still keep draining them where defects appear; and when I am fully convinced the covered drains will not require opening again, and that the land will bear the opera∣tion of the plough, I will turn the swarth down, roll, and then sow with oats before I harrow, afterwards harrow the seeds in, and roll again. The next autumn, winter fallow, and in the succeeding spring prepare the land for turnips; and in the year following, if the land is sufficiently clean, sow oats and hay seeds, cow grass, and white clover, and then convert it to pasturage.

When the land, which is of a loose black earth, was last in turnips, it happened to be a very frosty hard winter, yet I observed that the turnips that grew thereon were less affected by the weather, and lasted good longer in the spring, than any that grew on much better soils; and this I have since often noticed on land of the same quality in other situations.

No. II.

ACCOUNT OF THE VALE OF SKIPTON. IN A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN THAT NEIGHBOURHOOD.

Nov. 9th, 179••.

GENTLEMEN,

IT would have given me particular pleasure, as a sincere well-wisher to your under∣taking, if I could have acquitted myself more successfully in the inquiries you ho∣noured me with; but I shall give you the best information in my power.

With regard to the ancient state of this vale, I do not find, upon inquiry, that there has been any material alteration or improvement for the last century or more: in some parts of Craven, though not near this town, I understand that, even within the last forty years, there was a considerable portion of land in tillage; the ploughing was then performed by four or six oxen, and one or two horses; and I am informed that mode of husbandry answered very well. Craven was then famous for a breed of long horned cattle, particularly oxen; but since the introduction of Scotch cattle and grazing into the country, the long horned breed, and of course the tillage, has been neglected. One cause of this is the easy expence that attends this mode of hus∣bandry; with one servant, and two horses, a farmer can very conveniently manage seven or eight hundred acres of land; indeed, most of the grazing farms in this vale are very large, often three or four are united under one occupier.

The Earl of Thanet is the principal proprietor of land in Skipton; and, I am told, is not willing that his fine land should be ploughed; but it would certainly be a great advantage to the neighbourhood, if a proper mixture of grazing and tillage could be introduced; for though the country is not, or ever will be populous, while the pre∣sent mode of husbandry and monopolizing farms prevail, yet corn is generally higher in Craven than in most parts of the kingdom, because so very little is produced. If you suggest to them, that the uplands may be kept in tillage; the reply is, that they are so much exposed to mists, and the situation so cold, that corn, particularly wheat, cannot feed or ripen. This may be in part just; but the stronger reason with them seems to be, that the uplands are very useful to them upon their present plan, to pre∣pare the lean cattle for the better pastures; which some say, would be too rich for them in that state; nor would their improvement, at first, be equal to such keeping.

The extent of the Vale of Skipton cannot be accurately ascertained; indeed, a very small part bears that name, being generally included in the vale of the river Air, which extends from Leeds, in a north-west direction, to the source of the river, about thirty-five miles, is upon the average about a mile broad, in some places more, yet not so much (I think) as to add a quarter to the average. Grazing is the general mode of occupation in this vale, except in the neighbourhood of the manufacturing towns, where convenience will command a higher rent than the grazier can afford to pay. Six pounds per statute acre, and sometimes more, will be given for land in such situations:—grazing will not answer to half that price.

The greatest improvement I hear of is in the mode of draining, which is now done with stones above and below, and walled with them on each side: the price of this work for a yard deep, is about 1 s. 6 d. per rood of seven yards, including the stones, a cart load of which will complete a rood, and is worth about 3 d. at the quarry. There is likewise a kind called a shoulder drain, practicable only in clay lands, which is made by using a narrower pointed spade at the bottom, which leaves a kind of shelf, or shoulder, on each side, to prevent the earth with which it is filled, from falling to the bottom: the uppermost spadeful is first laid in with the turf downwards, it is then filled with the mould; the surplus (as there is always some) is either made into a compost with lime, or spread immediately upon the land. The price of this sort of draining is about 6 d. per rood, at a yard deep; and so on in proportion. The drains, before these abovementioned were introduced, were usually covered with brush-wood, or perhaps straw or rushes.

It is worthy of notice, as it appears to me of great service to the land, as well as very profitable to the occupier, that most of the principal graziers take all their stock out of some of their best pastures in the beginning of July, and put nothing in them till about Michaelmas, when they are equal or superior to the best fog; indeed they call this, fogging their pastures. The favourite grazing stock here, are the black Scotch cattle, some sheep; but on the lowlands very few, and on the uplands and moors not very numerous:—it is much to be wished that the propagation of this useful and profitable animal was more attended to.

Price of labour. A man servant about ten guineas per year, with board and wash∣ing in his master's house; a woman about five guineas, with the same; day labourers in husbandry about 2 s. or 2 s. 6 d. per day, finding their own victuals: about ten years ago, 1 s. or 1 s. 2d. was the common price; the advance owing to the intro∣duction of the cotton manufactory into a country so little populous. They work from six to six in summer, and from eight to dark in winter.

Price of provisions for the last year: beef, mutton, veal, and pork, about 4½d. per pound, of 16 ounces; butter about 1 s. or 1 s. 1 d. per pound, of 22 ounces: wheat about 8 s. per Winchester bushel: oats 28 or 30 s. per quarter.

The climate and weather are unfavourable: we have sometimes very cold east winds in the spring for three months, often to the middle or end of May; in autumn we have very often heavy and continued rains from the west, owing to our situation among so many hills; from the same cause, we have frequent thunder storms in summer.

Our roads are very much improved of late; the canal which is carried through this valley, seems to have taught us the possibility of making tolerably level roads, even in

a mountainous country; several excellent ones have been made within the last five years; the materials chiefly lime-stone, broken to about the size of an egg.

Tithes are generally collected in kind, and are very reluctantly and ill paid. Since the introduction of grazing into the country, they are reduced in an astonishing de∣gree; the lands which are most profitable to the occupier, are least, or indeed not at all so to the clergyman;—he must either submit to this, or involve himself in a te∣dious and expensive law suit, for agistment tithe, perhaps against an obstinate and powerful combination of the farmers and land-owners. It is the opinion of the most intelligent people here, that the present mode of collecting tithes is one principal cause of the high price of corn. Large quantities are continued in grass, which would be ploughed to advantage, if a certain and general commutation for tithes could be established. I wish the above hints may be of any service to your business; if you think me capable of further information, I shall always be happy to contribute my assistance to so laudable an undertaking. I am, &c.

No. III.

Information received from MESSRS. TWEEDAL and NOBLE, Stewards to Mr. BEAUMONT, relative to his Woods and Sheep:—trans∣mitted by Mr. THOMAS HAGUE, Farmer at Bullcliffe.

Sheep. The Herefordshire sheep have had a better pasture than what the Shetland sheep have had, but they have not made so much improvement as might have been ex∣pected, nor have they fatted their lambs so well as what a Peniston ewe does upon the same ground. We are of opinion, that with a Herefordshire tup, and a Peniston ewe, there would be a good stock produced for this country; of which we are making a trial: it is also thought that their wool will be very good.

The Shetland sheep have improved a good deal in size, but do not make themselves fat; nor has their wool improved in fineness, but has grown longer. We are of opi∣nion that these sheep are more adapted for mountainous countries, or drier land than what it is about this neighbourhood.

Woods. It is the custom in this part of the country, when a wood is ready to go down, to set out, and leave as follows, viz.

Every 21 years.

• Poles, supposed to be left for a future fall, being judged to be 20 years old, which in 40 years more, it is supposed, would be timber trees,—left on an acre upon an average — 180
• Trees, supposed to be 40 years old, left on an average per acre — 10
• Timber trees, supposed to be 60 years old at the time they are ready to go down, judged to be taken down on an average per acre — 10

Reasons why the underwood is not kept cut quite down, viz.

• The brush or underwood would not turn to any profit, except that it stands for 21 years, and then it is taken down along with the timber, for different uses; such as binding hedges, making riddles, burning for charcoal, and many other uses. The trees that are left are at such a distance from one another, that they do not prevent any thing from growing, but what will pay in twenty years time: but if the brush or underwood was kept quite cut down, it would neither be so well for the timber and younger wood; that method having been tried, it was found that neither the wood nor the bark made so much improvement, owing to its being starved in the bottom, when the underwood was not admitted to grow.
• A tree left for a future fall, is chiefly one that grows from its own stem, and what we call a lording, and perhaps only forty years old, which, to stand twenty years more, in general pays better than to take it down at that age.
• It is supposed, when a fall of wood is ready to go down, that with the poles, under∣wood, &c. it is worth fifty-five pounds per acre, upon an average.
• The value of wood set out to stand for a future fall, is judged at the time of its being left, to be upon an average worth eighteen pounds per acre.
• The woodlands in general, if they should be quite cleared of all the wood, under∣wood, &c. and put into cultivation, which would be at an enormous expence, it is sup∣posed, would only upon an average be worth five shillings per acre.

It remains to be added, as another reason for taking down wood in the manner we do, that by this method we have wood for all sorts of customers; and as such can dispose of it to more advantage and convenience. The small wood is used for laths, baskets, puncheons for coal pits, hedge stakes, &c. the larger for husbandry imple∣ments of every description; the large timber for house-carpenters, ship-carpenters, coopers, &c. &c.

Leases.—It is the general opinion that a notice for a tenant to quit a farm ought to be two years, instead of six months, which is the practice in this part of the country; and it is thought it would be more proper, that at the time a notice is given by the landlord or tenant, that the farm should be looked over immediately, and a valuation made of the same, so that a farm should be kept in the same condition for the two years, as what it was at the time the notice was given; and that there should be an ad∣ditional allowance for land which has been laid down for one, two, or three years, if the same has been pastured with sheep or cattle; for at present there is not any allow∣ance made for laying down the land, but only for what tillage has been laid thereon; and if the land has been once mown since manuring, then an allowance is only made for half tillage; but should the land have been mown twice after manuring, then not any allowance at all is made to the tenant.

No. IV.

LETTER FROM DR. HUNTER, OF YORK. DATED DEC. 6. 1793.

GENTLEMEN,

WHEN I had the pleasure of seeing you at York, I remember that our conversation turned upon the use of rape dust as a manure, which the farmers round Aberford, in the West Riding of this county, employ for their barley and wheat crops; their land is a thin lime-stone. The rent per acre is not considerable, but lies at such a dis∣tance from any large town, that if it were not for this article, the farmers could not procure manure sufficient for their corn lands; the quantity used is two quarters for barley, and three quarters for wheat. It is sown by hand, and harrowed in with the grain. If rain falls within a few weeks after sowing the barley, the crop is generally good; but if no rain falls the benefit of the dust is lost, without any advantage being gained in the succeeding crop. For wheat it is always a certain manure, in consequence of the wet season that follows the sowing of that grain. The price of rape dust is 14 s. to 19 s. per quarter; but from the improvements made in the mechanical powers employed at the mills, the dust is not so good as formerly. I do not think that suf∣ficient attention is paid to top dressings when the soil is light. A large quantity may be obtained by putting sawdust on the floors of the necessaries; which should also be receptacles for excrementitious substances of all kinds. In large towns, sawdust can be obtained at a low price. Moor earth may be employed as a substitute.

My numerous avocations in the line of my profession deprive me of the satisfaction of gaining much practical knowledge in agriculture. What little I know may be found in the "Georgical Essays," published a few years ago. I am, &c.

N. B. In the neighbourhood of Tadcaster, it is said that the rape dust is as good in quality as ever. It was formerly bought for 7 s. but that is now worth 18 s. or 19 s. per quarter. It will answer for two or three following crops. Barley requires four quar∣ters per acre, which should be thrown upon the land early in the spring before the barley is sown, if soon after Christmas the better. Three quarters per acre is sufficient for wheat, to be laid on when the wheat is sown.

The rent of land, where rape dust is used, is in general from ten shillings and six∣pence to eighteen shillings per acre.

No. V.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM WM. PAYNE. ESQ. OF FRICKLEY NEAR DONCASTER. DATED NOV. 30, 1793.

GENTLEMEN,

I LAST week saw your queries on the state of agriculture in the West Riding, in∣serted in the Doncaster paper, and have taken the liberty of answering them, accord∣ing to your request, in the address that precedes them. And having understood, that the indefatigable President of the Board of Agriculture was desirous of obtaining a detailed survey of England, I shall principally confine my replies to your inquiries to the parish in which I reside, Frickley cum Clayton, and the extensive and populous one adjoining it northward, South Kirkby. Yet these answers will, I believe, generally apply to the whole tract of country lying between the market-towns of Doncaster, Rotheram, Pontefract, Barnsley, and Thorne; in divers parts of which district I have resided, and practised agriculture, as a freeholder; not having been without the means and inclination of acquiring some intelligence in many departments of its rural economy. As a true friend to the solid prosperity of my country, I am a sin∣cere well wisher to its agriculture, as the only sound basis of its real and permanent interest; and though I do not wish manufacture in general to be depreciated, yet I am convinced, that if a considerable portion of the public industry and capital which for some years past has been applied to the manufacture of foreign materials, had instead thereof, been employed in the cultivation of our extensive wastes, the profits on the whole of such employment to the public would have been immensely superior. On this view of the subject, the institution of a Board of Agriculture may be impor∣tant to the national welfare, if the public spirited activity of true patriotism abounds in its members; but if there is not a degree of that liberal principle, sufficient to pro∣mote, and obtain some modification of certain impediments to the extension of our agriculture, the attention of the Board to any other means of exciting and encouraging rural industry will ultimately be contracted, by the mere expedients of the day, and the labours of its useful members prove in vain.

The soil of this district is of three kinds, with their varieties, viz. 1st. A dry loamy hazle soil, on a rock of soft gritstone; 2d. A wet or clay soil, which abounds most

here. 3d. a fine dry loam, on a rock of lime-stone. I think the climate more favour∣able and mild than in some other parts of the county, with less rain.

Nearly three-fourths of the lands are employed in tillage, the other fourth part is chiefly clay land, meadow, and pasture: but the practice of ploughing old swards, and laying new ones, prevails on all the soils. Red and white clover, trefoil, with common hay seeds, not of the best sort, and sainfoin on the lime-stone soils, are cul∣tivated as grasses. The common rotation of crops, on the drier soils, is: 1st. turnips, 2d. barley, 3d. clover or beans, 4th. wheat; on the wet or clay soils, 1st. fallow, 2d. wheat, 3d. oats, 4th. wheat; sometimes the course is, 1st. fallow, 2d. barley, or oats, 3d. clover or beans, 4th. wheat; which is generally esteemed the better course; in a few instances, potatoes and cabbages are cultivated in lieu of turnips.

Summer fallowing is universally practised on the dry soils; and good spring dress∣ings on the drier ones, for turnips, &c. Turnips are generally sown broadcast; but the expertness of our hoers sufficiently compensates for the want of drilling. That excellent mode of cultivation, the hoeing of turnips, has been practised in this part of the country upwards of thirty years; being introduced about that time into the township of Wath upon Derne, by that excellent cultivator, Wm. Payne of New∣hill Grange, my late honoured father; as it was to the county, by that truly patriotic nobleman, and benefactor to his country, the late Marquis of Rockingham. Yet I am sorry to observe, this most beneficial practice is still much neglected in some parts of this Riding, particularly in the neighbourhood of Thorne and Hatfield.

The manures used here are, 1st. farm-yard rotten muck; from eight to twelve 3-horse cart load of which are applied to the statute acre of fallow; 2d. ashes, about eight loads per acre; 3d. soot, chiefly as a top dressing for wheat, from twenty to thirty bushels per ditto; 4th. Bone dust and horn shavings, from three to five quarters per ditto; 5th. dove manure, ditto; 6th. soap ashes, ditto; 7th. rape-dust, ditto. Lime is gene∣rally employed as a manure for the first fallow after an old lay, apparently with suc∣cess, at the rate of two or three chaldrons per acre. My own practice for turnips is, one chaldron of lime well mixed with the soil, and six loads of fresh muck, or three quarters of dove manure per acre, with full success; this compound manuring, I think, insures its due operation on the soil in most cases better than the simple one, and has many other advantages. The sheepfold is not used here, except on turnips, which are generally eaten on the land by sheep.

The common sort of both broad and narrow wheeled carts, with three or four horses, are generally used, with a few one-horse carts; scarcely any other plough is seen than the common single one. The work is almost entirely performed by horses; very little use is made of oxen at present; though where they are employed, they are found to answer very well, and I have no doubt of their superiority over the heavy draft horses in point of real utility to the farmer. I have used a pair of oxen several years in harness like that of the horses, working them at the plough and on the road, in every respect as we use our heavy draft horses; and as far as I can judge, they are equal to them for use, though the pride of the drivers will never allow it. However, in the stage of fattening them, we are all agreed, that their beef is preferable to the carrion of an old horse. The advantage to the community of working oxen on farms is beyond dispute, or calculation.

A considerable proportion of the arable land is uninclosed, to the great obstruction

of agricultural improvement; the advantages of inclosing are numerous and import∣tant. The liberal occupier of inclosed land, whose mind is actively employed in the improvement and increase of his produce, with whom innovation has no fault, but when it is useless, this man on inclosed land has not the vis inertiae of his stupid neighbour to contend with, before he can commence any alteration in his manage∣ment, that he is clearly convinced will be to his advantage; he is completely master of his land, which in its open state is scarcely half his own. This is strongly evident in the cultivation of turnips, or other vegetables for the winter consumption of cattle; they are constantly cultivated in inclosures, when they are never thought of in the open fields in some parts; and I know no township in this Riding, except that of Wath upon Derne, where the turnips are cultivated in any degree of perfection in open fields. At that place, they have long been wisely unanimous on the management of their common fields, and in selling the whole turnip crop by a valuation to a person engaging to stock them entirely, with sheep on the land: but even there they cannot apply their own produce to the improvement of their own stock, nor have they it in their power to vary their management by the introduction of any grasses for more than one crop in their rotation; both essential articles, when the improvement of live stock, parti∣cularly sheep, is in contemplation; this argument for inclosure might be very amply dilated on, were I writing a treatise instead of a letter, for it is clearly of importance to the cause.

Common fields are frequent; the difference of value at present between common field, and inclosed land of similar quality, is about one-third greater in favour of the latter; but if the spirit of improvement was a little more awakened, this difference would be greatly increased.

There are large tracts of waste land in the neighbourhood; I may extend this re∣mark to the whole county; lands now utterly lost to the community, even in this rich and populous Riding; and be it mentioned to the utter disgrace of every thing in the country, that after a long period of years, in which this island has depended on foreigners for a part of its necessary consumption, these lands are still waste; they are a complete nuisance to every occupier, who has the misfortune to border upon them; whose inclosures are certainly exposed to the inroads of their pining inhabi∣tants, which you scarcely guess to be sheep, but for the bits of ragged wool they car∣ry on their backs; the feats of activity of these animals are such, that no fence can prevent their performing them. These wastes are certainly capable of every improve∣ment by inclosure, which is their sine qua non.

The rate of wages is low, the price of necessaries considered; and hands for the purposes of agriculture, in its present imperfect state, are not wanting.

Paring and burning are practised generally on the breaking up of old lays, the ex∣pence of which is from 16 s. to 21 s. per acre.

Proper attention is paid to the draining of arable lands, but I cannot so fully an∣swer for it in other respects.

Few leases are granted, and I rather think few are asked for; the nature of the covenants between landlord and tenant, has a general reference to law and custom, which secure to the landlord quiet entry on due notice, with recovery of damages if any be done to the farm; and to the tenant on quitting, a fair valuation of his pro∣perty and labour, in the ground; as fallows, crops, manure, &c. &c. being part of his

stock in trade. It is an article essential to a good and spirited agriculture, and which cannot be too much insisted on, that the farmer be scrupulously allowed on quitting his farm a fully and fairly appraised valuation of his stock in trade. It forms a security and bond of entire confidence, equally to landlord and tenant, a security which sets all leases, parchments, bonds, and seals at defiance; it secures to the landlord the payment of his just demands, with a certain improvement of his es∣tate: and to the tenant an easy mind, under the application of his ingenuity, indus∣try, and cash, to the prospect of increasing his produce, and ameliorating his farm. I wish this matter was more attended to; I have seen many painful deviations from jus∣tice in this respect, to the great injury of the cause. An act of the legislature might probably extend this real benefit, and promote the improvement of the lands already inclosed, more than millions expended in the way of premium, &c.

There is no other obstacle to improvement but the payment of tithes in kind; an obstacle, the effects of which upon agriculture might be much diminished, if not en∣tirely removed, if the Members of the Board could unite their labours in so important a cause, with a sincere zeal and regard for justice, and the religion of Christ. The ob∣stacles to the improvement and inclosure of waste lands, in many places, amount nearly to a prohibition; viz. 1st. The tithes, the dislike of which, with the freeholders, &c. makes a very difficult commutation, the absolute condition of their concurrence. 2dly. Manorial claims and powers. 3dly. The heavy expence and trouble of obtain∣ing acts of the legislature. To which may be added, the caprice, partial interest, and disinclinatton to all improvement of some of the claimants in many cases. All these obstacles might be much lessened by a law, specifying and explaining the claims, and limiting the powers of tithe and manorial proprietors, in such manner, that their sim∣ple opposition should not hang in terrorem over the very threshold of every such inclo∣sure; and also facilitating and encouraging such applications to the legislature; per∣haps a general act of inclosure upon a good plan might be a wise and seasonable mea∣sure to liberate the active improvers from the torpid dominion of indolence and stu∣pidity; however the government can scarcely do wrong in this matter, except by suf∣fering the wastes to remain as they are.

Entirely owing to one or all of the obstacles I have mentioned, very few indeed of inclosing bills have passed these twenty years, in the whole district comprised be∣tween the towns I mentioned above, notwithstanding the value of the lands, and the great scarcity and smallness of farms; in the few instances that have occurred, their beneficial consequences to the stock of public industry and produce have been con∣spicuous.

No. VI.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER WRITTEN BY A FARMER IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF PONTEFRACT—DATED DEC. 14, 1793.

GENTLEMEN,

THE land betwixt Doncaster and Ferrybridge, is chiefly lime-stone, or gravelly soil. All along the road there are many open fields, which are capable of great improve∣ment, by inclosing, sowing grass-seeds, and pasturing with sheep.

The present tenants are in general poor, and the farms small; poverty causes a kind of stupidity to take possession of them; and I have often spent my time in attempt∣ing to convince them of their errors; but though many of them may be convinced, it is not in their power to get out of the old mode, for want of the one thing needful.

The lands I allude to, are chiefly in tillage, the labour of which, and the necessary manure eats the poor tenant up. I beg leave to refer you to the letter above-mentioned for my opinions upon this head.

Westward of this road, we have useful land, that can feed cattle and breed good sheep. Mr. Sayle has done much good in these respects; some of us are following him as fast as we can in the Dishley breed; but he has got the lead, and I wish him success, for he deserves it.

Common hay-seeds are going out of fashion with the best farmers, and clovers and rye grass daily gain ground. Sainfoin is very useful in barren or poor lands, and in good seasons, as great crops of it are produced, as we can have of other grasses upon our most fruitful soils: happy it is for the occupiers of such land, it was found out. We have a very indifferent breed of cattle. If gentlemen would send good bulls amongst their tenants, and let them serve their cows gratis, it would, I think, be the only probable means of attaining success in this most essential point.

There is no land watered here, but many situations are well adapted for that pur∣pose. I myself have 30 or 40 acres, which I have long wished to float, but as I have no lease, the expence deters me. I have been at Dishley several times, and am well sa∣tisfied as to the utility of watering grass land. I have had thoughts of applying to Mr. Bakewell for a man to superintend the work. He is so great a friend to the pub∣lic, that I make no doubt but he would readily do any thing to forward such im∣provements; but as I have already said, the expence deters me.

The succession of crops we have after fallows, is barley, clover, and wheat. Tur∣nips are taken wherever the land is proper for them; but we have not much of that kind hereabouts. Upon strong lands, we sow wheat after fallow, then beans, and con∣clude with wheat or oats. Tares are now coming in fashion.

Oxen are not much used for work here, and never will become general; they are thought too slow by the active farmer; though I approve much of them, think∣ing the question of them, and horses, to be an essential one, as Mr. Cully justly observes.

There are many fields open over the country, which would be far more valuable if inclosed; also several common wastes, to which the same observations will apply.

The advantages arising from inclosing are obvious, by an increase of labour, and an increase of food, both of which are for the public good. It produces disadvantages to none, unless it be a few individuals. In the village where I live, and where we have had no inclosure bills, the increase of poors rates has been incredible. I am not very old, and can remember the time, when we had only one poor woman upon us at 6 d. a week; but for these some years back, the expence of supporting the poor has been from £ 150 to £ 180 a year; and this chiefly paid by tenants not renting above £ 1,000 all together.

Wages are much advanced. I have two labourers, which cost me not less than £ 60 a year: in short, the expence of labour is become unsupportable. Draining is used often among us; perhaps more might be done if it was not a heavy expence. Paring and burning are also used, and are without doubt an excellent practice on some lands. I have no notion it wastes the soil, which is the chief objection our young agricul∣turalists have against it. The expence is from 20 s. to 28 s. per acre.

The modern farm houses, and offices, are much superior to those formerly built. I would have every farmer reside in the middle of his farm; and every house and homestead built in an uniform and convenient manner.

Leases are not universal enough for the encouragement of experimental agricul∣ture; and the nature of the covenants is according to the liberal or illiberal disposi∣tion of the landlord. One will smile upon the arts, and lead rural industry by the hand, whilst another casts a damp upon the honest heart by oppression, and clips the wings of rising genius.

With regard to improvements, some have the will but not the power to make them; others the power, but not the will. Nothing but numerous and repeated ex∣amples can influence the ignorant and stupid. Those who have the inclination, but not the means, should be assisted by their landlords, and pay poundage for it. Where land is to be watered, this should particularly be the case, for it will enable the tenant to pay interest with a smile.

Cabbages might be grown upon many lands improper for turnips; and if planted with intervals of four feet, as at Dishley, the ground would be kept clean at little ex∣pence. I have found them exceedingly useful. No land should lie dormant for a year; and if no man ploughed more than he ought, he would always be enabled to turn his fallow brick to some useful purpose.

No. VII.

As many disputes often arise in dividing common fields and waste lands, about the extent of manorial rights, and also about the extent of the claims of those who have servitude upon them, we here insert some decisions of the Scotch Court of Session, given in consequence of the act 1695, for dividing commons; which we have been favoured with by Mr. JOHN CRAW, Writer in Haddington.

IN the division of commonties between a proprietor, and others having servitudes, the proprietor ought to have a fourth part allocated to him, tanquam praecipium, as the value of his property, and the remainder ought to be divided proportionally, con∣formably to the act 1695, amongst the neighbouring heritors, who have possessed the same as commonty, allowing the proprietor likewise a share in that division effeiring to his lands, whereof the tenants had promiscuous possession with the heritors of the dominant tenement. Home, 7th Jan. 1724. Hog.—In this case the suit was at the instance of a fewar. But in a process of division of the commonty of Bigger, at the Earl of Wigtown's instance against his fewars, some of whom were conjunct pro∣prietors of the moor, others had only servitude of pasturage upon it; it was objected against the praecipium by those who had servitudes, that the rights were derived from the pursuer's predecessors, and were a burden upon his property; that there was no foundation upon the act 1695 for pursuing a division, unless in the case of common property, that the defenders must be allowed to enjoy their servitudes as stipulated to them; that the proprietor was impowered to confine them to ground sufficient for their servitude, but that further he could not go. The lords found the defenders having rights of servitude are entitled to have a proportion of the commonty set apart to them, equivalent to these rights, 23d Jan. 1739. Wigtown.—In a process of di∣vision upon the act 1695, at the instance of a superior against his vassals, to whom he had granted servitudes of common pasturage on a moor which was his property, it was found, that the act gives no title to sue a division in this case, 1st Feb. 1740. Stewart.—In a process of division upon the act 1695, of a common property be∣longing to two neighbouring barons, the rule of division was found to be, not the value of the tenements that lay contiguous to the commonty, but only of the tene∣ments which had been in use to the pasture there. Nov. 6th, 1739. Dalrymple.

The owners of dominant tenements are not entitled on the division of the servient moor, to have any share of the property; but the surface may be divided. Falc. Vol, I. p. ••36. Stewart, 3d June, 1748.

Lands, of which a moor is pertinent as common property, are entitled on a division to a share effeiring to their valued rent, notwithstanding they have also pasturage on another moor. Falc. Vol. I. p. 352. Sharp, 16th June, 1748.

The proprietor of a barony is only entitled to a share in a commonty, effeiring to the valued rent of such of his lands as have possessed the commonty, and not to the valued rent of his whole barony. Fa. Col. Vol. I. p. 68. Moncrief, 15th Dec. 1752.

In the division of a commonty, the possession of part of a barony was found to preserve the right of the whole barony, where the whole had formerly been in use to be possessed. Fac. Col. Vol. II. p. 100. Balfour, 23d Nov. 1757.

Commonty.—A division may proceed so as to affect servitudes, when there is but one, or one and a nominal proprietor. Fac. Col. p. 348. Barclay, Maitland contra Lambert, June 28th, 1769.

Commonty.—In the division of a commonty, the sole proprietor was found not entitled to a praecipium; but his right was reserved to coals, and other minerals under ground, and to that part of the common that remained, after the respective shares had been allotted to all the parties having interest. Fac. Col. No. 38. Henderson contra Macgill. Feb. 21st, 1782.

No. VIII.

The following EXTRACTS from two letters, written by a farmer in the West Riding, contain so much natural good sense, expressed in forcible language, upon the obstacles to improvement, and the means necessary for rectifying the practice of husbandry in that district, that we have given them a place. At same time we beg leave to observe, that this gentleman's sentiments, so far as they go, are nearly similar to those we have formed in consequence of our survey.

BEING desirous to encourage an undertaking which has for its object the improve∣ment of agriculture, and of course the general benefit of the public, I have ventured to communicate my thoughts to you upon some of the most important obstacles to that useful science, which I thought might be more clearly done upon paper than in the short time I had the honour to spend with you. I will begin my observations upon the third of your queries. The lands in this part being chiefly occupied by small

farmers, they are deprived of making that improvement which a man of property, with two or three hundred acres of land, can do. A small farmer, not having room to change his land from tillage to seeds, and pasture with sheep, which is the grand improvement of the land in this part, he lets a small portion lie in grass, to keep his milk cows and horses, and the rest perpetually in tillage, excepting now and then a little broad clover. By this method it gets wore out, requires a heavier dressing of manures, more working by the plough and harrows, and becomes so fixed and cemented together (the greater part of our land being of a clayey glutinous nature), that it is deprived of receiving the benefit of the sun and air, which is the principal life of vegetation; whereas by laying down with red clover, and white and yellow clovers alternately, and occasionally a few grass seeds, the soil is kept in a freer state. The fibrous threads of those seeds running among the soil, communicate the warmth of the sun and air in every part, render the soil more malleable, easier to work, and in a better state for the reception of any kind of grain. These advantages it receives from the culture of seeds, exclusive of the rest and manure, which is scattered upon it by that most provident of all cattle, sheep, as great a portion of which I should re∣commend to be kept upon every farm as is consistent with this mode of management. They enrich the soil more than any other cattle; and give employment by their fleece, and the most approved food in their carcass, to our manufactures. Another obstacle to improvement here is, that a small farm is not worth the attention of a man of inge∣nuity and property; and this, together with the refusal of leases and arbitrary clauses, prevents men of property from educating their sons in this line of business. Every man therefore that experiences these oppressions, and who can give his son a fortune to stock 150 or 200 acres of ground, if he is a lad of genius, puts him apprentice either in the mercantile line, or some of the genteel professions. I know this sort of reasoning will draw upon me many enemies; and it will be objected, that by laying a number of small farms together you will depopulate a country. Far be it from me to deprive any man of his property, or to wish to do any thing that may tend to decrease population: on the contrary, it is my wish to promote it; convinced that the riches of a country depend upon it. I would not deprive the old farmers of their land; I would have them educate their sons in the useful manufactories, and as they die, lay them together, or convert them into manufactories where properly situated, and lay a sufficient portion of land for their convenience: and the rest lay together for the purpose of farming. Four farms, of 50 acres each, laid together under proper ma∣nagement, would be made to produce one-fourth more for the public market than in separate allotments; and I think it will be generally confessed, that in a country like this, abounding with men of property, ingenuity, and enterprize, that there generally will be found employment in our manufactories for as many inhabitants as there can be found provisions to support; consequently, more land is made to produce, and more it will tend to increase population. I shall next beg leave to repeat my method of management; which, though you have seen, and I verbally communicated to you, I think may here be more clearly described.

Upon sand land, loamy, sand, or dry hazle soils, I cultivate turnips dressed with bones, mixed with a portion of fold manure, as communicated to you; next barley, red clover, and wheat; then turnips, barley, white and yellow clovers, pasturing with sheep one or two years; then wheat, and so on. Upon clay and wet soils, after

fallow, wheat, red clover, wheat or oats, then fallow, wheat or barley (if the fallow be limed we always sow wheat; if fold manure, sometimes barley, as I change the tillage as much as possible), next small seeds as above, mixing a few grass seeds, and pastur∣ing with sheep, one, two, or three years as convenient, or apparently most useful. I then plough out for wheat or oats; if laid more than one year, oats. I have found this, from 20 years experience, to be the most beneficial method of cultivating land; having brought some poor soils to considerable greater value within that period. The farm I occupy is but small, 150 statute acres, and, though as well managed 20 years hence as any in the circuit, and as heavily manured, did not then feed more than 20 sheep upon grass, and 40 upon turnip, upon an average. I can now fatten 60, sometimes 80 upon grass, and 100 or 120 upon turnip; and get one-fourth more corn than was formerly raised, besides some increase of other cattle. Here, however, ought to be understood the great expence I am at in artificial manures, these adding to the natural ones in a very considerable proportion. Last year I spread on eighty pounds worth of bones, forty pounds worth of lime, and ten or twelve pounds worth of soot and rape dust upon this small farm, besides the natural manures it pro∣duced: and upon an average it costs me at least £ 100 per year in different sorts of tillage. This ought to be considered as a principal means of improvement, and is more by one half than is bought upon an average by the general run of farmers.

I come now to speak of the necessity of leases, which, with the forementioned thoughts on small farms, will give answer to your 35th question. The greater part of this country is either tenanted at the will of the proprietor, that is, from year to year, or upon leases clogged with arbitrary clauses, such as being restrained from ploughing out certain pleces of ground under heavy penalties, or confined in some measure to one mode of management, which restrains the genius of the farmer, and ties him from experiments and every useful improvement. There may indeed be a few men found, who will exert their abilities and risk their property under a yearly farm, yet the generallty will not: for out of the whole of my acquaintance (and I know a great number or clever farmers), whenever I have asked them, why do you not manage such a plece of land so and so, how much more would it be made to produce? The answer always is, we are tenants at will, and fear advantage would be taken of our improvements. This, I presume, will appear to every one a natural conclusion. There are two clauses which I think necessary in this country where tillage is so dear, and where they are at an inconvenient distance from great towns that manure cannot be replaced, and that is, to be restrained from selling of the hay and straw from the premises; and four or five years previous to the end of the term, to lay down one-third of the ground in a good husbandry style. These, in my opinion, are all the restraints necessary for the security of the proprietor, and, I think, would not militate against the farmer's interest, but leave him at full liberty to pursue his improvements.

Lime husbandry, which was more practised some time past than at present; for it is found, that where lands have been long under the plough, and often dressed over with it (which has been the general practice for a century past), it has very little ef∣fect. The old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used no other tillage, till very lately, but what was made in the farm-yard, and many of them no other yet, always liming their clay land fallows, and sowing wheat, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oats, beans or broad clover, and again wheat. They have thus fallowed and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, again and again, for 30 or 40 years together, laying on the

rate of about 120 bushels of Knottingly stone-lime upon an acre, which will be two 4-horse cart loads. This stone is brought from near Pontefract, about 15 miles by water. Since we got the navigation, it is burnt by the river side, about 3 miles dis∣tance from us: it costs at the kiln about 4½ d. per bushel; the expence of conveyance from the kiln to the land (to average a circuit of six miles) will be about 1 d. per bushel, and the expence of watering and spreading nearly ½ d.: so that the whole ex∣pence will be about 6 d. per bushel, or £ 3. for a statute acre. This is collected during the summer, and spread on at any convenient time, a little before wheat sowing.

But in my opinion, this time is too late, as I find the sooner it is spread on in the spring, and the oftener it is ploughed afterwards, the more intimately it gets mixed with the earth; having perfectly absorbed its own air and water, the better it fertilizes the soil, and fits it for the produce of a crop. The season of laying it on is not however regarded by the generality of farmers, nor scarcely any other property re∣specting it, but convenience for their other employments. The most improved me∣thod I am acquainted with, and which I find to answer best, is to lay upon clay soils about 180 or 200 bushels of Knottingly stone-lime upon an acre. This stone, upon being analyzed, is found to be mixed with a strong sand, about one-third of its weight (for we have two sorts of lime of very different properties). The earlier in the sum∣mer it is laid on, the better, for the fallow to receive a few ploughings afterwards. It also answers best to be laid on the first fallow after seeds, as the fresher the land, the greater its effects. I think it not prudent to lime two fallows together, except there has been an interval of rest, and other manures spread on in the mean time; nor do I find it answer upon old ploughed wore out soils. Hence arises the philosophical opi∣nion of some ingenious farmers, that lime, possessing neither oils nor salts, acts only as a stimulus or forcer to other manures, bringing such vegetative qualities, as are in the soil, into more powerful life and activity. Upon dry land that is proper for tur∣nips, I lay 80 or 100 bushels of Emsall lime per acre. This is mixed with a strong clay about the same proportion, as the other of sand; there is some cautilus quality mixed with this lime, that if too great a quantity be laid on, instead of assisting it, de∣stroys vegetation: but about this quantity is helpful, it stiffens the straw, makes it stand firmer at the root, and heavier in the ear. I do not use this as a complete, but only an assistant dressing betwixt fallows; laying it on in the autumn before the last crop before fallow, as soon as possible after the preceding crop is reaped. I then plow down and sow with either wheat or oats, to either of which it is helpful, and the following year will be more serviceable to the turnip crop, than if spread on the same summer. This lime costs about the same price as the other. It is to be observed, that these lands are kept altogether fresh by being sown with seeds, and pastured with sheep every other fallow; and always dressed with bones or fold manure, or both, for turnips.

The sheep that are kept in this extensive county are as variable as the soil and climate, and in some degree suited to each. Most of them have made, and are yet capable of great improvement. Those bred above Peneston are well adapted to those unculti∣vated barren mountains, where they have little to feed upon but ling or heath, and are perhaps the least capable of improvment of any other: but as you have seen them, I need not be particular in describing them. I imagine their fleece, taking ewes, wethers, and hogs, together will average about 2½ or 3 lb. which will be worth

2 s. 6 d.; of late years a little more. Those bred upon York wolds are very nume∣rous, and far the best in the county. It being a dry, flinty, lime-stone soil, and capa∣ble of cultivation; by growing turnips for their winter support, they raise some of them to good weights, 27 or 28 lbs. per quarter when fatted. Those farmers occu∣pying large districts of land, can keep great flocks, which makes it worth their atten∣tion to improve them, and great improvement some of them have made by crossing with Bakewell's rams, and breeding from the best Northumberland ewes. This has rather decreased the weight of the fleece, but improved the staple, and given them a property to feed much quicker and fatter. Those sheep will weigh when fat, from 14 to 28 lb. per quarter, in proportion as they are supported with food; and the fleece upon the best walks will average 6 lb. or better, which this year is worth about 4 s. those on the poorer walks from 4 to 5 lb. worth from 2 s. 6 d. to 3 s. 2 d.

What are bred in this neighbourhood upon waste grounds are of small consequence. They are the worst in the county, being bred from all sorts; and belonging chiefly to poor people, in small lots of 10, 15, or 20 each, will never be bettered till the lands are inclosed. We have a few gentlemen farmers begun to breed from Northumber∣land ewes and Bakewell's rams, which I think, makes far the best and most profitable stock; but for want of room, nothing of consequence can be done here in the breed∣ing line. The chief practice of our farmers is to buy ewes at Peneston, or from York wolds, or Northumberland, at Michaelmas, fatten the lamb in the spring, and the ewe afterwards, changing every year. Being near a manufacturing country, full of opulent tradesmen and merchants, lamb always bears a good price, being worth 6 d. per lb. nearly, on an average, all spring and summer. Where there is room to breed a few of our own best ewe lambs every year of the above sort, to keep up a stock in pro∣portion to the size of the farm, I believe it most profitable, as stock bred upon our own soils, if of a proper sort, will fatten their lambs and themselves too, much sooner than those brought from any other part. The fleece of these, where gentlemen have brought them to tolerable perfection will be 6 lb. average, and 4 s. 6 d. or 5 s.

In respect to horses, very few are bred in this neighbourhood, scarcely any for sale. The farmers and manufacturers breed a few for their own use; as such every man gets of a sort that is most likely to be adapted to his own business; some galloways, worth at 5 years old, from £ 10. to £ 15. some half bred horses, fit for either plough or saddle, about 15 hands, worth, at 5 years old, from £ 18. to £ 25.; and a few of the heavy black ones, which will be worth from £ 25. to £ 30. if free from blemishes: those will get to 16 hands high. But the East Riding is the circuit for horses: there the best road and coach horses are bred in England, and of any price almost, from 20 to 60 guineas at 5 years old. This circuit is by no means adapted to the breed of horses. Sheep is my favourite stock, with a few good short horned heifers, of the Northallerton or Darlington sort.

In respect to the value of land, it is a very dubious question to answer. We have much let for the convenience of trade; but I shall only speak to that let for the pur∣pose of farming. This is rented from 7s. 6d. to 40s. per statute acre, subject to every other incumbrance, which, in some places from tithes, poors rates, high-ways, and other taxes, is very considerable. Where they have a manufactory amongst them, the poors rates only will be 4s. in the pound rent. I think more than two-thirds of my neighbourhood is of a wet clayey nature, unfit for turnips. The average rent of

these lands may be about 15s. per acre, and the dry turnip soils about 24s. per ditto. As to the produce, good farmers will average from 27 to 30 bushels of wheat per acre, 40 or 44 bushels barley, 64 or 70 bushels oats, and 30 bushels beans. Small farmers and indifferent managers, which occupy, I suppose, 3-fourths of our lands, will not average more than 20 bushels of wheat, 30 bushels barley, 48 bushels oats, and 20 bushels beans. Thus have I communicated to you my opinion upon your different questions to the best of my knowledge, observation, and experience; and where I have erred, it is an error in judgment, which I should be glad to be corrected in. You are at liberty to make use of my name in any way you think proper: for though I should draw upon me the re∣proach of the haughty and ignorant farmers, I regard not the censure of such narrow and contracted minds; conscious that it is a duty which every man owes to himself and mankind, to exert himself for the public welfare, and being convinced that nothing is more necessary, nor can tend more to promote the general interest, than the object you have in view. You have therefore my sincere wishes for its success. I am, &c.

No. IX.

ACCOUNT OF THE ROTHERAM PLOUGH, BY JOSHUA WALKER, ESQ. AT CLIFTON.

THE following is the general outlines of the history of this useful implement of hus∣bandry.

It was invented by a Mr. Joseph Foljambe of Eastwood, near this place, about se∣venty years ago, for which he took out a patent; he afterwards sold the patent right to a Mr. Staniforth, of Firbeck in this neighbourhood, who at first gave the farmers the privilege of using his ploughs for 2 s. 6 d. each; he afterwards attempted to ad∣vance them to 7 s. or 7 s. 6 d. but this not meeting with the approbation of the farmers, a combination took place, and the validity of the patent was contested and set aside, upon the ground of its not being a new invented plough, but a plough im∣proved. Since the first introduction of this plough, the only improvement on it has been the lengthening the head or sock, which keeps it steadier to its work; a certain indication that the inventor or improver of ploughs had well digested his plan before he made it public. The ploughs in use, before the introduction of the new one, were such as are now used in that part of this district called the Levels, between Doncas∣ter and Thorne, which require four horses to do the work done by two.

The dimensions and construction of the plough will appear sufficiently evident from the following drawing and description.

[figure] diagram of the Rotherham plough

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROTHERAM PLOUGH.

	ft.	in.
From the end of stilt Bb to point of the Share C	7	4	whole length.
From the end of beam Aa to ditto of ditto C	3	0
Length of the beam A A	6	0
Width of the head in the widest part D	1	4
Ditto of ditto at E	0	9	bottom work∣ing surface.
Ditto of share behind the wing at f	0	3½
Length of surface on which the plough touches the ground E C	2	10½
Height from ground to top of beam where coulter goes through	1	8
Width between stilts at the end B B	2	6
Height of ditto from the ground	2	11
Weight of wood and iron work, about 1¼ Cwt.

Hock with teeth, to admit of more land being given to the plough, and vice versa.

As for the dimensions of the carts and waggons in general use here, they are as follows:

• Carts with 3 horses, narrow wheels, 7 ft. long: 3 ft. 6 in. wide: 1 ft. 8 in deep: weight about 12 Cwt.
• Waggons with 4 horses, narrow wheels, 12 ft. long, 4 ft. wide, 1 ft. 8 in. deep, weight about 20 Cwt.

The poors rates in the parish where Mr. Taylor lives are about 1 s. 6 d. in the pound. In this parish they are more than double, on account of the number of poor in the town of Rotheram, and those thrown upon the parish by the manufactories and collieries.

No. X.

EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF MR. PARKINSON, AT DONCASTER: ADDRESSED TO MR. BROUN.

IN answer to your request concerning the sheep-farming of this neighbourhood;—a great part of this country is not proper to breed upon, yet sheep ought to be kept by every farmer for improving his land; and in my opinion the most profitable way is to buy draft ewes in September, and to feed their lambs; after that, keep on the mothers till fat. As our clay soils are liable to rot sheep, by floods, &c. the farmer, by this method, will not run any risk; for if his sheep take the rot, they will, if managed properly, be ready for the butcher at all times. The turnips upon the clay should be eaten early in the season, to make the most of them, and those upon the lime-stone and sandy soils afterwards.

I will now describe the kind of sheep proper to be bred on the sand and lime-stone farms; and these, I think, are the Dishley, or as they are commonly called, the Bake∣well breed; the properties of which are well known. Their wool may be consider∣ably improved; it being in general of too short a kind, and producing various sorts in one fleece: viz. mossy on the back, hairy on the thighs, or breech, and fine and soft on the shoulders and necks, which causes one part to be sold at Bury St. Edmonds, and the other at Halifax, to make the most of it.

It is the opinion of some, that long wool injures the carcass: I do not believe it, or at least it is scarcely perceptible; therefore I would have the wool on these sheep to be of a fine combing quality, nine or ten inches long, bearing a very even top, as that prevents both loss of wool and labour, by not having the tag end to cut off. The weight of the fleece to be from eight to twelve pound, if properly fed, if not, it will perhaps be only from five to seven pound. The carcass to weigh from 20 to 25 pound per quarter with common food; extraordinary feed, from 25 to 40 pound.

We have a sort of sheep from Northumberland that feeds well, and pays a great deal of money. I had last year 20 ewes from that country: bought them October, 1791, put them to a Dishley tup, and kept them on till December, 1792.—Profit as follows:

	£.	s.	d.
Sold the wool for	5	0	0
27 lambs, at 18 s.	24	6	0
4 ewes, at 50 s.	10	0	0
16 ditto, at 45 s.	36	0	0
	75	6	0
Prime cost	24	10	0
Profit	50	16	0

This year I have 30 ewes which are not yet sold. One of their lambs, aged four months, weighed 16 pound per quarter; which sold in Sheffield market at 5½ per pound, or £. 1 13 s. 1 d. besides skin, &c.

The sheep at present bred in this country, I mean those bred upon the commons, are not worth describing. Their fleeces weigh from one to five pound, but very few so much. The carcass will feed from nine to fifteen pound per quarter—general run about twelve pound. It is my opinion, several thousand pounds are annually lost in the neighbourhood of Doncaster, for want of a more improved breed of sheep.

I think the Dishley sheep are generally too small: their bone and shape are beau∣tiful, but their skin, or pelt, is too thin for bearing the cold. They can neither stand the extremities of heat nor cold; and it is sometimes found necessary to clothe them, where this breed is newly introduced. The wool of the Northumberland sheep stands in need of great improvement: upon many of them the staple is much too short, and some carry a hairy sort of wool, not profitable. The carcass, though not so inclined to feed as the Dishley sheep, yet being far larger, pays very well.

The Durham, or Tees sheep, if improved, might pay very well; but from what I have seen, I think little attention has been paid to them, every flock being of various sorts, both in respect of wool and carcase. There is a number of them pretty good, but a greater number not so. I am of opinion, a careful and knowing observer of sheep, would raise a fine breed from the Dishley ram and Tees ewes. Sheep are an animal difficult to bring to perfection, as both wool and carcass are to be attended to; but one thing I am clear in, that the best carcasses will produce the best wools; like as good land affords good grain.

It is too often little considered how much may be raised from land under good ma∣nagement. It appears to me, that it would be a good scheme for the Board of Agri∣culture to take a farm into their own hands, and shew by improved practice what might be done: this would be of great utility. As to driving any thing into old farmers, it is easier to make new ones. There is land near Doncaster now let at 7 s. per acre, which, if managed in a proper manner, and fed by sheep, would pay 20 s. and where the sheep that are bred never sell higher than 12 s. or 16 s. might be fed to 30 s. and 40 s.

The usual produce per acre, where a rotation of turnips, barley, clover, and wheat, is adopted, is as follows:

Upon poor sands, 3½ quarters of barley, 2 of wheat:—turnip and clover precarious. Upon clay soils, 4 quarters barley, 3 quarters wheat, 3 quarters beans,—clover and turnips both good. Upon lime-stone, 4 quarters barley, 3 quarters wheat, 2½ quar∣ters

beans,—clover and turnips good. Loamy land, 5 quarters barley, 3½ quarters wheat, pease 3 quarters,—clover and turnips good.

The mode of cultivation, however, is very irregular: as the farmers have no leases, they make hay when the sun shines, and often crop the ground as long as it will carry. I know a great many farmers who keep their land in a poor state, to prevent the own∣ers from advancing it.

Draining very little known in this part of the country. The wet lands improveable; but the dry lands much more so.

With regard to the poor sands betwixt this place and Bautry, which are at present in a very shabby state, my opinion is, that the best way of going to work with them would be, first to begin with a good turnip fallow, and 10 loads of manure, of two tons each to the acre, which may be had at Doncaster at 5 s. per ton, as they have scarce any themselves. This will produce a good crop of turnips, which ought to be eat off with sheep, and the land sown with barley and seeds—quantity of seeds, 1 peck of rye grass, 14 pound white clover, and 14 pound trefoil. I would pasture it with sheep for two years, break it for wheat or rye, and return to turnips. My reasons for this are; rye grass is a very good winter plant, and scarce can be eaten too near in the spring, when grass is of most value. If it run to a bent, it exhausts itself for that season, and is worth nothing till autumn. Trefoil is more early than white clover; therefore, with these mixtures, three different springs are got. Many farmers like red clover; I do not, except for cutting, and I think it much the better of a little rye grass. Red clover, on many soils, stands but for one year, therefore is very improper seed for pasture, which those sands should be applied to as much as possible, to fasten them. All artificial grasses should bear two years eating at least, the expence of seeds being great; but none will scarcely bear more than three years. No poor sand or lime-stone ought to be pastured longer than it will keep a sufficient number of sheep to leave a good top dressing when ploughed up; by reason the land is then losing what was put into it before, and returning to its natural state. In time, a hot-bed will come to earth. Manure, mixed with soil, causes fermentation in some measure, like yest put amongst wort, and will soon go off, and cease to operate.

The land in its present state of cultivation lets high; though worth double the sum if properly managed. Sheep are much wanted, as there is no improvement equal to the sheep-farming: it is both the cheapest and best upon all dry soils. If the farmer could only be made to understand he had a sort of inheritance in his farm, which can no way be done but by giving leases, it would be of general utility to the kingdom at large. The farmers are the first and the grand machine of all improve∣ments, and therefore ought to have every possible encouragement given them. I never was in any part of the country where the people were more flat to improvement than in this neighbourhood. I apprehend the cause is this, a great many gentlemen live in it, consequently near their tenants, and are curbs upon their ingenuity. Most experiments are costly, and the farmer is afraid his landlord will look upon his at∣tempts to improve as acts of extravagance,—such as hiring a Dishley ram for 100 guineas the season, and other things of the same kind.

There is an absurd idea some men have, that the scheme I have adapted for the sands will diminish the quantity of grain: I say no,—it will only add to it; for an acre managed in the way I have described, will produce as much as two do now. As

for the small mutton and fine wool that would be lost by my scheme, there will al∣ways be plenty of the former on the mountains, for the tables of the great; and if lambs are clipped, they will produce fine carding wool, which does away these objections.

No. XI.

During our Survey a Journal was regularly kept, wherein was inserted the whole in∣formation received at the different places we visited, which was always taken down, as nearly as possible, in the words of the persons who gave us the intelli∣gence. Considering the great extent of the West Riding, the different qualities of soil, and the various modes of cultivation adopted, the following abridge∣ment of its contents, in which a number of observations daily made by ourselves are included, will, we hope, present to the public as just a picture of the present state of Husbandry in that district, as could well have been accomplished, had any other method been adopted.

OCTOBER 18th, 1793, received our commission from Sir John Sinclair, President of the Board of Agriculture, to draw up an account of the stock and husbandry of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and to inquire into the state of manufactures, so far as they were connected with the agriculture of that district.

October 22d, set off from East Lothian, and arrived at Boroughbridge on the 24th.

Borough bridge is a market-town, situated upon the great north road, and about half way betwixt London and Edinburgh. It elects two members to Parliament, in consequence of a peculiarly qualified burgage tenure, and was first summoned to send members by Queen Mary in 1553. It is a town of small extent, enjoys the benefit of inland navigation from the river Eure, which passes this place, and is navigable to Rippon. Here we received the following information relative to the husbandry of the neigh∣bourhood.

The land generally belongs to small proprietors, and farms are of various sizes. Soil good; mostly deep loam; and the rent about 20 s. per statute acre, besides public burthens, which may be about 12 s. more. Rate of wages 14 d. per day for winter half year, and 16 d. for summer, with extra allowance in hay time and harvest. Wheat cut with the sickle at 5s. 6d. and 6 s. per acre. Harvest early; generally over by the end of September. A great part of the land kept in grass. Rotation upon the clay land, two crops and a fallow, and these crops are wheat and beans; the fallow limed with 32 bushels Winchester measure, per acre, and the dung chiefly applied to the grass: upon light land the rotation is, turnips, barley, clover, and wheat, sometimes oats in place of wheat. Mr. Fretwell drills turnips, but the general practice of the neighbourhood, is to sow broadcast: where the soil is proper for it, the turnips are eat upon the ground with sheep, which is considered as most advantageous. Some cattle bred, but not a fourth part of the necessary quantity: those that are bred, are chiefly for cows, the males being killed when calves. Few or no sheep bred. Mr. Fretwell, and Mr. Flet∣cher buy their ewes from Northumberland: bought them this year at 22 s. per head; sold the lambs at 15 s. 6 d.; and the ewes in autumn, after being fatted, at 29 s.; value of the fleece 3 s.—about 3½ fleeces to the stone. An acre of good pasture will carry four ewes, and their lambs. Land almost totally inclosed, and the inclosures small. Difference of rent betwixt open and inclosed land, ten shillings per acre. Some waste unimproved common in the neighbourhood, which ought to be divided and inclosed. No land is watered here.

Prices of corn this year higher than usual, but markets in general steady. What corn is more than necessary for home consumption, is disposed of at Knaresborough mar∣ket, and from thence carried to the western parts of the county. Corns mostly stacked in the fields, as there is found less loss by vermin than in the stack-yard. Some threshing machines in the neighbourhood. Roads in good order. The bye∣roads supported by the statute work, which consists of 2 s. from each householder, and six days labour of a team of three horses, and two labourers from the farmer for each 50 l. of rent, with an assessment of 6 d. in the pound upon his rent. Paring and burn∣ing is only practised upon the waste lands; expence about 18 s. per acre. The first year it is sown with rape seed; produce from two to five quarters per acre, generally about four quarters; price at present thirty guineas per last, but very fluctuating; ex∣pence of reaping and threshing about 20s. per acre, if stacked and threshed in winter; but according to the general practice it is impossible to calculate the expence, the whole neighbourhood being gathered to the threshing, when it is done in the field. In this mode it is a perfect feast, where all comers are welcome: but this good old cus∣tom is fast going out, and the thriftier practice of stacking it in the yard, and thresh∣ing it in the winter, introduced in its place.—The straw of the rape is sold to the soap boilers at about 5 s. per acre. The plough used here is of the Rotheram kind, drawn with two horses upon light land, and three upon clay. A ploughman works his horses only; labours generally 10 hours per day, when the season allows. The want of leases one great obstacle to improvement. Most part of the farmers are upon yearly leases, filled with innumerable restrictions; and leases of this kind are as good as none.

From Boroughbridge we proceeded to Copgrove, the seat of Henry Duncombe, Esq. M. P. for the county. Upon the road to Copgrove we passed several common fields, which appeared to be of good quality, but under execrable management. The

far greatest part of the land was inclosed, and the grass very rich; those inclosures adjoining to Mr. Duncombe's house particularly so.

The information received at Copgrove was to the following purport.

SOIL in general light, well adapted to turnips, carrots, and other drilled crops. The whole parish of Copgrove possessed by Mr. Duncombe; but there is a consi∣derable number of small proprietors in the neighbourhood. The majority of the farms are small, not exceeding 150 acres. The land is employed both in pasture and tillage; about two-thirds in pasture. Of the tillage part, one-third annually under fallow, and turnips taken upon it. Mr. Duncombe drills a few, but they are other∣wise universally broadcast. Two crops of corn allowed to a fallow, and these crops are either wheat and oats, or oats and wheat. Mr. Duncombe's steward thinks it best to take outs first. Mr. Duncombe sometimes sows rape upon the fallow, eats it off in autumn with sheep, and sows it with wheat: at other times, after eating it in autumn, lets it stand till spring, when it is eat again with sheep, and sown with barley or oats. When land is sown down for grass, if intended only to stand one year, red clover is sown by itself; if for sheep pasture, white clover, yellow clover, and rib grass; and if for meadow, white clover and hay seeds. The stock kept upon the pastures are a mixture both of sheep and cattle. A considerable part of the fallow is limed; the turnips all dunged, and the remainder of the dung laid upon grass. Horses chiefly employed in the plough, being found most expeditious, though a few oxen are also kept. Harvest generally commences about the middle of August, and is finished be∣fore Michaelmas. The land is mostly inclosed, there being but few open fields. The value of the land is increased one-half by inclosing; inclosures in general small; average not above 10 acres: inclosing not injurious to population. Some common fields, which are very detrimental both to the proprietors and the tenants. Some waste lands, but not extensive, which might be improved if they were divided. Prices of labour greatly advanced; farmer's servants, by the year, £ 12 of wages, and vic∣tuals; labeurers, 1 s. 6 d. per day, with their victuals in hay time and harvest; hay cut at 2 s. per acre; oats and wheat, 6 s.; threshing wheat 2 s. 6d. per quarter; oats, 10 d.; barley, 6 d. Some part of the land in the neighbourhood is meadow, but being common, has not been drained, which would prove highly advantageous. Par∣ing and burning greatly practised; of use to break up grass lands in this manner; expence 20 s. per acre. Not much wood in the neighbourhood; but the quantity is sufficient to answer the demands of the inhabitants. Provisions high; beef and mut∣ton 4 d. and 4½ d. per lb. and keep pretty equal for the season. Roads in good order; the bye-roads supported by the statute work. Farm-houses and offices, in general, not well constructed, nor properly situated, and might be greatly improved. No leases are granted. The tenants are mostly under covenants and restrictions; some of which are detrimental both to the interest of landlord and tenant. No ma∣nufactures here, but a number of cotton mills in the neighbourhood; as they are lately established, their effects are not yet known. No agricultural societies. The Dutch or Rotheram plough is used by Mr. Duncombe.

Arrived at Knaresborough.—Waited upon Robert Stockdale, Esq. from whom we received a great deal of valuable information. The forest of Knaresborough, consist∣ing of 33,000 acres, was divided in consequence of an act of parliament passed in 1770; and his account of this transaction, as published in the Appendix to this survey, will throw great light upon the system by which common lands are at present divided and inclosed.

Knaresborough is a market-town of great antiquity, and formerly a place of consi∣derable strength. It is almost encompassed with the deep river Nid, and strengthened by a castle situated upon a craggy rock, whence the name of the place is supposed to be derived. It has a weekly market on Wednesday, at which great quantities of corn and provisions of all kinds are sold. A good deal of linen is manufactured in this place and neighbourhood; but little or nothing done in the woollen way.

Information received here from Mr. William Bramley, steward to Sir Jo. Coghill, Bart.

Soil about Knaresborough part light, upon a clay bottom, and a considerable part a deep rich loam. The majority of proprietors small, and generally occupy their own land. The fields about the town mostly in grass, and employed in feeding milk cows. The cows are chiefly of the Holderness breed: farther west, they are of the long horned or Craven kind, which are hardier, and answer better for the soil and climate. When land is broke up from grass, two crops of oats are taken, then fallow, which is sown with wheat or barley and grass seeds. Sheep, both bred in the neigh∣bourhood, and bought at the adjoining fairs. Wool sells at about 10 s. 6 d. per stone of 15 lb. avoirdupois, three fleeces to the stone. General rotation of crops;—fallow, wheat, beans, and oats; but some take only two crops after fallow. The fallows are limed, 2 chalders, or 64 bushels to the acre. Turnips often taken for a fallow which are worth £ 5. per acre, when eaten upon the ground; after them, barley. Plough of the Dutch or Rotheram kind, wrought with 3 horses in a line. No oxen used. Wheat sown about Michaelmas, if the season answers, beans in March, or as early as possible, oats in April, and barley immediately afterwards. Land almost wholly in∣closed, and supposed to be worth 5 s. more rent per acre than the same soil in open field. Inclosures from 3 to 10 acres. Thinks it would be of great utility to inclose all the common fields; and that inclosing can never have a bad effect upon popula∣tion. A waste common in the neighbourhood, which might be greatly improved. Planting the waste lands not supposed advantageous; as there were some of the higher parts of the forest planted, which have done no good. Wages high; in har∣vest 2 s. per day for men, and 15 d. for women. Hours of labour, in summer, from six to six; but in harvest, do not enter till eight o'clock. Paring and burning greatly practised; expence 14 s. per acre. A good deal of wood in the neighbourhood. Provisions plenty; beef and mutton at 3½ d. and 4 d. per lb. avoirdupois. Farm∣houses not very good, and stand in need of improvement. A number of leases granted; some for 7, others for 14, and a few for 21 years. Thinks it would greatly promote the interest of both landlord and tenant, if the whole of the lands were under lease; thinks also that covenants, or restrictions upon the tenant, during any part of the lease, except the three last years, are a great hardship, and very detrimental to

good farming. No agricultural societies in this neighbourhood, but the farmers in general seem fond of improvements.

We also received answers to the queries from Mr. Stockdale, where his information agrees with Mr. Bramley; it is unnecessary to repeat it. The substance of his answers is therefore only given.

The soil and climate vary according to situation, exposure, vicinity to rivers and towns; as also to the quantity of lime, composts, and other manures that are used. Farms are in general small, and divided nearly into equal portions of arable and grass; all kinds of clover and grass-seeds are cultivated. A mixed stock of horses, cattle, and sheep are kept upon the pastures, the breeds by no means properly attended to, except by some particular persons. Very little land is watered, but many situations would admit of it. Fallowing practised invariably upon strong soils, and even upon all such as are not friendly to the turnip husbandry. Turnips, when eat by sheep, seldom fail to improve the ground, and secure a succession of good crops; but red∣clover, when too often sown, is found not so good a succession as trefoil and white clover, or even beans, occasionally introduced in its stead. Lime is principally used as a manure, when stable-dung cannot be obtained. Compost dunghills are now more attended to than formerly, but not so much as they ought to be. Many of the common fields are inclosed annually, under particular acts of parliament, and by them population has been greatly increased. The extent of waste land is very great in this wapentake, and principally depastured by half starved sheep, horses, and young cattle; it may be improved in various ways, as the commons in this district differ much in soil, exposure, and other circumstances. The land is not so much drained as it ought to be, the drains are mostly filled with stones, and covered, very few filled with wood or straw. If the soil be sound and strong, it is common to turn the first sod, with the grass side downwards, letting it rest for support on a piece of the bottom of the drain on each side not thrown out; this is called a shoulder drain, and in strong land answers well, and is done cheap. Paring and burning is practised, and found to answer well in all sour rushy land, and is done by men, with a push or breast spade. In some parts of the country wood abounds, and where it is attended to, thrives well. The roads are in general good; those are best which are made wide, not too much raised in the middle, and the stones broke small, by which means they unite and bed firmer. The farm-houses and offices, when made in consequence of new inclosures, are usually placed near the centre of the farm, and are well constructed. Few leases are granted, which is to be lamented, as it can never be expected that improvements will be made, where the tenant has no certainty of reaping the benefit of them. The people certainly have a great turn to improvements, and were reasonable leases given, would make a rapid progress therein. The intermixture of property, a great obsta∣cle to improvement. If a general inclosure bill could be obtained, and tithes com∣muted, it would obviate a great many of the present impediments, and contribute more to extensive and general improvement than any other measure.

We had the pleasure to fall in at Knaresborough with Mr. Bainbridge, steward to Lord Loughborough, from whom we received a variety of important information, made use of in its proper place. The poors rate is generally 4 s. in the pound in this neighbourhood, which raises a suspicion that the funds are either badly administered, or that the laws themselves are founded upon wrong principles. By in∣formation

received from other sources, it appeared that a person in the workhouse fares full as well as if he derived his subsistence from his own labour; a method of ma∣nagement inconsistent with sound policy, and highly inimical to virtue and industry, amongst the lower ranks.

Visited Harrowgate; country about that place wild and uncultivated; in the division of Knaresborough forest, a tract of land about 200 acres, was set apart for the use of the company who resort there.

Arrived at Ripley. Sir John Ingilby, a great friend to improvement in this neigh∣bourhood, unfortunately from home. The land here mostly belongs to small free∣holders;—farms about 120 acres in extent, but a great deal larger upon the poor lands. Rents, in the vicinity of Ripley 30 s. per acre, besides public burthens; about a third of the land kept in tillage, no clover sown, no land watered, wheat and oats the gene∣ral crops, and two crops to a fallow. One-third of the tillage land annually limed, and 3 chalders, or 96 bushels applied to the acre. Harvest later than in the lower parts of the country; nine quarters of Friesland oats per acre, sometimes got upon fresh land. Land all inclosed. Rents increased by inclosing; inclosures from 5 to 25 acres. No common fields; little waste land. Labourers 9 s. per week, ploughmen 20 l. per annum, with a free house, and fuel. Very little land pared and burned, roads good; farm houses might be improved; seldom any leases granted, but the want of them thought a great loss, as the farmers have thereby no encouragement to improve their lands; strict covenants betwixt landlord and tenant, which are thought detri∣mental to both. One of the greatest obstacles to improvements here, is confining the tenants to keep their lands in old pasture grass.

From Ripley to Paitley-bridge, the face of the country alters exceedingly. A great deal of woodland; road very unequal, and great part of it shaded with trees on each side. There is a fine valley or strath of land, called Nidderdale, or Netherdale, as we approached Paitly; in the midst of which runs the river Nid, and the whole dale appeared exceeding populous. Land in the dale all inclosed, mostly with stone dykes. Observed a number of fine cows pasturing in the fields, something of a cross betwixt the Holderness and Craven breeds: indeed we saw scarce any other stock but milk cows, great quantities of butter being made in the dale. Farms very small, and al∣most wholly in grass. Some turnips, and those taken great care of, for we noticed in several fields the tops cut off, and the turnip carrying home to be built in the barn. Little hay; and as for corn, we have not seen one stalk since our departure from Ripley.

Paitley is a fine thriving place: It being market day when we were there, the town was much crowded, and the shambles presented a sight which declared that the in∣habitants were in no danger of starving for want of butcher meat. A great deal of linen is manufactured in this place and neighbourhood. The yarn is generally bleached before it is woven, which, we were told, makes the cloth much stronger than when it is wove before bleaching. Much butter is also salted here, and sent to York for the London market. One person alone exports from 700 to 800 firkins annually of 561b. per firkin—the price for which it is contracted at, is 38 s. per firkin. A cow in the dale, produces about 3 firkins during the season; but upon the higher grounds only 2 firkins. We learned that wool is greatly reduced in price this season, fine wool 15 l. per cent. below last year, and inferior qualities, at least 25 l. per cent.

A number of hogs are fed upon oatmeal, and sold to the Lancashire manufacturers at 7 s. per stone of 14 pound. The hams are generally sent to the London market, as nothing will do with the Lancashire people but the fattest part of the beast.

At this place we spent the evening with—Moss, Esq. and received from him the following important accounts of the husbandry of Nidderdale.

The climate bad; very wet, and the harvest late. Some large estates, but the great∣est part in the possession of small freeholders. Land occupied by small farmers, who are also manufacturers, miners, or people engaged in trade—generally kept in grass, and pastured with milk cows. No land watered; but thinks it may be useful in many cases. Oats the principal crop; best management, a fallow and three crops, and tur∣nips taken to the fallow. Plough of the Rotheram kind. Land all inclosed, except the moors. Inclosing a great advantage. Approves of small inclosures on that wet, cold climate; and thinks inclosing has greatly increased population. Planting, in certain places, would be a great improvement—the moors incapable of improvement other∣wise. Wages very high, owing to the mines and manufactories—average 2 s. per day. Thinks paring and burning advantageous, but it is not much practised. A great de∣mand for wood to the mines, and the quantity not adequate. Beef and mutton 3½ d. per pound, wheat 6 s. 6 d. per bushel, barley 4 s. 10 d. oats 3 s. beans 6 s. 6 d. Corn generally brought from Knaresborough and Rippon, as little is raised here in propor∣tion to the demand. Land let both upon lease and at will. Length of leases, when granted, 21 years. The linen manufacture doubled within these 25 years. Lead mines carried on to a great extent. Thinks manufactures have served agriculture very much. Sheep fed in the dale, are of the Mug breed; those in the moors, of the Scotch kind. Is of opinion it would be of advantage if all the lands were under lease.

From Paitley-bridge to Grassington, we went through a large common, which ap∣peared very improveable. Observed large flocks of sheep, mostly of the Scotch breed, of bad quality and condition. Examined the lead mines in the neighbourhood, which are numerous and valuable. Before we arrived at Grassington, the land improves in quality, and is all inclosed. A large woollen mill here, which formerly did much bu∣siness; but since the stagnation of trade, occasioned by the war, has done little. Few or no turnips are cultivated about this place, and the most part of the people em∣ployed in the mines.

Substance of information received at Grassington.

Land chiefly possessed by small proprietors, and mostly occupied by them. Some extensive commons, consisting of many thousand acres—one of them lately divided, and the consequences beneficial. Oats the principal grain that is sown, but almost the whole of the neighbourhood is in grass; and employed in feeding cattle and sheep for the Skipton market. Lime produces great advantages upon the moors. Small tithes only drawn, and a modus taken for the great ones. Very few leases granted; but the gentleman from whom we had this information, was of opinion that the want of them was a great bar to improvements.

Leaving Grassington, we crossed the hills, and arrived at Settle. The far greater part of the way, for we cannot call it a road, lay through uncultivated moors. Consi∣derable

parts of these moors appeared very improveable. We went through a large extent of stone inclosures, which we understood to have been common, and lately di∣vided; but did not see the vestige of a house for more than 10 miles; so could make no inquiry whether the inclosing had produced beneficial consequences or not.

At Settle the low grounds are all inclosed, and the fences in the most complete state. The greatest part of the land is in grass, which for quality and verdure, can hardly be exceeded. Land in the neighbourhood of Settle, sets at 50s. and £3 per acre. It appears well worthy of it, for we received a well attested account of a 10 acre close, that fed in 1792, 20 head of cattle, and 40 sheep. Indeed the richness of the soil is hardly credible to those who have not seen it; and the possessors seem unanimously to think that it is of greater value when kept in grass, than to break it up and culti∣vate with the plough.

Settle fair being upon the day we were there, had an opportunity to see a great show of cattle of the county breed. They are universally long horned, and seem in shape, skin, and other circumstances, to be nearly the same as the Irish breed. We learned that there has not been the same attention shown of late, to keep the breed pure, by selecting proper bulls, as formerly. We are, however, of opinion, that the breed of long horned cattle, which prevails over the western part of the island, is ad∣mirably adapted, from the thickness of their skin, and hardiness of constitution, to undergo the vicissitudes of this climate: and that the short horned breed, upon the eastern coasts, would never answer in this part of the country.

We received the following answers to the queries here, from David Swale, Esq.

The cultivated lands in the lower part of this district, consist of excellent feeding pastures; the higher grounds are rushy and spouty, occasioned by neglect of drain∣ing; a mode of improvement which has answered in a surprising degree, when applied judiciously. The soil of the low grounds generally rich mould, of the loamy and hazle kinds; the higher lands mostly turbary or clay. In this district there is a number of freeholders, from and under £ 10 a year, to £ 4 or 500. The greatest proprietors are, the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Thanet, Lord Grantham, Thomas Lester, Esq. Edward Parker, Esq. and several others. The lands of good quality, are generally employed in feeding. The tillage land is of an inferior sort, and lies in higher situations. Black oats are principally sown. Turnips are but little culti∣vated. The cattle that are bred, are of the long horned kind; the grazing stocks principally consist of Scotch cattle and sheep. Most of the high land is injured by water, and the want of fencing. There are considerable commons, consisting of many thousand acres, capable of great improvement, by inclosing and draining. This mode of improvement is checked by the necessity (as the law now stands) of having them divided by act of Parliament, as such commons have many proprietors. The rotation of management, upon the higher grounds, is mostly laying them down, after three years ploughing, for three years more, without any other cultivation than pasturing it with a breeding stock. In low situations, turnips are cultivated, and clover would answer, but is not adopted here; which is probably owing to the high price the land bears. In higher situations, these crops are very uncertain, and depend upon the weather. Fallowing is very little practised. Oxen were formerly used, but horses are now generally employed. The ploughs, carts, &c., are of the kind com∣monly used in the country. The land is generally inclosed, except the out-moors or

commons. Considerable advantage has arisen from inclosing, and the value has in∣creased. Where cattle or sheep are pastured, the stock grows better, and although the quantity of wool is not so great, yet its quality is finer. The extent of waste lands is great, and the improvement by fencing and draining might be considerable. Some might, in that case, be converted into pasture land, others into arable, and others into planting, with a promising prospect of success. Paring and burning upon the high lands is much exploded, as wasting the soil where it can be ill spared. This district, in most parts, wants wood. Of late there has been a good deal planted, which promises well; but this article is not so much attended to, as might be wished. It would be of great utility to have the tithes properly regulated. Obstacles to im∣provement, are short leases, and the great scarcity of coal, which might be remedied by lords of the manors making trials to discover them, and by holding out rewards, and granting favourable leases to such persons as are willing to adventure in those un∣dertakings. Poors rates very high here, not less than 6s. 8d. per pound rent.

At Settle we had also the good fortune to fall in with Mr. Barbeck, banker there, who took the trouble to introduce us to several intelligent farmers; the substance of whose information we now proceed to give.

Soil in the neighbourhood of Settle, of a hazle mould, upon a dry bottom: climate wet; land chiefly in the natural possession of small proprietors. Farms small, from £ 50 to £ 200 a year. Several commons, but the stock upon them stinted. All the low lands are in grass, and pastured with large cattle of their own breed, and the higher grounds by Scotch cattle and sheep: the sheep that are bred here, are called the Mallam breed. Wool disposed of at Huddersfield and Wakefield, and sold this season at 10s. 6d. per stone, of 16lb. 3½ fleeces to the stone. The wool of the Scotch sheep from Teviotdale, sold at 8s. per stone, and 3 fleeces made a stone. The salve used for smearing them, is one gallon of tar, and 17lb. of butter, which serves from 25 to 30 sheep. A great quantity of the high grounds capable of improvement; oats almost the only grain cultivated; no summer fallow, no turnips, no red clover, and but very little barley; lime very sparingly applied; plough of the Dutch kind, and drawn by four horses in a line. Think planting would thrive well upon the moors, and is much wanted. Labourers high, 2s. per day all the summer months, with vic∣tuals, in hay-time and harvest; draining advantageous and much practised, done with walls and covered; paring and burning not thought good farming. Farms both set upon leases and at will. Leases from 7 to 11 years; no manufactures but spinning cotton, which has not as yet proved detrimental to agriculture. No agricultural societies; but think the people have a turn for improvements.

Left Settle, and proceeded to Ingleton. The land all inclosed, and near wholly in grass, which was of the richest quality. No turnips to be seen since we left Pately∣bridge, and hardly a blade of corn. In short, for these some days, from the plenty of grass, and scarcity of corn fields, we were ready to conjecture that the inhabitants of this part of Yorkshire lived upon butcher meat altogether.

Information received at Ingleton.

A large common in the neighbourhood, which is stocked with sheep by the farm∣ers around, and which would be of great advantage to have divided. Land mostly

possessed by small proprietors, and almost totally kept in grass. A good deal of wool spun here for the Bradford market.

Leaving Ingleton, we proceeded for Dent-dale, the most western extremity of the county. Upon the road we called upon Bryan Waller, Esq. at Maisongill; from whom we had the following accounts of the husbandry in his neighbourhood.

Soil a strong loam, and, from the wetness of the climate, unfit for ploughing—gene∣rally possessed by small proprietors, and partly set upon leases of 3, 7, and 9 years. Land set here by the customary acre, 3 acres of this measure being equal to 5. statute acres. Small tithes paid in kind, and a modus taken in lieu of hay. The farmer allowed but to plough a small part of the land, often but eight acres, where he possesses a hundred. Ploughing more practised formerly, but breeding and feeding cattle is now thought more profitable. No turnips. Cattle fed in the house during the winter months, upon hay, which renders beef very high in the spring. A number of Scotch cattle wintered upon the pastures, which are disposed of by Midsummer—the commons are stocked with Scotch sheep, the large breed being thought above the pasture. Cattle that are bred here are all of the long horned kind. No land watered here—thinks it would be hurtful in this cold country. Very little fallow, and no attention paid to the plough. Lime applied to the pasture grass: and mixed with earth and cow-dung—the remain∣der of the dung laid upon the field that hath been cut for hay. Plough wrought with three horses, often sour, and all yoked in a line. Land all inclosed, except the com∣mons, partly with hedges, and partly with stone dykes.—Inclosing has increased rents greatly. A great deal of waste land in the moors, which he cannot say is improvable, as planting is not found to answer. Wages high—labourers 1 s. 8 d. per day and victuals, during hay-time and harvest. Some of the lands are drained—shoulder drains have been found to answer upon mossy soil, where it is improper to put stones; but in general all drains are built with walls, and covered with flags. Thinks paring and burning not good farming. Wood very scarce in this part of the country. Farm houses rather stand too much in the villages, and therefore inconvenient. Some cot∣ton mills, which employ a good number of hands—no other manufactures. Does not think the people trouble their heads much about improvements, and thinks the pre∣sent stock of sheep well adapted for the soil and climate.

Continued our journey to Dent.—A great deal of good land, but the general qua∣lity of the soil, thin and moist bottom. Learned that there was a considerable quan∣tity of butter salted in this tract, and disposed of at Skipton. Upon our road this day, saw two rams in an inclosure, chained together; which is an excellent scheme to make them settle. Arrived at Dent, after a tedious and disagreeable journey, having in the course of it passed through a small part of Lancashire, and travelled about eight miles in the county of Westmoreland.

We entered Dent dale from the west, and proceeded down the dale to the town of Dent, which is nearly in the centre. This dale is entirely surrounded with high moun∣tains, and has only one opening from the west, where a carriage can enter with safety. It is about 12 miles in length, and from one and a half to two miles in breadth. The whole dale is inclosed; and, viewed from the higher grounds, presents the picture of a terrestrial paradise.

At Dent we received the following information relative to the state of the dale.

Estates are small, and chiefly in the natural possession of the proprietors. Inclo∣sures small, and mostly in grass. No farms above £ 50 a year, and none but yearly

leases granted. Sheep mostly from Scotland. Few cattle are fed, but a great number of milk cows are kept, and large quantities of butter and cheese produced. The hills in the neighbourhood of the dale, are all common, and dividing them among the diffe∣rent proprietors, it is supposed, would be attended with beneficial consequences. A considerable quantity of stockings wrought by women upon wires, which are disposed of at Kendal. Very few turnips cultivated, hay being the chief dependance in winter. Small tithes only drawn in kind, and a modus taken in lieu of the great ones.

Returned from Dent to Ingleton, where we met, agreeable to appointment, with Mr. Ellershaw, of Chappel le Dale, about four miles from this place. Mr. Ellershaw gave us the first account of watering land, which is done by him, and several of his neighbours, to great advantage: he floats it early in the spring, which not only rots the moss, but enriches the land considerably. The commons here are all stinted, every man who enjoys a privilege upon them being restricted to the quantity of stock he is to put on them. There is not much land limed in the neighbourhood, and what is done, is applied very sparingly. Few or no leases granted; and where they are, but of short duration. Tithes drawn in kind; but Mr. Ellershaw thinks it would be for the peace and interest of the community to have them valued. No turnips raised. Sheep generally of the Scotch kind. Wool sold at 6s. 3d. per stone this season. Some stock∣ings knit for the Kendal market.

Visited Settle again on our road to Skipton. From Mr. York's steward, at Long Preston, we learned that they had pared and burned a great deal of the higher grounds, which had turned out well; and had tried wheat, but found it did not answer. Oats is now their principal crop. After them the land is fallowed and limed, and laid down with grass seeds. Their management, in other respects, being similar to the rest of the country, it is unnecessary to repeat it. At Gargrave, half way between Settle and Skipton, we saw most excellent fields of grass. It is impossible to say what sorts of seeds had been sown, or whether any had been sown at all: they seemed a mixture of all sorts of hay-seeds, but richer grass cannot grow.

Arrived at Skipton. This place, which stands in the middle of the district of Cra∣ven, is for distinction, usually called Skipton in Craven.

At Skipton there is a large house employed in sorting and combing wool. About 3000 packs are bought each season from Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Leicester, and Rutland shires. After it is sorteo and combed, it is spun at the Company's mills, at Linton and Addingham, in the neighbourhood, and made into stuffs, viz. shalloons, calimancoes, and all sorts of double goods. The noyles from the combing are used for the Duesbury and Rochdale trade.—We received the following information from Mr. Hales, steward to the Earl of Thanet.

The proprietors in the vale are, the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Thanet, and a num∣ber of small freeholders. Farms of different sizes, but the majority rather small. Soil deep and rich. The whole vale almost in grass, being from the wetness of the climate accounted unfit for corn. What land is ploughed, is upon the higher grounds, and oats the principal crop. Few or no turnips cultivated. All the vale inclosed. Inclo∣sures small. Cannot say whether inclosing has affected population or not, as it is such a long time since the vale vas inclosed. No common fields here, but thinks, wherever they are, they ought to be divided. Wages high—labourers from 18 d. to 2 s. per day, women 1s. Not much paring and burning—does not approve of it. Very little wood,

but thinks a great part of the moors might be planted to advantage. Provisions high; beef being at this time 4 d. and often 5 d. and 5½d. Corn brought here from Rich∣mond in the North Riding. Roads good. Farm houses in general well situated. Lord Thanet's estate upon lease of 14 years. Duke of Devonshire grants none. Lord Tha∣net formerly granted leases for 21 years, and the estate was much improved. Other es∣tates, where leases have not been granted, are not half so much improved. The cove∣nants laid down by Lord Thanet, are only to fallow, lime, and manage in a husband∣like manner. No manufactures, except some cotton mills, which have done no harm to the agriculture of the country. Grass lands in the vale, set from 40s. to 50s. per acre, and some at £3. Plough yoked with three horses—no oxen used. Thinks it would be for the general good that leases were always granted; and also that the pay∣ment of tithes was regulated upon proper principles.

The management from Paitley-bridge to the western extremity of the county, is almost uniformly the same, and grass the sole object. The people unanimously think that corn will not pay so much rent as grass, therefore raise very little, except upon the higher grounds; and at the same time lay all their manure upon the rich, fertile fields in the vale. By this means they are reduced to the absolute necessity of purchas∣ing corn, at an advanced price, from other places, where more attention is paid to the cultivating it. From what we could learn, a great deal more corn was formerly raised than now; which is evident from tithes having decreased four-fifths in value within these thirty or forty years.

We learned from the Rev. Mr. Wethnell, that the husbandry at Keightly is much in the same style as here, only rather more corn raised, and that the moors and high∣grounds are used for breeding cattle.

From Skipton proceeded down Wharfdale to Otley. For the first four miles the soil is barren moor, and perfectly unimproveable, unless planting will answer, which, from the highness of the situation, is very doubtful, unless the larch will prosper. At Addingham, the soil turns good, and the whole way to Otley remarkably rich. At Sir James Ibbelson's, at Denton, there are fine large haughs of grass, and the inclosures larger than we have seen in Yorkshire. Saw some corn fields upon the road, but not in good order; and a few fields of fallow, not half wrought. Observed some turnips, the first we have met with for a long time. Examined a plough; the first we have seen these four days, and it appeared to be of the Dutch or Rotheram kind, but of wretched construction. The field it was lying in was full of quickens—provincially whickens. The land almost wholly inclosed.

At Otley we received a variety of information—We give the substance of it:—

Soil very good. Climate dry. Some large proprietors, but a greater number of small ones. Farms chiefly small, few above £ 50 rent. Land mostly employed in pasture, and sown with white clover and hay-seeds. Little land watered; but understood some people have done it to good effect. When land is broke up from grass, three crops are taken, and then a fallow. Few turnips are cultivated. Some lime used. Harvest early. Land all inclosed, and thought much more valuable than when open field. Wood much scarcer than formerly, but a great deal of the waste land might be planted to advantage. Tithes compounded at 5 s. and 6 s. per acre. Rent of land here 40 s. per acre, and all public burthens. Want of leases greatly complained of. Some

cotton mills, which have done good, by employing young people. A common lately divided in the neighbourhood, which has turned out well.

Arrived at Leeds.

Leeds is situated on the river Aire. It is a very ancient, and populous town, and was of considerable repute during the Saxon government. The woollen manufac∣tory has flourished here for several ages, which has both enriched the inhabitants, and increased the value of all the land in the neighbourhood.

The following is the most accurate accounts we could procure of the state of hus∣bandry near Leeds.

The soil variable—a great part of it good, generally loam upon a clay bottom. Climate dry. Land possessed by small proprietors, and mostly occupied by manu∣facturers: a few of what are here called large farmers, having from 100 to 150 acres of land. Land employed partly in pasture, partly in meadow, and a propor∣tion in tillage, but ought to be all in grass upon account of the great demand from Leeds for milk. Some clover, and rye-grass sown. The stock kept upon the pastures are cows and horses belonging to the manufacturers. Part of the land watered and turns out well. Grains cultivated are wheat, barley, oats, and beans; also some rape, and turnips, which are generally sown broadcast. A few beans are drilled. Fallowing much practised. Large quantities of potatoes raised, and a great demand for them. Much lime is used, and both grass, and fallow dunged. An ex∣cellent manure is got from the sizing boilers' waste, which is the bones and remains of sheep feet, cows feet, and sloughs of horns. Horses only used.—Seed time, and har∣vest early. Land mostly inclosed, and rents greatly raised thereby. Inclosures from 5 to 8 acres, and the smallest ones most valuable, being possessed by clothiers, who have no use for large ones. Inclosing in a manufacturing county must increase po∣pulation. Very little waste land but what might be improved by dividing and inclos∣ing. Wages.—Masons 15s. to 18s. per week. Carpenters the same. Mill-wrights, 18s. to 21s. and day labourers 9s. to 12s. Journeymen clothiers each from 9s. to 15s. per week. Ploughmen £ 12. per annum, with victuals and beer. Very lit∣tle paring and burning, unless where commons are newly divided—the expence from 19s. to 27s. per acre. Not much wood, as land can be used to far greater advantage otherwise. Provisions high—Beef 4½d. and 5d. and much higher in spring. Roads in general but tolerable, owing to their being let to undertakers, who neglect them. Houses for manufactures well constructed; and a great many more wanted. Few leases—when granted, their duration from 3 to 15 years. The nature of the covenants in them is, that the tenant pays all taxes, keeps all in repair, is bound not to break up any grass land, under penalties, that run from 5s. to £20. per acre, and to have at least two-thirds of the farm in grass; upon the tillage part he must not take above 3 crops without fallowing, and all the fallows must be limed.

Broad cloth and other different manufactures are carried on here, which have greatly increased rents. There are no agricultural societies, but the people have a great turn for improvements—the expence is not regarded. Several inclosure bills have passed for moors in the neighbourhood, which have produced the most beneficial consequences. Tithes both small and great, drawn in kind, but the general opinion

is, that a compensation in money, in place of them, would operate as a great encou∣ragement to improvements. It was also the opinion of our informers, that a general inclosure bill, upon proper principles, would be of great public utility; as by it, they said, much expence would be saved to individuals, houses would be provided for ma∣nufacturers, and the people prevented from emigrating.

Left Leeds, and proceeded to Bradford. Rather more corn land than we have as yet seen during the survey, but all in bad order. A good deal of oak wood about Kirkstall Abbey, about 3 miles from Leeds. Observed a plough at work, and drawn by 4 stout horses all in a line. The plough of a very indifferent construction, and taking a very ebb furrow, not the depth of what 2 horses will do when yoked properly abreast—the land very much damaged by the large sweep the horses took when turning. Saw another plough upon a soft moor going with 3 horses—a very ebb furrow but the straightest we have as yet seen in Yorkshire. Indeed in those parts of the coun∣try we have hitherto surveyed, ploughs are so scarce, that they may almost, like horses at Venice, be shewn as a curiosity.

Information got at Bradford.

The nature of the soil various, some parts being rich loam, and others of a cold watery quality. Climate healthful. Land is possessed by small proprietors, and occu∣pied by small farmers and manufacturers. It is almost all in grass, and the seeds sown are mostly those called, natural hay-seeds. Cows are the principal stock that is kept. Where the land is in tillage, wheat and beans are sown in small quantities, but oats are the principal crop. Some good farmers adopt the modern rotation of turnips, barley, clover, and wheat. Fallowing is practised, but often in a very slovenly manner, and the rotation in that case is, wheat, oats and oats; or wheat, beans, and oats. The country is all inclosed; inclosures small, few exceeding 6 acres, and by them the country has both been enriched and the land improved. Labourers wages, 9s. per week. Plough∣men £ 12 per annum, with victuals, lodging, and washing. Paring and burning only practised where heath ground is broke up. Few leases are granted, those that are, are generally for 11 years, and the covenants are, to lime all the fallows; not to take more crops than 3; to keep the premises in repair; not to sell hay, straw, or manure, provinci∣ally, tillage; and not to assign. No practices can be pointed out here, that would be of advantage in other districts, the inhabitants having both their minds and capitals fixed upon trade.

Arrived at Halifax—the whole country from Bradford to this place, being almost a continued village; roads bad ever since we lest Leeds, and materials very scarce. Ob∣served most of the roads are provided with a foot-path, paved with free stones, which is a most useful measure; but, strange to tell, every person upon horseback uses the foot-paths. The first person we saw going upon these large polished stones at full speed, we thought wrong in the head, and every moment expected his horse would come down, and break the rider's neck; but a short time convinced us that it was the universal practice.

Halifax is a large and populous town, and is situated upon the river Calder. It stands upon a gentle descent from east to west, which makes it pleasant and conve∣nient.

The houses are, in general, built of brick, though free-stone appears to abound in the neighbourhood; and as little attention appears to have been paid to the laying out the town at first, the streets and buildings are rather irregular and confused. The woollen manufacture has here flourished for near three centuries; and though the soil in the neighbourhood has been originally barren, and probably, for that reason, was chosen as a proper place for carrying on manufactures, yet the industry of the people has been so great, as to improve almost every spot near the place, thereby making good the old proverb, that a barren soil is an excellent whetstone to promote industry.

The parish of Halifax is in the warpentake of Morley, and consists of 26 townships or hamlets. The parish is of great extent, and supposed equal in size to the whole county of Rutland. It is about 17 miles in length, and 11 in breadth. From this extent it clearly appears that the ground must have been a barren waste, and the po∣pulation of small amount, when the parish was formed.

Several parts of the parish afford coals, which are absolutely necessary for carrying on that extensive trade, for which this neighbourhood is famous. The air is good, and chiefly blows from the west and south-west, and often attended with heavy falls of rain; but, as there is but little level land in the parish, the rain which falls soon runs off, and of consequence the country is clean and dry, which contributes both to the ease and health of the inhabitants.

We observed some fences of a very uncommon kind in this neighbourhood. Large flag stones of 3 feet height, set upon their end, are fastened in the ground, which make a fence both complete and agreeable. We cannot speak to the expence, but as stones of that kind are here in plenty; we suppose a fence of this kind will be com∣paratively cheap.

The cloth hall at Halifax, is a large building, the area being 300 feet in length, by 240 in breadth. Part of it is 3 stories high, the remainder 2 stories, and it contains, no less than 315 different rooms, where the manufactures of the town and neighbour∣hood are exposed to sale. It is open each Saturday at 10 o'clock, and is shut by 12 o'clock. A bell is rung when the market commences, and ceases; and those who purchase before or after market are liable to a penalty. The original cost of the building was £ 12,000; and we were informed that the value of goods in the hall is never considered at less than £ 50,000 at a time.

Waited upon William Walker, Esq. at Crownest near Halifax, and examined his im∣provements, which are executed with singular taste and ingenuity. Mr. Walker waters his ground with great success, and it is all laid off with great attention for this purpose. All his inclosures are in perfect order, and his farm offices in the neatest condition.

Mr. Walker was so kind as to favour us with the following accounts of the husbandry in the parish of Halifax.

The soil varies much, but in general is naturally poor. Proprietors both large and small. Farms mostly small, and occupied by manufacturers for the conveniency of keeping a cow or two, for the use of their families, and conveying their goods to the mill and to the markets. The land is principally in meadow pasture grass, and is sown with natural hay-seeds, rib-grass, and rye-grass; and where it is not used for the manufac∣turer, as mentioned above, it is pastured with a mixed stock of horned cattle and sheep. Great advantages are found to result from overflowing the meadows at proper sea∣sons,

and particularly in time of floods. Land is generally fallowed after the third crop. Sometimes turnips are taken upon the fallow, then barley, clover, wheat, or oats. A small quantity of wheat is sown, and very few beans. The lands, except the heath moors, are mostly inclosed, but there are doubts, whether any advantages at all have resulted from inclosing the waste lands in this parish. The size of inclo∣sures are in general from 2 to 4 acres. Inclosing in this parish has certainly had no tendency to decrease population. The extent of waste ground, if we include the heath, can scarcely be guessed at. It is, however, very considerable, and there is some worth the expence of inclosing for cultivation: at any rate, it is worthy of con∣sideration, whether it is not a desirable object, that each freeholder's property be as∣certained, that such as are inclined to improvement, may do so by planting or otherwise. Wages high, husbandmen get from 18d. to 20d. per day; in time of harvest 2s. Great attention is paid to draining, which is done in a complete manner with stones. A very inconsiderable quantity of wood-land in this parish. Price of provisions, butter 12d, beef 3½d. and 4½, mutton 4½ and 5d. veal 4d. and 4½. The roads are very bad. The houses and offices are built for the accommodation of the ma∣nufacturer, not of the farmer. Leases are granted for various terms, from 7 to 21 years; but very frequently no leases at all are granted. The principal manufacture here is woollen and worsted goods, and some cottons. Manufactures are the grand object of persons of all descriptions, and the land is divided into small farms, in aid of the ma∣nufacturer. There are very few who attend, in any degree, to the cultivation and improvement of the ground, which is regarded only as a secondary object.

Set off for Wakefield. The soil appeared thin for a considerable part of the way, and rather of an inferior quality. At Dewsbury the ground turned better, and a num∣ber of fine fields appeared upon the banks of the Calder below this place. The road from Halifax to Wakefield in most shocking condition, and the heaviest stage we have travelled. Observed the materials are of bad quality, and that to render them harder, a great part of them are burnt before they are laid on the road; also that clay was burnt into a kind of brick, and used likewise for repairing the roads. Want of proper materials is a local disadvantage, for which the road surveyors can never be blamed. They seemed however to us, to be carrying on the repairs upon bad prin∣ciples: instead of filling up the old ruts, which were very deep, and levelling the sur∣face, a new covering was laid indiscriminately on, which will never bed firmly, or consolidate in any situation. Besides, the repairs were carrying on at an improper season, for the roads appeared to receive considerable damage from driving the materials.

Saw 3 large strong horses this afternoon, drawing a light break harrow, which might have been easily worked with two. The horses go uniformly in a line, and seem much stronger than any we saw in the northern parts of the Riding.

Wakefield is a large well-built market town, and possesses a considerable share of the cloathing trade. It is very populous, and has two market days weekly, at which great quantities of cloth, wool, corn, and provisions of all kinds are sold. It stands upon the river Calder, which by an act of Parliament 1698 was made navigable as far as this place. A canal is, at this present time, making from hence to Barnsley.

From Wakefield to Pontefract, the soil is much drier, and corn fields more nume∣rous. Passed a large common field, which appeared in very bad order. Arrived at Pontefract, and met with a number of intelligent farmers, from whom we received

much information. They all concurred in one sentiment with regard to tithes, viz. that it would be a material encouragement to improvements if they were commuted; also that every common field in the kingdom ought to be divided. Provisions very high. Barley sold in the market this day at 40s. per quarter.

Information received at Pontefract, about the cultivation of Liquorice, from Mr. Hally, seedsman and nurseryman there.

The soil most proper for liquorice, is that of a deep, light, sandy loam. It is trenched three feet, well dunged, and planted with stocks and runners in the months of February and March, on beds of one yard wide, thrown up in ridges, with alleys betwixt them, and the beds hoed and hand-weeded. The first year a crop of onions, is taken in the alleys, and the tops of the liquorice cut over every year. The ground is trenched when the liquorice is taken up, and all the fibres cut off. A considerable quantity more than 100 acres, is cultivated in this neighbourhood. It is a very pre∣carious plant, often rotten by wetness, and also hurt by sharp frosts in the spring, and dry weather afterwards. Rent of the land, upon which it is cultivated, about 3 l. per acre.

Mr. Halley also cultivates rhubarb, and has done it to advantage. The quality is •…•…ed good, and he lately received a medal from the society of arts for the culture of it. Land about Pontefract of very fine quality, sets from 40 to 50s. per acre, and is kept ••early in equal proportions of pasture and tillage.

Waited upon Mr. Green at Cridling Park near Ferrybridge. Mr. Green rents this farm from one of the colleges at Cambridge. Is a complete farmer, and keeps his land in good order, but is •…•…surdly restricted by his lease from breaking up old grass. Here we received the following information.

Soil of various qualities, lime-stone, clay, and sand, being the prevailing ones. Upon the lime-stone the following rotation is adopted. 1st. fallow, 2d. barley, 3d. clover, 4th. wheat. Upon the clay, 1st. fallow, 2d. wheat, 3d. beans, 4th. wheat or oats. Upon the •…•…nd, turnips, barley, clover, and wheat. Both estates and farms generally large, and the farms kept in equal proportions of pasture and tillage. Does not water his land, but wishes it was in his power, as he thinks the practice ad∣vantageous. A great deal of lime used; about 48 bushels applied to the acre, and repeated every fallow. The fallow also manured with stable and pigeon dung. Ploughs of the Dutch kind, and wrought sometimes with two horses abreast, at other times with three abreast, and often with four, yoked in pairs. Seed time and harvest early. Land all inclosed, and the size from 5 to 12 acres. Advantages of inclosing great, and population increased by it. Some common fields, which would be greatly improved by dividing and inclosing. Very little waste land; servants wages 10s. per week, and find themselves in victuals; and from 5s. to 6s. when kept in the house. Paring and burning only practised upon the commons that are taken in, and upon old coarse land; expence from 16s. to 24s. Wood sufficient to serve country purposes. Provisions high, beef and mutton about one penny per pound higher in the spring months than at this time of the year. Farm houses and offices might be greatly improved; some leases granted for 21 years; but the practice of giving them from year to year, is fast coming in, which is both a loss to the farmer, and a bar to im∣provements.

Thinks restrictions in the lease a hardship upon a good farmer. The people have a turn for improvements. Thinks that a general inclosure bill would be of material advantage to the public.

Proceeded southward for Mr. Gill's at Natton. The lands upon the road of good quality, and well farmed. Fallows clean. Saw some very large fields of wheat making a vigorous appearance.

Information from Mr. Gill.

Soil generally of good quality, part of it gravel, the rest clay, upon a wet bottom. About two-thirds of the ground kept in tillage, and one-third in pasture. Red and white clover sown with rye-grass. Breeds a few horses, and feeds both cattle and sheep. Rotation—fallow, upon which turnips are taken, barley, clover, and wheat, sometimes oats. Uses a good deal of lime, but applies only 30 bushels to the acre. Brings great quantities of bones from Sheffield, which is at 20 miles distance, and lays on 50 bushels per acre; costs from 15d. to 18d. per bushel, besides carriage. Plough of the Dutch kind, and wrought mostly with two horses abreast, but some∣times with four in strong land. Carts of the ordinary construction of the country, and drawn by three horses. Land all inclosed, which Mr. Gill thinks of great ad∣vantage. Size of inclosures from 2 to 14 acres. Thinks small inclosures very hurt∣ful. There are several common fields in the neighbourhood, which should be divided and inclosed; very little waste land; wages of a ploughman, £ 11 per annum, and victuals. A good deal of land is drained, big stones being set in the bottom of the drain, leaning towards one another, and filled up with small stones. Paring and burn∣ing practised here; but the landlord's consent must be got—expence 20s. per acre. Roads generally good and well managed, but materials bad. Funds are 6 days labour of a team for £50 rent, and 9d. per pound assessment upon the rent. No leases granted, which he thinks retards improvements. Tithes paid for in money, at the rate of 6s. or 7s. per acre. Sheep in this neighbourhood are either of the Scotch kind, or purchased at Peniston, from the moors in the western parts of the county: the wool of the former sells for about 8d. per lb. the other 9d. People have a turn for improvements, and know no obstacles but the want of leases, and payment of tithes.

Having a letter for Mr. Spencer Stanhope, of Cannon hall, we went there, but un∣luckily he was from home, being with the West Riding Militia, at Tinmouth barracks. Called for the steward;—who gave it as his opinion that it would be for the public interest, that all land was set under lease, with proper restrictions.* 1.1

Arrived at Bretton hall, the seat of Mr. Beaumont, and experienced the greatest at∣tention from that gentleman. He was at the trouble personally to shew us a part of

his large estate, which is farmed in as complete a style as any in Yorkshire. Saw very fine broadcast turnips at Mr. Brook's, one of Mr. Beaumont's tenants: they were re∣markably clean, a thing rather uncommon in this country. Were introduced to se∣veral of the tenants, whom we found sensible, industrious men. They were busy sow∣ing their clover leas with wheat. Their young grasses were making a most vigorous, close, and equal appearance. Mr. Beaumont has a good deal of wood upon his estate, which is very thriving and profitable. Farm-houses and offices are excellently constructed, and well situated. Understood the late Sir Thomas Blacket, Mr. Beaumont's father-in-law, was very attentive to these matters; and although he granted no leases, was other∣wise a kind and indulgent master.

Examined Mr. Beaumont's flock of sheep: those of the Shetland breed are not doing well; whether the climate is against that kind or not, we cannot say, but the fact is, they are not thriving in body, and their wool is fallen off.

The Ryeland or Hereford breed are doing but middling, and the Peniston or country breed, best of all. It will be a curious fact, if it turns out that the original breed of every country is best adapted to the nature of the soil and climate. Saw some good sheep at Mr. Hague's one of Mr. Beaumont's tenants. Mr. Hague, had three sorts, one from the Duke of Newcastle in Nottinghamshire, one of his own breed, and the other of the Peniston. We thought his own excellent. Mr. Hague has got a tup of the Bakewell sort, with whom he is to cross his own ewes, which we thought would produce a capital breed.

Saw two threshing machines of the small construction, each drawn with two horses, and making clean work, One of them was threshing wheat, the other oats, and the draught appeared quite easy to the horses.

Went and viewed a large cloth manufacture at Netherton, upon Mr. Beaumont's es∣tate. The whole progress is here carried on, from buying the wool, to finishing the goods. Every thing appeared carried on in a regular manner, by Mr. Bryant the manufacturer. Wool chiefly from Norfolk and Sussex, with some Spanish. Mr. Bryant has 80 acres of land, adjoining his manufactory, which he has highly improved by bruised bones, and the refuse of the boiled size used in his manufactory.

From Mr. Beaumont's steward and tenants, we received instructing information relative to the husbandry practised upon his estate. Is would take too much of this journal to give the whole of it, must therefore content ourselves with an abridge∣ment.

The soil is variable, chiefly hazle kind of earth, mixed with clay and a loamy sand, both retentive of water. Some parts dry and sharp, well adapted for turnips, which are generally cultivated upon all the fallows, and eaten with sheep. Proprietors here, are Mr. Beaumont, Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Stanhope, &c. Size of farms from 150 to 200 acres. Land chiefly in tillage; one-third only kept in pasture; several rotations of crops are practised; 1st. fallow, wheat, oats, and barley. 2d. turnips, barley, clo∣ver, and wheat. Often hay-seeds and white clover is sown with the barley, upon which sheep are pastured for two or three years. No land watered, but thought ad∣viseable when opportunity allows. Manures used are dung, lime, rape dust, and lately a great deal of bones. Mr. Hague, says bones answer best on the turnip land, 100 bushels of bone, and four loads of dung, mixed with good earth, is laid upon a statute acre. Quantity of lime applied to the acre, generally about 90 bushels.

Rape dust one chalder per acre, price £ 3. 12s. besides carriage. Rape often sown for sheep feed, but not cultivated for seed; at least what is done, is in very small quantities. Carriages with broad wheels are used for the fields, and narrow wheels for the roads. Ploughs used, are of the Dutch or Rotheram kind, yoked sometimes with two horses abreast, at other times three in a line. No oxen used; wheat sown from the beginning of October, to the end of November; sometimes to February, after turnips: but that season not approved of: spring corn in March and April. Harvest variable, generally commences about the 18th August, and over by Michaelmas. Land chiefly inclosed; inclosing of great advantage, and thought to be one-fourth more value than open field. Inclosures from two to twenty acres; average about ten acres; inclosing thought to increase population. A few common fields in the neighbourhood, and these thought to be under bad management; very little waste land: wages for ploughmen £ 12 per annum, with victuals, washing, and drink. In harvest, labourers 2s. per day, and 2s. 6d. with beer. Hours of work from six to six, with one hour allowed to din∣ner, and another for the two drinkings: in winter from light to dark. Draining a most necessary article of improvement, and great attention bestowed on it; two stones being set up leaning on each other, and the drain filled up with small stones. Paring and burning practised, but not thought good farming; expence when done 21 s. per acre, with beer, which makes it equal to 24s. A good deal of oak and ash wood in the neighbourhood, generally cut once in 21 years, a regular portion being done annually, sometimes sells so high as £80. per acre. Provisions—beef from 3d. to 5 d. mutton 4½d. butter 11 d. and 1 s. all avoirdupois weight. Roads in this township good, but bad in many others; supported by the statute work of six days labour of a team for every £50. rent, and 6 d. a pound assessment; but this rate may be raised higher by the justices, if they see necessary. Farm houses and offices good, and well con∣structed for serving the purposes of husbandry. Some manufactures creeping in, which are raising wages. The people here have a great turn to improvements, and have no obstacle but want of leases; which from the kindness of their landlord, is little felt. There is no restriction upon their management that is hurtful, but one, which prevents them from breaking up their grass land that has lain six years, without the landlord's consent.

Mr. Slinger at Emly Woodhouse, upon Mr. Beaumont's estate, practises the drill husbandry both for wheat, pease, and beans; but does not think drilling at all times and in every situation, adviseable. Mr. Slinger uses a machine for threshing his corn, which he thinks does the work much better than is done by the flail: and which machines are particularly necessary here, since wages became so extravagantly high. No want of hands in this neighbourhood to cut the crop. In the year 1792, the scarcity was great in the East-Riding, but felt here no farther than rising wages. An inclosing bill lately passed for dividing land near Wakefield; but as it is not yet put in execution, cannot say how it will operate,—are unanimously of opinion that all commons ought to be divided, as they know some that formerly carried only some beggarly sheep, now improved into good fields.

Arrived at Barnsley.

Barnsley, or Black Barnsley, is a town of considerable size, and situated in the wa∣pentake of Staincross; it carries on a considerable trade in wire, and has a manufactory

for bleaching and weaving linen yarn, which is in a flourishing state. There is a weekly market held here, where corn and all sorts of provisions are sold. It being mar∣ket day when we were there, had an opportunity to see the quality of the different grains. Wheat and barley good, but the oats very indifferent, which in general we found to be the case over all the West Riding.

At Barnsley we received information from several persons, relative to the agricul∣ture of the neighbourhood.

Soil generally clay and gravel. Climate mild. The greatest part of the land in the hand of small proprietors. Size of farms 20 acres and upwards. Greatest part of the land in tillage. Pasture sown with white clover, trefoil, and hay-seeds. Some red clover which is ploughed down for wheat. All kinds of grain sown, 3 crops to a fallow. Rota∣tion, as usually practised upon the dry land, is turnips, barley, clover, and wheat. A good deal of lime used, 4 chalders applied to the acre, with some bone manure. Plough of the Dutch kind; 3 horses commonly yoked in a line, and sometimes 4 upon the clay land. Land mostly inclosed, the inclosures from 4 to 10 acres. Some common fields, but thought one-third less in value than inclosed lands. Paring and burning practised—thought useful when old grass land is broke up. Country sufficiently wooded, both with oak and ash. The people have a turn for improvements, if they were not prevented by want of leases and injurious covenants betwixt them and their landlords.

The land to the southward of Barnsley of the finest quality, being either a clay or a loam fit for turnips, and a great proportion of it kept in tillage. Mr. Hemmingway at Wombwell, gave us an account of his practice, which is very correct. He keeps about one-fourth of his farm in pasture, which is sown down with white clover and hay∣seeds; sometimes sows red clover by itself, pastures it in the spring, and then lets the crop stand for seed; sows white clover for the same purpose, and has often 6 bushels red per acre, and 4 bushels white. If good in quality, a bushel weighs 66 lb. Employs his pasture to support his farm stock, and in feeding ewes and lambs—ewes of the long woolled kind from Northumberland, and rams of the Bakewell breed. Does not water any land but approves of it when situation allows. Cultivates turnips in large quantities, some of them drilled. Fallows every fourth year, and manures with dung, rape dust, and bones. Plough of the Dutch kind, and wrought with two horses abreast. Carts long in the body, and of the same construction with the rest of the country. Land mostly inclosed—inclosures from 5 to 15 acres. Does not think inclosing can ever decrease population. Pares and burns old grass land, expence 21s. per acre. Pays great atten∣tion to draining—makes the drains 2 feet deep, 18 inches wide at top, and 12 at bot∣tom, and fills them with stones. Roads very bad, and materials scarce. Few leases granted, which he thinks a bad plan.

From Barnsley to Peniston the country falls off, and is of a moorish soil near the lat∣ter place. A market for sheep is held, and large quantities of those that go by that name, are sold weekly. They are bred on the moors to the westward of Peniston, and on those of Cheshire and Derbyshire—prices at present low, and sale dull. Had a meeting with several farmers, who communicated to us the following information con∣cerning the husbandry of the adjoining country.

The climate cold and backward to vegetation. Soil very variable, but mostly wet and spongy, and a great deal of moor carrying little but heath. Proprietors small,

Mr. Bosville of Gurthwaite, the representative of one of the oldest families in the county, being the only large one. Farms likewise small, except upon the moors. In the vicinity of the town about one half is ploughed, but in the moors there is little or no tillage at all. The stock is sheep and long horned cattle, of the Derbyshire breed, which are smaller than the Craven breed. Little grain is cultivated, except oats and a small quantity of wheat. Dung chiefly applied to the meadow land that has been cut for hay, and 2 chalders of lime per acre laid upon the fallows. Plough wrought with 4 horses yoked in a line. Few oxen used. Seed time and harvest late, sometimes November before the harvest is concluded. Some land about the place inclosed, but to the westward it is all common moors; which ought at least to be divided, and every man's property laid by itself. A great deal of the land needs draining, but the proper method of doing it, not well understood. Farmers generally debarred from paring and burning, but thought a great means of improvement upon some lands. Few proprie∣tors grant leases, but it would be for the advantage of the farmer to have them.—The Rev. Mr. Horsefall, in answer to this question said, if he was a farmer, he would lay out his money more frankly under the security of a lease, than if he had none. Many restrictions are in the leases, or yearly bargains.—Some farmers thought to need them, but an active industrious man hurt by limitations.

Left Peniston for Sheffield. Most of the way the soil indifferent.—Saw some patches of turnips, but none of them good. Road to Sheffield high, and very un∣equal: Fine country to the northward, and abounding with oak-wood.

Sheffield is situated upon the river Don, and has long been a staple place for cut∣lery ware of all kinds. It is a populous town, containing not less than 40,000 inha∣bitants. The lord of the manor is the Duke of Norfolk, who likewise possesses a large estate in the neighbourhood.

Information from Mr. Peach at the Angel Inn, who occupies several farms.

Soil generally of a deep clay, and from the quantity of manure, very rich.—Cli∣mate moderate. Some great proprietors, such as the Duke of Norfolk; but a number of small freeholders. In the neighbourhood, most part of the farms are small, and the Duke of Norfolk is reducing their size, as fast as the leases expire, for the con∣veniency of the inhabitants. About a third part of the land is kept in tillage. Grasses sown for pasture are, white clover, and hay-seeds, and red clover, and a little rye-grass for cutting. Rotation practised by Mr. Peach is, after breaking up his pasture land,—oats, winter tares, oats again, frequently wheat, pease, and then summer fal∣low; which is ploughed as often as possible. Limes most of the fallows from Derby∣shire, with 2 five-horse waggon loads per acre, the prime cost of which is, £1. 2s. carriage £2. 10s. in all £3. 12s. per acre, lays it on before harvest. The Derby∣shire lime answers better than the kind brought from the neighbourhood of Doncas∣ter; but the latter sort thought superior for building. Cultivates a good deal of turnips, all in broadcast; sold some this season, to be drawn, at £12. per acre. Uses bone dust, which answers well upon wet land. Yokes 2 horses in a plough, but sometimes, when the land is stiff, employs more. Wishes to sow as early as possible, as the harvest is rather late. Wages high, a good ploughman £14. per annum, with victuals and beer; labourers 10s. 6d. per week, with beer. In hay time and harvest gives them victuals also. Inclosing a great improvement, and increases population.

No common fields here, but thinks them bad things. A great deal of waste land within a few miles of the town, which would be valuable if divided and inclosed. Leases generally granted here.—The Duke of Norfolk grants them for 21 years; where they are not granted, thinks there is no encouragement to improve. Thinks there should be no restrictions in any lease, but for the last 3 years.—Provisions high, beef and mutton 4½d. veal 5d. and much higher in spring. Is not fond of paring and burning, unless in particular situations. Drains a great deal; in wet bot∣toms, lays brush-wood first, and stones above. Roads generally bad, but more atten∣tion paid to them since the mail-coach came this way.—Thinks the agriculture of the neighbourhood is greatly improved by trade and manufactures; they provide a large quantity of additional manure, and a good market for the produce, which much more than compensates for the increase of wages occasioned by them.

Waited upon John Booth, Esq. of Brush-house, about three miles from Sheffield, who obligingly favoured us with the following information.

Soil in this neighbourhood a hazle loam, well calculated for turnips—Climate mid∣dling—Average gage of rain 33 inches in a season, which is about a medium be∣twixt what falls in Lancashire, and on the east coast. Large proprietors are the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Fitzwilliam, and Countess of Bute; but there is a number of small freeholders. Farms small; in the neighbourhood of Sheffield, from 20 to 60 acres. Near that place three-fourths of the land is in pasture, and at a greater dis∣tance, about one-half. Some red clover, and rye-grass is sown, but the general practice is to sow white clover, with hay-seeds. The pasture grass is chiefly stocked with milk cows, and a few sheep, which are mostly of the Peniston breed. Little land is watered, but approves of it when it can be conveniently practised. Rotation of crops most approved of is turnips, barley, clover, and wheat. Fallow practised, but not on a large scale, unless in case of turnips. A great deal of bone dust used, 40 bushels to the acre, at 18d. per bushel; but has done it to the extent of 80 bushels per acre, with advantage; ploughs with two horses abreast; does not approve of the large carts and waggons, and thinks carts of a smaller construction of more utility to the husbandman. Wages for labourers are 10s. per week, and a free house. Mow∣ing corn, from 6s. to 10s. per acre, grass 3s. No want of hands for harvest work; approves of paring and burning on old grass land, expence 21 s. per acre. Country not sufficiently wooded, a great deal more wanted. Duke of Norfolk has about 1500 acres of wood in this parish; cuts once in 24 years, and leaves a number of trees of different ages each cutting.

Thinks if the waste lands and moors were divided, planting upon them would thrive and do well. Roads might be greatly improved; surveyors recommended by a vestry meeting; and reports made of the work annually. Farm houses and offices impro∣perly constructed, and badly situated; often built at random, without any attention paid to the situation or convenience of the farm. Most part of the proprietors here grant leases, and think it impossible to practise good farming without them. Thinks many of the covenants in the leases are destructive to improvements; manufactures of great use to agriculture; no agricultural societies here at present; but remembers one formerly at Sheffield, which subsisted for a number of years. Several inclosing bills have lately passed for fields in this neighbourhood, which have produced very be∣neficial consequences. Thinks people have a turn for improvements.

Information from Mr. Odey, at Darnhill near Sheffield.

Soil in general loamy, and inclined to moisture, and the land in the immediate vi∣cinity of Sheffield chiefly employed in pasture, hay, and gardens; all grains cultivated, but no regular rotation. Little land fallowed in this neighbourhood; manures used, are stable dung, lime, and bone dust; fresh land when taken up, is sown with wheat, then beans; and continued under the same crops as long as possible. Difference be∣twixt common field and inclosed land of similar quality, £ 25. per cent. Paring and burning practised, even upon the stubbles, which are often pared every year. The country not sufficiently wooded, owing to the great demand from the manufacturers. Leases generally granted from 11 to 21 years. Restricted in general by them, to keep two-thirds in grass; manufactures have a good effect on agriculture, but the manufacturing interest preponderates so much here, that agriculture becomes only a secondary object. Thinks that tithes are a hardship, and a great bar to the improvement of agriculture. When Mr. Odey first occupied this farm, only four loads of wheat were produced upon the acre; but now owing to the improvements made by him, at a great expence, twelve loads are produced.

Bone dust, or as it is here called, hand tillage, is used to great extent upon all the fields for twenty miles round Sheffield. Bones of all kinds are gathered with the greatest industry, and are even imported from distant places. They are broke through a mill made for that purpose; are sometimes laid on the ground without any mixture; but it is supposed most advantageous to mix them up with rich earth, into a compost, and when fermentation has taken place, is the proper time to lay them on the ground. We also heard of another manure, which can never be more than a local one, viz. the refuse of hogs bristles from the brush manufactories. One gentle∣man informed us that he had manured four acres with this refuse, and that its effect greatly surpassed that of street dung, which the rest of the field had been covered with.

Leaving Sheffield, we came to Rotheram, which is a place famous for iron works. Examined several farms in the neighbourhood, which are generally in good order, par∣ticularly that of Mr. Taylor at Canklaw Mills. This farm is held upon a lease of 21 years from the Duke of Norfolk, and appears under excellent management.

Mr. Taylor deals largely in the turnip and grass husbandry. His land intended for turnips next season had, when we were there, (November 9th) got three plough∣ings, and appeared almost as clean as many summer fallows. His inclosures are in ca∣pital order, all hedges being neatly dressed, and completely fencible. Keeps a great many sheep, which are of the Dishley breed, and his pastures are of fine quality, be∣ing as close at the bottom as if 10 years old, although but newly sown down.

At Aldwark near Rotheram, we received the following information from Mr. Wig∣full.

The soil about two or three miles round this place, is in general a rich hazle loam, and the climate is warm and dry. The principal proprietors are the Duke of Norfolk, Duke of Leeds, Earl Fitzwilliam, Earl of Strafford, Mr. Foljambe, and the Messrs. Walkers. But there are also a great number of small proprietors. Farms small in size, being mostly from 20 to 70 acres, and kept nearly in equal proportions of pas∣ture and tillage. The grasses cultivated, are chiefly white clover and hay-seeds. Red

clover is sown by itself, and reserved for seed. Not many cattle or sheep bred in the neighbourhood, but a good number of horses since they advanced in price. All kinds of grain are cultivated here; and the general rotation is fallow or turnips, barley, clo∣ver, and wheat. The manures used, are stable dung, rape dust, bone dust, horn shavings, &c. Land mostly inclosed, which Mr. Wigfull thinks has increased the value of land one-fourth. The wages here are high; ploughmen 10s. per week, be∣sides drink. Labourers eighteen pence and two shillings per day. Farm houses and offices are very improperly situated. They ought to be placed, if possible, in the middle of the farm, and not in a corner, as at present. The public roads are gene∣rally good, but a number of the by ones are in miserable order. Manufactures of iron and steel, are carried on in the neighbourhood to great extent, which are found to produce good effects upon agriculture, by increasing the riches of the country, and consequently affording a ready market for every article the farmer raises. The peo∣ple have a great turn for improvements, but their genius is cramped for want of leases, and by injurious restrictions laid on them by the proprietors. Tithes are generally drawn here in kind, both small and great. Mr. Wigfull suggested that it would be a great improvement in other places of the country, to introduce the sowing winter ••ares, which are excellent spring food for horses when their keep is very dear; and was likewise of opinion, it would be a great improvement in his own neighbourhood, if the corn was cut lower, which would not only take the crop up much cleaner, but also be the means of accumulating a large additional quantity of manure.

Mr. Wigfull was of very great service to us during our stay in the neighbourhood, and was the means of introducing us to a large company of intelligent farmers, at the house of Mr. John Hall, at Icklea, from whom we received most interesting informa∣tion. We here give an abstract of it.

The majority of farms are small, and about two-thirds of them kept in tillage. A variety of grasses are sown; such as red and white clover, trefoil, rye grass, and above all, hay-seeds. These seeds, when intended for pasture, are sown very thick, no less than eighteen pounds weight white clover, and three quarters of hay-seeds, to the sta∣tute acre. Cattle are of the long horned breed, but most of the pasture is eat by sheep of the Bakewell kind; which breed is fast spreading in this part of the country. Very little land watered here; but the practice thought advantageous, and in proper situations esteemed of equal value to a top dressing of manure. All sorts of grains are cultivated, red wheat especially. Rotation; turnips upon the dry land, otherwise summer fallow, barley, clover, wheat, oats, or pease; four crops generally taken to a fallow. A great deal of lime used; applied at the rate of one hundred bushels per acre; expence 50s. Almost the whole land inclosed, which is supposed an advantage equal to one-third, and is the means of increasing population. Paring and burning much practised; expence 21s. per acre.

Farm houses and offices, in general very badly constructed, and improperly situated. People have a great turn for improvements, but are prevented by the following ob∣stacles; want of leases; restrictions in the mode of management, which hinders the farmer from exerting his abilities, and introducing new practices; and tithes, when taken in kind. Mr. Hall informed us, that the tithes of wheat were sometimes com∣muted for fifteen shillings per acre, when the landlord's rent was only twelve shillings.

Mr. Hall has a rape mill; and manufactures a great deal of oil, which is generally sold to Lancashire. Purchases rape seed in the East Riding, and Norfolk; pre∣sent price £ 3 per quarter, and five quarters often raised upon an acre.

Having a letter from Sir John Sinclair to Earl Fitzwilliam, we proceeded to Went∣worth-house, but unluckily his lordship was in Northamptonshire. Delivered the let∣ter to Mr. Bounds, his chief steward, who paid us every attention, and from whom we received full information relative to the management of his lordship's large and va∣luable estate. Mr. Bounds was at the trouble of bringing some of the principal farmers in the neighbourhood to us, from whom we received full and accurate answers to the different queries we had circulated. The following is the substance of the intelligence we received.

Soil variable; both clay upon a wet bottom, and a hazle loam; farms small, not many above £ 100 rent, and chiefly kept in tillage, not above a fourth part being in pasture; grasses cultivated are natural hay-seeds, white clover and tresoil; little red clover sown; both sheep and cattle fed upon the pastures. The cattle are generally of the Craven breed; sheep partly of the polled sort, and a good many from the moors above Peniston. General rotation of crops is turnips, barley, clover, and wheat. Where the land is strong, it is clean summer fallowed, and sown with wheat at Mi∣chaelmas; of all the manures that are used, bone dust is sound to have the most effect; 60 bushels applied to the acre, and often bought so high as 20d. per bushel. Ploughs and carts are of the common sort; the carts are 7½ feet in length, 3 feet 2 inches in breadth, and 2 feet 2 inches deep, and will hold 1 chalder, or 32 bushels, ge∣nerally drawn by 3 horses in a line. Few oxen wrought; Lord Fitzwilliam uses some, but the farmers use horses from their being most expeditious. Land mostly inclosed, the advantages of which are great, being estimated equal to £ 25 per cwt.; the inclosures are small, being regulated by the size of the farms; few townships but what have common fields, and these ought to be divided. Not much waste land, but what is of this kind is highly improvable. Wages very high; ploughmen £ 14 a year, besides victuals, drink, and washing; labourers 2s. per day in summer, and 16d. in winter. Drains of various sizes, and filled with stones, but the extent depends upon the goodness of the farmer. A good farmer always drains where necessary, a bad one neglects it in all situations. Paring and burning practised upon strong rush land, but thought bad husbandry upon light soils. A good deal of wood in the country, but from being too early cut, woods are turning weaker and weaker; cut one in 21 years, a part being left each cutting; some trees left to the age of 60 years, a few particular ones longer, mostly used in the collieries. Provisions at present high; beef and mutton 4½d. per lb.; wheat 6s. 6d. per bushel, barley 5s. oats 3s. and beans 6s. Farm houses and offices, in general, properly constructed for the size of the farms and stock kept. Leases seldom granted. No agricultural societies; but the people have a great turn for improvement, the principal obstacle to which is pay∣ing tithes in kind. There are few estates in the neighbourhood exempt from paying both small and great tithes, but they are more usually compounded for than drawn in kind. The greatest benefits that have been produced from inclosing open fields and waste land, are in those places where the great and small tithes have been com∣muted for, either in land or money.

From a paper communicated to us, we can speak with precision upon the nature of the covenants that are here entered into by landlord and tenant.

The tenant covenants to keep all the buildings and fences in repair; to pay all par∣liamentary and parish taxes; not to plough up grass land without consent of the landlord; not to take more than 3 crops of corn before a fallow; to lay 12 cart loads of dung upon every acre so fallowed; not to sell any hay, straw, or other fodder from off the premises, but eat and consume the same thereupon; to spread all the manure arising from the premises upon some part thereof, and leave the last year's manure thereupon. The landlord covenants to allow the tenant, on quitting his farm, which is by the custom of the country at Candlemas, what two indifferent persons shall deem reasonable for what is generally called full tillage, and half tillage, being for the rent and assessments of his fallow ground, the ploughing and managing the same; the lime, manure, or other tillage laid thereon; the seed sown thereupon, the sowing and harrowing thereof; also for the ploughing, harrowing, manuring, and managing any turnip fallow, which he may leave unsown; also for any clover seed sown on the pre∣mises, and the harrowing and rolling in of such seed; and for every other matter and thing done and performed in a husbandry-like manner on such fallow lands, in the two last years of the terms; also for the last year's manure left upon the premises; and for any manure and tillage laid upon the grass land.

The custom of the country is now so well established for the tenant to have all the before-mentioned allowances on quitting his farm, that the land is at all times in a proper state of cultivation, and the in-coming tenant always prefers paying such al∣lowances, to the entering upon a farm in an impoverished and mismanaged state.

Wentworth House is situated between Rotheram and Barnsley, and is one of the largest and most magnificent houses in the kingdom. It is unnecessary here to give any description of it, as Mr. Young, in his Northern Tour, has already given a very just and complete account of it. It is surrounded by a park, which we were told con∣sisted of 1,500 acres, carrying grass of the most exquisite quality, and upon which large droves of cattle, sheep, and deer are fed.

Returning back by Rotheram, we proceeded for Parkhill, the seat of Michael An∣gelo Taylor, Esq. M. P. We were received by Mr. Taylor with the greatest kindness: walked over a number of the adjoining fields with him, and received much valuable in∣formation from him, respecting the husbandry of the neighbourhood.

The soil here is thin, rather wet, and upon lime-stone. Few turnips are cultivated, and they are all sown broadcast. Mr. Taylor shewed us a mill for breaking bones, which are in great repute in this neighbourhood, and found to answer better upon lime-stone land than any other manure. Sixty bushels are applied to the acre. Has very little effect the first year, but afterwards operates for a considerable time—we think 10 or 12 years. Prime cost at the mill 18d. per bushel, and the demand greater than can be supplied. Road from Rotheram, till we came near Parkhill, very bad, and all cut into deep tracts: a considerable part of it was almost impassable. Saw some common fields of good natural quality, near a place we think called Maltby, which were under very bad management.

Substance of information received from Mr. Arch. Taylor, farmer at Letwell, near Parkhill.

The soil is a thin lime-stone, and the climate moderate. Farms in general too small, which Mr. Taylor thinks is the cause they are occupied by a number of poor, bad farmers, as they are not worth the notice of a man of any property. Two-thirds of the

land is kept in pasture, which is sown with common hay-seeds, white clover, and fre∣foil, and fed with the Leicester breed of sheep, and long horned cattle. Mr. Taylor does not think the long horned kind good for milk, but considers them to answer best upon his thin, wet ground. Mr. Taylor's mode of farming is to plough six years, and graze five years. When he breaks up his swarth, applies 2½ chalders, or 80 bushels of lime to the acre, and sows turnips for the first crop, 2d. barley, 3d. clover, or pease and beans, 4th. wheat, 5th. clean summer fallow, 6th. wheat with grass seeds. The first year of the grass it is pastured with sheep, and manured in the following winter; next year cut for hay, from which a good crop of seeds is got; 3d, 4th, and 5th years, it is pastured with sheep. Mr. Taylor said it was not usual to grant leases, but thinks a farmer has no encouragement to improve, wanting them. Lands in this neighbourhood subject both to great and small tithes, which, Mr. Taylor says, damps every spirit of improvement. Mr. Taylor uses a great deal of bone dust, 50 bushels of which, mixed with some short manure, is sufficient for an acre. Although it is a very expensive dressing, yet as it is very durable, he considers himself well paid for the ap∣plication. Does not much practise paring and burning, as he considers it to impove∣rish the soil. The land is all inclosed, and has been so for near one hundred years. Size of inclosures from 5 to 20 acres. Cannot say whether inclosing has decreased po∣pulation or not, being so long since it took place.

From Parkhill to Bautry the road is good. Passed by Sandbeck, the seat of the Earl of Scarborough, and found the name of the place corresponded with the nature of the soil.

Information at Bautry.

Soil generally of a sandy nature, well adapted for turnips, carrots, and other drilled crops. The land is mostly in tillage, and occupied by small farmers and tradesmen. Mr. Fisher informed us, he sows red and white clover, and rye-grass; but that the greatest part of the pastures are sown with hay-seeds, the people having an antipathy to rye-grass. Rotation of crops here, are turnips, barley, clover, and rye, which an∣swers well upon soft, sandy soil. Manures are dung and bone dust. The fallows are limed with two chalders, or sixty-four bushels to the acre. Ploughs wrought with two horses abreast. Mr. Drummond here works oxen. Saw one drawing his water-cart, and working quite calm and docile. The carriages generally used, are upon six-inch wheels, and drawn with three or four horses. Lands all inclosed, which sets for double rent; but the inclosures by far too small. The land here does not stand much in need of draining, but where it is wanted, the drains are filled with brick. Paring and burning practised upon new taken in land. Expence, when done by the plough, 5s. per acre, 13s. when done by the hand, and 2s. for spreading. Few leases granted. Mr. Fisher informed us he took a farm, and, upon the faith of its not being raised, made consider∣able improvements; but as soon as these improvements were discerned, the rent was raised immediately—therefore Mr. Fisher thinks the want of leases must always be a bar in the way of improvements. The tithes are commuted at about 8s. per acre. The great tithes belong to the Duke of Norfolk, and the small ones to the clergy. There was lately a society at Bautry for improving Agriculture, which did much good, but it has been given up for two years past.

Waited upon Mr. Drummond here, who is a complete gentleman-farmer, and has all his operations carried on in the most perfect and accurate style. His fold yard is

nicely constructed, and his offices are numerous and convenient. The fold yard is paved, and having a gentle slope to the middle, where there is a reservoir, with a pump fixed, into which all the moisture produced from the dung is accumulated, and drove out in a barrel daily to his pasture fields. Care is at same time taken to keep every drop of water that falls upon the houses from going to the dunghill, as spouts for car∣rying off the rain are placed round the whole fold. Mr. Drummond's attention to his manure cannot be too much commended, as in many places not the least care is paid to collecting it properly. In short, we venture to recommend Mr. Drummond as a most perfect pattern to every gentleman-farmer; although we have our doubts whether the expensive nature of his buildings are not too much, for being followed in the common routine of husbandry operations.

From Bautry to Doncaster, the land is of a light, sandy nature, upon a wet springy bottom. A great part of it has been lately inclosed, and the fences in general not thriving. Turnips very bad, and little care taken to have the land laid dry, as we observed much water standing on the fields.

Doncaster is a neat, clean town, and there is a deal of fine land in the neighbour∣hood of it.

Information received at Doncaster from Mr. Parkinson, and Mr. Foster.

There is a great variety of soils in this neighbourhood. A good deal of a sandy na∣ture. Part of it a white clay; and others black earth, or a fine, sharp, light loam. The climate is mild and dry, and both seed-time and harvest are early. The farms are generally small, and mostly kept in tillage. The pastures have usually been sown with natural hay-seeds, but artificial grasses fast coming into practice. Few horses or cattle are bred, and the improvement of sheep but just beginning to be attended to. The rotation of crops upon the light land, is turnips, barley, clover, and wheat; and often a crop of oats taken after the wheat, because there are no leases. Upon the clay land, a clean summer fallow, barley, clover, and wheat, and often wheat taken as the first crop in place of barley. Manures used, are stable dung, lime, street dung, bone dust, rape dust, and pigeon dung—about 40 bushels of the last laid upon an acre. Lime applied to the fallow, from 60 to 100 bushels per acre—costs three-pence per bushel. No oxen are used; but this supposed to be owing to the smallness of the farms. Land mostly inclosed, which has produced great advantages. Inclosures from two to thirty acres, but chiefly small. There is a very large common field near Don∣caster, of the finest land in England, which is at present let at 31 s. 6d. per acre, that Mr. Foster thinks would be worth £3. 10 s. if divided and inclosed. More than twenty freeholders concerned about it. Their common rotation is, fallow, barley, wheat, and rye, and grass-seeds are sown at different times with all the grains. Another common field is managed differently; the rotation is greatly superior, being turnips, barley, clover, and wheat—the turnips all broadcast, and the most part of them this season are bitter bad. Upon a third common field, another rotation is adopted, viz. fallow, one half of which is sown with wheat, and the other with barley; then beans and clo∣ver; lastly, wheat; and there is a meadow field, which, after being cut for hay, is pastured in common, from the 10th September to the 25th March—above 1200 acres are under the above mode of management. The proprietors are Sir Geo. Cooke, who possesses about one-half; Mr. Wrightson, who has one-eighth; and a number of small

freeholders. Very few leases are granted, which both Mr. Parkinson and Mr. Forster think detrimental even to the interest of the proprietor himself, as land in that case would set higher. No manufactory here, except one for coarse sacking; but where they do prevail, they are thought to have good effects in encouraging agriculture. Great im∣provements may be made upon the stock and land in this neighbourhood. Mr. Par∣kinson is of opinion, the horse for the team might be improved by the Derbyshire breed, and that the cattle might be improved, by crossing the Durham cows with the best of the Craven bulls.

With regard to sheep—The Bakewell sort esteemed best for all the sandy and lime∣stone pastures, and a cross of the large Tees ewes with the Bakewell ram for the strong clay soils. Mr. Parkinson thinks the grass land is not sown down properly, being hitherto sown with nasty rubbish, called hay-seeds, whereas he is of opinion, it should be done with white clover, trefoil, and rye-grass; and where intended for cut∣ting, with red clover and a small quantity of rye grass. Thinks also that turnips should be drilled, by which method the land is kept much cleaner, and hoed at far less expence than when broadcast.

Waited upon William Childers, Esq. at Cantley Lodge, and examined his improve∣ments. The farm in Mr. Childers' own possession, which is tithe-free, consists of 320 acres, and by fallowing with turnips, and laying down with plenty of grass seeds, he has made uncommon and substantial improvements. Mr. Childers brings manure from Doncaster, and uses great quantities of lime. He has also a marley clay in his own lands, which he applies to the dry, gravelly, and sandy soils, at the rate of 80 and 100 cart loads to the acre, which produces good effects.

From Doncaster eastward to Thorn, the land is capable of greater improvement than any we have seen in Yorkshire. There is a great deal of common field, superior in quality to most land, and there is also large tracts of waste. At Hatfield there are very large common fields, the rotation upon which is turnips, barley, clover, wheat, and barley; and one of the fields not ploughed, but kept in meadow grass. We examined the turnip field, which consisted, as we were told, of 150 acres, and although of a soil ex∣ceedingly proper for that root, they were a crop not worth 20 s. per acre. We heard afterwards they were only valued at 15 s. The turnips were quite small—few bigger than an egg, and the ground in the most wretched and dirty condition. It appeared to us they had not been hoed at all, or at least very imperfectly, a large proportion was covered with weeds; and worse culture cannot be figured.

If the cultivation was bad, the manner of consuming them was still worse. The whole 150 acres were eating at once, and the stock appeared to be cattle and sheep of all ages and descriptions; such management needs no comment, it speaks for itself.

Betwixt Hatfield and Thorn, there are great quantities of waste land, and much under water. Upon the whole, the land we have seen this day stands in the greatest need of improvement, which cannot be done without a previous division. The common fields to the eastward of Doncaster are abominably crooked and unequal. Some parts of the ridges being twice the breadth of another, and one solitary ridge of wheat often standing by itself—more wretched husbandry could not have existed a century ago.

We received the following information at Thorn.—The proprietors are chiefly small copyholders, holding of Lady Irwin. Farms mostly small, and the greater part kept in

tillage. The pasture generally employed in supporting farm stock, and a few cattle for the butcher. The soil is chiefly clay, and the climate moderate, but foggy and damp: Rotation upon the farm land is turnips, barley, clover, wheat, and barley; but in the common fields, every man sows what he thinks best. Some rape is sown, which is ge∣nerally allowed to stand for seed. The common fields here set at 30 s. per acre, besides public burdens; but from the goodness of the land, thought to be able to pay more, if they were divided and inclosed. A great deal of waste land in the three parishes of Thorn, Hatfield, and Fishlock, amounting at least to 4000 acres, which is all capable of great improvement. Wages high—ploughmen £ 15. and victuals; labourers 1s. 8d. and 2s. and no scarcity of hands. The tithes are either drawn in kind, or valued an∣nually—7s. per acre is usually paid for corn fields, and a small modus taken for grass, hay, and turnip.

Left Thorn and proceeded northward to Snaith—most parts of the land till we came within two miles of that place, are exceeding wet, and large tracts little better than in a state of nature. The land, though wet and marshy, is generally rich strong soil.—Ridges much straighter ploughed than is generally the case over the West Riding, but kept by far too narrow and flat. Crossed the river Don upon a wooden bridge, a part of which turns upon a pivot, (and gives a passage for the nu∣merous shipping that navigate this river). As we approached Snaith the soil turn∣ed as fine as could be wished.—Great quantities of turnips, and those of good quality.

Snaith is a small market town situated upon the river Aire, not far from its con∣junction with the Don. The land round the place is of exceeding rich quality, and but moderately rented. We examined a farm occupied by Mr. John Latham, and found it exceedingly well cultivated. Mr. Latham upon his light lands practises a ro∣tation that has already been often mentioned, viz. turnips, barley, clover, and wheat; but he follows out this rotation in a manner superior to most persons. His turnip crop this year, when so many other people's have failed, is good, and are set to a job∣ber from Leeds at £6. per acre, to be eat upon the ground. His turnips although not drilled, are all in rows, about sixteen inches wide, which enables him to hoe them with greater accuracy.—His method to do this, is to give the last furrow very broad, which takes all the seed when harrowed into the furrow, and so gives the field an appearance of regularity. Mr. Latham said this plan was fallen on by accident, which indeed is often the parent of many improvements;—when ploughing one of his fields some years ago, he ordered his servants to finish it that night. There being a feast in the neighbourhood, the ploughmen were anxious to be early at it, and so gave a furrow much broader than usual. When the young plants came up, Mr. Latham was surprised to see them in regular lines, and inquired into the cause of it; which pleased him so well, that he has since continued the practice.

Mr. Latham sows rape upon his wheat stubbles, that are next year to be turnips. His method is to plough the field as soon as the wheat is carried off, and sow the rape immediately, which is generally got down by the middle of September, and af∣fords him feeding for his sheep in spring equal in value to 20s. per acre.

A part of Mr. Latham's farm is what is called warp-land, or land enriched with the sediment left by the river Aire, when its banks are overflown. Upon such fields he does not venture to sow wheat, as it stands in danger of being perished; but from the richness of the soil great crops of spring corn are raised.

Mr. Latham is a most able and complete farmer; his fences are all good; the whole of his land clean; his pastures rich and luxuriant. We are happy to have this opportunity of expressing the high sense we entertain of his merit and abilities:

From Snaith to Ferrybridge there are a number of common fields, which were under no better management than those we have formerly described. We saw a large common field of turnips to the eastward of Kellington, which were middling good, but very imperfectly cleaned. At least 40 acres were stocked off at once, and cows, bullocks, young cattle, and sheep were feeding indiscriminately. Saw also upon this road some fields of rape intended for seed, which looked well.

Waited upon Richard Slater Milnes, Esq. M. P. for York, at his house at Fryston. From his information, and that of others, the following account of the husbandry in the neighbourhood of Ferrybridge is given.

The soil is composed of lime-stone, clay, sand, &c. in the vallies, and rich pasture, and meadow lands near the rivers. The land is chiefly possessed by large proprie∣tors; such as Lord Mexborough, Mr. Mills, Mr. Crow, &c. Farms contain from 50 to 300 acres, and mostly kept in tillage. Large quantities of red clover and sainfoin are sown for cutting, which answer well; and white clover, trefoil, and hay∣seeds are sown for pasture. Some lucern is sown, but the quantity inconsiderable; many horses are kept on account of the collieries, lime works, drawing vessels along the river Aire, and other purposes besides that of husbandry; which consume the red clover and sainfoin. The pasture inclosures are generally stocked with sheep; and the lands near the water side are eaten by milk cows.

Rotation of crops upon the clay land is, wheat, or barley upon the fallow, and afterwards oats, or beans. No more than two crops are taken to a fallow, unless the land is of superior quality. Turnips are sown upon the tithe land, and followed with barley, clover, and wheat. The manures used are, stable dung, pigeon dung, and sometimes bone dust. A great quantity of lime-stone is burned at Knallingley and Brotherton, which is laid on, from two or three chalders per acre. Ploughs are of the usual kind kept in the country, and generally drawn by two horses abreast. Carts with wheels of 3, 6, and 9 inches broad, and drawn by three, and by four horses in a line are used. Very few oxen are wrought, and those only by gentlemen. Land mostly inclosed, but the inclosures thought too small. Inclosing is reckoned to pro∣duce the following advantages. It enables the possessor to cultivate the land in a superior style, which in its open state, it was out of his power to do. From such cultivation a greater produce is obtained; and on the light soils the turnip, clover, and seed husbandry cannot otherwise be practised to advantage. Provisions are cheaper here than in the manufacturing part of the country, at least one halfpenny per pound. Roads, both turnpike and by ones, are in good condition. Sometimes the assessment for supporting them is 18d. per pound upon the valued rent. Much improvement has been made by draining, and great attention paid to it. The farm houses and offices are in general very inconveniently situated, most of them are in vil∣lages, which of course renders a number of them at a great distance from the land. Some leases are granted; but it is not the general practice to give them for more than one year. No modes of husbandry prevail here that would be of advantage to other places, except sowing sainfoin, which answers well upon all chalky, or lime∣stone land. Some bills have passed for dividing common lands, which have produced great advantages. Plentiful crops have been raised at little expence, and an oppor∣tunity

given of laying down the old going land into grass; also an exemption from tithes is procured by them.

We proceeded to Selby. This is a populous market town, situated upon the river Ouse, and was the birth place of King Henry I. on which account his father Wil∣liam the Conqueror built an abbey here. From John Foster, Esq. we received the following important intelligence relative to the agriculture of this part of the country.

The soil is various, part of it sandy, and part a hazle clay. The climate is mode∣rate; the proprietors are Lord Petre, the Archbishop of York, and a great many copyholders. Farms are small, and kept in equal proportions of pasture and tillage. All sorts of grasses are cultivated; which are used both in breeding and feeding. Sheep are generally of the Northumberland kind, and the cattle of the short horned or Holderness breed. Great numbers of horses are bred. The rent of the land is from 5s. to 50s. per acre. Rotation of crops; when land is broke up from grass, flax is generally the first crop, then rape, afterwards wheat, and a fallow; but no fixed rotation is kept. Ploughs of the common kind, drawn by two horses are used; but a number of oxen are wrought in the waggons. There are no common fields in this parish, but many in the neighbourhood. The difference of value betwixt open and inclosed lands, is estimated at one-third, or 33 per cent. Here is a considerable deal of waste ground, which produces little or nothing at present, but is capable of great improvement. Strict attention is necessary in keeping the ditches clean, and letting the water off the fields, which are greatly hurt by rain water stagnating upon them; but as there are no spouts, little other draining is required. Provisions are plenty and moderate; roads tolerable, great improvements have lately been made upon them. Farm houses and offices are well enough constructed, but very improperly si∣tuated, as they are mostly in villages. A number of landlords do not grant leases, which is destructive to good farming.

Mr. Foster informed us that woad for dyers is raised in the neighbourhood of Selby, among red clover. When it is in full bloom, it is pulled by women and boys, who go before the mowers. It is placed in small heaps with the tops uppermost, and when completely dried, is put into the barn, and sold to the dyers from 15d. to 3s. per stone. Woad grows well on all lands fit for turnips, and is sometimes taken by itself as a crop.

Large quantities of potatoes are raised here. They are all of the kidney kind, and no less than seven or eight thousand tons are annually exported from the banks of the Ouse, for the London market.

A great deal of flax is grown near Selby, which is almost all cleaned and dressed in the country; a small proportion is allowed to stand for seed.

We received the following information from Mr. James Foster, Farmer at Wiston.

The soil is very indifferent; there is warp, occasioned by the sediment left by the overflowing of the river Ouse; there is loam, or a mixture of clay and sand, but not very deep, and also some clay and sandy soils. There are both large and small pro∣prietors, and none of the farms are large. Land is employed both in pasture and tillage, generally in equal proportions. There is not much rye-grass sown, hay-seeds being more esteemed. Sheep are both bred and fed on the pastures, fleece weighs from 5. to 8lb. avoirdupois, and sold to the manufacturers in the western parts of the Riding, at 7d. and 8d. per pound.

The rotation of crops is, fallow, wheat, beans, and oats; or turnips, barley, grass seeds, and oats, as suits the soil. Some rape is sown; the land, after being fallowed and dunged, is sown about the first of September, with half a peck or three quarterns of seed per acre; the produce is from four to five quarters, and sold from 45s. to 60s. per quarter. Mr. Foster sows a considerable quantity of flax; the produce per acre, is from 24 to 40 stone of 14lb. avoirdupois of rough dressed flax, and sold from 7s. to 10s. per stone. Little or no seed is preserved. The flax is all scutched by the hand, there being no mills for that purpose in this part of the country. Dung is brought by water from Hull; prime cost and expence, is nearly £ 6. per acre. Lime is used in large quantities, 140 bushels being applied to the acre, expence £ 50.

There are no common fields. He thinks, on the general question, that inclosing renders land of one-third more value. Wages run from 16d. to 2s. per day—no drink∣ings allowed, excepting in harvest. Wheat is cut with the sickle, at the rate of 7s. per acre; but he is of opinion, it would be a great advantage and profit to cut it much lower than is usually done, supposing the expence should be more. Barley and oats are cut with the scythe—expence of cutting, binding, &c. 5s. per acre. There are few covered drains, there being no springs; but great occasion for ditching and griping to carry off the top water. Few leases are granted; and Mr. Foster thinks, in the gene∣ral, that these are absolutely necessary, where improvements are carried on. He is of opinion, he would be able to give more rent for his farm, if he was not under restric∣tions, and that no restrictions ought to exist in a lease, but for the three last years.

The people have a great turn for improvements; and he knows of no other ob∣stacles, but the above two, and the mode by which tithes are at present paid. No in∣closing bills have lately passed for land in this neighbourhood; but, from the advan∣tages he has seen take place in consequence of such bills, he is of opinion, that all the waste land in the kingdom ought to be divided immediately.

We proceeded for Tadcaster. Great part of the country is upon a lime-stone, and lies very well: but the ridges in general are too flat, and no attention paid to letting off the water. We saw several common fields. After passing Sherborn (at which place great quantities of the Winesower plum grows), the country appeared very thinly inhabited; few or no houses being to be seen, till we arrived in the immediate neighbourhood of Tadcaster.

At Tadcaster we were recommended to a Mr. Potter, as one of the best farmers in that place; and we found that his practice was accurate and correct, in the highest degree. We received the following information from him.

The soil is a dry lime-stone; the climate kindly and moderate. The proprietors mostly have large estates; but the farms are small, few extending to 300 acres. The greatest part of the land is in tillage, not above one-third being in pasture. The grasses sown, are red and white clover, trefoil, and sainfoin. Rye-grass is out of re∣pute, and hay-seeds fast following. Sheep are kept upon the pasture land, and cattle fed upon turnips. No land is floated or watered. General rotation of crops is, tur∣nips, barley, clover, and wheat; often a crop of oats taken after the wheat. The manures used, are dung, made upon the farm, and gathered at Tadcaster; some lime brought by water from Hull, and horn shavings from York. The ploughs are of the Dutch kind, and drawn by two horses abreast. No oxen used, but those kept by Lord Hawke. The sowing of wheat commences about the end of September, and

continues all the month of October. Spring crops are sown as early as possible. The harvest is early. Here are some common fields; and Mr. Potter supposes, the dif∣ference of value betwixt open and inclosed land to be one-fourth. Inclosures are small, few exceeding ten acres. There is a good deal of waste land, some of which is under division, and capable of great improvement. The wages of a labouring man is 9s. per week; ploughmen get £ 10 per year, besides victuals and washing; the head man gets equal to £ 30 per year. Hours of labour are 10 in summer, and 7 in winter. Paring and burning are very seldom practised. A great quantity of the Winesower plum grows in this neighbourhood. Farm-houses and offices might often be more conveniently situated. Mr. Potter thinks it would be highly beneficial to the public interest, that all land was set under lease; and further thinks, there is no necessity for imposing restrictions on the good farmer, as he will manage much better wanting them; and as for the bad farmer, he cannot be mended by them. The people here have a great turn for improving their lands; but have no opportunity of doing this to purpose, from the want of leases. He thinks the small size of the farms serves to retard good management.

We received also information from another gentleman, about the husbandry in the neighbourhood of Tadcaster; but as he only corroborates what Mr. Potter has al∣ready said, it is unnecessary to repeat it.

Waited upon Mr. Beck, steward to Lord Hawke, upon his estate of Scarthingwell and T••wton.—His lordship has taken about 1,600 acres into his own hands; and is very properly putting it into good order, by fallowing, manuring, and laying parts of it down with grass seeds, with a view to set it in proper sized farms to substantial te∣nants. Besides the manure raised on this farm, his lordship has expended yearly above three hundred pounds in purchasing manure, principally dung, from the towns and villages in his neighbourhood, and by water from Hull, York, &c. We use the free∣dom to recommend to his lordship's attention, that the land now in hand, will make four very complete farms; and that, after the outlines of each are marked out, the farm∣houses and offices should be placed as near as possible in the centre of each farm; keeping always in view the conveniency of good water: an attention to these things is an important object of agricultural economy: and we now understand Lord Hawke has not only always had these ideas, but that specific spots have long since been set out, where the buildings will at a proper time be erected.

We select from the information communicated by Mr. Beck, and Lord Hawke, the following particulars.

The soil is of many different kinds: it is good loam in general: there is also clay upon lime-stone; strong clay upon a blue till; hazle earth upon sand; and about 50 acres of moss, or peat earth, upon Lord Hawke's estate. About a fourth part is kept in pasture, though less pasture in general is kept. He cultivates sainfoin, red clover, and trefoil, with white clover, and hay-seeds. He bred 350 sheep last year, and has this year increased his breeding ewes to 440: they are of the Oxford and Gloucester∣shire polled breeds; they have a cross also of the Bakewell and Fowler breeds; and the wethers are fed off when shearing, at 38s each. He folds his ewes always from May∣day to Michaelmas. He feeds also a few Scotch and Irish cattle. The general rotation of crops is turnips, barley, clover, and wheat. His plan, now adopted, is to sow half

his clover land with twelve pounds of red clover per acre; to mow it once, and then feed it. The other half is sown with 6lb. of white clover, 3 lb. of rib-grass, and 6lb. of trefoil per acre, and fed, but not mown. By this rotation of crops, red clover is sown but once in eight years on the same land. His plan is to lay down one hundred and fifty acres to sainfoin, the seed of which he sows with his barley; and has sometimes sown it on a clean fallow. When the ground laid down with sainfoin would have been broken up for wheat had it been sown with clover, he breaks up an old worn-out pasture ground, and sows it in the spring following with oats; after which it is fallowed, and falls regularly into course, instead of the ground sown down with sainfoin. The manures used, are rape dust, pigeon, farm-yard, and bought dung, by Lord Hawke; soot, rape, bone-dust, and farm-yard dung, by Mr. Beck. Lord Hawke ploughs with two oxen abreast, without a driver, and sometimes with horses, but depends principally, and almost entirely on oxen, for his ploughing and harrowing. His land in hand is all inclosed; inclosures vary from 8 to 30 acres. There are some small pastures from 5 to 8. We think small arable inclosures hurt∣ful in a corn country; and Lord Hawke is altering and enlarging the size of his fields, from 15 to 20 acres. Mr. Beck is of opinion that inclosing is very beneficial, and never can decrease population. Lord Hawke had land in a common field, for which he got only 5s. 9d. per acre, and can let the same land, when it is now divided and inclosed, at 20s. Wages are high; house servants cost in board and wages £ 30 per annum. Draining is much required here; but for want of a law to oblige neigh∣bours to clean out their contiguous ditches, it cannot be done to advantage; although Lord Hawke is attempting it, and has induced many to drain with him. Paring and burning are practised on old grass land, and thought an excellent method of breaking up all coarse sward. Lord Hawke approves of it on low grounds, but on high ground, thinks burning unnecessary, and rather detrimental. The old farm-houses and offices are badly constructed, and inconveniently situated, being built in villages; but Lord Hawke has built for his own use a large farm-yard, conveniently formed and situated, with a threshing machine, a mill for grinding rape-cake, and stabling for twenty-five horses, and thirty-two oxen; besides cow sheds, barns for hay and corn, &c. The whole is walled in by walls nine feet high, and coped with stone, and divided by the barns, stables, &c. into four yards; two of which have ponds, be∣sides the pumps. The stables for horses are placed on the east and west side of the farm-yard, which is free from buildings on the south, and sheltered on the north by the barn and ox-houses, which separate it from the principal stack-yard. This yard is divided from the two others by open hay-barns, tiled whith slate eaves, and with chimnies also of brick, to let out the steam. The average of the boarded granaries, amounts in length to one hundred and sixty feet, and in breadth to twenty-one. There are trap-doors contrived in them, to let down the corn when sacked, into wag∣gons, which may be loaded and locked up at the same time. The corn is stacked on wooden frames, placed on stone pillars and caps. Lord Hawke still proposes to make further improvements to it, and to pull down a cottage now placed at the western ex∣tremity of it, and build a house in its place for his steward. The whole covers from an acre to two acres of ground. Mr. Beck is of opinion, when land is set it should be by leases of 21 years at least; and that shorter ones are productive of bad conse∣quences to both parties, as time is wanting to improve and reap the benefit. Mr.

Beck thinks that restrictions in the lease, where the tenant is a man of abilities and property, are a bar to improvement. But for the safety of the proprietor, it is necessary that one-third of the farm be left in grass, properly laid down after fallow or turnip, with a sufficiency of seeds, as might be mutually agreed upon.

A particular species of plum grows here, and in the neighbourhood, called the Winesower. It grows well, both upon gravel and lime-stone, is hardy, a good bearer, and answers upon any soil; but does not bear so well, nor its flavour so good on any, as on lime-stone or gravel. On a strong deep land, the trees run too much to wood, and do not bear fruit in proportion. These plums blossom better than any other sort, and are produced from suckers. The fruit sells from 21s. per peck, when sound and good, to 4s. 6d. when cracked and damaged. They are very easily hurt by rain.

Left Tadcaster, and took the road westward to Harewood. Observed some com∣mon fields by the way. The land in general is upon a wet bottom; and from the late rains, and the little attention paid to clearing out the furrows, is in a very bad si∣tuation.

We delivered a letter to Mr. Samuel Poplewell, steward to Lord Harewood, and re∣ceived satisfactory information from him. Harewood is a neat little village. His lordship's residence is a little distance from it. He grants no leases, but is esteemed a kind landlord.

The following is the substance of information received from Mr. Poplewell.

The soil is generally clay, upon a bottom retentive of moisture; the climate showery and wet. Land is chiefly possessed by large proprietors, and occupied by tenants paying from £ 20. to £ 200. yearly rent. It is employed both in pasture and in tillage, in proportions nearly equal. The pastures are mostly eaten by sheep, which are purchased from Northumberland; their fleece sells from 3s. 6d. to 4s. Many Scotch and Irish cattle are fed upon the sides of the river Wharfe. Upon the tillage land two crops are generally taken to a fallow, and turnips sown upon all the fallows proper for them. Mr. Poplewell drills his turnips, and has never missed a crop since he practised that method. The manures used are, home made dung, rape dust, malt coombs, and dung and soot from Leeds. Little lime is used, except∣ing on new broken up land. Ploughs are generally drawn by three horses in a line. No oxen are used for work, excepting a few by Lord Harewood. Some rape is sown, which is often eaten by sheep, but sometimes stands for seed. Here are no common fields, but there are some in the neighbourhood, which he thinks should be divided. He estimates the difference betwixt the value of open and inclosed land, to be at least 25 per cent. He also is of opinion, that it would be of great service to agriculture, if all lands were set under lease; and that if these were granted, there would be no ne∣cessity for restrictions, unless during the concluding years. A bill passed about three years ago, to divide a common in this neighbourhood, which has produced be∣neficial consequences; and Mr. Poplewell is of opinion, most part of the waste land in the Riding might be improved, by planting Scotch firs upon it.

We arrived at Wetherby, which is a great thoroughfare on the London road. Here we received the following information.

The soils in this neighbourhood are lime-stone and strong clay. There are a few small freeholders, but the land almost wholly belongs to the Duke of Devonshire.

Farms are generally small, the most part not exceeding £ 30. per annum. Rent is about 20 s. per acre, and the public burdens. Rotation of crops upon the lime-stone is, turnips, barley, clover, and wheat; on the clay, fallow, wheat, and beans. The manures used, are great quantities of rape dust, price 2 s. 4 d. per bushel; horn shav∣ings from York, soot, and all the dung that can be collected at home. Lime is ap∣plied to the fallow, 100 bushels to the acre; it costs 9 s. 6 d, per chalder of 32 bushels. Ploughs are of the common kind, and drawn by two horses upon the lime-stone, and by three and four upon the clay land. No oxen are used. Harvest is early; begins generally about the first of August, and is all finished by the middle of Sep∣tember. The land is all inclosed; the size of inclosures from 3 to 12 acres. Wages are high; ploughmen, that are masters of their work, get fifteen guineas per annum, be∣sides victuals; and labourers never less than 18d. per day, and more in harvest; no scarcity of hands to reap the crop, excepting in the year 1792. The corn is mostly cut with the sickle; wheat is done for 7s. per acre. Provisions are plenty, but high priced. Farm-houses and offices are improperly situated, as they are all placed at the corner of the lordship.

The Duke of Devonshire formerly granted leases, but now intends to act otherwise; which we were told would be a great bar to improvements. The covenants that for∣merly subsisted were, to keep two-thirds in grass. Tithes are generally commuted here, and 7 s. per acre paid in their place.

In our route northward, we again visited Boroughbridge and Knaresborough; and received additional information, relative to the husbandry practised in their respective neighbourhoods.

We arrived at Rippon.—This is a place of great antiquity; being, it is said, in∣corporated by King Alfred; and is a pleasant and well built town. The river Ure was made navigable to this place about twenty years ago, and a number of vessels are em∣ployed thereon, to the great convenience and benefit of this place and neigh∣bourhood.

We received the following information from Mr. Peacock, at Lendrick near this place.

The soil near Rippon is partly of a sandy nature, and partly strong clay upon a lime-stone; the climate healthy, and moderate. Estates are generally large, and farms of va∣rious sizes, from 20 to £300. yearly rent. The lands are mostly in grass and meadows, little more than the fourth part being kept in tillage. Artificial grasses are just begin∣ning to be introduced into the husbandry of this neighbourhood. A few cattle of the short horned kind are bred, and a good many long woolled sheep, which when fatted at two years of age, will weigh 25 lb. per quarter. The rotation of crops is, turnips, barley, clover, hay-seeds, and wheat, upon the light and sandy soils; and on the strong soils, fallow, wheat, and beans. Lime and common dung, with a little rape dust, are the only manures used. A large heavy plough, drawn by 4 and 6 horses, yoked in pairs, is employed upon the strong lands. Upon the light soils, a smaller plough drawn by two horses is used. The country is mostly inclosed. Inclosures are from 5 to 40 acres. Mr Peacock thinks, land when inclosed is of double value, to that of similar quality, when lying in common field. There are some thousand acres of waste or common in the neighbourhood; most of which is capable of great improvement. Wages for labourers are at 2s. per day in summer, and from 1s. to 1s. 4d. in winter. Little of the country requires draining; but where this improvement is necessary, it

is well attended to, plenty of materials for this purpose being at hand. The 〈…〉〈…〉 price of butcher meat is 3½d. per pound.

Farm-houses and offices lately erected, are in general good, and conveniently si∣tuated; but those that have stood long are not so. Mr. Peacock thinks, that the principal obstacles to improvements are, the want of leases of a proper duration, and the restrictions from ploughing up the old grass fields, which effectually prevents any new systems of husbandry from being introduced.

No. XII.

STATE OF THE WASTE LANDS IN YORKSHIRE, CALCULATED BY MR. TUKE, JUNIOR.

	Capable of cultivation, or of being converted into Pasture.	Incapable of being im∣proved, except by planting.	Total.
Acres.	Acres.	Acres.
Waste lands in the North Riding.
The Western moor lands		150,000	76,940	226,940
Eastern ditto		60,000	136,625	196,625
Detached moors, or waste, in the country		18,435	—	18,435
Total		228,435	213,565	442,000
Waste lands in the West Riding.
The high moors		200,000	140,272	340,272
Detached moors, or waste, in the country		65,000	—	65,000
Total		265,000	140,272	405,272
Waste lands in the East Riding.
Detached moors, or waste, in the country		2,000	—	2,000
In the North Riding	442,000
West Riding	405,272
East Riding	2,000
Total waste lands in Yorkshire	849,272

Notes

• * 1.1

  We are not fond of introducing into this work, subjects that are not connected with Agriculture, or the state of the country; but the inscription which we saw under the picture of a dog, in the hall here, was so remarkable, that we cannot help inserting it.—

  "Rover, a hound, the property of John Spencer, Esq. in the year 1753, being very mangy, and suspected of madness, was condemned to the gallows, where, on 16th August, he was hanged for the space of a quarter of an hour, by Thomas Beck, the huntsman: being let down, and some small symptoms of life appearing in him, he was tucked up for another quarter of an hour, and then thrown into a coal pit, 30 yards deep; from which he was extracted on the 13th November, by the said Thomas Beck, alive and in good health.—He was twelve weeks and five days in the coal pit."