OF SOMERSETSHIRE., 289
The grain which thrives in the adjoining pariſhes would, no doubt, flouriſh here; and a ready ſale would be found in the neighbouring markets, or by being exported from the ports on the Briſtol channel.
The aſhes, ariſing from the weeds and other extraneous matter on the furface being burnt, mixed with lime, would be a firſt dreſſing, preparatory to a crop of turnips or corn.
From the produce of the crops would ariſe manure for future tülage; and what is now a barren waſte, might be made worth from five to twenty ſhillings per acre.
The plan for incloſures and buildings on the foreſt, I would recommend, 1s this: Let there be a ſmall town or village ereêted near the middle, ſuppoſe by Simonſbath- houſe, which ſhould form proper reſidences for artificers and huſbandmen, to be employed in building farm-houſes, and inclofing many a comfortable eſtate round them. From this centre town, or village, it would be ealy to get a ſupply of proviſions and all other neceſlaries, as a butcher, baker, ſhopkeeper,&c. might be there ſettled. And, till other
houſes or villages ſhould be built, labourers, artificers, and workmen, might find lodgings, proviſions,&c. in the bor- dering pariſhes, many of which, at this time, have more la- bourers than they can well employ. The method of fencing, cultivating, manuring,&c. would vary but little from the plan adopted on Mendip hills; and if proſecuted with vigour, would tend to leflen the poor’s rates, and would train up a riſing generation to care and induſtry, inſtead of theft and idleneſs.
Beſides Exmoor, there are ſeveral hundred acres of un- cultivated land around Dunkry, and on Quantock and Brandon hills.
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