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GENERALVIEW
OF T HE
A C R IG U L I U K
B ERKRKSHIR.
F —

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GENERAL VIEW O THE
A GCR IGIUI T UR F
I1N
BERRS HNIMN E,
WITH OBSERVATIONS ON THE MEANS OF ITS IMPROVEMENT.
d By WlLLIAM PFARCE.
DRAWN UP FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
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LONDON: PRINTED BY W. BULMEER AND C0.
M-DCC.XCIV.

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ADVERTISEMENT.
TnE following valuable communication, respecting the pre- sent state of Husbandry in the County of Berks, and the means of its improvement, drawn up for the consideration of the Board of Agriculture, is now printed, merely for the purpose of its being circulated there, in order that every person interested in the welfare of that county, may have it in his power, to examine it fully, before it is published. It is therefore requested, that any remark, or additional obser- vation, which may occur to the reader, on the perusal of the following sheets, may be w'ritten on tbe margin, and trans- mitted to the Board of Agriculture, at its office in London, by whom the same shall be properly attended to; and when the returns are completed, an account will be drawn up, of the state of agriculture in Berkshire, from the information thus accumulated, which, it is believed, will be found greatly superior to any thing of the kind ever yet made public.
The Board has adopted the same plan, in regard to all the other counties in the united kingdom; and, it is hardly ne— cessary to add, will be happy to give every assistance in its power, to any person, who may be desirous of improving his breed of cattle, sheep,&c. or of trying any useful experiment
in husbandry.

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E? J
PREFATORVY REMARk.
TI daily blessings received by mankind from the hand of Agriculture, and the increased comfort and wealth which every nation enjoys where husbandry is improved, are in themselves reasons, sufficiently urgent, to engage the attention of every person, who has the power of promoting its extension. But when we farther consider, that it feeds all other sciences and arts; that it
is the source of almost all our treasures; that it employs the
best sinews of our country(a hardy peasantry); that every im- provement in it, is also a considerable advantage to the nation;
and that it is a constant incentive to industry, by its grateful
returns: it is almost needless to remark, how very important and necessary, the protection, and encouragement, of all measures are, that tend to increase this essential support, to man's existence and comfort.
The recent establishment of a Board of Agriculture, must therefore give the highest satisfaction to every well disposed and liberal mind: Formed by the legislature on the generous basis of doing good to the community, and composed of men of emi- nent character, peculiarly attached to the laudable promotion of rural improvement; it may be reasonably presaged, that under the auspices of a MoxARcCH, and of a PAakRLIAMENT, Who have so fully manifested their regard to agriculture, the time is not far distant, when provincial prejudice, the check to all improvement, will yield to conviction, and new modes of correction will be adopted, as soon as they are pointed out, upon sound and rational principles. It may then also be expected that Great Britain will explode all bad husbandry, carried on upon erroneous opinions, and spread the better systems, now only practised in local spots,

18
to every district, where they can be transferred, to a soil or situa- tion favourable to their reception. Thus diffusing comforts to its inhabitants, increasing population, promoting industry, and consequently contributing in the most essential manner, to
the permanent increase of the wéaLrh, and PROSPERAITVY Of
the NATIox.

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f9
SITUATION. EXTENT. POPULATION.
TnE many natural advantages the county of Berks possesses, in its situation, soil, and rivers, justly rank it, among the most distinguished counties in the kingdom.
Bounded on the north and east sides, by that pre-eminent river, the Thames, in a meandering line for upwards of 5o miles; and by the Isis in like manner for nearly forty: having another navi- gable river(the Kennet), running from the south-west towards the east, through a rich tract of land for nearly z0 miles, before it joins the Thames at Reading; and also having the smaller rivers, Loddon, Ock, Auborn, Kennell, and Lambourn, in different parts; which, though not navigable, are well calculated for mills and flooding of meadows; BERKSHIRE may be considered as a county, highly favoured by Nature, for the encouragement and extension of its agricultural produce. Its ready communication with the Metropolis, and the midland parts of England; its ex- cellent Roads, dry Soil, and salubrious Air, all contribute to make it a county, alike beneficial to the cultivator, the manufacturer, and mechanic.
Nor are its picturesque beauties to pass unnoticed: the di- versified scene of hill, and dale, woods and cultivated land, that embellish the greatest part of the county, and which are in- creased in their effect, by the grand residences of many persons of rank, and opulence, which present themselves in all parts, fully evince the high estimation, in which its rural excellences have at all times been held.
The predominant soil of Berks, is a kind and fruitful loam, in some parts mixed with gravel, and in others with sand; plea- sant to work, and grateful in its produce.
B
For remarks,&c.

For remarks,&c.
10
The Vale of White Horse, by general acceptation, is confined to a few parishes west of Wantage, which is a rich deep soil, equal to the best parts of England. I shall not exaggerate how- ever, if Istate, that the whole of the county lying north of the Downs,(with the exception of a small district near Oxford,) is likewise of an excellent quality; and though not so rich as the Vale, is certainly a well adapted country, not only for the pro- duction of corn, but for the turnip system of fatting off cattle.
The greatest part of the southern side of the county, from Hungerford, to Windsor,(except a part of Kentbury Hundred, and some land on the south side of the Kennet, and the greatest part of Windsor Forest), consists chiefly of a gravelly loam; and though it may not admit, of so profitable a course of husbandry, as the north side of the county, may nevertheless be applied, to great advantage by the turnip system.
The hills, and downs, are chalk, with a thin soil on the surface, in some places inclined to gravel, in others to a blackish sand; the productive qualities of which have been almost exhausted by that most infamous of all practices on a shallow soil,— Burn- Baking.
This county is exceedingly irregular as to its form; being in one part nearly 30 miles broad, and in another barely 4. The greatest extent from East to West, is from Old Windsor to Hun- gerford; a distance of at least 44 miles: And if the mean breadth of the county be taken at 15 ¼ miles, I apprehend it will be as near the truth as calculations in this general way can be ex- pected to be made. The number of square miles will, according to these dimensions, be 682; and the number of acres, 436, 480: But as Mr. Rocque, in his excellent Map of Berkshire, published 1D 1761, has given the extent, and contents, of each parish, ITam enabled by this means, to deduce a more particular statement of acres in it; which, on his authority, and my inquiry, as far as I
could check it, IJ believe to be tolerably accurate; and which, for
che general advantage of the county, I here subjoin.

☛
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1 11
ALPHABETICAL TABIL E,
Sbewing tbe Number of Kcres in each Parisb, in tbe CouNTY O BERKs.
ames of Parishes, Kcreg. Abingdon 3528 Aldermaston, and Wool-
hampton— 4305 Aldworth 3 18⁰4 Appleton— 2049 Arborfield— 1301 Ardington— 2191 Ashampstead- 2044 Ashbury— 4748 Aston- 2554 Avington— 1211 Barkham- 1562 Basselden— 2904 Beedon— 1747 Beenham, and Padworth 2773 Besselsleigh- 928 Binfield 3 3303 Bisham— 2936 Blewbury- 5947 Boxford— 2483 Bradfield— 3632 Bray- 8558 Bright Waltham- 2049 Brightwell 3 2029 Brimpton 3 1656 Buckland 8 4142² Bucklebury and Standford 8123 Burfield 5 3993 Buscot— 2778 Catmore- 676 Chaddleworth— 3393 Childrey— 2508
Chilton, near Blewbury 1432 Chilton, near Hungerford; the part in Berks 1394
Carried forward 96681
Names of Parishes. Acrer.
Broug bt forward 96681 Chievely and Lack-Hamp- stead— 7987 Cholsley— 6114 Clewer— 1527 Coleshill— 1886 Compton- 3490 Compton, near the White Horse— 13 20 Cockharn 3 6107 Coxwell, Great— 1261 Cumnor— 8841 Denchworth— 723 Didcot— 1116 Drayton- 1760 Eastgarston 3 4158 Eton 3 1233 Easthampstead 4918 Enborn— 2466 Englefield- 1372 Englesham(part in Berks) 225 Farnborough— 2210 Fawley— 2615 Faringdon- 4686 Fifield 3 1520 Finchhampstead- 3854 Frilsham 5 837 Hagbourn— 2673 Hanney— 4064 Hampstead Marsha 1657 Hampstead Norris 5798 Harewell— 2100 Hatford 3 1073 Hendred, Great 2984
Hendred, Little— 1926
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Carried forward 191182 B 2
For remazks,&c.

For remarks,&c.
Nanes of Parishes. Acres. Broug bt forward 191182 Hinton Waldridge 2102 Hungerford— 2794 Hurley— 4⁰47 Hurst 3 6623 Ilsley, East— 3253 Ilsley, West 8 3187 Inkpin— 3063 Kentbury— 7210 Kingston Bagpuze 1139 Letcombe Regis 4²68 Letcombe Basset 1583 Lambourne- 13851 Laurence Waltham 3525 Lockinge, East 3 503 Lockinge, West 1787 Longworth- 41²5 Mareham 3 6421 Milton 3 1373 Mortimer— 3656 Morton, North 1058 Morton, South- 1080 Newbury 3 1705 Oakingham— 8248 Padworth(See Lics ann) Pangborn 1663 Peasemore 3 1942 Purley- 952 Pusey 975 Radley, and Sunningwell 4798 Reading(three Patiohes) 4632 Remenham 1620 Ruscombe— 1172 Satwell, near Wallingford 701
Sandhurst
4 Standford(see Bucklebury)
Seacourt— Shefford, Great—
f ¹2
870
865 2112
Shefford, Little— 1019 Shellingford 3 1539 Shaw— 1708 Shinefield— 4116 Shalborne(part in Berks) 1816 Shrivingham- 8130
Carried forward 322413
Names of Parishes. Asrese
Brougbt forward 322413 Shottesbrooke, and White
Waltham— 3963 Sparesholt= 5351 Speen— 3355 Standford, near Faringdon 2879 Stretfield(part in Leibe) 1071 Steventon 2168 Streatly 3527 Sulhampstead Abbots 1899 Sulhampstead Banister 1166 Sulham 685 Sunningwell(see Radley) Sutton Courtney, with
Hulgrove 5 5923 Sunning,(the part in
Berks) 3 7017 Sunninghill 3 3594 Swallowfield ⸗ 3756 Thatcham- 11491 Tidmarsh- 683 Tilehurst— 5114 Tubney 822 rallingtord twoparishes) 1357 Wantage 6417 Warfield- 3232 Wargrave 3 3970 Wasing 3 649 Welford 3 4829 Westwood Hays— 1476 Whiteham- 1700 White Waltham(see Shot-
tesbrooke)
Windsor(New)— 2579 Windsor(Old)— 6230 Winkfield 3 9414 Wittenham(Long) 1942 Wittenham(Little) 1036 Woolhampton(see Alder- maston) Uffington- 5484 Ufton— 2232 Vattingdon— 1553 Total— 438,977

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From the foregoing table and my general observations, I con- sider, 2
The inclosed lands, parks, and woods to con- Acres. tain about 8— 170,000 The common fields and downs— 2 20,000 The forests, wastes, and commons 40,000 Roads—— 8,977 Total 438,977
In the twenty hundreds, which comprize the county, there are twelve market-towns, and about 200 villages and hamlets. The population of the whole, exclusive of persons occasionally residing, is at least 115,000 souls; of which 35,000 reside in the market-towns, as the following account more particularly shews:
Reading 3 8500 Wallingford 3 1800 Newbury— 5500 Ilsleys— 1500 Abingdon— 4000 Maidenhead- 1200 Faringdon— 2000 Windsor— 3500 Hungerford- 2000 Oakingham— 1700 Wantage— 2100 Lambourn— 1200 10900
——— 24 100
35,000
A great part of the above, as well as the remaining 80, 000, I consider employed chiefly in agriculture; for although there are a few manufactories established in some parts, the proportion of hands employed in them is so very small, when the aggregate is regarded, that I withhold distinguishing them.
This statement of the Population, I trust, will be found(should a more minute inquiry ever take place) not very wide of truth. I have taken every opportunity I well could, to ascertain this ne- cessary information; and in addition to my own inquiries, have been assisted on this subject, with the kind communications, of several candid, and obliging gentlemen, in different parts of the
For remarks,&c.

L 44]
county, to whose readiness in aiding, and encouraging, the mea-
For remarks,&c.
sures proposed, by the Board of Agriculture, it behoves me to bear ample testimony: Nor can I, as an individual, suffer the many civilities Ireceived during my agricultural tour, to pass, without expressing my general thanks, for the flattering recep- tion I met with, in all parts of the county, and which I hope will be accepted, in lieu of those personal acknowledgments, which are certainly due to such instances of kindness, as I have experienced.
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For remarks,&c.
3 PRESENT STATE
O
AGRICULTURE, Sc.
THE cultivation of land in all parts of England, has no doubt, of late years been greatly improved, and extended; and though it may be a question, whether it has kept pace with the increase of Population, in that proportion it ought to have done, still it has in its present state, been able to support, and feed, a com-
5 merce far superior to that of any other Nation.
With the agricultural resources, that Great Britain has still in store, who can limit the increased greatness, and comforts, our country may attain, by a general spirit of improvement in hus- bandry being excited?
That the greatest part of the improvement, and extension, I speak of, arises from INOLOSUREsS, is indubitable; they are the primary step, to increase of produce, and population, and conse- quently deserving, of every encouragement; since not only the interest of the Individual, but that of the State, is closely com- bined in the good effects arising from them.
There are also two other causes, which in my opinion have greatly contributed to this national increase.
1st. The number of gentlemen of landed property, who now encourage, and make the study of Agriculture, their chief rural amusement.
2dly. The enlightened, and more liberal minds ofthe yeomanry of the kingdom, over those of their predecessors.
Happily for this kingdom, men of the above description are now to be found, in almost every part of it. Such characters cannot be too much respected; for no longer blinded by old pro- vincial customs of a bad tendency, they are daily shewing to their neighbourhood, proofs of such advantage to themselves, and to
the community, which their rational practices in agriculture
— 2—————

For remarks,&c.
[ 16
effect; that interest(if no better motive) will, I hope, soon in- fluence the minds, of bigotted, and contracted farmers, to adopt those very methods, they before reprobated and deemed wild in- novation.
It must be admitted, that Berkshire has to boast, of as many of these enlightened agriculturists as any county; but the minute methods followed by them, or any particular system not generally practised, would here be misplaced, and improper. Ish all there- fore proceed in reporting, in a general way, the present husbandry of the county; and annex under each head, as I proceed, what strikes me as the practicable outlines of improvement.

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LEASES.
As I consider these, to be tbe first, and greatest en- couragement to Agriculture, I sball begin with them.
I AM sorry to find, that the same prejudice, which of late years has so much influenced the minds of gentlemen of landed pro- perty, against the practice of granting their tenants leases, ha⸗ too strongly rooted itself in this, as well as most other counties; which is certainly very detrimental to all good husbandry, and a great check to many improvements, which would otherwise, have been long since effected.
There are, it is true, some Estates granted on terms of seven, fourteen, and twenty-one years; but from the best information I could obtain, the quantity of land so demised, bears but a very small proportion, to the extent of the county.
There are also many estates, held by leases on lives, under cor- porate, collegiate, and ecclesiastical bodies, and some few still ex-
isting of a similar tenure, under lay-lords.
OBSERVATIONS. In a country where the Soil is poor, and Population thin, there
can be no measure adopted, for the improvement of the one, and
increase of the other, so efficacious, and beneficial to society, as
5 ₰ Aaae r 7— r aA-— 1. anf 2 that of granting leases, for such terms as promise the tenant, a 1
reasonable compensation, for his judgment, labour, and capital.
1
Next to a recommendation of this useful measure, IJ take the liberty of advising, that the contract be liberal on both sides;
having for its object, the general good of agriculture; and with it, the reciprocal interest, of landlord and tenant, which may be se- cured by a few strong, and judicious covenants, adapted to th nature of the Soil, and which would answer the purpose of pro-
10 110
For remarks,&c.

For remarks,&c.
[418
moting mutual benefit, much bertter than the present numerous restrictions, many of which are become obsolete, and only serve to impede the tenant in his improvements, without producing any good to the landlord in possession, or reversion.
As to leases on lives, they have a direct contrary effect, accord-
6 11 2 H
to the Lessors they are held under. Those under collegiate,
. 1 111
ecclesiastical, and corporate bodies, are unquestionably the most beneſicial to society of any leases whatever; because, as the Lessors have only a life interest themselves in the estate, a life no sooner drops, than they are ready to fill it up, in favour of the lesses, who by this means, preserves a permanent interest; which is the greatest encouragement an occupier of land can have; and as
many of these estates are small, they are the best barri
— 0d — ¶◻ꝗ 92 5 27 s
the destructive practice too prevalent now, of monopolizing land, and adding farm to farm.
Such leases on lives as are held under lay-lords, it must be al- lowed, have a very baneful tendency; for as the lord has the per-
generally refuses to grant renewals, unless
petuity, or the fee, he upon heavy fines; his object being to let the estate revert; by which means the tenant is cut off, from all hopes of preserving a permanent interest in it; and he therefore pillages it all he can, and too often suffers the buildings to be in a state of dilapida-
klon.
%õ——ᷓ—ᷓnnʒAA‚AAA’‚ʒ
‿ B.

For remarks,&c.
8IZE AND QCUALITV OF PARMS.
THE greater proportion of this county, is divided into what may be deemed large farms: for unless it is from some local cir- cumstance, it is very rare to find a farm, under one hanlelnec pounds a year. In the Vale of White Horse, indeed, some smaller dairy, and grazing farms are found; but I Vrnbn there are more farms, from two to five hundred a year, than of any
. other size.
BSERVATIONsS.
The remark I have just made, on leases held under corporate bodies, in some degree supersedes, what I should have to say on the growing evil, of laying small farms together. In the open and hilly parts of this county, there is indeed some plea for
large farms; since the soil is to be made the most of by that 5 kind of husbandry which depends on a large flock of sh eep; and which the little farmer cannot avail himself of.
But in the Vale of White Horse, and other parts where the land is 200d, or the country inclined to grass, there can de no reason, why farms in general, should run so large, as 300 or 400 acres.
his is a subject that has exercised the thoughts of many sen- sible men, and the pens of several authors of repute. I shall therefore withhold expatiating farther upon it, than to advise every person, who wishes to satisfy himself on this question, to compare the population, produce, and advantage, which the state and in- dividual derive, from 1000 acres of land in one farm, in opposi- tion to the same quantity of similar soil, divided into seven, or eight farms, of different sizes, from 250 to 80 acres, which may
be found in many of the eastern, as well as the midland countio
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For remarks,&c.
[20
BUILDINGS.
FRoOW the size of the farms, the buildings are in general what might be expected; very good, convenient, and comfortable. The farm houses are built substantially, with stone or brick, and usually tiled, on the southern side of the county; but on the northern side, the Oxfordshire slate is much used. The barns are erected with the same materials, except that thatch is sub- stituted for tile. The barn floors generally oak, except in a barley or pulse barn, where clay floors are sor netimes found. Stabling always good; because no farmers pride themselves on their horses, more than those of Berks. In short, it may be said, that the farm buildings all over the county, are respectable, and convenient: and their ox-stalls and yards, in the grazing parts, judiciously arranged for the fatting of cattle.
The usual custom of the county, is, for the landlord to put the buildings into good repair on the tenant's entering; and af- terwards to find all materials, except straw, for thatching. The tenant after his entry, pays all workmen's wages, and fetches the materials for repairs gratis.
OBSERVATIONS.
The custom, of the tenant's being saddled with the burden of repairing his farm buildings, too often causes a negligence on his part towards them, unobserved by the landlord, till the es- tate returns on his own hands; for although there may be a clause where leases subsist, reserving a power for the landlord to exa- mine into the state of repairs, and order what may be necessary, it is very seldom, he or his agents avail themselves of it; the re- sult of which is, that at the end of the term, or whenever the landlord and tenant part, there is a heavy expence falls on the owner, sometimes equal to two or three years rent.
This evil may in my opinion be obviated, by the adoption of

For remarks,&c. a plan that is daily extending its good effects, and which was originally introduced by my uncle, Mr. Kent, upon the estates under his care in Norfolk, and Worcestershire; which by form- ing a mutual interest, in the preservation of the buildings be- tween landlord, and tenant, confines this expensive out-going, into a moderate annual expenditure.
The outlines of the plan are, the landlord finds all materials for repairs(except straw), and is at half the expence of work- men's wages. The tenant employs what workmen he pleases, fetches the materials, and bears the other moiety of the work- manship. Thus a mutual interest subsists; and that best of cautions, to avoid heavy repairs, is never lost sight of,“Astitch
2 in time,“&c.
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For remarks,&c.
IMP LEMEN 11 8.
TnF Berkshire waggon has long been noticed, for its peculiat lightness and elegance; and although in different parts of the county, it may vary some little in the construction, it combines, in the whole, three great recomfnendations- viz. easy draught; strength; and, from being built low, is better calculated to load, and unload, than most other carriages of the kind.
The carts are likewise formed on good principles, and well suited to the respective purposes, for which they are wanted.
In a county, so pre-eminent in its larger implements of hus- bandry, it is a matter of surprise, that the plough should be found a heavy, clumsy instrument, with a massy beam, share, and mould-board, much better adapted for trenching ploughs, than for the uses required of them.
The smaller implements of husbandry are also formed in many instances, very awkwardly; and although, some spirited farmers have introduced various useful implements, from other counties; such as the drill, the shim, and scarifier(all excellent for the soil of Berkshire), as well as improving the ploughs, and harrows, of the county; yet there are still to be found, many of the old
chool, so prejudiced as to think, that without hcary. unwieldy instruments, the land would not be properly worked.
OBSERVATIONS. To facilitate the operations of agriculture, and to adopt a sys- tem of economy in its necessary labour, are very material, and obvious advantages, and su h as the farmer, for his own sake, ought to listen to, since his interest is highly connected with their adoption. I cannot, therefore, withhold censuring, not only the plough at present used in Berks, but the mode of working it. Four
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horses, and two men, employed a whole day, in turning up an acre of land, even if it be a third tilth, is so extravagant, and un- necessary, on land, such as I have described the greater part of Berkshire to consist of, that IJ cannot but consider it as a NàA TIONAL. DRAwBACkK and LOss. I am persuaded, a Norfolk, or Suffolk farmer, would never, in the strongest soil of this county, put more than two horses to a plough, with one man, and he would do as much work, if not more, than four horses, and two attend- ants now do, in many parts of Berkshire.
The introduction of the Norfolk wheel plough, which is what I strenuously recommend, on all light and loamy soils; and the adoption of the Suffolk iron swing plough, which is more appli-
cable, and better adapted, for strong cohesive soils, would be of
the greatest advantage to the Berkshire farmer. These ploughs bave already been tried with the greatest success, for three years
past, on His MajEsT v's Farms, in the Great Park near Windsor, where there is some of the heaviest, as well as lightest soil in this county; which they work admirably well: J therefore subjoin a sketch of these ploughs; that the mode of working them, and
their powers, may be better understood and explained; to which refer the reader.(See the latter part of the Report.)
After praising the Berkshire waggon, it may appear somewhat strange, that I object to any part of its formation; there is how- ver, an improvement, which in my opinion might be easily ef- fected(and in harvest time, would be a material convenience) namely, leaving the space sufficiently deep in the bed of the waggon, for the fore-wheels to lock round in the shortest curve; for, by the present construction, much time is lost, to turn at the end of the swaths; and which by the alteration I suggest, I should hope, would, in a great measure be saved, without affect-
ing the symmetry, or strength, of its present neat form.
For remarks,&c.

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For remarks,&c.
PREPARATION FOR CROPS.
PARTLV, from the construction of the plough, and partly, from the prevalent idea of the cultivators, that without great strength, little can be done, in most parts of the county, as I have before observed, four horses are generally put to a plough, even if the work is a second or third tilth: and on land that has lain a few years, the strength is often increased to six horses!
In the inclosed parts, very little fallowing is practised: the farmers being now in general convinced, that meliorating green crops, are more serviceable to the land, and profitable to the occupier, than the old method of letting land lie idle, choaked, and exhausted with weeds.
On the downs, one ploughing suffices for most crops; this is however hardly ever done with less than four horses, and some- times more!!
The rational and frugal mode of using oxEx, is but little fol- lowed in this county: indeed the greatest part of Berkshire is that kind of soil, which is rather inimical to their hoofs; so that they cannot be recommended, except in some parts of the Vale of White Horse, and the clay lands at the northern, and southern extremities of the county.
BuRN-BAkKINC, as I have before observed, has been too preva- lent in this, as well as in the neighbouring counties. There are too many visible proofs, in the hill and down parts of Berkshire, to what beggary and poverty that practice reduces land.
Among the best farmers, the general custom is, to«pot- dung“ for their wheat crop, and feed off their turnips with sheep; so that each pieceé of land gets well manured every other year, besides occasional foldings, on the stubbles, as the course is proceeding.
The downs, from the great distance they usually are from the

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25 J
homestall, have but little pot-dung bestowed on them; all their support arises from that quiet, generous animal, the sheep, which periodically bears to its fold, the nourishing means for future crops.
Woollen rags, at about 58. a cwt., are a species of manure, used in this county, for dressing wheat, and clover lays, and from their peculiar qualities, often produce abundant crops, upon some of the light soils.
Malt-dust is used for a barley crop, particularly on the north side of the county: and peat-ash,(one of the most essential dress- ings), is spread in every part, for crops of corn and hay.
The wheat sowing, is necessarily very early on the downs, and light land. Some persons put their wheat in, so soon, as the first week in August, and their turnips, in May; but about Old Lam- mas, is the general time for sowing wheat, in the hill country. The Lent-corn, in the same situations, is got in, during the months of March and April, and unless the season is very backward, is completed before the middle of April, and the turnip sowing, about the middle of June. In the loamy, cohesive, and strong land, the periods of sowing differ, according to the tendency of the Soil. The general busy time in these parts for wheat sowing, appears to be, from the middle of September, to the middle of October; and of the barley sowing, from Lady-day, to May-day.
The quantity of seed sown on a statute acre, is on an average,
in most parts of the county, nearly as follows:
Wheat— Barley—— Oats—
Beans, or peas—
3 Bushels. 4 Bushels. 5 ½. Bushels. 3 ½ Bushels.
OBSERVATIONsS. Persuaded as I am, that the general mode of ploughing, fol- lowed in Berkshire, is unnecessarily expensive, I cannot refrain
from again urging the Agriculturist, to lay aside prejudice, and
D
For remafks,&c.

For remarks,&c,
126 adopt such measures, as would reduce this great expence of the arable farmer, nearly one half.
In addition to what I have already proposed, I recommend an alteration, as to the hours of working the ploughs. A horse worked, in summer, from five to eleven; and after resting the heat of the day, going again to work from three to seven, it is natural to expect, will be better able to perform his ten hours work, and return less fatigued than one constantly drawing for eight or nine hours, without being relieved. In most of the eastern counties, the ploughs work in this manner, two journies a day, and the farmer finds his account in doing so; since it is evidently more easy for his horses, and he gets more work done, than can possibly be expected, from a like number of horses, working according to the present method, in Berkshire.
The practice of fallowing is very properly, in this county, nearly exploded. Before artificial grasses were cultivated, and the nu- merous substitutes for dressing, and manuring, found out, there was some plea, for letting land lie, in such an unprofitable, and slovenly state. It certainly is the best of management, to keep beatedly moving; provided the farmer is made to observe these essential points of husbandry,— To keep his land clean,— In good heart, and condition,— And vary his corn and green crops, so as to have never more, than two of the former, without one of the latter to follow them.
The quantity of seed sown annually in Berks, might be re- duced considerably, by the general introduction of the pPRILLSYSs- rEM. Supposing there are only 50,000 acres of wheat sown an- nually, and that 30, 000 of it, can be put in by the drill; a num- ber in my opinion very small, when it is considered, there is so great a proportion of light land. The saving would be, at about one bushel an acre, nearly 4000 quarters in this county alone!! A quantity sufficient to support, in bread, at least 5000 souls, is thus rescued from perishing in the earth; and from my own observation, as well as from the repeated trials made by im- partial, and laudable husbandmen, who have given their attention
aud to this mode of sowing, it appears, that independant of the cAIR
4

—
27
in seed, and of keeping the land clean, the drill crops are gene- rally more productive, than those sown broad-cast. Barley, and other grains may, of course, be saved in like proportion; andwhen we reflect, with what difficulty, the poor labourer procures these essentials, towards the support of a life of toil, it surely is incum- bent on every one, to adopt and encourage all measures, however trifling they may appear, which create a greater plenty, and which can in the least tend, to alleviate the wants, of a quiet, and honest peasantry.
In addition to the various manures, and dressings, which the generality of Berkshire farmers,(to do them justice), liberally bestow on their land, I recommend the trial of pulverized oil cake, as a manure, peculiarly well adapted for a turnip crop. In Norfolk, it has been tried with great success, and a particular ac- count of preparing it, is inserted in Mr. Kent's Report of that county. The idea originated, I believe, with Mr. Styleman, a gentleman of considerable fortune, and a great cultivator at the West end of Norfolk; and the practice of it, is daily extending it- self. The chief parts of the process consist, in breaking the oil- cake, first with cogged cylinders, and afterwards pulverizing it with plain ones, each turned by two women: Then depositing it in the same grooves with the turnip seed, by the help of the
drill machine; using the bush-harrows afterwards.
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33 KS K99
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For remarks,&c,
— 1 00
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COURSE OF CROPPING.
Ix this county, as in all others, there are many occupiers of land to be found, who not being restricted, to a liberal, and just course of cropping, unfairly run out, and impoverish their farms. The taking four crops of corn, or pulse, with only one of turnips, in the course of five years, will ultimately exhaust, and ruin the best land; nevertheless this course is, I fear, very prevalent, in many parts of Berkshire.
The mode of cropping followed by the fair and best farmers, on the South side of the county, is divided into five shifts, thus; first year, a crop of wheat(which has been manured for), next year, barley, then turnips fed off.— The fourth year, bar- ley or oats, laid down with clover; and the fifth year, clover mowed only once. After which, wheat comes round again.
On the Dowyns, different modes of cultivation are fonnd. In some parts, where the black light soil prevails, very little of either wheat, barley, clover, or sainfoin are sown. The first crop is generally turnips; the piece having previously undergone the pernicious practice of burn-baking; which being fed off, puts the land for the present, in pretty good condition for a crop of oats, with which perennial darnel, or as the farmers call it, rye grass, is sown. The piece thus continues three or four years, on a forced system, greatly to the advantage of the tenant no doubt, but at the expence, of ruining the land for ever after, as pastur- age; indeed, what else can be expected from, cutting up, and burning, not only the turf, but every germ of vegetation, na- ture has for ages deposited, to keep up a succession of her- bage.
On the best parts of the downs, aad hills, is found a sixth shift course; viz. the first year, wheat, the second barley, third turnips, fourth oats with seeds, fifth grass, and sixth grass, second year.

—
29
This, is a fair way of tilling such kind of land, provided, the farm has a proportion of good downs, and sainfoin, to keep a large flock, otherwise it would not be enabled, to have so great a proportion, as half of this sort of land in grain.
In the Vale of White Horse, and the country adjacent, where
the soil is a rich deep loam, the general practice is, to take, Ist. 1 8
wheat, 2d. beans, 3d. barley, or oats with seeds, 4th. clover one year, 5th. fallow, vetches, or turnips. After which, the wheat crop comes in succession.
There is still another mode, practised in the common field pa- rishes of this county; where, from the mixed rights that prevail, turnip and vetch crops, cannot be well introduced. After wheat, they sow barley, then oats with seeds, 4th. clover mowed(when it becomes common), Sth. oats, or barley again, and 6th. fallow. This management, though bad, I fear cannot be amended, whilst the land lies in its present state; and although there is a me- thod called« hitching the fields(a kind ofagreement amongst the parishioners, to with-hold turning stock out, whilst particular crops are growing, and by which means, a few brush turnips, clover, and vetches are sown), yet its lying open, subject to commonage, is a bar to all essential improvement, and cramps the spirited farmer, who is disposed to make the most of his land, since he is subject to the caprice of individuals, who are too often deaf to reason, and absurdly say« they have their rights,“ and will give
no oöther answer.
OBSERVATIONS.
It is no trivial consideration with a farmer, when he takes a tract of land, to understand what liberty is granted him, as to cropping. That he is entitled, to an encouraging contract in this respect,(when it is considered how many losses and hazards he is subject to), every one must allow. But self-interest too often urges mankind, to break through the bounds of fair con- duct; and in agriculture we have too many instances, both on the side of landlord, and tenant, what injury may be done, by
For remarks,&c,
—

For remarks,&c.
[ 30 1
the oppression, or fickleness, of the one, and cunning, and disho- nesty, of the other.
Restrictions therefore, are necessary with both parties; but as it is impossible, the tenant can pay his rent without crops, I con- sider it by all means proper, that he should have liberty, to sub- stitute one crop for another; when, from unfavourable seasons, or from misfortune, his land is put out of that fair, and regular course, which should be agreed to be the best, by himself, and landlord, in the first onset. A man constrained by strong, and particular clauses, to crop his land rigidly, to the letter of his agreement, can never avert the loss, he sees falling on him; but if he is suffered to take a meliorating crop, of that kind, which will not throw his land out of course, more than a year, I am persuaded, not only himself, but the estate, must be benefited by such indulgence.—
For example.—If a piece of land, in a district of pleasant light loam, is well manured,(which is always the case in the turnip countries), got into good condition, and at a proper time sown with turnips, which, after all the expence, and pains be- stowed, do not prosper, it would bear hard on the tenant, to hold him from sowing wheat in the autumn, on that piece of land; particularly, as he could in the spring, sow clover, and thus bring his land into proper course again. Or if he is more anxious for spring feed, the same piece of ground, instead of having wheat, may be sown with vetches, and fed off time enough for him to sow his lent corn with seeds. Sometimes also, artificial grasses, either from the state of the land, or unfavour- able weather, about the time of sowing them, will not take root; in such instances, it would be a great injury to a tenant, and do the land no kind of good, to keep him from taking a cross crop; he being obliged, after having such extra crop, to turnip or vetch it, previous to its being laid down.
The usual practices, followed by the best farmers on the South- ern side ofthe county, are certainly very beneficial, and fair. A five shift course of husbandry is, without doubt, the best that can be adopted here; but I submit to their consideration, whether, the
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7212

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I 31 J
introduction of vetches, and buck-wheat, would not improve their system, by varying the course, now and then, in order to keep the same crops, from coming too near each other. The frequent repetition of the same crop, is rejected by land, though in ever such good heart, and thus we often see, on the best of soils, weak crops, and sometimes a failure; which has no visible cause for its happening. I therefore recommend, that instead of barley after wheat, buck-wheat be sometimes taken; it is a crop neither impoverishing nor unprofitable; and after harvest, if it is got up soon, vetches may be sown on the same piece for spring feed. The land would then come in excellent condition for a turnip crop; and the barley, after such treatment, would amply repay the farmer, for the seeming loss he sustains, in the omission of his barley crop, after wheat. I call it a seeming loss, since in fact nothing is lost by adopting this change; as in an arable country, where there are good markets, and a spirit exists, for fattening cattle, and sheep, green crops are now considered, and certainly are, when all benefits are reckoned, as profitable to the Agriculturist, as any corn crops he can grow.
I am persuaded, a seven shift course, would be more productive on the light, and shallow Soils, of Berkshire, where the land is not in common field, than their present six-shift course; particularl)y where a farm is cramped for want of downs orsainfoin. The rota- tion of crops Ishould propose, in these situations, would be nearly as follows. 1st. Wheat, 2d. vetches, 3d. barley, 4th. buck-wheat, sth. turnips, 6th. barley, 7th. clover. This succession, considering the buck-wheat, as it always should be, a neutral crop, is certainly the best system of husbandry, thiat can be followed on light land. But, independant of this, it is proved by experience, in the turnip countries, that the more distant that crop is kept, not only from repetition, but from the clovers, the greater likelihood there is, for its success: and when it is considered what an uncertain and expensive crop, turnips are, to obtain in perfection, any observa- tion, that tends to remedy the hazards attending it, deserves at least some little consideration.
There is also another advantage in this mode of cropping, that
——
For remarks,&c.

For remarks,&c.
32] strikes me as an improvement, namely,— By having clover lay only one year. We generally see(except on deep rich land) the se- cond year's clover lays, weak and sickly; and as another green crop more likely to be vigorous, is substituted in the place, of the second year's lay: I believe that more stock could be kept on light land, by thus introducing the vetches, than can now be done, from the present system of six shifts.
On those open parts of the downs, where the sandy soil pre- dominates, the sowing of rye, to be fed off(where wheat will not succeed) would, in my opinion, insure much better crops of tur- nips, than what are generally seen on this bleak part of the county. The advantages resulting from this method, would be, Increase of food,— An increase of stock,— And consequently an in- crease of manure; by dint of vhich only, the farmer depends on a crop of grain here. His expence and trouble would be incon- siderable, in adopting this practice; inasmuch, as the land would only be broke up in the autumn, instead of the spring; and in re- turn for which, he gets much sheep-feed, and dresses the land well for that crop, which, above all others, ought to have plenty of manure buried with the seed.
The strong rich loamy Soil, in the Vale of White Horse, has long been celebrated for its fecundity; and unlike most other countries, where nature has been bou ntiful, the inhabitants are, in general, active and industrious. They, however, still incline, in those parishes, that have of late been inclosed, to the old com- mon field mode, of taking three crops in succession(for I caunot agree with them, that beans should be considered a neutral crop). Their land is certainly extremely good, and would not be affected by a little deviation, from the line of rectitude; but a continual round of corn crops, sometimes four, in five years, must deprive the land of that spirit, and vegetative quality, which a little more variety in change of crops, would render permanently productive.
The method followed in the Isle of Sheppy, and the Flegg and Blofield hundreds of Norfolk, is very suitable to this part of Berkshire; and in the latter place, is a copy of that high state of
agriculture, practised in the Austrian Netherlands, which has

For remarks,&c. ever been considered, as one of the first schools for agriculture; and simply consists of alternate crops, for man and beast, of an
exhausting, and meliorating quality. Thus,
1st.- 3 Wheat. 2d. 3— Turnips. 3d.— Barley. 4th.—— Clover.
As an improvement to this short system, vetches may be har- rowed in the wheat stubbles, directly after harvest, for spring feed; and turnips thrown on the barley stubbles, where the land is not so tender, as to risk an injury to the grasses, by the tread- ing of cattle. In short, wherever this last method can be done,
— it is one of the best modes of husbandry, now in practice; be- cause, the turnips often go twice as far as they would, if fed on the land where they grow; and by being strewed thinly before cattle on the clover lay, will often add, by the manure the cattle bestow on it, more than an additional load of hay to an acre, and leave the land in a most capital state, for wheat the ensuing autumn. Ishould add, that my recommendation, of having the turnips thinly strewed, is to avoid the land being too much trodden, in particular spots, at one time: but the same piece should be strewed over, two or three times, to give it an effectual dressing.
There are, no doubt, many situations, where feeding off turnips, or suffering cattle to go on barley stubbles, would in their present state, be utter ruin to the stock, and injure the land very much. If it is impossible, by draining, to render such land quite sound; still Iam of opinion, that by keeping in some measure to the spirit of the foregoing rotation of crops, and planting cabbages, or potatoes in licu of turnips, the farmer would find a greater ad- — vantage, than by suffering his land to lie fallow; which causes,
in the following summer, a sharp contest between him and the weeds that have risen up in evidence, against his idleness, or mismanagement.
Thave observed in Leicestershire, and other parts of England, a mode of feeding cattle, on'ground that is too wet, and tender to
E
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- 34
be turned upon, that I think deserves attention, in the Vale of Whitehorse. If oxen are fatted off, a slight shed erected with offal stuff and slabs, is fixed on a dry part, on the Northern side of the piece intended to be fed off; and a temporary yard, fenced
For remarks,&c.
—
in: the expence of the whole, not amounting to forty shillings. In this shed, the cattle are plentifully supplied by their attend-
ant, who draws, and gives them their food. The manure is made
on the spot, and ready to carry out for the succeeding Lent crop;
——:j——
and the objection, that the land is robbed by drawing off the
crop, is overcome.
Sheep are in like manner fatted off, only the fold must be
larger, in order that it may be divided into two; so that every
three or four nights, they may lay on fresh litter.— Perhaps even this method, will not be thought feasible in every
part of the district, I am speaking of; but I mention it as a
matter, that may probably lead to some improvement in deep
countries, where it is at Present supposed, sheep nor cattle can
be winter-fatted. At all events, cabbage, potatoes, and winter
vetches, must be more profitable to the farmer, and better for 1.
the land, than the obsolete and expensive mode of fallowing.
N 4

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For remarks,&c,
HARVESTINC.
FRoM the nature of the Soll, it is to be expected, the harvest is forward in most parts of Berkshire; which is generally the case.
The usual practice of the county, is, to let the harvest work 4 by the great; and many of the women are employed in reaping, as well as the other labour, necessary for getting in crops.
About Lammas, the reaping of wheat commences; and is cut from 5s. to 9s. per acre, according to the bulk of the crop. On the hills, it seldom exceeds 6s. as the crops in those parts, generally run light.
Barley and oats, are mowed from one shilling and three pence to one shilling and sixpence per acre; but more is given, if the labourer gets the swath into cock; which is here often under- taken by him.
One shilling and sixpence an acre is given, besides small beer, for mowing hay. Sometimes more, if the burthen of grass is heavy.
The price for cutting beans, is generally, about the same as reaping wheat: and peas are usually cut at sixteenpence per acre.
Turnips are twice hoed, from 6s. to 9s. per acre; which, al- though a high price, are not so well done as they ought to be. In Norfolk they are twice hoed, in a capital manner, at 6s. per acre.
The corn is carried with great spirit, from the field to the homestall; and rick staddles are used in all parts of the county. Nor should the neatness of making their ricks be omitted, as they certainly are formed with much judgment and symmetry.
OBSERVATIONS.
At this joyous season of the year, it is certainly proper, that every rural inhabitant should not only have a proportionate E 2
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For remarks,&c.
I 36 1
increase of comfort, but likewise, have an opportunity given him, by industrious exertions, to lay up, like the ant, some little resource, against the pinching blasts of winter.
Counties, in which manufactories are established, have, in har- vest time, advantages, which in many parts of the kingdom are embraced, and thought a great benefit to the Agriculturist. He
is enabled by the additional aid from the towns, to get his corn
housed very quick; and as the usual custom is for the labourers, in such instances, to hire themselves out for the harvest, and to board in the farm house, during that time, the farmer has the power, of directing his wliole force to particular spots; and often by these means, prevents much damage and disappointment, par- ticnlarly in a catching year, as it is termed.
Although, many good effects certainly arise from this mode, yet it is local, and has some material objections; since the wife and children, are left at home,—are uninterested in getting in the crops;— andwhilst the man is living, in a degree of festivity beyond his usual style, his family are idle at home, experiencing hunger and want, during the whole time of reaping and mowing corn.
Another objection may be fairly stated to this mode, viz. that late turnips sometimes require hoeing, at a time when harvest is begun; and as all hands are engaged, it will often happen, that great loss is sustained, in that most valuable crop being neg- lected.
Nor do I conceive, there can be by such practice, those incen- tives to industry, which are in view when a labourer works by the Sréeat.
In those counties therefore, like Berkshire, where the reaping,
13
mowing,&c. is let by the acre, we shall find the poor most com-
fortable, and industrious. Instead of the wife and children idling their time, in gleaning a little loose corn, we see them busily
employed with the father in reaping; or, if not strong enough for
ting in other ways, the hands that nursed and brought 4
5
them up: thus forming a little community, that are a comfort to each other, and are rewarded in proportion to their zeal and industry.

—
f. 27 J—
I need not, after what I have observed, recommend the Berk- shire farmer to continue in the same mode, as to getting in his harvest; for although in manufacturing counties, where very large farms exist, the method I first stated, may be most benefi- cial to the farmer, yet, I am convinced that every mode which calls forth the industry of the labouring hand, is not only adding comfort, to that most useful class of people, but is certainly the soundest policy; considering it in a national point of view.
For remarks,&c.

For remarks,&c.
[. 33
MARKETS AND FAIRS.
BeRKSHIRE, with respect to situation of markets, is peculiarly fortunate. They are distributed so well, that a distance of ten miles to a market, is difficult to be found.
Newbury, Reading, Abingdon, Wallingford, and Windsor, have all the advantage of water-carriage to London, and the in- terior parts of the kingdom. The two former send a prodigious quantity of flour to London; and the others barley and malt, to a considerable amount.
IIsley has also, of late, become a sheep market, of the first im- portance, not only to Berkshire, but its neighbouring counties. Not less than 20, OOoO sheep have sometimes been sold in one mar- ket day; and it is computed, that the annual average is not under 250,000, comprizing lambs, tags, wethers, and ewes; but they are chiefly lean sheep.
Newbury has, time out of mind, been justly considered a most
excellent corn market; and still retains some customs, that would be of great use were they observed, in all other markets. Here
the grain is pitched in open market, is ingenuously offered to the
public, in small, as well as large quantities: thus defeating, as much as possible, the artifices of monopolizers; and holding out
to the industrious lowly hand, the chief nourisher of his existence, at a fair market price.
Another good custom is also observed here; that the farmer, let him sell much, or little, has his money paid on delivery of the article, verifying the old observation on Newbury market, that
«The farmer may take back « His money in his sack.“
There are several large fairs held in this county for horses, neat cattle, and sheep. Faringdon and Abingdon have great horse fairs; and Lambourn, and some other towns, have a great mart
0
for in-calf heifers, colts,&c.

1 39 For remarks,&c OBSERVATIONS.
The preceding advantages of markets,&c. are strikingly ob- vious; and though the benefits of such excellent navigation can- not be obtained, where nature with-holds them, yet the laudable custom that still exists at Newbury, of a pitched market, is so conducive to the comfort of the lower classes of mankind, that it is to be wished, it may be long continued; and much to be lamented, that monopolizers in most other parts of the kingdom, have contrived to draw, from this most valuable class, a profit of at least 20 per cent. to themselves, without any benefit resulting
from it, even to the farmers.
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For remarks,&c.
LABOURERS, POOR-RATES, Ec.
TRE husbandmen of this county, are well-disposed, tractable, and honest; and, when their powers are called forth by fair en- couragement, skilful, and industrious.
Their daily pay, in the winter, is from one shilling to one shil- ling and three-pence. They come to work about seven, and stay till five; and are allowed an hour in the day for meals.
In the summer, their labour commences at six, and ends at six. They are then allowed two hours for meals; and the pay is in- creased to one shilling and two pence, and more, according to the goodness of the hand, up to one shilling and sixpence.
In the neighbourhood of towns, somewhat more is given; par- ticularly at the Eastern side of the county; but the general ave- rage of labourers' wages through Berkshire, may be estimated at about six shillings and sixpence a week, in winter, and eight shillings in summer.
Such work as is done by the great, and which I have no be- fore noticed, may,(taking the average of the county) be stated as
follows: §. d. Threshing Wheat— 2 5 per quarter. Barley 3 1 2 Oats 3 1 0 Beans and pease 1 0 Clover seed 5 o a bushel. Ditching and] Asix foot ditch at top, banking* three at bottom, and four deep.- 2 6 per pole, of 18 feet.

41
Cut, and plash, and
For remarks,&c.
scour up a ditch and bank— 0 6 per pole.
Give no faggots, but allow a sixth ofthe earnings for it.
Under ditching, three feet deep— 0 4 per rod.
The wages of yearly servants are, of course, different, accord- ing to the abilities of the person employed. A carter, however, has never more than(10 a year, and is reduced from that, down to; which is the lowest wages, I understand, a man of that
5 occupation takes. Stout plough-boys have- 2 a year, and smaller ones[1. 105. Shepherds have ten guineas a year given them, and the run of two sheep.
Some few farmers in this county, pay their labourers in kind; viz. with wheat and barley, when they choose to take it;— a prac- tice highly laudable, and deserving particular attention.
The Poors Rate is very moderate, in most parts of the county: not above 2s5. 6d. in the pound, upon an average; except at New- bury, where it is now so high as nine shillings in the pound, upon the rack rent. But this, may in some measure, be accounted for, by the failure of the manufactory of broad cloth, which is now at a very low ebb; and, as the parish is small, and the population great, unless some new branch of trade is struck out, for the em- ployment of the poor, the land-owners in this parish, will lose half the income of their property, by the decline of the manu- factory.
OB8SERVATIONsS.
There is no subject, which deserves the serious consideration of all persons concerned in landed property, more, than the State of our Peasantry.— At present, they are too much left to the ma- nagement and controul of the farmer, whose situation being only temporary, is too often induced to consider them merely as in-
F
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——— 2.——— ͦ

For remarks,&c.
42 1
struments, subservient to his interest, so that the poor man's spirit is depressed, as he sees himself abandoned by the landlord, who, having a permanent interest in the country, is, and ought to be, his Natural Protector.
On the other hand, IJ am aware, that the labourers and handi- craft-men in manufacturing counties, or where navigations are carrying on, are often turbulent, and dissatisfied, without reason, and are spoiled as husbandmen, by the exorbitant wages they get from local circumstances. It is not the cause and situation of such people, I am anxious to serve, but the humble, hard-work- ing cottager, whose attachments to his family, and domestic wants, are as strong and urgent, as those whose situation and education, are superior; whose steadiness, and firmness, in times of sedition, make him a valuable subject to the state: and though, with scanty allowance, he works through a life of toil, and labour, does not repine.
It is to such men, I wish the attention of countfy gentlemen to be more particularly directed. The monopoly of large farms, has, no doubt, of late years increased the number of this class, of our fellow-subjects:—to relieve their reasonable wants, and en- courage that spirit of industry, at present so much reduced, are beneficent and laudable acts; and such as carry in their execu- tion, that satisfaction, which is superior to all others,—e« The pleasure of doing good."
The essential measures, that would tend to make the poor in- dustrious man happy, are, in my opinion, very few; and such as might be extended, and adopted, without aggrieving any one.
The old custom, of paying the labourer, as much of his wages in kind, as he chooses, is certainly the first step of comfort, and saving; which he might attain, without any loss to his em- ployer.
T'o set him all his labour, as much as possible, by the great, is the next:—this calls forth his powers; and unrestrained indus- try, will have its reward in comfort.
And above all, to let every industrious, poor man, have a suf- ficiency of land, not only to raise vegetables, but to keep a cow;
—

—yy——4n ꝙ;————
43
by that means, enabling him, and his family, to provide a great
For remarks,&c.
part of their necessary sustinence, from their own little commu- nity.
Many other benefits may be given the poor man, without af- fecting any one's real interest, which I shall more particularly des- cant upon, in my General Observations;— concluding here, with the hope, that I shall have credit, for, at least, a good intention: My wishes extend no farther, than to see this useful, and quiet set of our countrymen, possess the necessary comforts of life, and that every gentleman of landed property, would remember the words of the celebrated poet,—
Be mindful of the rough, laborious hand, *That sinks you soft, in elegance and ease.“ THoMsox.
Fz
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For remarks,&c.
[ 44 ₰
S TOCX, Gc.
BERKSHIRE has, and ever must have, from the nature of the Soil, a great quantity of sheep kept upon it. Its present breed are certainly not only a very useful, but handsome stock, and are in great reputation in the neighbouring counties. They are well adapted for folding; being strong and agile, they travel long ranges during the day, and from their size and weight, are good folding sheep at night. Like all other parts of England, a spirit of crossing the breed is diffusing itself. South Downs, and Dorsets, are introduced in many parts; and it is likely, may im- prove the fleece very much.
Great numbers are now annually drawn out of the flocks, and fatted off, by the introduction of the turnip system; and a still greater number are bought at IIsley, to fat in the counties nearer London.
A fleece of 4lbs. is reckoned a good produce; the general ave- rage of the county will not, however, be so high. Eight sheep to a tod of 281bs. is about the usual allowance: but those which have a cross of the South Downs, will require, not less than 10; but of course, the wool is more valuable.
Various are the sizes, and weights, of the Berkshire sheep, somuch depending on the breed and keep. A full sized Berkshire sheep, however, thirty months old, when fat, weighs seldom less than 20 1bs. a quarter, and are sometimes increased to 25 lbs. or 30lbs.
The neat cattle, fatted off in this county, are generally the Herefordshire, Shropshire; Glamorganshire, and other parts of South Wales, bought in at the spring, and fall. The system of fatting with turnips, is not however, much known, and in the grazing part of the White Horse Vale, where a great quantity of beasts are annually stall-fed; they are generally fatted with hay, bean, and barley meal, oil-cake.&c. Linseed, both dry and

—
45
steeped, is given by some graziers, and found to answer exceed-
country breed; they are excellent milkers, and well adapted for the
The cows most esteemed in this county, are those of the North E grass land of the Vale, where the dairy farms are managed, with much skill, and judgment. The dairymen keep up the succes- sion, partly by rearing, and partly by buying heifers in calf, at Lambourn, and other fairs in the county.
The Berkshire farmer considers his profits from horses, no in-
considerable part of his farming, and this, in some degree, ac-
ounts for the unnecessary number of horses, we see kept in every part of the county. Some breed their own stock, and others buy in suckers, which they put to work very early; and after using them for two or three years, sell off, to the brewers in London, and the stage waggons, at such high prices, as to make eight, or ten pounds per annum of each horse; considering his work equal to the expence of his keep.
The quantity of swine fatted in Berkshire, is certainly very great. In the small town of Faringdon only, 40oo are slaugh- tered for the London, and Oxford markets, between the beginning of November, and the beginning of April. This however, is in a part of the county, where the dairy farms are situated; but ne- vertheless, when it is considered how many store pigs, are sent annually to the distillers and starch-makers, in the vicinity of London, Berkshire receives no inconsiderable return, from this profitable kind of stock.
At the East end of the county, the poultry becomes very profit- able from its vicinity to London. A great number of hucksters are constanly employed, in purchasing them, and the num- ber weekly sent away is prodigious. At the Northern, and Western sides, the farms running large, these useful and ne- cessary articles, which the little farm rears up, are overlooked, or rejected, and perhaps will accouat for the dearness of this kind of provision.
For remarks

For remarks,&c.
[46 1
OBSERVATIONsS.
The keeping up the breed of sheep, has in all ages been a sub- ject deemed of the utmost importance; whether of late years the number has increased, is with me a matter of doubt: though from the increased number, that is now brought to markets, and fairs, beyond that of former times, it is natural to conclude this part of the national produce is augmented.
That ‧every Soil has its own stock,“ is an accurate observa- tion of a very judicious and sensible writer on agriculture.* Im- provements may, no doubt, be effected in the breed, of almost all kinds of sheep; but crosses, where two very opposite breeds are to be combined, can never, in my opinion, be advantageous to either.
A Berkshire sheep, will certainly be improved in its wool, by the cross of a South Down; but perhaps it will not be so good a folding sheep. In short, it appears to me, most rational, and most beneficial, to every sheep county, to strive to the utmost to im- prove its native breed;— foregoing the little advantage that may be derived from the improved quality of the wool, for the more permanent and solid one, of having a thrifty breed, congenial with the soil.
I have already remarked, the national loss that occurs in Berk- shire, from the keeping so many unnecessary horses; and there- fore, subjoin a calculation, founded, I trust, on a fair and mode- rate basis, as to the number of horses kept; with a view of proving the great benefits, that might arise in this district only, from a general spirit of economic reform, in tilling.
Considering there are only 240,00O0 acres of arable in Berkshire, and allowing 5 horses to each 100 acres, it may be estimated there are 12,000 horses kept in the county, for the purposes of agriculture. One-third of these, I am persuaded, might be saved by the introduction of the Norfolk, and Suffolk ploughs; and,
* Mr. Marshall.

47— For remark:,&c.
whatever the farmer may now get, by bartering in ho rses, would be amply compensated for, in the saving of keep by such reduc- tion; independent of farriers' expences, and chances, to which every dealer in horses is subject.
In a national point of view, the saving to the state would be immense.
4000 horses employed in agriculture, consume,(allowing them only 25 bushels a year) 100,000 bushels.*
Which, allowing 5o bushels to be the average produce of an acre, occupies 2000 acres for the growth of oats only. Add to this at least, 1500 acres for the growth of grass and hay; and the total quantity of land necessary for supporting 4000 horses, may be moderately estimated at 3500 acres.
Of these 3500 acres, it may be reasonably presumed, 1000 acres might be always in wheat, and 1000 acres in barley. On this low scale, I will ground my calculation, of the advantages that would result to the community.
1000 acres of wheat, at 25 bushels per acre, which, I consider a fair average crop, produces 25,000 bushels, and from the ob- servation, and investigation of several ingenious men, it has been ascertained, that a man, his wife, and four children, will not con- sume more, than thirty bushels of wheat during the year: BREAD for the subsistence of 5ooo souls, would thus arise from land, now devoted to unnecessary purposes.
Nor is the barley crop, a less object of material concern, par- ticularly as the revenue depends so greatly on it. An acre of land, cropped with barley, when considered in all its stages, pro- duces annually to the state more than six times its yearly value; and, burthened as this necessary article is, any measure that points to an increase of it, deserves attention, and will certainly have the blessings of the poor labouring man; who at present,
* A horse kept in the stable, for coach or saddle, eats, on a moderate cal- culation, 9o bushels of oats per annum, besides hay; and may thus be
considered to consume the produce of, at least, thres acres of land.
—.——ᷣOůõ————

For remarks,&c.
——O§₰˖——
[48 from its exorbitant price, is debarred the comfort he formerly had, of making himself a little beer.
The method of stall-feeding cattle is exceedingly well under- stood in this county; and the plan of forming the stalls, so as to give each beast a separate walk, is worthy of being copied, in all counties, where winter fatting is practised.
————— ‿
B

—
COMMON FIELDS, c.
1
A MoIETV, at least, of the arable land in Berkshire, is still ly- ing in common fields; and though it is not divided into such very small parcels, as in some other counties, the farmer labours under all the inconvenience of commonable land; and by that, is withheld, from improving or treating his land, so, as to return the produce which it would do, if entire, and under a good course of husbandry.
OBSERVATIONS.
The advantage resulting from inclosing, or at least severalling common fields, is so very obvious, and has of late years, proved so beneficial, that it requires no observation from me, to record its good effects. Some sound, and well-digested measures are, how- ever, much wanting, to accelerate this great benefit, to the com- munity. The difficulty, and expence, of procuring legal autho- rity to effect this desirable improvement, act at present, very materially, against its extension.
Onthis subject much has been said, and many plans and ob- servations given, some of which appear very feasible and perti- nent: but as another great interest, besides the landlords, is interwoven with the improvements to be effected, I mean the tithe owners; Tconceive the measure a very important, and compli- cated one, and well worthy the profound consideration, of the le- gislatuce; who are more likely, than any individual, to form and effect, by their wise deliberations, the best and most ready means for effecting so desirable a benefit to society.
With respect to Tithes. The practice generally followed, in the present method of inclosing, of« allotting land in lieu of them,“ is certainly a good one; and preferable, in my opinion, to a corn rent, or any mode which obliges the clergyman, to de-
G
—y

For remarks,&c.
1 30—
pend on the industry of his parishioners for his income. The only objection that can be raised, is, that the clergyman may be forced, to become his own farmer, for subsistence. But by the same parity of reasoning, it should be remarked, a gentleman of large landed property, may also be obliged to cultivate his own estate; circumstances, not very likely to happen, in this populous and wealthy kingdom.
In short, any measure, that tends to an alteration, in the sys- tem of paying tithes in kind, must be productive of signal im- provement to agriculture; particularly when it is reflected, how often they are the cause of dissension, and acrimony, between a clergyman, and his parishioners; for, however just and equitable his demands may be, if an advance takes place, a kind of irre- verence is often created, and cherished by them, subversive of all good order, and certainly very detrimental to the peace and hap- piness of the state.
* 1 1

[514
WATER MEADOW. PEAT-LAND. SAIN-FOIN.
Tur tract of meadows, contiguous ro the river Kennet, from Hungerford in the West, to Reading, East, are all of them watered in a masterly style; and the burthens of hay, cut from them, independent of the very early feed, evince the great im- provement that arises, from this simple method, of creating fer- mentation in a soil, which, in many places, is sullen and torpid.
Part of this tract of meadow, however, has for its surface, a gravelly soil; which, of all others, is the best adapted for water meadows. The other part consists of peat; a soil, though known by name in most counties, is not elsewhere of that pecu- liar and excellent quality, as in the neighbourhood of Newbury, and other parts of Berkshire, towards Oxford.
The watered meadows, on the gravelly land, being in high estimation, of course let at a great rent. Those which have peat under the surface, are not reckoned so valuable to a tenant; but to a landlord, they have of late, been invaluable. I was in- formed, by a gentleman, that has concerns in this peat country, that he last year sold the peat, on one acre of land, for 300! 1! where the purchaser Was limited,
First, To cut no deeper than six feet.
Secondly, To cut and clear off the. whole in the course of the
year. — And, lastly, he was to pare off the sward, that was on the acre at the time of agreement, and relay it, in a proper manner, on the surface, after he had got out the peat; in order that it might, when returned to the landlord, be in a state for meadow land again.
The reader, unacquainted wirh the properties of peat, may,
G 2
For remarks,&c.
——ÿ—ℳ—:;᷑—P—;—Y’ꝛx—:— 3—————————

For remarks,&c.
32
with reason, exelaim, For what purposes, can this earth be applied, to make it so very valuable?
First—lt is, like all other putrid vegetables, an excellent fuel.
Secondly— lt has a property, that the peat of no other country has, in the virtues of its ashes; which in Berkshire, and other parts, are used with great success, in dressing young crops, whe- ther of wheat, barley, oats, or turnips.
It is also an excellent improver of grass lands, particularly clover lays, and sainfoin; which shew to an inch where the peat-ash has been bestowed on them. The quantity necessary to dress an acre, is reckoned from 15 to 25 bushels, according to the condi- tion of the land, and which may be bought on the spot, from 274. to 4d. a bushel, according to the strength and goodness of the ash. This cheap and striking improvement, has not been known in Berkshire more than seventy or eighty years. For a long time, like all other new methods, it had to combat the prejudices and obstinacy of many. But it seems now universally approved, and adopted by every cultivator, who lives within a reasonable dis- tance, to procure the same.
There is also another obvious improvement, which, I under-
Sstand, was introduced many years since into Berkshire; but not much attended to, till of late years; viz. the cultivation of sain- foin.
On t!
is chalk, and the surface not naturally inclined to grass, this most
ne downs, and hilly land, where the predominant strata
excellent substitute for meadows, flourishes with vigour. The aid this valuable artificial grass gives the farmer, is abundant; parti- cularly for his flock, that chief support of his arable,
He also gets large crops of hay, from land, which, in its natural state, was almost barren; and proves the good effects that may
arise, from adapting productions congenial with the soil.
OBSERVATIONS.
Watering, and flooding meadows, are so peculiarly well under-
stood, and practised in Wiltshire, and Dorsetshire, that I con-

L 58
clude the Reports on those counties will describe, most fully, the modes followed there; from which the Berkshire farmer may, I am persuaded, receive some valuable hints, as yet unknown to him, with respect to this artificial and most valuable kind of land.
The hay, cut from these meadows, although of a coarse na- ture, is very juicy, and particularly well suited for milch cows, or ewes, after yeaning: and as the grass is so much earlier on these, than on the natural meadows, too much spirit cannot be excited to render every tract of land, that is capable of being watered, effectually so.
This excellent practice is, I believe, confined chiefly to the West of England. We do indeed, see in some local spots, in the Midland, and Northern parts of the kingdom, a little of it done; but it is not arrived to any degree of perfection, and has to en- counter, like all other improvements, the prejudices of provincial custom.
The benefits produced from the peat, I have already described; and, as it is to be procured at a very moderate expence, it is un- pardonable in any cultivator, to omit using a dressing, at once so beneficial, and cheap.
Too much cannot be said, on the advantages of sainfoin, on the chalky, and dry hard soils, where no other kind of artificial grasses will prosper. It succeeds most luxuriantly, where there is a hard stratum of soil, near the surface, sufficient to resist the penetration of the root, which will otherwise, in better and deeper land, strike to an amazing depth, and exhaust its strength
unprofitably, beneath the surface.
For remarks,&c.

For remarks,&c.
[54 1
WOODs.
THr South, and East sides of Berkshire, have a large propor- tion of wood land appertaining to them: and, as the parochial taxes are generally very light, on this part of landed property, and the demand for faggot, and hurdle wood, very great, they pay the landlord, in general, much better than his cultivated land.
The predominant wood in the county, is hazle: sometimes, however, it is mixed with ash, oak, beech, willow, and alder. There are also, some few beech woods to be found entire; which, when in a proper course of falling, are certainly a very produc- tive wood, particularly as they may be planted on chalk, or rocky hills, where there is but little surface, and where other wood does not prosper.
Hazle-wood, in a country where great quantities of hurdles are wanting, is of course very profitable. In a good soil, it is cut from seven to ten years' growth; and will fetch, from ten to fif- teen pounds an acre. In other places, it must stand twelve, or fourteen years, to be worth so much.
The chief purposes, to which this wood is applied, is making hurdles, faggots, hoops, and bundles of stakes.
Close hurdles are from six shillings to nine shillings a dozen.
Bundles of stakes, seven pence each.
Hoops, 3s. 6d. a bundle of 60 hoops.
The beech woods in this county are exceedingly well managed, by continually clearing,(which they call drawing out,) the beech stems, from eight, down to three or four inches girt, where they stand too thick, or appear unthrifty and dead. The best of this stuff is sold to coachmakers, wheelwrights, farmers,&c. at 73. per foot, for making and repairing carriages, and agricul- tural implements; the other is generally cut up into billets, and faggots, for the bakers of the country; and a great quantity is

—
1 55
also sent down to London, for the bakers there, as well as for packing in the holds of ships. The woodman marks the billets, according to their size, with one, two, or three notches, which
are considered, as so many farthings-worth, when the billets are
sold; and by this means, he is enabled, not only to ascertain the value of the wood cut up, but pays his workmen accordingly, at
the rate of sixpence, for 255 notches: which is construed a load.
Those who take good care of their wood lands, permit their labourers, during the winter months, to take up the old roots, from which no heir or teller is rising; en condition that the workmen plant new sets, in a proper manner; and in case they do not strike the first year, are to replant them the next winter. By this excellent method, a constant succession is kept up, and is a plan worthy of adoption in all beech wood counties.
The scrubby stuff, is often burnt into charcoal, which pays extremely well, from its vicinity to so good a market, as London.
Ash, withe, and birch wood, are also very productive, and va- luable, for hoop stuff, which is sent down the Thames, in great quantities. Instances have been known, of an acre of withe and ash, in an aquatic situation, at seven years' growth, selling for twenty-five pounds.
Very little timber, is of course, encouraged to grow in these woods, as their shade, and roots, would be detrimental to the un- derwood. But, in man)y parts of the county, there is a great quantity of timber standing; particularly at the Eastern extre- mity, and the parts adjacent to the rivers Thames, and Ken- net. The prices vary, in different parts, according to its vicinity to water carriage,&c...
f. S. d. 4. 3. d. From 3 0 0 10 S 60 G hDer. load, for Oak. 2 5 0 to 3 13 56— for Ash. 1 15 0 to 2 12 6— for Elm. for Beech.
1 10 0 to 2 2 0
— 2———
For remarks,&c.

For remarks,&c.
OBSERVATIONS.
The produce of wood land, in this county, is so very valuable, that I will take the liberty of subjoining, without apology, some few hints, as to the mode of treating it; which, I trust, may be useful to those, who do not, at present, give that attention to this part of their estate, which it deserves.
If there be any timber in the wood, the unthrifty, and stunted trees should first be marked; reserving all healthy, and young trees, and saplings, for a succession; and such timber, 80 marked, should be fallen with the underwood.
The underwood should be cut, as close as possible to the stool, and before the sap is in motion; and particular care should be taken, that the stub, from which the pole is cut, is not left jag- ged, and uneven, but smooth, and pointed: otherwise, the dews and rains deposit a moisture in the hollow parts, which will ul- timately destroy the stub, by checking its vegetative quality.
Another material thing, in falling timber and underwood is, to clear away the stuff fallen, before the young shoots begin to spring from their stools; which, if checked, and bruised in their infancy, is a great injury to the next crop.
Particular attention should also be given to the fences round the woods; which should be made substantial, directly as the stuff is cleared off the ground; otherwise, cattle and other stock, will get in, and destroy the young shoots, so as to commit irrepar- able injury to the succession.
The ash, withe, and birch plantations, paying so remarkably well, are an object, which I conceive worthy of great considera- rion. An experiment, made by a Kentish farmer, on an ash plantation, has succeeded so well, that Irecommend every per- son having this kind of underwood, to make some trial like it;
hop binds which he used.
Having a small shaw, or wood of ash, that was planted in beds, and having a great quantity of hop binds, which he could not make serviceable in his farm yard; a thought struck him, that

———-————————.— 2—
e L57r
— by laying them on his ash beds, he could do no harm, and it
For remarks,&c.
might tend to smother, the weeds and rubbish, which grev up amongst the stems. He therefore, covered every other bed with the binds, when the whole plantation was three years old.— 1 saw this shaw, when it was five years old, and the hop binds were then, in a perfect state, and no weeds appearing. The wood was full six foot higher, on those beds where the binds were laid, than on the others; and the farmer supposed it would be better stuff, and more fit to cut, at seven years' growth, for hop poles, than the other beds would be, at ten years.
This excess of growth, evidently arose, from the suppression of the long weeds and grass, whose exhausting qualities, were des- troyed, and the Soil so much the more strengthened: and as ash, withe, and birch, draw their support more superficially, than most other woods, any method, that keeps this kind of wood land free from weeds, must greatly enhance the profits resulting from it, by bringing its crops in quicker succession.
In some situations, at the East end of the county, I was sorry to observe, the same shameful abuse of shredding and lopping of trees in the hedge-rows, as is practised in the vicinity of Lon- don. The unsightly appearance; the injury which the tree sus- tains; and the imposition of the person, who so shamefully per- verts the good intention of his landlord, I hope, will soon remedy this growing evil; which has, within these few years, greatly ex- tended itself.—In short, it is a practice, that if not timely checked, will ultimately destroy all hedge-row timber, which is so much es- teemed in our dock-yards, for particular purposes in ship building. It is the farmer's interest, to make every tree a pollard, and there- fore, if he is covetous, and is permitted(which is too much the case) to prune or lop his landlord's trees, under the mistaken notion, that it improves their growth, he takes care to strip them completely to the leading bough, which is likely, by every wind, to be broke off; and then the tree is to be considered a pollard. And he often, without hesitation, takes off the head at the same time he mangles the stem.
I mean not to involve the respectable yeomanry, in this charge;
H
—
—.—————,.

For remarks,&c.
—
58 1 who, far from such paltry conduct in many situations, cherish, and encourage all the timber, in their power, to grow up for their landlord's benefit. The depredations I mention, are now so visi- ble, and in so many counties, that the practice speaks for itself, and will, Ihope, awaken gentlemen of landed estates, to attend to this part of their property, on which so much national depend-
ance is placed. Considering this,—I carnestly recommend to every person, who has it in his power, to plant all nooks, corners of fields, pits,&c. with oak, and other forest trees; and, also, whenever any new fence is made, to introduce, at every twenty yards, a healthy oak sapling; which may also be done on old fences, where no trees are at present standing.
On the downs, and open part of the country, large clumps and belts of plantations would not only contribute to an increase of timber hereafter, but add beauty and magnificence; and like- wise tend to improve the land of that part of the county, which is now bleak, barren, and uncomfortable.*
Alarms, as to the growing scarcity of timber in the kingdom have been often given, and, I fear, not without just cause. It should be considered, that timber is not quickly raised, and it consequently requires timely interference.
Planting is therefore, an obligation due to posterity, which, I trust, the patriotic and laudable spirit of improvement, which exists in this kingdom, will attend to, and effect, in an eminent degree, for the future wealth and defence of our country.
* In these parts, the poorer class of people, are much distressed for fuel. Itherefore wish to recommend, the planting of furze in all rough uncultivated spots. And, indeed, if some of the arable lands were planted with it, not only the poor would be benefited, but the farmer, I am con-
vinced, would also find great advantages in doing so.

—
WASTE-LANDS.
TnE waste lands of Berkshire are very extensive, and occupy a great proportion of the county. The Forest of Windsor, Maidenhead Thicket, Tylehurst Heath, Wickham Heath, and the numerous commons that are to be found in all directions, contain, without exaggeration, at least 40,00O0 acres.
In their present wild and uncultivated state, little or nothing is returned by them to the community: except some deer, in the Royal Forest, we generally see on all the coMMoNs and wasrE LANDs, a number of miserable cattle, sheep, and horses, which are a disgrace to their respective breeds, and the cause of many dis- tempers, which I am persuaded, have their origin, from the ani- mals, who are doomed to the impoverishing subsistence, of graz-
ing on them.
OBSERVATIONS.
.
The waste lands, and commons of this kingdom, have, for centuries past been the theme of many publications and a sub- ject, on which many speculative thoughts have been given. The plans proposed for their improvement, have been various, but they have all agreed, in the propriety of their cultivation; and complained of the loss, the nation sustains, by their present neglected state.
At this time, when agriculture is so highly patronized, and encouraged, it may be hoped some effectual plans may be es- tablished, to polish this rough jewel, which lies disregarded, and unproductive in all parts of this industrious island.
To apportion the waste lands and commons, is certainly an arduous and difficult task. We often find the possessors of large property, as discontented and averse to any step, that leads towards bringing this dormant treasure to the community, as the low
H 2
For remarks, Lc.

For remarks,&c.
[60] indigent man, who is interested in no other estate, and has conse- quently more reason, to be tenacious ofthose little common rights, vested in him.
Yet, though the subject is complicated, the advantages to be derived, are so inestimable to the state, and to the individual, that, I trust, the wisdom of Parliament will think fit, to consider of, and establish some well-digested plans, to rescue this long neglected part of the kingdom, from the disgraceful situation, it at present exhibits.
Liberality towards the cottager, in allotting him a full allow- ance, for his few prescriptive rights, would, I am convinced, tend materially, to prevent his opposition; which has at all times been considered, the most insurmountable barrier, to the improvement of wastes. The gentleman of landed property, if he duly weighs his interest, and sums up the advantages he must derive, from an increase of produce, and population; cannot surely hesitate a moment, in giving up a greater proportion of this uncultivated land(from which he receives no benefit), than the law, at present, obliges him, when he has the pleasing pros- pect in view, of not only increasing his own property, but of seeing a creation of comfort, population, and industry, arise to the state, from a spot before unproductive, and unsightly to his residence.
In a national point of view, it matters not, by whom the land is cultivated, so as the produce is brought to the community. Following that idea, Iwill subjoin a comparative statement of the present produce of the waste, and commons, with what it would be, after having been inclosed a few years.
The 40, 000O acres of waste, in Berks, in its present state, yields hardly any thing to the community: the miserable keep, a horse, cow, or sheep, gets on most parts of it, in no direct way returns one penny to the state: but, that my calculation may be deprived of any partiality, I will suppose, each acre produces, by some means or other, to the community, an annual produce of five shillings; the amount on the whole will therefore be L 10,000.
If the said 40,OOo acres were inclosed, in a few years the com-

(611
munity would have a return from it, at least equal to what I
For remarks,&c.
shall here state.
8,000 acres in wheat, at z0 bushels per acre, and 58. a bushel 3— 140, 000 10,000— in barley, at 30 bushels, and 38.- 48,000
1500— for oats, for horses employed in agri- culture only 3- 14,000— of turnips, clover, and artificial grasses, &c. at 7)2. 108. 3 3 5,000 6500— meadow, exclusive of what the farm- ing horses consume, at(. 108. 16,250
Annual value of produce from was r Es,&c. in Berks(136, 250
By the foregoing statement, there appears a produce, worth upwards of( 125,000 lost annually in the small county of Berk- shire only! But let the reffection be carried still farther, by considering, that bread, and beer corn, sufficient for nearly 30,000 people, might be thus created; and also an increase of work, that would give full employment to every individual, that is now taxing the landed interest for support.*
Combining, therefore, the advantages that may be effected from the cultivation of the waste land, with those I have already recommended, it is not hyperbolical to assert, that Berkshire has immediate resources in itself, sufficient to support, and employ, an increase of nearly oNxE-PouRTH OF ITs PRESENT PoOPU- LATION.
* A proportionate quantity of the waste land, might be applied to the growth of those most important articles, hemp and flax; and independent ofthe advantages the state must derive from the extension of sovaluable a pro- duction, the demand for hands to manufacture it, in time of war, would be great, and divert, in some measure, that stagnation of employment amongst
manufacturers, that we always experience during hostilities.
—..———————

For rcmarks,&c.
4
16*
——
REMARkK.
Having, in tbe foregoing pages, delineated, I trust, without prejudice, tbe present State of Agriculture in Berksbire, and sub- joined my Remarks tbereon, I bobe, neitber cbimerically, nor witb presumption:—I will venture to solicit tbe reader's patience to peruse some General Observations, wbich I Bere annex, not only witb a view of impressing, on tbe mind of every one con- cerned in landed property, bow important, and politic, is the en- couragement of busbandry; but also to notice, tbe eæemplary V proceedings, tbat are carrying on at the East end of tbis county,. for tbe improve ment and extension of it.*

[ 63
For remarks,&c.
CENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
Ir is an old, and very just remark, that nothing travels so slow, as improvements in husbandry; nor can it be well other- wise, when it is considered, what obstacles they have to sur- mount, amidst the contracted tracks of provincial custom, and deep-rooted prejudice.
That agriculture has increased of late, and a spirit of liberality with it, is certain. We now see, in many parts of England, spots judiciously cultivated, and made the most of:— but still hus- bandry is far from its zenith. The material improvements that point towards such an attainment, I consider to be,
1st— The knowledge and introduction of the best modes, and
such as are most apposite to the soil.
2dly— The cultivation of the waste land.
And, lastly— Calling forth, and justly rewarding, the exertions of the industrious cottager.
These, in my opinion, are essential to make agriculture per- fect; and it is with no small degree of satisfaction, and pleasure, I am enabled to state,—that the most ILLUSTRIOVS CHARAC- TER IN THE KINGDoOM has recently set an example, upon a great and extensive scale, for the purpose of effecting, in this particular district, such desirable benefits, on which the comfort and happiness, of the community so much depends;— An exam- ple well entitled to general attention, imitalion, and adoption.
The Great Park at Windsor, on the death of the late Ranger, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, some few years ago, reverted to HIs MajEsrv. It then consisted of about 3, 800 acres, of which about 200 acres were covered with water, 200 plantation, 300 meadow, and 200 in arable; the remainder
————— 8———————— 2.2.,—— 3———..ꝛ.ꝛ———yõ——

For remarks,&c.
in park. The arable land was ill selected and disposed; and in- stead of lying compact, was scattered in pieces, a mile or two apart; some of it was in single parcels, surrounded with high pales, separating fine vallies, and concealing ground, of the most beautiful shape. The greatest part of the park, was covered with high ant-hills, moss, fern, or rushes, and abounded in bogs and swamps, which, in many places, it was dangerous to cross. There were about 3, 000 deer, in very bad health and condition, kept in it. In this state, it fell into His MajEsT v's hands. The improvements, which have since, and are now carrying on upon it, are of so conspicuous, and beneficial a tendeney, that it cannot fail of producing the best effects. It may be considered, indeed, as a practical school, from which the most rational, and praise-worthy lessons in agriculture, may be taken.
The park is now reduced to 1,800 acres. The detached pieces of arable, which intersected, and concealed, some of the finest parts of it, are laid down and thrown into it. The wet parts are rendered firm and sound, by the Essex mode of under-ground draining.* The rushes are weakened and destroyed, by draining and rolling; the moss, and small hillocks extirpated, by har- rowing; the large ant-hills cleared, by the scarifier; the fern weakened, by mowing; the irregular banks levelled; pits filled up; the vallies opened, and smoothed; the hills ornamented with new plantations; and the stiff lines of trees, the vestiges of former hedge-rows, judiciously broken; by which means, great beauty is produced in all parts; and it is apparent, that the park thus reduced, supports the same number of deer it did before; and that they are in much better health, and condition.—Such, without exaggeration, is the present state of the park.
* The average depth of the drains, is about 26 inches, six inches at top, and one at bottom; in some places wood is laid; but the greatest part be- ing a strong cohesive soil, is formed from the turf being inverted and ram- med down, and the loose soil thrown at top; which is, at a proper time, rolled over. Upwards of 150 miles of this kind of draining has been done in Windsor Great Park during the three last winters.

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The remainder of what was park, being about 1,200 acres, is sort of new creation; Fery promisin 1g as t0 production; and,
from its variety, the Drisar worth notice. At the extreme North end'’of the park, about 200 acres are added to about 100 acres of the old meadow land; which form
SA ha 2 1„S, at is called, the FfEMISH FAkn; about 80 acres of which
are in arable, cropped exactly as the land is im Flanders; under a four-course shift, yielding, according to their Nvariable rule,
an alternate crop p, for man, and beast. Theé soil is good, but
very strong, and heavy; yet the ploughing is done with, ease with the Suffolk iron ploughs, workéed by twô oxen, or horses, andd ohe man, driving with reins. The working establishment of cattle upon this farm, is four horses, and six oxen. There are eighteen store oxen bes ides, and twelve are annually fed. There is alsocd flock:of 200 Coteswold ewes; whieh will, however, be increased next year to 300..
The buildings of this farm are comfortable, and on a compact scale; and there is one new cottage erected; and an old banquet- ing house converted into two others, in which HISs MaAalESTYI has put three of the most exemplary farm, or patk labourers, and their families. These cottages, are so truly what poor men oß this description ought to have, that I subjoin the plans and ele- vations of them(see Plate I.); particularly recommending the
aking of the cellar and pantry over it, in the same manner as they are erected on His MalEsr v's new farm-houses, and cottages; by going up three steps to the pantry, and down only six steps to the cellar, which entirely prevents its being wet, in those soils, where the springs lie near the surface.— The example of build- ing cottages, is so very laudable, that I hope men of fortune will
adopt, on many of their large farms, comfortable dwellings, si- kälar to these, not only for the advancement of their own in- terest, but the industrious man's comfort.
At the opposite end of the park, towards the great Western road, there is another farm formed; which, from a similitude to some of the poor light parts of Norfolk, is called the NoRyOLK FARM. There are about 200 acres of old meadow land, to
4 1

—
1 66
which are added about 1,000 acres of what was lately park; 500 of which, are allotted for sheep walks; 100 for leasows; and the other 400 are in arable, managed in a five-course shift, of eighty
acres in a class; and though the crops do not follow alternately,
For remarks,&c.
as they do upon the FrEMISH FaRM, the spirit of reciprocal bene- fit, is nevertheless, nearly adhered to, viz.
Ist year, wheat. 2d
One half, green vetches for feeding off, one quarter potatoes or cabbage, and one quarter in buck-wheat. 3d—— Purnips.. 4th—— Barley, with seeds. Sth—— Clover. So that every year there will be 80 acres of wheat; 40 of green vetches, fed off; 20 acres potatoes, or cabbage; 20 acres buck- wheat; 80 acres of turnips; 80 acres of barley; and 80 acres of clover.*
The greatest part of the ploughed ground, was dear in its former state at 5s. an acre; a large proportion of it being similar to its
neighbour, Bagshot-heatli; yet, at this time, some of it has a crop of turnips, not to be exceeded in value in the coun ty. In short, the whole is in a prosperous, and promising state, and exhibits a lively Picture of industry, and economic labour; as the greatest part of the ploughing is done with Norfolk ploughs, by Norfolk boys, from fourteen to eighteen years of age, with two horses, which they drive at the same time they manage the plough. A draft of which I subjoin, as well as of the Suffolk iron plough, worked
either with two horses, or oxen, on the FEMISH FARM(see Plate II.)— EioHr HuUNDRED Wiltshire wethers are kept as a folding flock on the NokroLk Fakn, with the assistance of which, the
* This course of cropping might be followed with great success in PARkKs,— where the turf is worn out, and become unproductive. A proportionate quantity might be annually broke up, and a like quantity annually laid
down, to continue in grass, after the first five years; which, exclusive of the
corn that would arise, would insure a verdant, and productive surface, in
those places, where the turf is at present, unpleasant tothe eye, and batren
of produce,

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67 J
land will be either mucked, or manured, twice in Ave years; viz. for wheat and turnips. The flock is constantly penned upon the fallows, or some of the meadow land, except when the sheep are foddered, in the hardest part of the winter, and then they are penned in a fixed fold, made large, and divided into two parts; this is generally done, during the months of December, January, and February. This fold, which is pitched in some sheltered spot, and is first laid a foot thick with maiden earth, is daily lit- tered with leaves, moss, fern, stubble, or any litter that can be collected; and the fold is made use of at opposite ends, alter- nately every other night; hay being given in cribs, which are moved into the respective folds, as used. When the sheep leave this fold, the beginning of March, a layer of lime, chalk, or peat ash, is put upon the top, and the whole being mixed up together, makes excellent manure for the succeeding turnip crop. It is astonishing what advantages may be deduced, from a steady ad- herence to this practice.— Six hundred loads of excellent compost, were made the first year of this experiment, in three months, from 600 sheep.
There is a new method, which has been observed in breaking up some of this land, which may be worth notice; and with that view I give it. Some parts of it were so coarse, and rough, that it could not have been broke to pieces, and cleaned in the ordinary way, without much time, and immense labour and ex- pence. The following experiment was therefore tried, and found to answer extremely well. In the early part of the winter, it was ploughed up to a full depth, with a swing plough, the mould- board of which, was so placed, as to lay the turf completely in- verted. This was well trod down with cattle, and rolled, and the sheep occasionally drove over it. In the spring, it was har- rowed, and cropped with oats. As soon as the oats were off, the surface was harrowed, and dragged, so as to get as much loose earth as possible, without bringing up the turf again. It was sown early in the autumn with winter vetches, which were of in- estimable value to the ewes and lambs, the following spring. In the first week in June, when it had produced two crops from one 1 2
For remalks,&
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For remäarks,
[ 68 J ploughing, it was ploughed cross ways, when the turf turned up quite rotten, and the land was got into a clean state, by the first week in July, when part of it was sown with turnips, and the remainder with wheat some time after, both of which succeeded to admiration.
The working stock on this farm is 18 horses, and six oxen; and there are about ninety store oxen besides, of different ages; thirty of which are every year stall-fed.
The buildings upon this farm are respectable, but very plain. Detached from the home- yard is a moveab 1 barn, standing on wheels, and calculated for drawing over a long riek of corn; with
a yard adjoining. Its utility is very great
η
and 1, d8 it may be
†
; worth while for many persons to adopt it, when they have arable land lying at a distance, I subjoin the plan, and elevation of it. It is built with deal, and covered with marsh reed; and the whole expence, in most counties, from fifty to sixty guineas, according to the relative charges of workmanship, and materials.
The sheep-walk, which I haäve before mentioned, remains to be described. It adjoins the NoRFoL k FakM; and about 200 acres
e properly an edenadoe to it. The other part, which is 300, is meant as a separate walk, upon which it is intended to keep a flock of 400 Ryland wethers, as Banne most suitable to the land, which is wild and coarse, producing very little, beside heath and fern; dear enough, in its present state, at half a crown an acre; but most beautifully shaped into hills, and dales; many parts of a picturesque and romantic figure. It is designed to plant the summits and brows, of most of these hills, not in any regular form, but according to the shape of the high, and con- vex parts, and to devote all the slopes and concaves, to sheep- walks; which will render it a most agrecable object, particularly as this tract of irregularly⸗formned ground, surrounds the beautiful lake, called the Virginia Water.
I cannot close this account, without taking notice of one other exemplary improvement, which HiIs MaAIESTY has determined to adopt, namely, that of erecting a mill, upon the NoRFoLk FARM. Its purpose is that, of paying such of the labourers on the
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69
park and farms, as wish it, part of their wages in meal, at a moderate rate; and it is also intended hereafter, to let them have mutton, and other meat, at somewhat under the market price. By the effecting of which, the poor man will have these essential articles twenty per cent. cheaper, and avoid the tax his penny is now subject to, when carried to the meal-man, or shopkeeper.
The whole of this grand establisnment was formed, and is car- ried on, under HIs MalEsT v's personal, and gracious attention, for the most laudable purposes; and the operative management of it, is delegated to my uncle, Mr. Kent; who, J am persuaded, feels the honour conferred on him on this occasion, as a high re- ward, for a life, which has been devoted to the study, and pro- motion, of agriculture.
It is evidently, upon a great and rational scale, exemplary of imitation, respecting economic labour, and comfort to the poor man; creative of considerable produce from land, which before lay barren; and, when considered in all points of advantage, the neat husbandry on the farms, the rural beauties of the park, the magnificence of the castle, and the views of the adjoining country; I may venture to say, that the whole, forms one of the finest ob- jects in Europe.
The good effects resulting from the foregoing liberal, and praise-worthy establishment, have, although the object is still in its infancy, manifested themselves on several occasions. And though it may, in some degree, be considered a local improve- ment, I trust its good qualities, will soon make it an example, generally followed, and diffused over all parts of the kingdom.
How very few parishes are there in England, but could have, under certain regulations, a parochial mill, for the benefit of the poor belonging to it—or, if that could not be established for the general welfare of its inhabitants(an inference, I conceive, in this liberal age somewhat unfair to start), what should hinder a parish from making its overseer a kind of shopkeeper, to supply the poor with necessary articles at such a price as carried no profit with it, after it left the grower, or manufacturer?— These
For remarks,&c.

1 705
articles now go through five or six hands, each of whom takes
For remarks,&c.
a profit on the commodity, as it passes him. Another material advantage would arise to the community, if persons of fortune would establish, and become members, of * Friendly Societies;“ which are now, by a late act of the legis- lature, so much encouraged, by the protection of their property, and of those who become members. I do not mean, that in such societies the periodical deposit to the fund should be equal, but that every person, according to his income, should contri-
8 earns one shilling and four pence per day, on an average, and be
bute to this resource for old age. If a poor labouring man
instructed to pay one shilling a month, a gentleman of[ 5oo per
annum, in my opinion, should give twenty shillings; if a ma- 5 nufacturing hand earns three shillings a day, he should pay two shillings a month, and his master an adequate sum, according to the extent of his trade. In those proportions, a fund might be raised in every parish, I am persuaded, sufficient to issue necessary comforts, to the old
and infirm, who contributed, when their strength was in its vi-
gour. A distinction would also thus be made, between the idle,
pilfering sot, who has passed his life in indolence, and petty theft,
and the industrious hard-working man; who now, too often,
are put together in the confines of the same workhouse.
The spirit of the poor laws certainly is, that those who live upon the parish, should contribute all in their power to that parish, in forming articles essentially necessary for the welfare of the state. But even this wise, and salutary measure is now almost lost. We seldom see any parish(except it associates with others in erecting a large workhouse), that employs its poor in the ma- nufacturing of hemp, or flax; commodities which are to be V applied to so many useful purposes, either for the nation, or individual. To instruct the poor, in their early ages, to habits V of industry, and good behaviour, is the first and most essential duty of all ranks. The institution, adopted by a most respect- able nobleman,(Earl Harcourt), who resides in an adjoining
——.—. 1— „„

[71 county, is at once, so exemplary, and so much to the point, I wish to recommend, that I cannot suppress subjoining a letter, which contains a full description of the Rural Féte at Nuneham, transmitted to me by the Rev. Mr. Haggett, rhe rector, to whom
J consider myself much obliged, for the communication.* —₰½
7. 6 1 comply with your request, by sending you an account of the Spin- „ning-feast at Nuneham; but, I must confine myself to a general view; „*mand try only to convey the spirit of the institution; for the detail of it, ⁴ would far exceed the bounds of a single letter- Without, therefore, de- „*scribing minutely, the birth, parentage, and education, of our festival, I ¹* must inform you, that it originated in the very laudable wish of Lord and ** Lady Harcourt, to promote a spirit of industry amongst the women of ¹* this parish; about sixteen of whom(the utmost number who, at that time, *⁸ could turn a whecl) were accordingly invited to spin for prizes. In a few „¹ years, the number increased considerably, and after the prizes were deter- „ mined, the villagers were suffered to dance upon the green, before the **⁴ house: and, besides the rewards for spinning, a hat was given to the man, who was judged to have kept his cottage-garden in the best order, during ethe preceding year; another to the best mower; and a third to the best „¹reaper in the parish. Soon afterwards, a material improvement was made „¹in the distribution of rewards, not for industry alone, but for general good ¹⁴ behaviour. In 1782, on account of some accidental circumstances, the plan „ was discontinued, but it was revived in 1788, with considerable alterations; ³⁴ᷣ the principal of which was, the introduction of a religious service, at the ³* conclusion of which the prizes of merit are conferred, and the names of
g within the church, over the parish door.
„* those who gain them, hung
¹ Having thus shortly traced the steps by which the Spinning-feast arrived « at its present state, Inow proceed to a description ofit. The business ofthe ¹* day may be properly distinguished into four parts; the first of Which, is the 4* Reward of Merit. The persons who are honoured with this prize, are ¹t elected by those who have already gained it, and who form, what we call, „ the Society of Merit: the number of admissions, each time, is limited to ³ four, viz. a man, a woman, a boy, and a girl; but as the society are very ¹⁴ cautious in their choice, it frequently happens that the full number is not „⁴ completed, and that no boy or girl is thought sufficiently qualified for the ¹⁴ prize. About noon on the appointed day, which is usually towards the ¹“ latter end of June, the Socicty of Merit assemble at Lord Harcourt's house,
„and follow me in procession to the parish church, there, after a service
" Selected for the occasion, I preach a scermon, part of which is addres sed
For remarks,&c-

1. For remarks,&c.
— ¹ 1 2
—
72
Sn † A- laAr 5„, 5 1·*— attention to the poor, in the particulat periods Of their distress,
**o personally to the new merits, who are placed on chairs before the pi
2
This exhortation being finished, Lord and Lady Harcourt deliver in
** hand the prizes(which consist of a hat, and a silver buckle or medallion,
.— 141 αwith the word Merit engraved upon it): and by me they are presented 8 ¹ 4 7 2—
to the new members, with a few more words of exhortation, addressed to them individually; after which, a copper plate, with their names written **on it, is hung upon the wall: and thus ends the ceremony.
.The next division of the day is allotted to the dinner; which is served *¹* under a clump of elms, forming an arched canopy, singularly adapted to the purpose: there are two tables, the uppermost of which is appropriated
1 5
s and females; the rest of the spinners
ae Society of Merit, both n. ¹⁴ are seated at the other.
Dinner being ended, and the wheels(decorated with nosegays), being * placed in a semircle, under some other trees, the spinning begins, and con- ¹ tinues about two hours; a band of music playing all the time in the open- „¹ ing of the circle; and the sound of the instruments, mixed with the buzzing α⁴ of the wheels, completes one of the gayest and most interesting scenes that „ can be imagined. When the spinning is finished, and the thread reeled, nthe spinners(more than fifty in number, at this time) tie a piece of folded ⁴paper, containing their names, to their respective hanks, which are divided *¹ into two lots, the one, consisting of those spun by girls under sixteen years, the other, by all above that age. The first of these parcels is then laid ¹upon a table, and a weaver, who has hitherto remained at a proper dis- er tance, is called forward to examine the hanks, and determine which is the pest thread: when he has decided; the paper attached to it is unfolded, ee and the name declared. The weaver then fixes on a second, and a third, * and so on, according to the proportion of prizes, which Lady Harcourt * judges proper to confer, and which is generally two-thirds of the whole * number, but decreasing gradually in value— precisely the same mode is cc followed with the other lot.
During the time that judgment is pronounced upon the spinners, the ball room is preparing, on another spot; and as the decorations are ex- tremely beautiful, I wish the limits of my letter would permit me to at- tempt a minute description of them; but that would carry me too far, and
44 I must content myself with telling you, that an Ionic colonnade inclosos a

—
I73
induce them to become, either supine and indolent, or mischie- vous and disorderly. The pleasure of doing good, is not the only satisfaction that
the gentleman of landed property receives, in attending to, and
urgiteie g, the labouring poor. He will see his estate pros- Herous. The peasantry on it industrious, happy and dutiful: b 2
and the old, and decrepid, not dragging on a miserable, con-
dll fined existence in a workhouse; but supported comfortably, by
the provident savings, they were, in their earlier years, in-
structed to lay up for the winter of life.
* piece of turf, the dimensions of which, are 9o feet by, 45; and the inter-
« vals, between the columns, are ornamented with festoons of lamps: Oon „ entering the room, you peceive, in front, the word d Merit, formed by lamps, e in large characters; and, on each side, a transparent picture, representing the cottages of Industry and Idleness. In the ball-room the spinning *⁴ prizes are distributed: after which, thev illagers dance till midnight: and ¹ thus terminate a day, which, to them, is certainly the happiest, and perhaps, e'the most useful in the year.
* P. S. They who have obtained the prize of merit, are further distin-
e guished by the letter M painted on the lintel of their doors.“*
K
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74—
CONCLUSION.
I trust, the observations I have made, will be received, and perused, with candour, and commented upon, with li- berality. They are presented, as a tribute due to this happy country, which has ever been pre-eminent, in its agricultural productions. And though the argumentative, and sounder reasoning, of long experienced years, might, in more energetic language, recommend the improvements proposed, they could not be offered with more zealous wishes, or with a more ardent desire, that success may attend the laudable endeavours of the Board of Agriculture; nor afford greater satisfaction, than I shall experience, if the country at large, or any part ofthe com- munity, acquire the smallest advantage, or source of comfort, from this REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURE OF BERKSHIKE.
W. PEARCE.

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