English Agriculture in 1850-51 #233191

With the View of rendering these Letters permanently useful, not merely as exhibiting the state of Agriculture throughout England, of which, since Arthur Young's Tours, upwards Of eighty years ago, they afford the only general account, I was careful to note good ex amples of farming in the several counties, and have described them in minute detail, for the information of farmers in the same and other counties. Many eminent practical men have already acknowledged the benefit they have received, by combining with their own the practice, in some particular department, of good farmers in other counties, thus brought under their notice. I have also sometimes noticed objectionable practices in order to reprobate them. A copious index has been added, which renders the work a book Of reference for the best systems of agriculture at present practised in the various counties in England. The arrangements between landlords and their tenants have also been fully discussed; and the condition of the labourer has Obtained a due share of attention. TO the liberality Of the times I feel deeply grateful, for the ample means placed at my disposal for conducting this inquiry, and for the perfect freedom with which I was permitted to express my opinions, irrespective of their political bearing. As the object was to Obtain facts, and the field so extensive, it was thought that the clearest and most methodical description of English agriculture would be got by a separate examination of each county. The Southern counties were first examined, — then the Eastern and Midland counties,. — next the Western and Northern, — and last Derbyshire and Northampton, and some of the corn-growing counties near the metropolis which had not been previously visited.