1828.] Monthly Agricultural RepMf. 327 



The following character of the turnip husbandry on wet lands, wtf hare taken from a 

 weekly newspaper, and it tallies exactly with what ourselves have witnessed in too many 

 late instances: " We fear that sheep have fared but indifferently, in consequence of the 

 late rains. Their wool was constantly soaked to the bottom of the staple, their backs 

 and bodies chilled, their limbs cramped, and their bellies clotted with mud. In this 

 situation, they frequently remained shivering under the shelter of a hedge, rather than 

 face the weather in search of food, however liberally supplied ; and, when compelled by 

 hunger to approach it, they found their turnips covered with mire, and their hay sopped 

 and rendered unpalateable by continual washings. Under such circumstances, it was 

 impossible the poor animals could thrive ; and it is feared a foundation will thereby 

 have been laid for the rot and other fatal diseases." Such management as this would be 

 condemnable for its abominable inhumanity, even were it attended with profit ; but what 

 is to be said to it as productive of obvious and heavy loss ? The difficulty of getting upon 

 the land in this state, in order to cart the turnips, may be urged, and we agree to it on 

 our own repeated experience; but still the thing, judiciously managed, is practicable, 

 and, in the view of profit, infinitely the least of two evils. But our general winter system 

 for sheep is greatly defective, and very justly ridiculed by nations far behind us in 

 other rural concerns. 



Tares are a famous crop ; and the spring species, together with beans, peas, and oats,, 

 are, to a great extent, already in the ground. Other articles of spring culture are fol- 

 lowing in quick succession, and, on all moderate and good lands particularly, the opera- 

 tions of husbandry in England and Wales were never more forward ; evincing, at any 

 rate, a good spirit in our farmers, and not clearly to be understood, as unaccompanied 

 with insufficient means. The lambing season, on good soils and under due care, is pro- 

 ceeding with great promise ; and we have lately witnessed some considerable Southdown 

 flocks particularly successful. Store cattle and sheep, in the best counties, continue to 

 bear a good price. In the poor districts, the report is different. Pigs are universally 

 scarce and dear, though they are the stock most speedily raised and multiplied : thence, 

 surely, no complaint ought to exist of their import, which, however, of late does not 

 appear to be so considerable from Ireland as formerly. Fat stock, varying occasionally, 

 still bears a general large price. The usual common-place at this time of the year 

 " wheat-ricks getting thin" must be understood to refer to the poor districts. The 

 stock of barley and pulse is great the latter getting gradually dry, and improving in 

 sample. In the market reports may be observed a separate line for black wheats a 

 sufficient evidence of the fallibility of that policy of insurance, steeping seed, so univer- 

 sally practised. The potatoe crop, as usual, holds out well, and its importance in the 

 economy of bread corn is immense and national. Wool as yet merits no report. 

 Broad clover-seed is one of the worst crops of last year ; whilst hop-clover yields well, 

 at least in quality, but is scarce and dear. Sainfoin and grass-seeds prove well, and 

 meet a ready sale and good price. Common turnip-seed is in plenty ; but new Swedish 

 scarce and in demand. This is the year for eggs and poultry ; whilst, to our own plenty, 

 we have an addition from France and the islands ; as also of apples. But the metropolis 

 affords a never-failing and almost insatiable consumption. 



The land is overrun with preserves and game the devourers and curse of the farmer's" 

 substance ; and poaching is the only refuge of the destitute and starving, as well as of 

 the idle and profligate labourer. Thence a heavy and deadly responsibility to the coun- 

 try lies on those whose antiquated and silly pride and prejudices uphold this load of, 

 infamy and crime. But does not the chief blame attach to the almost criminal apathy 

 and forbearance of the nation at large ? On the body of farmers the chief of the burden 

 falls the disgrace on the nation ; yet the farmer dares not complain, but, according to 

 appearance, is content to accept monopoly as a recompense for the above and other, 

 national grievances. Such is modern patriotism ! 



Smithfield.JSeef, 3s. lOd. to 5s. 2d Mutton, 4s. to 5s. 4d. Veal, 6s. to 7s. 

 Pork, 5s. 4d. to 6s. 8d Dairy, 7s. Raw fat, 2s. 9d. 



Corn Exchange Wheat, 40s. to 65s Barley, 25s. to 35s Oats, 18s. to 32s. 

 Bread, 9d. the fine 4 Ib. loaf. Hay, 70s. to 105s. Clover ditto, 90s. to 120s. r 

 Straw, 30s. to 42s. 



Coals in the Pool, 31s. to 39s. 6d. per chaldron. 

 Middlesex, February 22, 1828. 



MONTHLY COMMERCIAL REPORT. 



Sugars Sugar was very heavy last week, till towards the close of the market, when 

 the purchases of Muscovadoes became much more considerable, and at very firm prices, 



