A[/riculture of Durham. 99 



3. The wealth derived from the minerals causing in many 

 places a sacrifice of the surface for the sake of what lay be- 

 neath it, 



4. The prevalence of small properties, which are frequently 

 changing hands, as well as the large extent of land of leasehold 

 and copyhold tenures, under which there was not sufficient en- 

 couragement to impi'ovement. 



5. The small tenancies into which most of the land is divided, 

 together with the want of capital so general amongst the tenants. 



Conditions of Letting. — The great majority of the farms are 

 let from year to year. There seems a great prejudice against 

 leases, as much amongst the tenants as the landowners, though 

 some see an advantage in them, and leases are granted on some 

 estates for various terms, principally three or seven years. The 

 usual time of entry is at May-day, and the rents are made pay- 

 able half-yearly on the 23rd November and 13th May, though in 

 most cases there is a period allowed for payment after the same 

 becomes due. This is generally half a year, and is called the 

 '' running half year." The tenant on quitting has an away- 

 going crop from off one-half of the lands in ploughing with the 

 use of the stack-yard, barn, and granary for a certain period (as 

 agreed upon) after the expiration of his tenancy ; but he is 

 bound to leave the straw for the incoming tenant, and must 

 supply it to him as he needs it. In many cases the away-going 

 crop is sold, and is often purchased by the incoming tenant. 



The usual stipulations in agreements with tenants in this 

 county are — Not to plough or break up any portions of the lands 

 laid down to permanent grass. 



To manage the arable lands according to the system of hus- 

 bandry agreed upon. 



To keep and leave in good repair all fences, gates, drains, »!v:c. 



Not to sell any hay or straw from off tlie farm without bring- 

 ing thereon in lieu thereof live fothers of dung for every ton of 

 hay or straw so sold. 



Not to depasture in the last half year a greater number of 

 stints than in the previous half years. 



To permit the incoming tenant previous to the expiration of 

 the tenancy to sow with grass-seeds tlie lands sown with the 

 away-going crop, and to roll in the same ; and also to scale and 

 dress meadow grounds ; also to place lime or manure on some 

 convenient part of the premises for his own use. 



To lead all materials which may be required for the re^ialr or 

 alteration of the fann-I)uil(lings. 



To p?iy, in addition to the rent agreed upon, 5 per cent, on 

 the lancHord's outlay in draining any part of the fnrm. 



The landlord reserves to himself or his ag«nt the privilege of 



II 2 



