THE OFFICE OF SENESCHAL 87 



see how many acres ought to be reaped by boon and 

 custom, and how many for money. And if there be any 

 cheating in the sowing, or ploughing, or reaping, he shall 

 easily see it. And he must cause all the meadows and 

 several pastures to be measured by acres, and thereby 

 can one know the cost, and how much hay is necessary 

 every year for the sustenance of the manor, and how much 

 stock can be kept on the several pasture, and how much on 

 the common. 



The seneschal has no power to remove a bailiff or ser- 

 vant who is with the lord, and clothed and kept by him, 

 without the special order of the lord, for so he would make 

 of the head the tail ; but if the bailiff be less capable or less 

 profitable than he ought to be, or if he have committed 

 trespass or offence in his office, let it be shown to the lord 

 and to his council, and he shall do as he shall think good. 

 _ The seneschal should not have power to sell wardship, 

 or marriage, or escheat, nor to dower any lady or woman, 

 nor to take homage or suit, nor to sell or make free a vilein 

 without special warrant from his lord. And the seneschal 

 ought not to be chief accountant for the things of his office, 

 for he ought on the account of each manor to answer for 

 his doings and commands and improvements, and for fines 

 and amerciaments of the courts where he has held pleas as 

 another, because no man can or ought to be judge or 

 justice of his own doings. 



The seneschal ought, on his coming to each manor, to 

 see and inquire how they are tilled, and in what crops they 

 are, and how the cart-horses and avers, oxen, cows, sheep, 

 and swine are kept and improved. And if there be loss 

 or damage from want of guard, he ought to take fines 

 from those who are to blame, so that the lord may not lose. 

 The seneschal ought to see that each manor is properly 



