16 AN INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH RURAL HISTORY 



extent from two hundred to five hundred acres, or even 

 more : hence they were much larger than those we are 

 accustomed to see. 



Every year, each of the fields was under different treat- 

 ment. When the east field was growing wheat, oats would 

 be seen in the west field, while that to the south would 

 be lying fallow. During the next year the east field 

 would produce oats, the west would be fallow, and the 

 south would grow wheat. A similar change would occur 

 in the third year. Thus each field would lie fallow, or 

 have one year's rest, in every three years ; for root crops, 

 as winter food for cattle, were still unknown. 



Each field under crop was divided into strips, an acre or half 

 an acre in extent. Between each strip was a patch of weedy, 

 grassy earth, about a foot wide. This was known as a 

 "balk," and was intended to separate one strip from another. 



The strips of land were divided amongst the inhabitants 

 of the manor in proportion to their social status. As the 

 land was not equally fertile, it was customary to allot 

 to each man so many strips of each kind more fertile or 

 less fertile. It thus happened that the " holding " of a 

 person was not usually all in one compact plot. The lord 

 of the manor might thus " hold " strips adjoining those 

 of the poorer tenants. 



From seed-time to the end of harvest the fields were 

 fenced against the village cattle. After harvest the tem- 

 porary fences were removed and the cattle were allowed 

 to feed on both the stubble and the grass strips. In order 

 to prevent disputes, the foreman of the " field jury " 

 decided when the harvest was over. 



Spring and autumn ploughing had to be undertaken in 

 one or other field. But the scattered strips were not 

 ploughed separately by each holder. The number of heavy 

 wooden ploughs, with their iron-tipped " shares," was 

 limited. Moreover, each plough required about eight oxen 

 to drag it. It was customary, therefore, for the villagers 

 to club together to do their ploughing. 



Such a system of agriculture was wasteful. Valuable 

 land was wasted as " balks." Much time was consumed 

 in passing from strip to strip hi different parts of the field. 

 Perhaps the adjoining strips were not kept clear of weeds 

 by one's neighbour. Examples of open-field farming by 

 the whole parish as co-partners may still be seen, however, 

 at the village, of Laxton and Eakring in Nottinghamshire, 



