[ M ] 



The country is but partially wooded, and on account of the 

 demand from the collieries the wood is but very irregularly cut. 

 Systematic plantation is but little studied. 



As to the price of provisions, wheat is about six shillings per 

 bushel, barley 4s. 6d. oats 3s. 3d. beef 4^d. per lb. mutton 4^d. 

 pork. 5d. butter about gd. and cheese (six months old) about 

 40s. per cwt. No particular reason to expect a fluctuation (except 

 in the articles of barley and oats) unless the plague of warfare 

 which defies all human estimate, and deforms the face of nature, 

 should extend its baneful influence to this isle, formed as it is for 

 tranquility and happiness within itself. 



Public roads pretty good, considering the traffic upon them. 

 Parochial ones ill managed, and bad ; notwithstanding good ma- 

 terials for keeping them in repair are near and abundant. But 

 some examples are beginning to be set of more judicious manage- 

 ment, by throwing the sides to the middle, thereby widening the 

 space of passage, and making drains at both sides. 



This obvious piece of ceconomy cannot be too much imitated. 

 Farm houses are generally ill built, and situated very impro- 

 perly in respect to the farms. Estates are frequently let from year 

 to year. Leases in general for seven years, few for fourteen years ; 

 clauses mostly favourable to the tenant, but the shortness of the 

 term damps the spirit of improvement. 



Commerce and manufactures have but little attention in this 

 district. There are indeed several mills on the Avon for preparing 

 iron and copper, but of late years they have declined in their 

 consequence ; most probably from local disadvantage. 



Since these works have been declining, sundry others for the 

 spinning of worsted, and the spinning and weaving of cotton, 

 have been established ; and seem yet to maintain some importance, 

 though under a temporary depression from political causes. The 

 effect on agriculture in the article of wages has been considerable ; 

 the pay of men in time of harvest has been greatly advanced, and 

 that of women and children doubled. 



There is one article of cultivation in this district, which, being 

 important as it relates to the woollen manufactory, must not be 

 omitted ; it is the plant called woad. It is raised principally in 

 the neighbourhood of Keynsham, and its quality is much esteemed. 



The 



