[ 58 I 



instance can be produced of the least abatement of rent, on the oU 

 estates, in consequence of the tenants being deprived of their cam- 

 aims by inclosing. 



The foregoing disquisition will, I fear, appear to many of my 

 readers too diffuse and prolix, but as the subject is of the highest 

 importance, and as it has been the custom of many to decry all im- 

 provements of this kind, particularly when applied to lands similar 

 to those of Mendip hills, I trust it will not be thought altogether 

 impertinent. 



I shall now proceed to a minute delineation of the general prac- 

 tice of farmers occupying land in this forest ; and endeavour to 

 shew how far the general end of improvement has been kept in 

 view, how far it has been deviated from, and in what respects the 

 general system is susceptible of amendment. 



It appears by the foregoing statement, that the expences of the 

 act of parliament, commissioners fees, roads, dividing and allot- 

 ting fencing, drawing, and inrolling the award, and all other in- 

 cidental expences, ought not to exceed 2I. 10s. per acre ; to this 

 must be added twenty shillings per acre for raising the quick set 

 hedges to maturity ; and to avoid objections, I will say fifty shil- 

 lings per acre for necessary buildings, pools, &c. 



Let us now endeavour to state the " cut bono" of such specu- 

 lation. 



In its open, uncultivated state, the value of this waste could not 

 be estimated at more than three shillings per acre ; indeed it is a 

 matter of doubt, all circumstances considered, if it be worth any 

 thing to the possessors. In its inclosed state, and previous to its 

 cultivation, it might be let for eight shillings per acre ; and when 

 cultivated and manured with lime, its value will be advanced to 

 fifteen shillings. 



let 



