[ 8a ] 



dren nearly subsist on it, and a deprivation thereof would bring the 

 whole family to the parish. The crop varies from 60 to 160 sacks 

 per acre. 



Potatoes are also grown for the use of stock, and are found very 

 useful, particularly in the months of February, March, and April. 



From a series of experiments made by the writer of this report, 

 and communicated through the channel of the Bath Society papers, 

 it appears that their value, when applied to the fatting of hogs, could 

 not be made to exceed 2s. 6d. or 3s. per sack of 240 lb. and from 

 other experiments since made, it is probable, that no greater value 

 can be affixed to them if applied to the sustenance of any other 

 stock. However, this should be no discouragement, for on good 

 land, and with good management, they may be grown for is. 6d. 

 per sack, and will furnish the farmer with a certain supply of food 

 in those months wherein he is most distressed. 



Many object to the cultivation of this root on a large scale, consi- 

 dering it in the light of a great exhauster. If the produce of any 

 crop so productive as this is, be sold from the farm, and consumed 

 at so great a distance that no return can be made, I will acknow- 

 ledge that such must be the effect ; but if potatoes are consumed on 

 the premises, the return of manure from the consumption of one 

 acre, will be sufficient for tnuo or three, and as the potatoe crop 

 ought always to be highly manured, no deficiency need be feared 

 in the subsequent crops of corn, grasses, &c. particularly if wheat 

 be banished as a succeeding crop, and barley or oats substituted in 

 its place. 



It is now a common practice instead of boiling, to dress potatoes 

 by steam, and by so doing, the quality is rendered more farinaceous, 

 and a considerable saving is made in the article of fuel. 



The breed of cows on these hills is of the mixed sort, and not 

 worthy any particular notice, except their being good milkers. 

 The sheep are for the most part the native Mendip, a sort that will 

 thrive on the poorest soil, and fatten- on such land as will scarcely 

 keep other sorts alive ; pasturage ever so dry and exposed will feed 

 this kind. They are very hardy and their wool is fine ; the mut- 

 ton is also excellent for the table, being full of gravy and of rich 

 flavor. Sorts of a larger kind have lately been introduced, namely 

 the Dorset and South Downj and there is no doubt but that arti- 

 ficial 



