t 156 ] 



SOUTH WEST DISTRICT. 



THE agricultural practices of this division of the county merit 

 the attention of a'll travellers. 



The climate, particularly of that part which is called the Vale of 

 Tavnton Diane, is peculiarly mild and serene ; and the soil highly 

 fertile and productive. The eye is agreeably relieved by a judicious 

 mixture of arable, and pasture; and if it be contrasted with some 

 parts of the Northern District, it may emphatically be called the 

 Land of Canaan. 



There are however certain parts north west of the said vale 

 which are mountainous, and subject to that mutability of weather, 

 and moisture of air, generally found on elevated situations. 



Quantock, Brandon, and Dunkry Hills, may be noted for their 

 wild, and rugged scenery ; and the part which is called Dunkry 

 Beacon, is the highest land in the whole county. 



This district may be subdivided into two lesser districts, in- 

 cluding 1st. the parishes of Taunton, Wilton, Trull, Pitminster, 

 Bishopshull, Bradford, Buckland, Ninehead, Wellington, Samp- 

 ford, Hill-farrence, Oake, Staplegrove, Norton, Cheddon, Thur- 

 loxton, North Petherton, Monkton, Kingston, Cothelston, Bishop's 

 Lidiard, Heathfield, Halse, Ashpriors, Fitzhead, Milvertou, 

 Langford, Budville, Thome, Bathielton, and Runnington. 



These parishes comprehend what is generally called the Vale of 

 ^Taunton Dean. 



SOIL. 



The soil is a rich loam, interspersed in some places with clay, as 

 part of Bradfield, Buckland, north side of Wellington, part of 

 Sampford, Hill-farrence, Ninehead, Oak and Heathfield ; and in 

 other parts with sand, or a lighter mouldy as Kingston, Bishop'^ 

 Lidiard, Halse, Fitzhead, Milverton, Langford, Thome, and 

 Runnington. 



These hundreds, together with that of North Curry, are princi- 

 pally held under the churches of Winchester and Wells, and the 

 lands are chiefly possessed by small proprietors. 



The 



