CONTENTS 



PACX 



Introduction ii 



The subject of inquiry — No attempt hitherto made to verify the 

 different hypothetical explanations of the enclosures— Nature of 

 the evidence. 



CHAPTER I 



The Price of Wool i8 



Accepted theory of enclosure movement based on price of wool — 

 Enclosures began independently of Black Death and before ex- 

 pansion of woollen industry — Price of wool low as compared 

 with that of wheat in enclosure period — Seventeenth-century con- 

 versions of pasture to arable— Of arable to pasture— Conversion 

 not explained by change in prices or wages — Double conversion 

 movement due to condition of soil— Summary. 



CHAPTER n 



The Fertility of the Common Fields 51 



Dr. Russell on soil fertility — Insufficient manure— Statistical indi- 

 cations of yield— Compulsory land-holding— Desertion of villains 

 — Commutation of services on terms advantageous to serf — Low 

 rent obtained when bond land was leased — Remission of services 

 — Changes due to economic need, not desired for improved social 

 status — Poverty of villains— Cultivation of demesne unprofitable. 



CHAPTER III 



The Disintegration of the Open Fields 73 



Growing irregularity of holdings — Consolidation of holdings — 

 Turf boundaries plowed under— Lea land— Restoration of fertility 

 — Enclosure by tenants— Land used alternately as pasture and 

 arable— Summary of changes. 



165] 9 



