Synopsis of Chapters. xvii 



PAGE 



spring — The Lenten operations on the farm — The work in 

 summer — Harvest customs — Holidays on the farm— The frolic- 

 ing at Christmas, Shrovetide, etc. — The whole farming commu- 

 nity dependent upon each individual's industry and skill — 

 Landlord's supervision by no means unnecessary . . , 327 



Zlbe Stuart pedot), 



CHAPTEE XXV. 



ATTITUDE OP THE LANDED INTEREST IN THE ENSUING 

 CONSTITUTIONAL STRUGGLE. 



Characteristics of the Stuart kings — James's meanness — Immodera- 

 tion of the democracy — Loyalty of the Church — The purveyance 

 grievance — Agricultural prosperity — The king's determination 

 to oppose the agitation against feudal incidents estranges the 

 Landed Interest — Charles I. succeeds at a time when the coun- 

 try gentlemen are in a condition of determined opposition — The 

 folly of the new king in persevering with the struggle regard- 

 ing feudal dues — The division of the landed classes into the 

 two hostile camps of Roj'alist and Eoundhead — Effects of the 

 civil war on the Landed Interest — The infusion of Flemish 

 and villein blood into the class of landed proprietorship^ 

 Cromwell the champion of agricultural interests — The science 

 of the Fleming makes its mark on the national husbandry — 

 The birth of a new factor in European farming caused by the 

 advancement of chemical knowledge — Irish and Scotch agricul- 

 ture contrasted with the English and Continental systems . 337 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



STUART AGRICULTURE. 



The standing and influence of the new agricultural authors : Norden, 

 Hartlib, Plattes, "Worledge, and Blith — Their attitude as re- 

 gards landlordism, the enclosure question, etc. — Reclamation of 

 the fen country — Other agricultural improvements advocated 

 — The state of cultivation in various counties and districts — 

 Arboriculture of the period— Stuart oi*chards and gardens — 

 Hartlib's advanced views with regard to a national school of 

 husbandry — Difficulties in the way of disseminating knowledge 

 — Scarcity of newspapers, and other agencies whereby agricul- 

 tural improvements could be introduced amongst the farmers 

 of England — Consequent slow progress in adopting the hus- 

 bandry of green crops 347 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



FROM RESTORATION TO REVOLUTION. 



The return of the Landed Interests to their traditional loyalty — 

 Poverty of the restored landlords— Abolition of feudalism — 

 Bacon's description of the abuses practised by royal purveyors 

 — The splendour of court favourites contrasted with the 

 shabby appearance of the Stuart country gentleman — Macau- 

 Jay's description of his life, habits, surroundings, and tastes — 

 James II. adopts the only course available for him to weaken 

 their fervid loyalty — The religious differences between king and 

 gentry— Sketch of the struggle which culminated in the Revolu- 

 tion 356 



