92 HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE 



England, crops were smaller. No doubt this was partly due 

 to the much-abused enclosures : the industrious farmer could 

 now do what he liked with his own, without hindrance from 

 his lazy or unskilful neighbour. Tusser's preference for the 

 ' several ' field is very decided ; comparing it with the 

 ' champion ' or common field he says : 



The countrie inclosed I praise 



the tother delighteth me not, 



There swineherd that keepeth the hog 



there neetherd with cur and his home, 



There shepherd with whistle and dog 



be fence to the medowe and corne, 



There horse being tide on a balke 



is readie with theefe for to walke, 



Where all things in common doth reste 



corne field with the pasture and meade, 



Tho' common ye do for the best 



yet what doth it stand ye in steade ? 



More plentie of mutton and beefe 



corne butter and cheese of the best. 



More wealth any where (to be briefe) 



more people, more handsome and prest (neat.) 



Where find ye ? (go search any coaste) 



than there where enclosure is most. 



More work for the labouring man 



as well in the towne as the fielde. 



For commons these commoners crie 



inclosing they may not abide, 



Yet some be not able to bie 



a cow with her calf by her side. 



Nor laie (intend) not to live by their wurke, 



But thievishly loiter and lurke. 



What footpaths are made and how brode 



Annoiance too much to be borne, 



With horse and with cattle what rode 



is made thorowe erie man's corne. 



But the rich graziers boasted that they did not grow 

 corn because they could buy it cheaper in the market ; and 

 they are said to have traded on the necessity of the poor 



