APPENDIX. 



No. L 



ON THE SIZE OF FARMS. 



THE result of the discussion regarding the size of farms, is given in 

 the Code of Agriculture, Chapter I. Section 7, p. 41. A minute in- 

 vestigation of that subject, however important, appeared to be incon- 

 sistent with the nature of a work of so condensed a description, as the 

 Code itself. It was therefore thought more advisable, to print sepa- 

 rately, the arguments in favour of great and of small farms, in a num- 

 ber of the Appendix, for the information of those, who were desirous 

 of having the question minutely investigated. 



Arguments in favour of Large Farms. 



1 . WHERE a farm is of a large size, less expense is incurred in build- 

 ing houses and offices, and in keeping them in repair, than if the farm 

 were divided, and several sets of houses, &c. were erected for the ac- 

 commodation of two or more farmers. 2. The inclosures on a large 

 farm, being on a greater scale, are originally made, and afterwards 

 kept in repair, at a less expense ; much ground is thus added to cul- 

 tivation, and less shelter is given to the vermin with which hedges 

 and walls abound. 3. There is also a saving of expense in housekeep- 

 ing, when two farms are united into one, the amount of which must 

 vary according to circumstances. 4. The saving in the expense of 

 cultivation is considerable. When a farm of 200 English acres, is 

 united to one of 300, the work of a pair of horses and a ploughman 

 will be saved ; fewer instruments of husbandry are also necessary ; in 

 particular, one threshing-mill may be sufficient. 5. Though there 

 are exceptions to that rule, yet in general, from superior capital, on 

 large farms the land is much better cultivated, more effectually drain- 

 ed, and more improved by extraneous manures, which small farmers 

 cannot afford to purchase to much extent, or to convey to any dis- 

 tance. 6. A much greater quantity of disposable produce is sent to 

 market. The small farmer and his family indeed, raise so little, and 

 consume so much, of the produce of the land which they occupy, that 

 the surplus they can spare, must always be trifling; and, in unfavourable 

 seasons, none can be expected. Hence it is only by means of large 

 farms, or a number of moderate-sized ones, that great towns or popu- 

 lous districts can be supplied, in sufficient quantities, with such arti- 

 cles of primary necessity as grain and butchers' meat. In regard to 



