I 



CHAPTER XVII 

 1793-1815 



THE GREAT FRENCH WAR.— THE BOARD OF AGRICUL- 

 TURE.— HIGH PRICES, AND HEAVY TAXATION 



This period, that of the great war with France, was one 

 generally of high prices and prosperity for landowners and 

 farmers. It was a prosperity, however, that was largely 

 fictitious, and when the high prices of the war time were over, 

 it was succeeded by many disastrous years. The prosperity, 

 too, was also largely neutralized by a crushing weight of 

 taxation and rates, while the labourer, although his wages 

 were increased, found prices grow at a much greater rate, and 

 it was, as Thorold Rogers has said, the most miserable period 

 in his history. 



Its commencement was marked by the foundation of the 

 Board of Agriculture. On May 15, 1793, Sir John Sinclair^ 

 moved in the House of Commons, 'that His Majesty would take 

 into his consideration the advantages which might be derived 

 from the establishment of such a board, for though in some 

 particular districts improved methods of cultivating the soil 

 were practised, yet in the greatest part of these kingdoms 

 the principles of agriculture are not sufficiently understood, 

 nor are the implements of husbandry or the stock of the 

 farmer brought to that perfection of which they are capable.' 

 His Majesty's faithful Commons were persuaded that if it were 

 founded a spirit of improvement might be encouraged, which 

 would result in important national benefits. 



The motion was carried by loi to 26. By its charter the 

 board consisted of a president, 16 ex-officio and 30 ordinary 



* R. A. S. E. Journal, 1896, p. i, and 1898, p. i. 



