222 FARMER 



the starting of the train." A visit, too, now to Stradsett 

 then to Narford,^ but more frequently to Marham — and a 

 hearty welcome among some few of the yeomanry — among 

 whom must be reckoned Mr. John Gamble of Shouldham 

 Thorpe, well known for his splendid breed of Short- 

 horns, selected with good judgment, and maintained 

 at considerable expense — and that excellent agriculturist, 

 Mr. John Negus, of Crimplesham, Avitli whom and Avhose 

 amiable family I and mine were on a footing of intimacy 

 — helped to relieve the monotony of my daily existence. 



On my first visit to this fine specimen of an English 

 farmer, he proposed, after breakfast, a ride round the 

 farm. I readily acquiesced, and, mounting me on a 

 favourite cob, we almost made the circuit of every field. 

 It really Avas a sight pleasing to behold — if only to 

 contrast the j^resent perfect system of agriculture with the 

 slow progress our fathers had made in this most useful 

 art. The large square enclosures were surrounded by 

 a fence that while it prevented the trespass of sheep or 

 swine, admitted the plough to the very edge ; and 

 was, from being kept constantly in order, of no obstacle 

 to either sun or wind — thus rendering every foot of land 

 available. The pastures were rich and teemed with 

 thriving Devon oxen and Southdown sheep of the 

 purest breed. The corn was in the ear, for it was 

 summer time, and the tall standing stalks, free from 

 either the red or white weed, thickly wafted to and 

 fro by the wind, gave promise of a most prolific yield. 



1 The seat of W. Bagge, Esq., for many years M.P. for the 

 western division of the county. 



- The seat of Andrew Fountaine, Esq. 



