536 LETTERS FROM ENGLAND. 



a little scene by itself, is called the Thornery. It is an abrupt piece 

 of ground covered with a wild looking copse of old thorns, hazeis, 

 dog-woods and fantastic old oaks, and threaded by walks in various 

 directions. In the centre is a most complete little cottage, with the 

 neatest Scotch kitchen, little parlor and furniture inside, and a sort 

 of fairy flower garden outside. 



All this may be considered the ornamental portion of Woburn, 

 and I have endeavored to raise such a picture of it in your mind as 

 would most interest your readers. But you must remember that 

 farming is the pride of Woburn, and that farming is here a matter 

 of immense importance, involving the outlay of immense capital, 

 and a personal interest and systematic attention which seems almost 

 like managing the affairs of state. About half a mile from the 

 house is the farmery the most complete group of farm buildings, 

 perhaps, in the world, where the incoming harvest make a figure 

 only equalled by the accommodations to receive it. Besides these 

 there are mills and workshops of all kinds, and on the outskirts of 

 the park a whole settlement of farm cottages. I can only give you 

 an idea of the attention bestowed on details, and the interest taken in 

 the comforts of the immediate tenants by resorting to figures, 

 and telling you that the present Duke has expended 70,000 

 (350,000), within the past five years, in the farm cottages on this 

 estate, which are model cottages combining the utmost convenience 

 and comfort for dwellings of this class, with so much of architectu- 

 ral taste as is befitting to dwellings of this size. Of course, a large 

 part of this estate is let out to tenants, but still a large tract is ma- 

 naged by the Duke himself, who pays more than 400 laborers 

 weekly throughout the year. The farming is very thorough, and 

 the effects of draining in improving the land have been very strik- 

 ing. Above fifty miles of drain have been laid, in this estate alone, 

 annually, for several years past. 



You will gather from this, that English agriculture is not made 

 a mere recreation, and that even with the assistance of the most 

 competent and skilful agents, the life of a nobleman, with the im- 

 mense estate and the agricultural tastes of the Duke of Bedford, is 

 one of constant occupation and active employment. Besides this 



