THE SOUTHERN COUNTIES. 217 



Eents in the neighbourhood of Exeter rise to 80s. per 

 acre, the average for the rest of the county being 20s. 



Cornwall, the most southern of the English counties, 

 occupies the extremity of that long narrow peninsula 

 running between the Bristol and English Channels, and is 

 covered with a mass of barren mountains. As, however, 

 from its insular position the climate is equable and mild, 

 especially on its western side, agriculture is more ad- 

 vanced and productive than one might have expected. 

 The population numbers about two to five acres, which is 

 very large for such an ungrateful soil. The tin and copper 

 mines of Cornwall employ a considerable number of 

 people ; and another occupation that of fishing also 

 gives employment to a number of hands. Agriculture 

 holds only a third place among the occupations and re- 

 sources of the county. The good effects produced upon 

 farming from proximity to industrial occupations, are 

 everywhere observable in this naturally wild and retired 

 part of the country. The ordinary rent of these inferior 

 lands is from 20s. to 25s. per acre. 



