THE NORTHERN COUNTIES. 263 



gradually. Meantime, large property remains mistress 

 of the land, and has hitherto been wonderfully benefited 

 by the manufacturing activity which prevails around it. 



The Lancashire proprietors have less reason than any 

 to complain of the effect which low prices may have upon 

 rents. It is true that Manchester and Liverpool promul- 

 gated the opinions which ended in Free Trade ; but 

 before agitating a possible reduction in the income 

 derivable from landed property, the vicinity of these 

 indefatigable workshops had already increased it con- 

 siderably. Even supposing a reduction of ten or twenty 

 per cent to have taken place, the Lancashire proprietors 

 would still be gainers. The late Premier, Lord Derby 

 he who at one time appeared likely to revoke the 

 measure of 1846, but who ended by confirming it is, 

 in fact, the largest proprietor in Lancashire, where his 

 ancestral name is still cherished. Before yielding, as 

 minister, to the force of public opinion, he had made up 

 his mind as a proprietor. He succeeded in averting any 

 reduction in his rents, by using the great antidote, that 

 universal remedy drainage. A body of nearly one 

 hundred labourers, under a special agent, has been em- 

 ployed to drain his lands. The farmers are required 

 simply to cart the draining-tiles ; and upon completion of 

 the work, pay, in addition to their rents, five per cent on 

 the outlay. Such is the effect of draining upon these clay 

 lands, and under that damp climate, that every one profits 

 by it ; even Lord Derby himself has benefited malgrS lui. 



In a report upon the agriculture of Lancashire, a farm 

 of 155 acres is mentioned, where the yearly quantity 

 of extra manure purchased is two thousand tons. Such 

 manurings ought certainly to produce good harvests. 

 Koots and potatoes, especially, give remarkable results. 

 In some parts, two crops of potatoes are obtained in the 



