l6o AGRICULTURAL SURVEY OF chap. ril. 



lerity and perfection of agricultural improve- 

 ment is the first and principal object. The en- 

 durance of leases is but a secondary considera- 

 tion, and therefore ought to be modelled in a 

 subserviancy to the other. 



It must be acknowledged, however, that on 

 very rich and high rented lands, this course may 

 not be the most eligible. When the fair rent 

 rises to 405., 505., or 60 s. and upwards per acre, 

 the farmer must raise a greater number of the 

 more valuable crops, during the currency of his 

 lease, to pay the rent, and indemnify himself. 

 But on all farms in the situation above describ- 

 ed, the fair rent of which does not exceed 305. 

 per acre, the plan recommended bids fair to suc- 

 ceed. 



SECT. IF. - CROPS COMMON LT CULTIVATED. 



i. OATS. 



IN this county, the cultivation of oats is more 

 universal and extensive than that of any other 

 kind of grain. The reasons are obvious. Oats 

 are more generally adapted to the soil and cli- 

 mate. Oat-meal still continues to be a principal 

 article of food among the lower classes of the 

 people ; and the consumption by horses has 

 been on the increase for some years past. The 

 progress of luxury has encreased the number of 

 carriage and saddle horses, as well of those em- 

 ployed upon the road, as of those in the hands 

 of private gentlemen. Besides, horses are more 

 generally used for the purposes of husbandry 



