154 



that nature. This is, however, not the case with regard to the 

 rents ; and whereas they were formerly paid without proceedings 

 being instituted, and even generally without any previous notice 

 being given, yet compulsory means must now very frequently 

 be had recourse to for securing payment, and even these prove 

 often unavailing, as is shown by the former answer. 



7. What is the estimate of the cost of production of the 

 different descriptions of Grain, as Wheat, Rye, Barley, and 

 Oats, exclusive of rent? 



The results vary extremely, from the quality of the soil, its 

 greater or less fertility, the quantity of labour which each of the 

 estates may command, and even from the influence of the season 

 on one and the same estate. It is therefore necessary to refer to 

 individual estates, and to particular years. 



It appears, from the first Table of a statement produced under 

 the title of " Agricultural Notices," by a conscientious individual, 

 that the expenses of production on the estate of Kopitkowo, 

 exceeded in the year 1824 (when the market price was, for Wheat, 

 from 4s. to 4.?. 6rf. ; Rye, Is. 6d.; Barley, 1*. 2|rf. ; and Oats, 

 lid. per 1^4 bushel) 472 D (or .70. 16s. sterling) the amount 

 for which the Grains were sold. Another Agriculturist calculates 

 in his statement, his loss upon the farm of Subkaw to be still 

 greater, namely 25l'B $ 2.5Sg $ (or .38. ids. 6d. sterling) on a 

 sale of 9G9D* 4Sg (or .145. 7*. 3d. sterling*). 



In both calculations no notice has been taken of rent ; in the 

 former it is brought forward separately, amounting to 3,605 D* 

 (or .540. 5s. sterling), according to the cost of the land originally. 

 Hence the result, that the cost of production proves to be higher 

 than the above-mentioned prices of 4*. or -l-s. 6d. for Wheat ; 

 Rye, Is. 6d.; Barley, 1*. 2{r/.; and Oats. lid. per If & bushel. 

 But it cannot be ascertained, with sufficient accuracy, how much 

 the expenses may be higher than the market price. The result 

 of both calculations leaves an average loss of 20 per.cent. 



It is material to remark, that 1824 was a year extremely 

 favourable, and remunerated agriculture with a rich harvest in a 

 peculiar degree. A less plentiful crop will therefore prove still 

 more prejudicial to the interests of the grower. That in such a 

 case higher prices might counterbalance the deficiency of produce, 

 cannot be generally maintained ; and still less with regard to a 

 district in which the production of Corn, even in years of less 

 abundance, exceeds the consumption, and into which Grain is 

 imported from the neighbouring country. It would then require 



* In the latter calculations the prices were laid down somewhat lower, 

 and also the expenses of transport were added to it, to which however no 

 be made. 



