PREFACE. 



This work, which the Council of the Surtees Society has 

 thought fit to lay before theii' members and the public, 

 is, in many respects, unique. The agriculturist may find 

 in it, among much that is familiar to him, and much that 

 is superseded by modern improvements, something that is 

 new, and, possibly, useful. The country gentleman may 

 glean some hints for the management of his estate, and 

 discover that his comforts are as superior to those of his 

 forefathers as his lands are more valuable. The anti- 

 quary will find here a curious and complete statement of 

 the mode of life of the country gentleman of that day, 

 down to his books, plate, and household linen ; a faithful 

 account of the condition of the labourer, his work, and 

 his hire ; a most accurate list of the prices of corn, cattle, 

 and household goods. It is a pleasant thing, after the 

 lapse of more than two centuries, to rekindle the fire 

 upon a deserted hearth, and to see before us those whom 

 it once warmed, each coming in and going out, and 

 labouring at his daily work. Few pictures are more 

 faithfully drawn, or more authentic. 



That social life which lies beneath the surface has yet 

 to be described. The occasional gleams of truth, and the 

 home touches that occur in this treatise, allow us one 



