42 



'fciie land would be in an excellent condition to lay into grass, 

 thus to remain till another portion of land could be treated in 

 the same manner. Keeping in view these pi'inciples, every 

 farmer can readily apply them to other crops, which it is there- 

 fore unnecessary to mention. 



On mature reflection, I presume it must be generally admit- 

 ted that one of the greatest and most frequent errors in the 

 management of farms in Essex, is dissipating both labour and 

 manure, by attempting to cultivate too much ground. 



By improved management, the same quantity of produce as is 

 now obtained might be raised, with the same manure, on half 

 the land, with two thirds the labour. One half of the land and 

 one third of the labour might therefore be devoted to other 

 crops, the whole of which would be clear gain. 



There is a specious objection to improvements in agriculture, 

 often suggested by practical farmers, namely, " that in the 

 same ratio that crops are increased, their value is diminished, 

 for the market is already abundantly supplied." Admitting this 

 to be the case, are there no other fruits, esculent vegetables, 

 and raw materials for exportation or domestic manufacture, other 

 than those which are now generally cultivated, which our soil 

 and climate will produce, and towards which the attention of 

 farmers may be protitably directed ? 



In taking a survey of the county of Essex, it must I think be 

 admitted, that we are deplorably deficient in gardening, and in 

 .he cultivation of fruits which are justly ranked among the most 

 elegant comforts of life. With very little expense of time and 

 labour, it is in the power of every owner of a farm to surround 

 his habitation with the most delicious fruits, to furnish a rich 

 desert for his table at all seasons of the year, and Hkewise send 

 large quantities to market. In many places considerable atten- 

 tion has been paid to apple trees, and some flourishing young 

 orchards occasionally greet the eye. But we more frequently 

 see others in a state of rapid decay. How often, even among 

 farmers, are found families destitute of apples fit for the table, 

 or culinary purposes, and which, when assailed by sickness, are 

 obliged to send to some more provident neighbour for a supply ! 

 Pear trees are very generally neglected ; and the greater part 



