INTRODUCTION 9 



although prior to the purchase of the property 

 the buildings were confined to the homestead 

 and a single cottage. 



In 1904 the writer became a member of 

 the Small Holdings Committee of which the 

 Earl of Onslow was chairman, and travelled 

 with him through Worcestershire for the 

 purpose of inspecting Small Holdings and 

 similar undertakings in which men were 

 engaged in making a livelihood upon small 

 areas of land. 



Amongst others who became closely associa- 

 ted with this movement mention must be 

 made of the Rt. Hon. Jesse CoUings, M.P., 

 who has for a quarter of a century exerted 

 himself in the interests of agriculture ; 

 of Sir James, now Lord, Blyth; Mr J. 

 H. Whitley, M.P., now Chairman of the 

 Committee of the House of Commons; Mr 

 Spear, M.P., now Sir John Spear; and Mr 

 Samuel Whitley. 



