A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



fertile, that was before of little or no value. His improvements 

 upon the new inclosure on Aston common, are equally conspicuous. 

 Part of it he has judiciously selected for planting; the other he 

 will soon turn into productive turnip aud barley land. 



There are many other Gentlemen, not here enumerated, who are 

 fond ot farming, and set good patterns in their respective neighbour- 

 hoods. With such examples scattered over the county in every 

 -direction, it cannot be at all surprising that great progress has 

 been made in the improvement of its agriculture. 



AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 



THE prevailing taste for Agricultural improvement, which has 

 J>een so long manifested in this county, has caused the establish- 

 ment of two Societies, viz. one at Lichfield, and the other at 

 Newcastle. 



The former is denominated the Staffordshire General Agricul- 

 tural Society. 



It is liberally supported by the Nobility, Gentry, and the prin- 

 cipal farmers of the county, and possesses ample means for at- 

 taining the useful and patriotic objects of the institution. 



The premiums are confined to the practical farmer, as there can- 

 not be expected to be a fair state of competition between the 

 owner of the soil aud one who rents it only. Therefore, the Landed 

 Proprietors in all matters of competition, either make Matches 

 among themselves, or enter into different sets of Sweepstakes, 

 which of course are open to the tenants also. It is a gratifying 

 circumstance to have to record, that notwithstanding the great 

 pains, skill, and expence which have been bestowed by many of the 

 principal Staffordshire proprietors upon the selection and improve- 

 ment of their stock, several of the Sweepstakes have been carried 

 off by the tenants. 



The principal premiums of this Society are given to encourage a 

 general good cultivation, rather than that of particular crops, or 

 specific modes of cultivation and improvement. In the latter cases 

 it was often found that the chief attention was drawn to the single 

 object held out by the premium, to the detriment of the rest of the 

 farm. Thus there is offered to the tenant who shall cultivate, and 

 improve in the best manner, the farm he occupies, consisting of not 

 less than 200 acres, a piece of plate of the value of c50. 



