SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— E. 377 



The drainage system is efficient and the county is well served by road 

 and rail transport. It possesses also a beet sugar factory and several fruit 

 and vegetable canneries. Moreover, a predominantly agricultural and 

 relatively dense population gives large reserves of efficient male and female 

 labour. 



Consequently, intensive types of arable farming, concentrating on 

 specialised crops for distant markets and for industry, are characteristic of 

 the county. The distributions of arable land and permanent pasture reflect 

 especially soil conditions and, to a less extent, those of settlement and 

 drainage. The distributions of the individual crops, of which the potato 

 is almost everywhere the most important, reflect the same influences 

 together with small climatic differences and certain economic factors. 

 These minor factors, however, in the case of the potato, are sufficient to 

 cause outstanding differences in the varieties grown and in the methods 

 and rotations employed. 



Mr. K. B. Cumberland. — Livestock distribution in Craven (3.30). 



The distinctive topography etched into the horizontal lower carboniferous 

 strata of the Central Pennine Massif, together with the generally high 

 altitude (300 to 2,300 ft.) and harsh climatic regime, impose serious 

 restrictions upon the nature of the agricultural activities of Craven. The 

 influence of these features is reflected in a peculiar land use, in livestock 

 breeds and distributions, and in the seasonal activities of the pastoral village 

 communities and livestock auction marts. 



The marked differences in the types of pasture, associated with various 

 altitudes and outcrops, results in one special feature of land utilisation, 

 which is exemplified by a duplication of the ' moorland edge.' The sheep 

 and cattle breeder of the Dales farms extensive acreages at low rentals, with 

 a meagre return. His activities are limited in winter by an insufficiency of 

 suitable pasture or fodder. He is consequently obliged to reduce his stock 

 in autumn, and the resultant annual exodus of stock is the fundamental 

 feature of the farm economy of Upper Airedale and Wharfedale. 



To-day the dalesman's inability to improve the winter carrying-capacity 

 of his farm, is largely economic. But, since attention has recently been 

 attracted to the possibilities of hill grazings. Craven may experience a 

 marked improvement in its grassland, particularly up to a general altitude 

 of 600 to 700 ft. ; although the limestone plateau surfaces present problems 

 particularly their own. 



Saturday, September 4. 



Excursion to the Lower Trent. 



Sunday, September 5. 



Excursion to Derbyshire (Derby, Belper, Cromford, ' Via Gellia,' 

 Grangemill, Rowsley, Matlock, Ripley). 



Monday, September 6. 



Joint Discussion with Section C {q.v.) on The potential mineral resources 

 of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, and their geographical significance 

 (lo.o). 



