170 



Drainage by Steam Power, 



In addition to this there are 300 acres, which are also drained 

 by the engine, but which being on more elevated ground are 

 taken as being of much the same value now as before. 



The above estimates of the annual value of the land are 

 founded on the past and present rental, with the exception of the 

 Mere House Farm, and the woods and some other lands near 

 " Mere Sands Wood," which are at present in hand. 



Having myself, a few years ago, valued a considerable quan- 

 tity of land very near to this, and similarly circumstanced as to 

 drainage, at 10s. per acre, it will not be supposed that the above 

 800 acres are undervalued at 135. As to the present value of 

 the farm in hand, which is now estimated to be worth 350Z., or 

 305. ^d. per acre, I may state that the tithe rent-charge is very 

 low, that the rates are moderate, and that the crops in 1851 have 

 been estimated as follows : — 



Swedish turnips, 22 tons 1 cwt. per Stat. acre. 

 Common turnips, 25 ,, 19 „ 

 Oats, about 40 bushels (of 45 lbs.) per Stat. acre. 

 Barley 47 „ (of60lbs.) „ 

 Wheat „ 32 „ (of 60 lbs.) „ 



£. s. d. 



Taking, then, the preserit annnal value of 800 acres to be 1278 0 0 

 And deducting the previous value . . . £ 529 

 And the annual expense of the drainage works and 



interest of capital . . . . . 452 



_ 981 0 0 



There remains a net annual profit, exclusive of 



interest, of £297 0 0 



Concluding Remarks. — Independently of the pecuniary advan- 

 tage derived from works of this nature, which, in this instance, 

 considering the small extent of land drained, is very considerable, 

 it will, I think, be admitted, that there are benefits of a social 

 and sanatory kind, which claim our highest estimation. I cannot 

 myself contemplate the improvement which has been here effected 

 without feelings of the greatest satisfaction. The poorer classes 

 have here had productive labour provided for them, whfere, be- 

 fore, labour was comparatively fruitless. Land which was 

 swampy, sterile, and unfit for human habitation, is now dry, pro- 

 ductive, and healthy. Works of this kind are not frequently un- 

 dertaken ; when they are, and successfully carried out, I think we 

 confer a public good in making known the means by which such 



ance upon the machinery for interest, depreciation, and repairs; but in the 

 allowance of 7 per cent. 1 have included buildings and other works less liable to 

 " depreciation from wear and tear. 



