Farming of Cumberland. 



223 



tanks, thrashing machines, and other modern improvements and 

 conveniences on the most approved scale. 



The fine domain of grazing land, forming part of the beautiful 

 vale of the Esk, and containing upwards of 1200 acres, was for- 

 merly in a great measure let in small arable farms. This the 

 proprietor has laid down to permanent pasture, and it is chiefly 

 occupied by himself. Various other alterations and improvements 

 have taken place on this estate, which have transformed it from 

 its dilapidated and neglected state of about 30 years ago, to one 

 of the best managed, respectably tenanted, and most productive 

 in the north of England at the present day. There are nume- 

 rous others whose estates have undergone rapid and extensive im- 

 provements of late years, and many which certainly need them ; 

 but it is uncalled for here to enumerate the many enthusiastic 

 improvers in various parts of the county. Yet, without attempt- 

 ing any special selection, a few may be noticed, it is hoped with- 

 out offence to the rest. 



The farm belonging to Holme Eden, containing nearly 700 

 acres, having the advantages of a good climate, low situation, and 

 strong soil, has been made almost to double its produce within 

 the last 10 or 15 years, by thorough draining (2i to 4 feet deep), 

 judicious culture, and close attention. 



The system is the four-course, with little or no fallow. The 

 capital employed is 8/. per acre, and the wages paid oO^. per 

 acre. The rent is calculated at the letting value. Improved 

 implements are purchased. Little barley is grown, the soil being 

 too heavy. The turnips, which are now raised with manure and 

 guano, are partly drawn and partly consumed on the land by 

 sheep. The turnip-land is chiefly sown with wheat, and pro- 

 duces from 21 to 24 bushels per acre. After fallows (when they 

 are thought needful) the produce is a little more, but they are 

 nearly excluded from the farming. A large dairy is kept, and 

 from 60 to 80 cattle fed for the butcher on the produce of the 

 farm. Food is steamed for the dairy cows and work horses, and 

 a considerable proportion for the fattening cattle. Cattle with 

 pedigrees were tried, and not found profitable ; but pedigreed 

 bulls are always kept, and a few cattle are reared from their 

 cross with the dairy cows, which are chiefly selected for dairy 

 purposes, regardless of breeds. A few superior heavy horses 

 are bred, worked while young on the farm, and afterwards dis- 

 posed of or turned to carting exclusively. 



The sheep and cattle are flying stock, and turned over 

 annually. In 1842, 80 head of cattle and 440 sheep were found 

 sufficient to consume the produce of the farm ; the stock of 1851 

 amounts to 149 cattle and 648 sheep, and only a small quantity 

 o£ turnips purchased for them. Most accurate accounts are kept, 

 classified under separate headings, and this has been done 



