The Maldng of the Land in England. 
369 
merges into the alluvium of the fen lands of Whittlesea and 
Holme. Part, therefore, is heavy clay, the poorer portion of 
which is or was woodland and store-grass land. The other part 
is light fen land, " blowing " in the dry March winds, and of a 
loose texture. Situated between the two is a considerable amount 
of mixed soil of good quality, growing good timber, and carrying 
heavy sheep, and excellent pasture for milk and store cattle. 
For eighty-seven years the proprietors, a father and son, have 
resided on the estate, bestowing on it all the personal care and 
outlay which a love of country life and a sense of duty would 
prompt. Without yielding to "fads" and whims, all that 
modern science and practice in agriculture sanctioned has been 
respected and made use of here. Nothing seems to have been 
carried out on the one hand in a mean and niggardly fashion, 
while on the other there is no evidence of extravagance or 
indifference to economy. 
The gross rental, inclusive of that from small holdings 
and cottages, has been as follows since the beginning of the 
century : 
£ 
In the year 1800 it waa 3,603 
„ 1810 „ 6,908 
1820 „ 7,840 
1830 „ 6,706 
1840 „ 6,449 
£ 
In the year 1850 it was 7,004 
1860 „ 9,592 
1870 „ 10,376 
1880 „ 7,185 
1886 „ 7,130 
But it must be remarked that the rental of 1886 is not all actually 
received from a tenantry, but is the sum given on the basis of a 
valuation ; a large portion of the estate being in the hands of 
and cultivated by the owner. 
The expenditure on the enclosure of one parish, the purchase 
of land, drainage, building, and repairs, or renewals, comes to 
no less than 143,798/., as below. 
£ 
Farm premises, cost and repairs 41,311 
Cottage repairs between 1860 and 1885 ,. 4,564 
Public drainage of feu, say 3,000* 
Internal drainage of fen 11,213 
Highland drainage 31 , 920 
Koad made 2,190 
Purchase of land 44,089 
Enclosure of one parish 5 , 511 
Total £143,798 
The expenditure on residence, cottages, restoration of churches, 
special fen taxes, materials, and agency, brings up the capital 
* Eaised by an annual tax, averaging WQl. per annum, and extending over 
eighteen years. 
