Farming of Dorsetshire. 
441 
in the kingdom. One beneficial effect of the enclosures is the 
great improvement in cross-roads by the abolition of the 
numerous gates. Twenty years ago, a drive between Poddle- 
hinton and Lulworth, a distance of 14 miles, involved the 
opening of twenty-two gates, where five now suHice. 
Cottages. — Connected materially with the improvements to be 
noticed, is the state of the dwellings of the labouring poor. For 
some years the cottages of Dorset (whether justly or not, it is 
not the writer's province to determine) were a byeword and 
reproach. In 1843 the subject was brought under the notice of 
a very influential meeting at Blandford, and a most animated 
debate on the whole question arose. It is pleasant to look back 
upon tlie serious charges then advanced against the cottages of 
Dorset, because it places in strong and gratifying contrast their 
present condition. The merit of the good example set in this 
matter belongs chiefly to Henry Charles Sturt, Esq., of Critchell, 
who, even at the period alluded to, was declared by Lord 
Ashley " to have set an example which ought to be followed." 
This gentleman commenced cottage building, not with reference 
to existing numbers, but with reference to the increasing de- 
mands of the poorer population, many years before the question 
interested or was taken up by the public. He rebuilt the 
village of Tincleton, placing two cottages, with three bedrooms 
in each, in the middle of an acre of land, dividing it equally 
between the two tenants, neither of whom trespasses on the land 
of his neighbour. The cottages have a south aspect, and are 
protected from the north wind by a row of apple-trees in the 
rear. Mr. Sturt's property is scattered over the county, but liis 
cottages are easily recognised by their comfortable and uniform 
appearance. Aspect and dryness of position are always re- 
garded as absolutely essential. Where necessary, the picturesque 
is veiy pioperly sacrificed to actual convenience. The results 
are that in the villages thus favoured there is not now a single 
poacher, and that the labourers resident in these improved 
dwellings take pride in the cultivation of the land, and carry off 
the best prizes for vegetables from the Labourers' Friend 
Society. One object which Mr. Sturt is Understood to have 
had in view in attaching land to cottages Avas to engraft the 
French system of holding land in small quantities on the con- 
centrated system of England — that the labourer should have so 
much as he could cultivate in odd hours with the assistance of 
his wife and children, without interfering with his ordinary 
labour. The occupiers are never disturbed on any pretext, as 
long as their rents are paid, in order to encourage, as far as may 
be, a feeling of ownership. Objection has been raised to the 
expense of these buildings, though constructed without orna- 
