88 
Farming of Yorkshire. 
of tlic Society's Journal, which were written at the time of the 
\ovk meeting, viz., an Essay on the East Riding, by Mr. Legard; 
one on the West Riding, by Mr. Cliarnock ; and one on the 
North Riding, by Mr. Milburn. Tliese articles enter minutely 
into their sul)ject ; they give a full and clear geological descrip- 
tion of the county, review the works of previous authors, remark 
on the j)hysical peculiarities of the land, and conclude with an 
able description of the improved farming of that time. These 
Essays will be found an important aid in estimating the advance 
made at the present day. They were published in 184S, and we 
must glance at some important events and alterations which exer- 
cised great influence upon the husbandry of that day — an in- 
fluence which has continued to tlie present time. The tariff had 
been changed, and foreign cattle admitted to free competition 
with our own stock. The corn-trade was undergoing an ordeal 
which was to try the firmness of friends and foes — one which, it 
must be confessed, was productive of great temporary depression 
and loss, and a trial so severe that, if we can now look back with 
complacency to those events, we have no hesitation in saying much 
is due to the spirit of enterprise and perseverance with which the 
tenant-farmer met them. A call was made for improved drainage ; 
such men as Smith of Deanstone, Parkes of Westminster, ably sup- 
ported by the pen of Gisborne, gave new life to the drooping spirit : 
a cheap but effective system of deep drainage was adopted, which 
is now almost universally introduced on soils requiring it. The 
modifications in the duties on wood, bricks, and other articles used 
in building, induced the improving landlord to erect suitable 
dwellings for the tenants, combining convenience with comfort, 
and better and more healthy accommodation for their cattle. 
Those who have visited countries where the most important 
adjuncts of agriculture (such as good roads, facilities for making 
manure, and keeping stock) are still in their infancy, are espe- 
cially struck by the advantages we possess in these respects 
throughout the greater part of England, and especially in the 
county of York. When accompanying intelligent foreigners over 
different farms in this countrv, we found that they invariably 
expressed their surprise at the well-made roads, neatly-cut 
hedges, and careful culture which give our country the appear- 
ance of a large, well-kept garden ; and the idea prominent on 
their minds has been — how wealthy English farmers must be, 
with such conveniences and such facilities ! We heard their 
remark with just pride, but also with the feeling that there is 
another side to the picture. The farmer has difficulties to sur- 
mount ; and if we realise in our day the gradual but lasting im- 
provements of past years, we shall still find ample call for the 
further development of our resources, and happy it is that 
