356 
Ish of Wiyht. 
with it and with mill-stones, the rats found the former the harder 
of the two. 
Many of the present farm-houses in the south were originally 
manor-houses, and are in themselves very interesting. Such are 
the residences at Yaverland, Arreton, Merston, and Westcourt. 
The farmyard is sunk in the centre, with a causeway round to 
get at the sheds. The buildings are substantial, though often 
old and ill -arranged, or without any arrangement. The freestone 
is near at hand for the walls ; indeed it is sometimes too handy. 
I have seen a rick-staddle, with sides built up like a wall. 
They are much firmer than them iron cap things," was the 
remark made to me. " Yes ; but how about the rats and mice ?" 
In the whole of this southern district there is excellent natural 
" shelter," a good aspect, and a mild climate, as is clearly indi- 
cated by the fuchsias, myrtles, and gay flowers, which make the 
cottage gardens blossom as a rose. These advantages compen- 
sate largely for any deficiencies in the soil, and I must add in the 
farming : they are a marvellous set off both for stock and produce. 
The manual labour is .05 : the tithe is very variable. The 
poor-iates will be alluded to by and by. The rent of land varies 
from 20s. an acre in the south to 35s. in the vale of Arreton. 
Leases are general on the larger properties. 
(V.) In the Northern Eocene division the farmer has to contend 
Avith those cold, wet, yellow clays, or clayey sands and gravels 
which belong to these tertiary strata.* The varieties of soil are 
* The following analysis of soil on Mr. A. Hughes's farm at Thorness, by Dr. 
Voelcker, is generally applicable to the better portion of these northern soils : — 
I. Mechanical Analysis. 
Moisture 4-08 
Organic matter and water of combination 6"96 
Lime 245 
Clay 75-59 
Sand 10-92 
100-00 
II. Chemical Analysis. 
Moisture 4-08 
Organic matter and water of combination 6-96 
Oxides of iron and alumina 14-59 
Carbonate of Ivme 1-26 
Sulphate of lime 1-19 
Phosphoric acid trace 
M;ignesia and alkalies 1'57 
Siliceous matter 70-35 
100-00 
Dr. Voelcker adds, that these unmellowed, streaky clays have naturally little or 
no lime. That which was found here had been applied at some time. Except 
lime, there is abundance of fertilizing materials, but in a locked-up state, and in a 
shockingly bad mechanical condition. Draining, deep autumn ploughing, winter 
exposure, and liming, are the remedies. 
