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On the Farming of the 
broadest end of the next gfeological field, the soil of which it is 
our purpose to consider, viz. that of the Millstone Grit. It 
extends from the northern extremity of the coal, through the 
centre of the Riding, to Middlesmoor, with an average breadth of 
probably 25 miles. There is also a branch of 6 or 8 mdes in 
width to the west of the coal-field, and up to the division of the 
county from Lancashire, by Bingley, Haworth, Heptonstall, and 
Ripponden. Westward from Harrowgate and Ripley the surface 
assumes that more hilly contour by which we approach the high 
moorlands of this formation ; the range continuing into Lancashire, 
and, through the North Riding, into Northumberland. The soil 
is generally of a poor character, and there is very little, if any, of 
it but what, from the loose nature of the decomposing rock and 
its comparative altitude, is very wet. On the higher portions 
there is peat ; but not to so great an extent in this part of the 
range as further north and south. 
Around the villages and hamlets, which in several parts, and 
particularly towards the Lancashire side, are much more thickly 
spread over this comparatively unproductive formation than might 
be supposed, most of the land is in grass, and from the additional 
care that is bestowed upon it, affords much good pasturage, and 
fair crops of hay. The arable land, from its excess of moisture, 
is very precarious in its return ; but examples are not wanting to 
show that, when dry, its capabilities of production are little, if at 
all, inferior to other more favoured soils. 
This last series rests upon, and is as it were the ascent to, the 
more irregular and mountainous formation of the Carboniferous 
or Mountain Limestone, which constitutes the western portion of 
the Riding, commonly known as the Craven district, and is the 
remaining locality for consideration under this head of our subject. 
Throughout its whole extent it presents a surface of irregular, 
and in many parts precipitous outline, rismg as it apj)roaches 
Westmoreland into a mountainous tract of very considerable 
altitude. In the neighbourhoods of Bolton Abbey, Skipton, 
Settle, Giggleswick, Malham, and Sedbergh, the prominency of 
the rocks, contrasting with the fertility and bright green verdure 
of the numerous valleys, each with its stream running through it, 
forms a scene of rich and ever-varying beauty, where the lover of 
the picturesque may study the effects of light and shade to his 
eyes' content. With few exceptions the soil is thin, but at the 
same time, from its peculiar properties, and being for the most 
part comparatively dry, it produces a herbage which, though 
short, is sweet and- nutritious. In the valleys the soil is deeper, 
and by liming and tolerable grazing management has become 
some of the richest pasturage in the country. "The contrast," 
says Morton, " between the pasturage on this and on the sand- 
