4S4 
Farndiif/ of Devonshire, 
this district is a fair specimen of the enclosed land of Devonshire. 
The land occupied by the hedge does not afford a correct idea of 
the extent of surface rendered unproductive by it ; the produce on 
either side is less in quantity and inferior in quality ; moreover, 
the numerous enclosures render cart-roads of frequent occurrence. 
These additions will at least double the per centage previously 
named, and more clearly proves the immense loss sustained : they 
are, however, too frequently made a subterfuge for neglecting a 
more perfect tillage of the land. The removal of many of these 
hedges would be a mutual advantage to landlord and tenant : to 
the former it would be a clear addition to his productive property, 
increasing the annual value of his estate, whilst the latter would 
derive equal benefit although in a more indirect manner. Much 
is done at the present time towards the enlargement of enclosures 
and rendering their boundaries more regular. 
The supply of fuel was one great inducement for making so 
many hedges, the difficulties in obtaining coal being then almost 
insurmountable. But the principal motive was the fact, confirmed 
by daily experience, that small pastures will support more cattle 
than an equal extent in larger fields, and afford more* sholler to 
the stock. Local circumstances can alone determine the point at 
which these advantages are counter-balanced by the expenses 
incurred in their obtainal, for climate and the fertility of the soil 
regulate the practice. 
On an arable farm hedges occupy a very different position — 
they shelter birds, vermin, and other destroyers of our crops — the 
land is impoverished by tlie roots of their trees — vegetation suffers 
from their shade, and they supply numberless weeds to our fields, 
all proving that their number and size may be diminished with 
advantage. On the other hand, in some parts of the north of 
Devon, where the land is poor and much exposed, a further sub- 
division is desirable. 
Woods and Plantations. 
Elm, oak, ash, beech, and sycamore are the chief varieties of 
timber grown in Devonshire. The elm grows in a most luxuriant 
manner, and successfully rivals other parts of this kingdom in the 
quality of its timber. These trees flourish most on the red sand- 
stone formation, and they decrease in number and quickness of 
growth as we leave this geological formation. In the south of the 
county the oak and ash are the prevailing timber of the district. 
The principal part of the wood is grown in the hedges; the 
coppices and plantations are of small extent. It would appear 
* In some hilly districts, but not in llie valley, unless the divisions are 
of iron or of post and rails. — Pn. 
