486 
Farming of Devonshire. 
Dartmoor Forest (which is 80,000 acres), there exists a perfect 
how, or swamp, even in summer. The soil rests on granite, por- 
tions of which are seen protruding above the surface, and are 
provincially termed Tors. Dartmoor is very much elevated, being 
at a mean height of nearly 1800 feet above the sea. The climate 
is cold throughout the greater part of the year, and materially 
impedes vegetation. As I have previously stated, the cause of 
this peculiar climate is the want of drainage. The subsoil is 
impervious to water — all that falls on it, either from rain or the 
condensation of vapours, is compelled to pass away on the surface; 
the soil becomes thoroughly saturated, and its evaporation pro- 
duces an extraordinary degree of cold. In those parts where the 
outlets are imperfect (as is the case in the Forest) swamps are 
formed ; but where the water has a clear passage the land be- 
comes dry during the summer months. There are extensive 
tracts which possess a porous soil : they were formed by the 
decomposition of the granite rocks, are of good quality, and 
might be quickly brought into a productive state. Very little of 
Dartmoor has been brought into cultivation. The great difficulty 
the agriculturist has here to contend with is the severity of the 
climate. Private individuals can exert but little control over 
the climate of such an extensive district, and great difficulties will 
have to be encountered until the whole surface is more perfectly 
drained. 
Haldon and Woodbury. — These are tracts of waste land having 
a sandy soil, with an intermixture of peaty matter. The attempts 
which have been made to bring them into cultivation have remu- 
nerated the parties engaged. The pieces which have been cul- 
tivated are now in a productive state, and offer encouragement 
for more extended occupation. On Woodbury a mere acknow- 
ledgment is paid for the first twenty-one years, and afterwards 
bs. per acre as an annual rent for an agreed period. Firs thrive 
very well on this land, and the greater part might be advan- 
tageously planted. 
The next portions of waste land to be noticed are parts of the 
carboniferous deposits principally near Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, 
and South Molton ; also between Exeter and Moreton. This 
land requires draining, without which it would be a useless ex- 
penditure of capital to attempt its improvement, A large pro- 
l)ortion is too poor for everything but timber. 
The Management of Landed Property 
Has an important influence on the farmers of any district, and I 
shall briefly notice some of the prevailing defects in this county. 
One of these is the use of leases containing clauses that restrict 
the farmer in his operations, and often compel him to act contrary 
