Co-operative Farms. 
169 
had been applied than lime and ashes from a neighbouring 
" malting." Some fine swedes had been thus grown, but the 
addition of superphosphate or bones seems to me generally 
desirable, particularly on a gravelly soil, as in the case before us. 
Draining had been executed where it was required, but of this 
"work I saw more evidence on the adjacent associated farm, which 
has a stronger soil. This work had been executed by landlord 
and tenant conjointly, as on other farms in the Assington estate. 
The stock were in good condition. I saw two or three very 
smart Suffolk mares, which would throw valuable foals, and 3 
other horses ; 5 milch cows ; 4 good beasts, half-bred between 
the polled Suffolk and short-horn, fatting chiefly on swedes ; 4 
Highland beasts ; 6 sows and about 40 pigs, of a very good sort, 
many of which are fatted for the supply of the members. 
The farm had been much improved by the liberal dressings of 
lime, which is bought 5 miles off" at \s. per load. A good deal 
of timber and other carting is done for Mr. Gurdon's woods, 
«Scc., which accounts for 6 horses being kept. 
In short, though neither as much oilcake and corn or artificial 
manure is bought as a tenant of a light-land farm would think 
desirable and profitable, still the general appearance of the 
farm was such that a superior farmer of the smaller class would 
feel a pride and satisfaction in showing it, and the system of 
cultivation is one that would neither much advance nor diminish 
its fertility. 
The rent charged for the farm, 29s. od. per acre, appeared to 
me lairly to represent the probable value oi> the land at the time 
of hiring in 1829, though if it were now revised it would 
doubtless be raised. In this respect I believe this farm stands 
quite on a level with the other farms in the parish. 
With respect to the management, as much control and respon- 
sibility devolves upon the Manager as generally on a gentleman's 
farm-bailiff". Although the committee meet every fortnight to 
make up the accounts and give directions, they wisely refrain, for 
the most part, from interfering with questions of labour, beyond 
authorising such a supply as the Manager thinks necessary. 
The labourers receive wages in the usual manner ; and at the 
-time of my visit, of the 5 men and 1 boy here employed, only one 
besides the manager was a member of the association, and he 
had no voice in the management or choice of work. If any 
member happened to be out of work, the Manager would 
probably find him a job; but they are not generally of that 
stamp of moil who are cast adrift when work is slack. 
Thus, if the rules contemplate or admit of any partnership in 
labour, the good sense of the community has thus far left them 
in abeyance ; Avages are paid for work done, and a single officer 
