300 
Farming of Kent. 
so debilitated are they that many die soon after they are put upon 
richer pasture. It is this unfavourable circumstance — and the 
same cause (bad l<eepino;) appUes equally to the Sussex breed of 
stock — that prevents the live stock of Kent from fairly attaining 
their full development. I cannot help thinking but that some- 
thing mi^ht be done to remedy, or at least to mitiorate, this evil. 
By having large yards and sheds, in connexion with a more ex- 
tended cultivation of root crops, a great many of the lambs bred in 
the marsh might be kept there. Thus a less number would have 
to be sent away, which would stand a chance to fare better. The 
grand defect in this county in rearing young animals is not giving 
them sufficient food and attention ; and sufficient care and jndg- 
vient are not exerted in selecting them for breeding, otherwise Kent 
might not rank second to any county in the kingdom. 
I would likewise suggest the expediency of planting trees in 
the more exposed situations of the marsh, which would in some 
degree modify die rigour of the climate in winter; and while they 
aflbrd shelter in the storm, they would offer what is of equal 
advantage to animals — a coolinsr shade during the heats of sum- 
mer. Could not quick-set hedges be substituted for post and rail 
fence with advantage in many situations They would be quite 
ornamental, and in the end more economical, beside the shade 
and shelter they would afford. Elm and wliite poplar, and 
other kinds of wood, would grow well here, and would in great 
measure change the appearance and climate of the district. 
Formerly the marsh was extremely unhealthy — agues and fevers 
prevailing alarmingly ; but in consequence of draining and better 
sewerage the salubrity of the climate has of late years very much 
improved. 
Rents vary much in the marsh, according to the situation and 
quality of the land, from 30*. to 6O5. per acre, and in some in- 
stances considerably higher. Tithes, \s. for pasture, \2s. for 
arable; in some parishes the tithe commutation is not yet settled. 
The other chief expenses are the " scots," for protection from the 
ravages of the sea, and sewerage. Poor-rates are almost nominal, 
the population being very small, and labour well remunerated. 
Roads have of late years very much improved, being made and 
kept in repair with sea-baach at a moderate cost. Yet, what with 
the ungenial character of several seasons for grazing purposes, and 
other causes, grazing in Romney Marsh has been for some years 
past but an indifierent business. 
The principal improvements in the agriculture of the county, 
since the elaborate report of Mr. Boys in 1805, consist in a 
cheaper, wider, and more efficient system of draining, the culture 
of root and green crops, and the larger number of cattle and slieep 
that are reared and fattened, and the consequent increase in agri- 
