2 
On the Farming of Essex. 
same field ; in the valleys near the principal rivers fine alluvial 
soil abounds. 
As the system of cultivation pursued upon these different va- 
rieties of soil differs so greatly, I shall divide them into classes, 
and shall mention various parishes and farms that come under 
each denomination of soil : conceiving that the system pursued in 
the cultivation forms the main intention of these essays. 
Division of the County. 
1st. Subsoil — chalky clay, with good depth of soil lying direct 
upon the clay, or upon beds of strong loam intervening. 
2nd. Subsoil — chalky clay, or strong tenacious loam ; London 
clay, or beds of gravel and sand in alternate veins, rurming for the 
most part from north to south, but near the large rivers parallel 
with the same ; rich alluvial soil resting upon tender loam, ab- 
sorbent." 
3rd. Subsoil — London clay, with more or less of yellow clay, 
and sand in admixture with various loams forming the upper soil. 
Rich alluvial soil, mixed with greater or lesser proportions of 
sand or gravel, forming those portions called the light lands of the 
county. 
First, or Chalky -Clay District. 
This comprises a large portion of the county, and taking Dun- 
mow as the centre, extends to Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, 
Epping, and nearly to Chelmsford ; although the general cha- 
racter is subject to occasional variation in parts of the district. 
The parishes of Stebbing and Dunmow, together with all that 
district called the Roothings, are comprised under this head. 
The system of cultivation that has been long pursued is that 
called the crop and fallow system, by taking fallow and grain 
crops in alternate years; or by what is termed ihe four-course shift, 
having equal proportions of fallow, barley, clover, peas or beans, 
and wheat in each year. 
By the former mode. 
First year — Fallow. 
Second year — Barley. 
Third \ear — Fallow. 
Fourth year — Wheat. 
By the latter mode. 
First year — Fallow, with turnips or cabbages in small portions. 
Second year — Barley. 
Third year — Clover or peas, beans or tares. 
Fourth year — Wheat. 
This soil requires comsiderable attention in management, as it 
becomes tenacious and compact if trodden or ploughed whilst in a 
