298 
Farming of Monmouthshire. 
"15. On the stronw clay subsoils (not surcharged with under- 
water) drains VtO to 36 inches deep, at moderate intervals, are 
much more effective than deep drains at wide intervals ; and 
on these soils the clay should not be filled in over the tiles or 
pipes. 
"17. It often happens that drains 4 feet deep and 40 feet 
apart are placed over a field, when one drain, properly put in, 
would cure the whole." 
There is a manifest improvement in the state of the home- 
steads generally within the last twenty years. In too many in- 
stances, however, the buildings are insufficient in every way ; 
and carts, waggons, and valuable implements are exposed to 
every weather for want of sheds. The large landed propri(>tors 
are, in every direction, improving the farm-houses, and meeting, 
as far as possible, the legitimate wishes of the tenantry. It is to 
be regretted that this example is not followed by all landlords ; 
for the tenant who is obliged, for want of gates, to fence up 
every field right round as he sows it, is not a person to be 
envied. 
The roads are, for the most part, good, except in remote dis- 
tricts leading to places unreclaimed. Even here, however, the 
spirit of improvement is at work ; for an estate of the Duke of 
Beaufort, which a few years ago was considered the best wood- 
cock ground in the county, now grows the best corn in the 
parish, and sportsmen have actually complained to the agent 
that he has destroyed their cover for cocks. 
Without doubt, therefore, proffress is broadly stamped upon 
the agricultural future of Monmouthshire. Influenced, indeed, 
by that confidence which in all parts of this beautiful county 
so happily exists between landlord and tenant, there is, in all 
human probability, a season of prosperity in store for those whose 
province it is to till her valleys, equal surely to anything that 
may be looked for by those who cultivate so highly and so well 
the richer soils of England. 
In closing this report I am anxious to convey my most 
grateful thanks to those gentlemen in the county who have so 
readily supplied me with important information necessary to its 
completion. 
