24 
The Agriculture oj the Cotswolds. 
and of the current year, the rainfall is generally sufficient foi 
agricultural necessities. Near Cirencester, on the south-east 
boundary of the Cotswolds, the average for the ten years 
1903-1912 has been as follows : — 
January . 
February . 
March 
April 
May . 
June. 
July. 
August 
September 
October . 
November. 
December . 
2-40 
1 - 84 
2 - 62 
1 - 93 
2 - 23 
315 
2-22 
326 
1-71 
3 - 75 
2 37 
322 
30-74 
The two wettest years of the decade were 1903 and 1912, 
each with rather over 40 inches, and the driest 1911, with less 
than 23 inches. The very variable quantity of rain falling on 
the Cotswolds in different localities is shown by the fact that 
over 50 inches was recorded at Colesborne in 1912. Although 
an excess of rainfall in this district is far less harmful than a 
drought, that year was an exception, the absence of sun having 
a most disastrous effect on both corn and roots, as well as hay. 
It may be observed that the yearly total rainfall is less 
important agriculturally than the season at which it falls. 
For instance, in 1903, the wettest year of the decade, but with 
practically the same total for the year as 19 13, in Januaiy, 
February, and March, the average of about 7 in. was little 
exceeded, but in 1912 it was over 12^ in. In June, July, and 
August, 1903, about 11 in. of rain was registered, whereas in 1912 
in the same months 14 in. fell, the average for the 10 years 
having been less than 9 in. In 1903 the Cotswold farmers had 
a good crop of corn, and good average crops of hay and roots. 
In 1912 one of the best and largest farmers on the Hills tells 
me his corn did not realise more than 2 1- an acre all round, 
most of the hay was spoilt, and owing to the cold summer 
roots were only half a crop. 
The Stonebrash is hollow and porous and easily worked 
when dry, but from the predominance of lime it becomes sticky 
and difficult to manage when wet, at which time the experienced 
cultivator leaves it alone. One of the earliest maxims learned 
by the Cotswold farmer is that patience is a virtue. Although 
the soil varies much in quality its character is similar, and it 
requires pressure and consolidation to enable the roots of plants 
to keep a firm hold in the ground, and a fine tilth to preserve 
the moisture necessary to vegetate the seed. As is always the 
