May  3,  1900 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
379 
Mr.  George  Paul,  V.M.H. 
As  requested,  I  inspected  on  Wednesday,  18fch  of  April,  the  farm 
land  at  Limpsfield,  by  Oxted,  ctfered  to  the  society.  My  instructions, 
I  understand,  were  to  report  upon  the  lay  of  the  land,  its  quality, 
condition,  and  suitability  for  the  culture  of  fruit,  vegetables,  and  in 
my  case  more  especially  of  flowers,  Roses,  herbaceous  plants,  and 
similar  plants.  Messrs.  Runyard,  Ponpart,  and  Beckett  are  each  sending 
a  separate  report,  but  thei'e  will  be  found  much  upon  which  after 
discussion  and  a  fiank  interchange  of  opinion  we  were  agreed. 
The  side  is  a  southern  elope  of  a  continuous  range  of  hills  bearing 
to  the  east  upon  the  lower  greensand  and  ascendi'  g  half  up  the  hill, 
and  thus  sheltered  thoroughly  from  the  north  and  east  by  the  higher 
position  of  the  slope.  The  meadows  referred  to  further  on  lie  at  the 
foot  of  this  slope,  and  are  consequently,  as  regards  32.3  and  34'2  of  the 
ordnance  survey  map,  the  recipients  of  the  storm  water  of  the  some¬ 
what  basinlike  shape  of  the  higher  slopes.  This  accounts  for  a  fact 
which  we  gathered  from  inquiry  of  the  neighbouring  cottagers  that  a 
part  of  these  two  fields  is  subject  to  an  occasional  flooding  after 
sudden  storms,  but  which  quickly  passes  away  (these  fields  having  a 
thoroughly  good  outlet,  now  needs  clearing),  but  which  I  consider  as  a 
valuable  element  in  the  estate  for  water  supply  and  other  purposes. 
The  estate  is  entered  through  two  fields  with  long  frontages  to  the 
main  road  across  the  extensive  adjoining  commons  from  Oxted  station. 
Field  3-14,  of  many  years’  standing  (old  pasture),  falling  slightly  to 
north  and  foot  of  hill.  Field  343,  the  adjoining  field.  Arable,  under 
Wheat.  Frontage  to  road.  Same  fall,  fairly  clean,  and  fair  crop. 
Field  323,  adjoining  field  to  north  of  343,  with  entry  over  road¬ 
way  at  the  east  side  of  343,  is  old  pasture  with  a  covered  drain  or 
culver  to  take  the  storm  water  from  the  other  sloping  basin  to 
the  outfall  ditch  which  is  by  the  east  side  of  the  entry  road 
on  343.  Field  342,  old  pasture,  with  a  slight  fall  -to  the  ditch 
referred  to  on  the  western  side.  These  four  fields  are  all  more  or  less 
of  one  level,  the  flat  land  at  the  foot  of  the  three  sharp  sloping  fields 
lying  above  them.  This  soil  is  a  heavy  clayey  loam  of  good  fertility, 
of  about  1  foot  in  depth,  the  subsoil  being  the  sandy  clay,  or  moist 
sand  of  this  formation.  I  should  say  this  portion  of  the  estate  would 
grow  Roses  freely,  herbaceous  plants,  evergreens,  and  Pears  and 
Apples  amongst  the  larger  fruits.  Strawberries  and  bush  fruits  amongst 
the  smaller  fruits;  and  with  regard  to  vegetables,  it  would  be  good 
Pea,  Bean,  and  Broccoli  soil. 
The  land  requires  draining,  and  had  I  to  deal  with  it  for  practical 
nursery  or  market  garden  work,  I  should  along  its  centre  and  in  the 
lowest  part  of  the  two  last  named  grass  fields  make  a  wide  ditch  or 
small  mote,  with  a  controllable  outfall  into  the  brook  near  the  road, 
and  which  I  understand  flows  into  the  Eden  ;  and  so  I  should  secure  a 
water  storage  supply,  which  could  be  pumped  to  the  highest  level  of 
the  estate,  and  so  lay  the  whole  of  the  experimental  garden  under  water 
control.  The  brook  which,  after  turning  a  ram  for  the  owners  of  the 
higher  land,  flows  through  the  estate  might,  I  think,  be  used  to  lift  this 
stored  water  to  this  highest  point  alluded  to.  Such  a  basin  would  be 
invaluable  in  a  trial  garden  for  the  growth  of  the  newer  Water  Lilies 
and  other  water  plants.  Altogether,  I  conclude  this  water  supply  to  be 
of  value  for  a  garden  applicable  to  experimental  purposes. 
The  three  additional  fields  are  of  a  totally  different,  character,  they 
form  the  sloping  sides  of  the  land  basin,  of  which  the  lower  fields  are 
the  bottom.  Field  324,  old  pasture  in  good  condition,  facitig  S.W., 
rising  quickly  some  50  feet;  soil  slightly  lighter  than  t' e  preceding 
fields,  subsoil  rather  charged  with  the  water  from  the  upper  greensand 
lands  requires,  as  do  also  the  adjoining  sloping  fields,  good  subsoil 
drainage;  fine  Strawberry  and  fruit  land.  Field  310 — Arable  under 
Hops,  which  are  breaking  strongly;  the  brook  in  q  lestion  falls  rapidly 
along  its  eastern  side.  Slope  to  the  cast  rising  rapidly  to  a  level  of 
400  feet ;  the  soil  is  somew  hat  lighter  but  of  greater  dept,h,and  the  sub¬ 
soil  is  decidedly  more  sandy,  I  should  consider  it,  as  far  as  regards  its 
suitability  for  fruit  culture,  as  good  Plum,  dessert  A pple,  and  choice 
Pear  land.  At  the  top  of  the  field,  lying  as  it  does  close  to  the  stone 
Cherryland,  I  think  Tea  Roses,  shrubs,  and  C'  nifers  retiuiring  lighter 
soil  and  hardy  plants,  with  like  requirements,  should  do  well.  Field 
311 — Upper  part  of  this  field  light  sandy  loam,  resting  1  foot  above 
stone  used  for  building. 
Arable,  with  a  fall  of  some  200  feet  to  the  meadow's  below.  A 
fertile  lighter  soil,  with  its  different  quality  invaluable  in  such  a  garden. 
Ilalf-way  down  the  slope  the  soil  changes  and  giadually  approaches 
that  of  the  lower  level;  it  is  here  somewhat  moist  from  the  flow  of 
water  from  the  rock,  but  needs  only  drainage;  this  differmce  of  soil 
again  affords  from  its  variety  opportunities  for  trial  of  fruits  in  the 
different  lighter  or  heavier  soils.  Roses  would  do  well  here.  Conifers 
on  the  rock  underlying  other  parts  of  the  field,  and  it  is  either  here,  or 
in  the  exposed  rock  hill  side  by  the  farm  house,  that  alpine  plants  could 
be  tried. 
Conclusively,  I  look  on  the  soil  as  good  sound  heavy  soil  ;  the  large 
proportion  of  old  turf  is  most  valuable  ;  the  sheltered  positions  are 
beneficial;  its  water  supply  valuable  and  available,  and  its  difference 
of  altitude,  slopes,  and  variations  (f  soil  are  esi-eniial  for  the  pm  poses 
for  which  the  garden,  as  an  experimental  garden,  is  required.  The 
whole  estate  from  its  altitude  is,  I  should  in  agine,  above  the  dangers 
of  spring  frosts,  but  I  cannot  be  positive  as  to  this. 
Mr.  Wm.  Poupart. 
According  to  instructions  I  attended  on  April  18th  atChartland  Farm, 
Limpsfield,  Surrey,  with  a  view  to  reporting  as  to  its  adaptability  for  a 
fruit,  vegetable  and  flower  garden.  I  made  a  careful  inspection  with 
the  following  result  :  — 
The  farm  consists  of  about  50  acres,  and  is  situated  in  the  lower 
and  middle  portion  of  a  sharp  rising  valley,  mostly  fucing  the  south 
and  well  protected  from  the  north  and  east.  It  is  divided  into  eight 
enclosures  which  I  report  on  separately,  using  the  numbers  on 
ordnance  survey. 
No.  344. — Wheat  stubble,  a  comparatively  flat  field  ;  has  about 
10  inches  of  heavy  loam  on  slightly  sandy  clay.  No.  343. — Young 
Wheat,  very  slight  slope  to  south  and  south-west  ;  soil  the  same  as 
in  3  44.  I  consider  these  two  fields  well  adapied  for  the  growth  of 
most  vegetables,  fruit,  and  many  flowers.  No.  323. — Grass.  Soil  a 
medium  loam  on  sandy  clay.  Tiiis  field  shows  signs  of  wet  in  a  portion 
running  down  the  centre. 
No.  342. — Grass,  soil  same  as  323.  This  field  is  also  very  wet 
through  the  centre  part.  These  two  fields  are  the  middle  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  valley,  and  form  the  natural  outlet  for  the  water  from  the 
whole.  The  drains  appear  to  have  been  sadly  neglected,  in  fact  some 
have  almost  disappeared.  I  am  of  opinion  that  with  good  open  ditches 
and  the  land  well  drained  and  cultivated  these  fields  would  make 
excellent  garden  ground.  No.  324. — Grass  field,  sharp  slope  facing  S.W. 
Soil  12  inches  good  loam  on  stiffer  loam  over  sandy  clay,  this  is  a 
capital  piece  of  land.  No.  310. — Hops,  slope  facing  S.  and  E.,  soil  12  to 
15  inches  good  medium  loam.  No.  311  — Large  arable  field,  good  slope 
to  the  south,  soil  upper  part  (about  half)  12  inches  light  sandy  loam  on 
rock,  lower  part  little  stiffer  on  sandy  clay,  about  two  acres  of  bottom 
corner  of  this  field  show  signs  of  wet,  could  be  easily  drained  in 
conjunction  with  323.  These  two  fields,  310,311,  would  do  well  for 
fruit,  vegetable  and  flower  growing. 
The  land  has  been  badly  farmed,  the  drainage  utterly  neglected.  I 
am  of  opinion  that  with  proper  attention  to  the  drainage  (the  final 
outlet  for  which  appears  to  be  ample)  and  good  cultivation  the  land 
would  make  a  good  all-round  garden. 
Mr.  Arthur  Sutton,  V.M.H. 
I  HAVE  very  carefully  examined  the  site  with  the  plan.  In  view  of 
the  facD  that  this  site  is  recommended  by  others  who  have  seen  it,  I 
feel  most  reluctant  to  offer  any  adverse  opinion.  In  the  first  place 
Oxted  itself  cannot  be  said  to  be  inacessible  from  London,  as  several 
trains  make  the  journey  in  from  forty-five  to  sixty  minutes,  and  if  any 
good  site  had  ciffered  at  Oxted,  it  might  have  been  as  suitable  a  locality 
as  many  others.  The  case  is  altogether  different  when  we  find  that  the 
site  itself  is  from  two  and  a  half  to  three  miles  from  the  station,  and 
the  road  so  hilly  that  a  cab  takes  twenty  five  minutes  to  cover  the 
distance.  This  alone  means  that  every  ton  of  building  material,  or 
coal,  or  coke,  or  manure,  would  cost  2s.  6d.  or. 38.  to  cart  from  the 
station.  I  was  near'y  twenty-five  minutes  drivin  r  with  a  fairly  good 
horse  to  the  Charing  Cross  Home,  and  more  than  twenty -five  minutes 
diiving  back  from  the  southern  end  of  the  land. 
But  possibly  this  might  not  be  considered  a  very  serious  objection  if 
the  land  itself  weie  suitable  for  gardening  operations.  It  is  in  this  con¬ 
nection  that  I  feel  bi  und  to  offer  the  very  strongest  protest  I  can  against 
the  scheme.  Although  the  weather  was  wet,  in  town,  it  was  fine  at 
Oxted  ;  and  apart  from  some  rain  yesterday  they  had  but  little  or  no 
rain  for  some  weeks  past;  notwithstanding  this,  I  found  the  whole 
50  acres,  except  the  Hop  garden  and  the  upper  portion  of  the  field 
adjoining  (No.  31  la),  very  wet  and  sodden;  when  after  the  drying 
winds  w'e  have  had,  it  ought  to  have  been  in  fair  working  order.  No 
doubt  the  upper  portion  of  field  No.  311 — say  about  4  acres — might  be 
worked  fairly  easily,  and  as  its  tilth  was  satisfactory,  a  seed  bed  for 
corn  or  other  crops  might  be  formed  soon.  All  the  rest,  however 
(311  b),  below  the  brow  of  the  hill  was  a  cold,  heavy,  sticky  soil ;  and 
as  the  plough  turned  it  up,  the  funows  had  that  pale  y ellow-and-white 
appearance  so  characteristic  of  unhealthy  and  unproductive  clay  land. 
When  I  mention  that  it  is  “four-horse”  land,  and  that  four  horses 
could  with  difficulty  draw  the  plough,  it  will  be  understood  what  I 
mean.  The  furrows  turned  up  presented  a  hard,  sticky  surface,  which 
it  would  take  weeks  to  render  fit  to  take  any  crop,  and  the  man  at 
plough  said  it  always  took  four  horses  to  work.  The  Hop  garden  (field 
No.  310)  is  very  strong  land,  and  may  grow  Hops  well  ;  but  even  so,  it 
is  not  to  be  compared  with  the  rich,  deep,  friable  Hop  soils  generally 
found  in  Kent  and  Surrey. 
The  land  under  grass  (about  17i  acres)  I  am  confident  can  never 
be  tilled  except  at  a  great  loss,  and  certainly  could  never  bo  made  good 
garden  soil.  I  made  a  close  examination  of  each  grass  field.  The  only 
one  with  anything  approaching  a  good  turf — re.,  turf  which  indicated 
useful  grasses,  was  No.  324.  This,  however,  although  on  risim;  ground, 
was  as  wet  as  a  sponge,  even  in  its  higher  portions,  and  1  consider  the 
soil  is  so  retentive  in  character  that  no  amount  of  drainage  would 
enable  the  finer  grasses  to  become  permanent.  As  it  is  at  present,  moss 
is  f  .und  all  over  the  field — a  sure  indication  of  excessive  and  stagnant 
moisture.  Fields  Nos.  323  and  342,  though  not  now  flooded,  must 
sometimes  be  liable  to  flood.  Water  now  stands  on  them  in  places 
