Page:A tour through the northern counties of England, and the borders of Scotland - Volume II.djvu/20

 As we continued our progress through Northumberland, the excellent system of husbandry, which has obtained to its farmers the praise of superior skill in agriculture, refreshed our eyes most agreeably, after the slovenly culture of the coal country from which we had passed. But specious as the appearances were, we could not but lament, that beneath it lay the seeds of national evil and general oppression. The Northumberland estates, are divided into large farms, from 500I. per annum to the enormous yearly rent of 6000I. The consequence of this practice is, that, although by these means the husbandry may be more excellent, as the farmer's capital and means of improvement are greater; yet, on the other hand, monopoly is rendered easier, and the public are consequently at the mercy of a few men, who, as experience has fatally convinced us, know not how to make an honest use of any advantage that circumstances may place in their power. Three or four farmers that occupy a district of country of many miles in extent, have the compleat command of the adjoining markets; and by confederating together, (a thing of the utmost ease when the number concerned is so small) can at any time either starve their neighbours, or oblige them to purchase subsistence at a price so unattainable as almost amounts