| Title: | Copy Letter On Turnip-Husbandry, In Scribal Hand A, Anon |
|---|---|
| Dating: | 13 August 1658 |
| Ref: | 26/50/1A-2B: 2A, 2B BLANK |
[26/50/1A]
Sir.
In my last I have said what I iudged necessary as to the soweing of Turneps for cattell, I shall only adde that you not living vpon the place may bee very much abused & deceaved, if you have not servants trusty above the ordinary rate - As to [letter deleted] sowing turnops for the seed to make oyle of, the crop is lesse[H alters from losse] by halfe then rape, the seed smaler & not soe vnctious - [H.: True] it is that here about London it is sometimes sold for 3d, 4d & soe to 12d per pound only for seed about this time of the yeare, & yours would come in fitt for the next season, 3d per pound may amount to 12d per acre, but for all that I dare not encourage you to this course, least seed growing in the fens (if it bee known to the buier) bee refused/or (whether soe or not) least it should prove a [deletion] <H: drug>, as often times it doth when there is much more seed, then is that yeare to bee vsed. - If you doe sowe turnops now they will continue in the ground without losse till February, & if you bee sure of a diligent, trusty, discreet servant you may trye all winter to bring vp pigs (or Calues though more hazardous) & about february you may lett soe many acres as remaines vntouch't stand for seed, of which next season you may endeavour to sell as as much as you can [word deleted] <H: in or> about London (for here <will> your best markett bee) & (at the worst) you may make oyle of the rest. All this I say not as directly advising you to this course, but giving you my judgement how to mannage the designe to the best advantage in case you like it as it seemes to mee you doe. - I told you before I could not say much till I knew the sort of your land, & soe
[26/50/1B]
soe I say still: yet I will venture a little at somethings you mention (letting potatoes[altered] alone). If your land were sowed with Rape 2. yeares since that hinders nothing your sowing it againe (if the Land bee in any hart) if you now burne it, which if you doe bee qvicke, but if it bee a sand, claye, or any firme land you have more time to turne you in sowing flaxseed. The seed gotten from Holland or Flaunders any time between this & February next will serve (for till then you must not sow it) & from february till April is the season. In the meane time you may eate downe the grasse with cattle either your owne or Ioysters[H capitalises], I know not what more to say having not beene vpon the place but that I am
Sir. Your frind in all just wayes to serve
London Aug. 13th you.
1658.