Aspects Of Agriculture Flashcards
For specialised farming, which regions were better suited to what types of farming?
- As transport improved, farmers could concentrate on producing products better suited to their local conditions
- The warmer, drier south east was better suited to arable farming (cultivating crops) and produced wheat, oats, hemp and hops, Wiltshire and Somerset produced dairy products such as milk and cheese
whereas the geography of the north west made it better to pastoral farming (producing livestock) as much of the terrain was rugged, hilly with higher levels of rain
In the midlands, damp, heavy soil with some fertile panes meant it produced cattle, sheep and some crops
Who did specialised farming benefit? & Who had mixed luck with it?
Specialised farming help to improve the economic conditions for many farmers, especially yeomanry, they owned a large amount of land and were generally sheltered from the possibility of poor harvests — therefore able to experiment with new techniques and crops
Husbandmen had mixed experiences — farmed land that was less than 40 acres, if they shrewd enough to farm produce that was in demand and suited local conditions, then they could dedicate their entire farm to one product. However, they were less able to exploit such opportunities as they often produced too little to make substantial profit
Why were traditional markets no longer fit for purpose?
Gradual growth of population in towns resulted in an increased demand for food, traditional markets that had been established and regulated by the government were no longer fit for purpose
How was the demand for food evident in London?
Shipments of grain brought into London via the Thames increased from 500,000 quarters in 1605 to 1,150,000 quarters in 1661
What had to happen for markets to develop?
Transport infrastructure needed to improve — Turnpike act 1663 allowed for creation of brand new toll roads opened by merchants and business men. The toll paid by travellers on these roads helped to pay for their upkeep and were valuable in connection major market towns
What development was important for communication?
The development of the stage coach was also important for communication, first stage coaches from London to Bristol and Bath appeared in 1657
When was the first road atlas published?
Published and produced by John Ogibly in 1675, the 300 page book covered all of England & Wales , which mapped more than 7,500 miles of old, well regarded for its accuracy and became essential reading for merchants by the end of the century
How was water transport crucial for national markets?
Many rivers were not navigable for their entire length, coal was transported from Newcastle to London via the east coast and Charles I ensured that the Royal Navy was able to protect ships following this route
How did water meadows work?
Another improvement in agricultural practice was water meadows — worked by diverting water from a nearby river or stream to a field
This diversion was regulated by a network of gates and dams — aim of the water meadow was to provide soil that was damp, reducing the chances of frost in early spring and by early summer they would be moved on to ordinary pasture, leaving grass to grow and hay to be harvested
This ensured animals were well fed throughout the next winter
How did water meadows help maintain working and non working animals?
The numbers of working animals increased, estimated that around 630,000 horses were used on farms in 1700 compared to 300,000 a hundred years before
Horses were quicker and often lived longer
Non working animals also increased and enclosure also meant that individual breeds of sheep of cattle could be kept together in single enclosures — breeds which produced the most wool could now be selectively bred for the cloth industry
