1 AUGUST 1931, Page 14

AN INTENSIVE MANOR.

One of the most notable examples of intensive cultivation on a large scale in England is to be seen at Kingston Bagpuze, in Berkshire. On farms almost derelict a few years ago great quantities of hops (a new crop for the county), of sugar beet, potatoes, fruit and asparagus are now most successfully grown. One farm has become so well known—partly owing to a pioneer experiment in roadside stalls—that many hundred pounds' worth of produce are sold annually to passing motorists. Mr. A. E. Strauss' beneficent scheme, put into practical form by Mr. Tanner, is worth the flattery of imita_ tion. But the property—to which I have made previous reference—may claim, as it appears, other and older virtues. It is an historic manor ; and the record has been put into charming shape thanks to the research of Captain Henderson- Livesey. This work, too, is worthy of imitation. If other owners of old estates followed Mr. Strauss' example, collected their annals and made them available, the work would have educational interest locally and would greatly help the future historian. This " record of a thousand years," with its illustrations and plans, will serve as a worthy model. It is attractive, succinct, accurate and human.

W. BEACH THOMAS,