A Hilltop Farm An adventure such as this is blessed
in more ways than one. The sum of national production is increased. It is a treat to visit one of the farms, especially an upper farm, if the mere spectacle is in question. From the glorious limestone ridge you may see bright reflections from the Bristol channel, and the hills on both sides of the valleys assert their supremacy over the evils that have been inflicted on them. The farm flourishes, in some regards quite beyond expectations. The fruit trees, for example, have grown well and enjoy both the soil and the climate. When I was there the weeds between the rows of apple trees were being ploughed (by the agency of a very fine shire horse). Many acres of black currants had supplied the jam makers in the valley with all the fruit they needed. To the livestock on other acres had just been added a colony of rabbits which can be fed on the superfluous greenery. The bigger farms are lower down in the valley towards Newport. Old farm buildings much improved have become a hostel, very spick and span, and managed wholly by the men. A beautiful herd of Ayrshires give an average yield of about 700 gallons. The poultry farm has all the recent improvements. Elsewhere are new glass houses which have been producing great quantities of tomatoes since June and will produce more for the next two months.
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