THE layout of the countryside of England as we see it to-day is a very recent development ; even the strict four-course rotation that in many places preceded it, and which is often regarded as the real old English system of farming, lasted but little more than a century. The system that had the long life in England was the one associated with the open fields. It comprised two distinct features: sub-division of the land among those entitled to share in it ; and a rotation which usually consisted of winter corn: spring corn: fallow: it is thus described by Tusser in 1573:

To obtain permission to re-use content from this article visit RightsLink.

Publication history

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1038/142646a0

By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.