Institute of Agricultural Economics, Oxford: Retirement of Dr. C. S. Orwin

Abstract

AGRICULTURAL experts throughout Britain, and indeed over a wider area, will learn with regret that Dr. C. S. Orwin is due to retire at the end of this year from the Institute of Agricultural Economics at Oxford. He was its first director, and from the outset he started it on lines which have since proved very fruitful. He adopted the method of getting right down to the working details of farming by keeping farmers' account books and working out costs of different operations under different conditions, and he published detailed descriptions of the methods of some of the more outstanding farms, especially where new lines have been struck out. In addition, he published an interesting account of the working of the old three-field system, and also of the reclamation of Exmoor. More recently he has devoted his attention to the replanning of British agriculture and village life, and has made some very thoughtful contributions to this important subject. His recent survey of a section of Oxfordshire is a brilliant example of this type of work. In these social and historical investigations he has been ably assisted by his wife who is herself an expert on these subjects. Not the least of his services has been the training of a staff some of the members of which have since rendered distinguished service in other institutions. His many friends will wish him long, pleasant and active year of retirement.