Compliments JSH on his account of the excavation of tumulus at Ringham. Says he has not seen Cuscuta in local region but may have seen evidence of it in scorched appearance of Berkshire clover fields.
States that his wheat harvest is not as good as previous year, but less mildewed. Describes experiment of growing different varieties of wheat in his garden, undermined by rats gaining access to them. Has observed a field of mustard on one of his farms, farmer states that it is good food for sheep and partridges.
Comments on the importance of John Warne’s flax growing scheme and growth of a large quantity of flax on a single acre at Thaxted. Also comments favourably on Warne’s theory of feeding oxen in boxes.
Fears he will have few guests for the Saffron Walden Agricultural Society annual meeting but pleased that JSH will be in attendance along with Edward Everett, the American Ambassador. JSH to advocate cooperative agricultural experiments at the meeting.