From John Joseph Mechi 27 September 1844

My dear Sir

Your Exertions in the cause of agriculture & Philanthropy are deserving of praise & reflect great credit on your character. I thank you for your esteemed favor & its contents. It is my intention to devote some portion of my land to allotments, altho, as most of our Labourers live on the farm or premises, they have various advantages not normally given

In a paper I have prepared for the Chronicle there is a perfect coincidence in our sentiments as to the demoralizing Effect of refusing money Employment to Labour, and still not allowing that Labour to Employ itself on small allotments

Such conduct is a procession to poverty, vice & crime

I am one of those who believes all the Land in this Country can be easily made garden ground - by perfect drainage, deep cultivation & absence of weeds - at all events I shall try to illustrate it on my Tiptree Farm & if it can be done there profitably, it can be done anywhere

Mr Lawyer Cunnington considered our Crops a disgrace to the Heath, but as the first field as threshed (after potatoes) produced 5 qrs 1 Bushel pr acre of fine wheat, the Lawyers assertion has lost much of its prestige, altogether our Farm shews in this short time a wonderful Improvement. It has several acres of rape much higher than ones knee - & some fair swedes & very fine white carrots (9 acres)

When I add to my publication with a report of the Farm's appearance I will have the honor to transmit you a copy

I apprehend you find amongst many farmers a disinclination to appreciate agricultural Improvement this raises the question "Is the present system of wet lands fences hinder weeds & shallow ploughing the unimprovable a correct one?"

I say decidedly not

I shall always feel honoured by your correspondence & remain

My dear Sir | Very respectfully yours | JJ Mechi