THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
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rent, the third year three-quarters of the amount, and the full rent the fourth
year, and after that he makes up the deficiency. Each holder can cultivate
according to his own individual taste, but he must keep his holding in a good
stale. The men who have been put into these holdings come from all parts of
the country, and few, if any, had any previous practical acquaintance with their
present pursuits. Of course, time alone will show whether the experiment is
really a success, but so far as could be gathered from the information supplied,
and from a cursory inspection, much has been accomplished that points to a
measure of success.
Other very interesting things are to be seen at Mayland. There is a farm in
which modern methods of dairying, etc., are shown. There is an experimental
planting-ground of four acres, which was under the charge of two young Agricul-
tural College graduates, and shows the variety of crops that can be grown in
Essex, and the modern methods of culture. The farm labourers' cottages on the
colony are believed to be some of the best examples to be found in the
county.
Luncheon had been sent over from Southminster, and was served in the
seven-acre Playing Field. Mr. Fels, with some friends, including Mr. Felix
Cobbold, M.P., had joined the party. Afterwards, at the request of the Presi-
dent, Mr. Fels gave a short address on the objects and methods of his experi-
ments. He remarked that when he came to England some seven years ago he
found a most anomalous condition of affairs. With a population of over 40
millions, he found only an infinitesimal number making their living on the land.
He bought the Mayland Estate without seeing it. at £7 an acre. He had intended
turning it into a labour colony, but when he found he could not do this, he decided
to establish a Small Holdings settlement. Mr. Fels, replying to a question, said
that for the first three years a certain amount of control was exercised, and they
were endeavouring to get the holders to voluntarily cooperate in the matter of
disposing of their produce, Mr. Fels, replying to a further question, said that
he thought there would be some development in regard to securing a motor
service for the disposal of produce. He added that if it were found the
settlement was successful, then it would be a great triumph, for the land was
poor, and it would show that success could be achieved anywhere. He also said
it was his intention to build an open-air school at Mayland, not (or sick children,
but for all. It was proposed to teach agriculture in the primary school.
Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Fels and to
Mr. Smith.
Mr. McConnell seconded, and the resolution was carried with acclamation.
Under the guidance of Mr. Fels, the temporary village school (where the
children are giving more than usual attention to simple nature-studies) and the
library well used by the men in the winter evenings) were visited.
In the early afternoon the drive was continued by Asheldham. There the
carriages were left, and a very charming ramble was taken under Professor
McConnel's guidance over the fields by Asheldham Brook, and through the
farm to the homestead, North Wycke, where a kind and most hospitable
reception awaited them at the hands of Mrs. McConnell and the family. A
most bountiful and refreshing tea was served on the lawn.
An ordinary meeting (the 267th) was held, Mr. T. S. Dymond, president,
in the chair.
Mr. E. Hugh N. Wilde, Furze Hall, Ingatestone, was elected a member.
T