152 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
with Romano-Belgic agriculture prevailed in part of eastern
Essex in spite of the widespread three-field system of the Saxon
which existed over most of England in the mediaeval period.
Some colour is given to this view by the frequency of the hamlet
settlement—associated with the separate holding type—over wide
stretches of south-eastern Essex. Further support is given to
the theory by the number of sheep in Essex in the eleventh century.
In Figure 1 the distribution of sheep in Essex in 1086 is
indicated ; the evidence is from the Domesday Book. An
expected density will be noticed in those parishes carrying
marshland feed, in connection with which the common pasturage
of the south-eastern islands of Foulness, Wallasea and Canvey is
interesting.
On the same map are shown the monasteries and abbeys that
were in being before 1200 A.D. Certain of these monasteries are
distinguished as having taken part in the collection and sale of
wool during the thirteenth century. It is difficult to say if the