The purpose of this page is to reproduce articles from the period relevant to the model farm concept in general. It will also include specific articles relating to the Third Earl of Lucan and the farm at Castlebar and the surrounding area. The articles or images on this page are not in any particular chronological date order.
AGRICULTURE-MODEL FARMS.
The Commissioners of education have stated their determination to assist in the establishing of model agricultural schools-one in each of twenty five districts in Ireland. Their observations on this subject, in their Last report, are-
‘Having received a number of applications during the last year for assistance to agricultural schools, it is our intention according to the suggestions contained in our fourth report, and which were approved by her Majesty’s government, to assist in the establishment of 25 model agricultural schools,-one in each district-towards which we are prepared to make grants not exceeding £200 each. We also propose to give a more liberal salary to teachers, to whose school a portion of land is attached, and who are competent to undertake the management of it in addition to their ordinary duties. We hope thus to assist in spreading improved notions of husbandry both amongst the young and the old, for instruction will not only be given in the school-room to children, but out of it, by lessons of example in skilful cultivation, industry, and order, to the adult population around. It will be an Indispensable condition, however, of receiving aid, that the agricultural department shall Be connected with an elementary national school, as we do not propose to establish Schools exclusively for agricultural, or to grant assistance towards the purchase of land or the payment of rent.’ Now there can be no doubt but the establishing of these model schools would be of the utmost importance to this country, yet so backward, many parts of it, in the science of agriculture, but as if everything calculated to benefit us was fated to be opposed or rendered nugatory by party or religious considerations an objection founded on the latter exists to the establishment of those agricultural schools.
The objection here is the condition that the ‘agricultural department shall be connected with the elementary national school’.
In the House of Commons last week Lord Clancarty said ‘it must be obvious that those only who frequent the national schools would derive any advantage whatever from the arrangement, while the very partial benefit hereby conferred upon the country would be more than cancelled by the injustice done to the many, both Protestants and Roman Catholics, who, disapproving of the national school system, have upon principal declined availing themselves of the National grant, as at present administered’. No portion of the people should be deprived of the advantages of the instruction to be received at those agricultural schools; and we therefore think that the education commissioners have no right to propose such a condition as that referred to –or to restrict the benefits that would result from those schools to persons who are favorable to the national system of education. It is unjust to tell persons they shall not have access to the fountains of agricultural knowledge unless they at the same time partake of the nostrum prepared by the education commissioners. Much as the government may think of the national system, they should not allow the commissioners by an intolerant condition to cut off from sharing in a beneficial measure the large number of Protestants and Roman Catholics who do not frequent the national schools.-The Constitution, Tuesday August 9th 1842.
AGRICULTURE-MODEL FARMS.
The Commissioners of education have stated their determination to assist in the establishing of model agricultural schools-one in each of twenty five districts in Ireland. Their observations on this subject, in their Last report, are-
‘Having received a number of applications during the last year for assistance to agricultural schools, it is our intention according to the suggestions contained in our fourth report, and which were approved by her Majesty’s government, to assist in the establishment of 25 model agricultural schools,-one in each district-towards which we are prepared to make grants not exceeding £200 each. We also propose to give a more liberal salary to teachers, to whose school a portion of land is attached, and who are competent to undertake the management of it in addition to their ordinary duties. We hope thus to assist in spreading improved notions of husbandry both amongst the young and the old, for instruction will not only be given in the school-room to children, but out of it, by lessons of example in skilful cultivation, industry, and order, to the adult population around. It will be an Indispensable condition, however, of receiving aid, that the agricultural department shall Be connected with an elementary national school, as we do not propose to establish Schools exclusively for agricultural, or to grant assistance towards the purchase of land or the payment of rent.’ Now there can be no doubt but the establishing of these model schools would be of the utmost importance to this country, yet so backward, many parts of it, in the science of agriculture, but as if everything calculated to benefit us was fated to be opposed or rendered nugatory by party or religious considerations an objection founded on the latter exists to the establishment of those agricultural schools.
The objection here is the condition that the ‘agricultural department shall be connected with the elementary national school’.
In the House of Commons last week Lord Clancarty said ‘it must be obvious that those only who frequent the national schools would derive any advantage whatever from the arrangement, while the very partial benefit hereby conferred upon the country would be more than cancelled by the injustice done to the many, both Protestants and Roman Catholics, who, disapproving of the national school system, have upon principal declined availing themselves of the National grant, as at present administered’. No portion of the people should be deprived of the advantages of the instruction to be received at those agricultural schools; and we therefore think that the education commissioners have no right to propose such a condition as that referred to –or to restrict the benefits that would result from those schools to persons who are favorable to the national system of education. It is unjust to tell persons they shall not have access to the fountains of agricultural knowledge unless they at the same time partake of the nostrum prepared by the education commissioners. Much as the government may think of the national system, they should not allow the commissioners by an intolerant condition to cut off from sharing in a beneficial measure the large number of Protestants and Roman Catholics who do not frequent the national schools.-The Constitution, Tuesday August 9th 1842.
Model
Farm
The extraordinary success that has attended the proper cultivation of a small quantity of land which Dr. Dillon, County Infirmary, has devoted to the raising of green crops, demonstrates the great value that system would be to this country, and especially to the small farmers, if it were properly followed. The crops promise so well that three roods of land, the extent of this neatly kept and well tilled little farm, are likely to produce the following:
One rood mangel, 15 tons
Half rood turnips, (Swedes) eight tons
1000 Drum hedge cabbage.
500 Brocoli, Delaware, Sprouts and Savoy Cabbage.
200 Early Yorks, do
One rood of Clover, so luxuriant as to give three cuttings
This with very little hay will support two cows for one year. They will be fed on the leaves of the mangel and clover up to October, when the early York comes on; then the Drum head cabbage, and afterwards the bulbs of the drum head mangel and the Swedes, which will supply food until the middle of May, when the clover crop will be available .By boiling the fresh cabbage leaves the quantity of milk will be increased one sixth. If small farmers were to adopt this system how much better it would be for them than to have their cows starving on their scanty pasture. This little model farm is really well worth seeing, and is very creditable to the taste and intelligence of Doctor Dillon as an Agriculturist. The Constitution, July 9th 1844.
The extraordinary success that has attended the proper cultivation of a small quantity of land which Dr. Dillon, County Infirmary, has devoted to the raising of green crops, demonstrates the great value that system would be to this country, and especially to the small farmers, if it were properly followed. The crops promise so well that three roods of land, the extent of this neatly kept and well tilled little farm, are likely to produce the following:
One rood mangel, 15 tons
Half rood turnips, (Swedes) eight tons
1000 Drum hedge cabbage.
500 Brocoli, Delaware, Sprouts and Savoy Cabbage.
200 Early Yorks, do
One rood of Clover, so luxuriant as to give three cuttings
This with very little hay will support two cows for one year. They will be fed on the leaves of the mangel and clover up to October, when the early York comes on; then the Drum head cabbage, and afterwards the bulbs of the drum head mangel and the Swedes, which will supply food until the middle of May, when the clover crop will be available .By boiling the fresh cabbage leaves the quantity of milk will be increased one sixth. If small farmers were to adopt this system how much better it would be for them than to have their cows starving on their scanty pasture. This little model farm is really well worth seeing, and is very creditable to the taste and intelligence of Doctor Dillon as an Agriculturist. The Constitution, July 9th 1844.
The
Telegraph-Lord Lucan
In a celebrated passage in Sallust we are told ‘that a being who has nothing to pardon in himself may reward everyman according to his works; but he whose very best actions must be seen with grains of allowance, cannot be too mild, moderate, and forgiving; and for this reason; among all the monstrous characters in human nature, there is none so odious, nor indeed so exquisitely ludicrous, as that of a rigid, severe, and malignant temper in a worthless man’. And if ever a simile came home, the above is but a true description of the proprietor of the Telegraph, as regards his reiterated, foul, and pitiful slanders uttered relative to the noble name we have placed in opposition to that of his journal (for the association would be an insult).
Last week we copied from the Morning Hearld what we considered a just tribute of praise to the Earl of Lucan for the extraordinary efforts made by that nobleman to afford extensive remunerative employment to thousands of our population; yet, notwithstanding these facts ,the scribe of the Telegraph, rewarding Lord Lucan according to his own worthlessness, endeavours to conceal the reality known to himself, and unblushingly writes a downright untruth by denying that vast employment has been given to the poor on his lordship’s estates. But though the virulent attacks on the noble Earl may be innocuous, they are not more lying than the ignorance displayed by our erudite contemporary, who has the audacity to assert that we pawned on the public as an editorial article the well-timed eulogium of the Morning Hearld.
Why, the most stupid of mortals who read our last journal could not for a moment make so gross an assertion. But we are not surprised by any statement made by that journal; yet we would suggest, that ere they rightly or wrongly bring us to task as to plagiarism, they should themselves set the example of honesty by acknowledging the newspaper from whence they filch their weekly ‘Leader’,
Which they foist on the public as their own handiwork, if they are so stolid to believe that the public are so gullible.
We return to Lord Lucan. As we originally made the statements relative to the immense employ given by his lordship, and the quantity of land cultivated and improved, we have taken the trouble to analyze the facts, when we find that within the last year the following is a correct statement of the outlay on his lordships estates in this locality:-
Total amount of money expended in wages since 1st Sept.,1848, £8,062; gross number of persons employed, 206,544; average daily, 662; no of statute acres in tillage this year, 4,000; no. of statute acres improved or in the course of improvement,10,000;no.of miles in walls built, 35; no.of miles in large main drains, 6.
This, we must remind the public, is the expenditure for but one year, and not the first either, for his lordship, since his accession to his estates, has invariably each year expended immense sums in employment, and the general improvement of his property. We trust that this simple but true statement will set at rest the malicious libels of wretched scribblers-malignant enemies, instigated by unworthy, personal feelings. We hope the Telegraph will not again venture to plight its veracity on this subject, as it must now see that we have placed the matter beyond cavil.We, in conclusion, must express our admiration for the modesty of the Telegraph in lecturing the conductors of the Freeman for the publication of the article from the Morning Herald, but its impudence in this respect is only of a piece with its ignorance in asserting we put the panegyric of the Herald forward as our editorial remarks. The Constitution Sept 4th 1849.
In a celebrated passage in Sallust we are told ‘that a being who has nothing to pardon in himself may reward everyman according to his works; but he whose very best actions must be seen with grains of allowance, cannot be too mild, moderate, and forgiving; and for this reason; among all the monstrous characters in human nature, there is none so odious, nor indeed so exquisitely ludicrous, as that of a rigid, severe, and malignant temper in a worthless man’. And if ever a simile came home, the above is but a true description of the proprietor of the Telegraph, as regards his reiterated, foul, and pitiful slanders uttered relative to the noble name we have placed in opposition to that of his journal (for the association would be an insult).
Last week we copied from the Morning Hearld what we considered a just tribute of praise to the Earl of Lucan for the extraordinary efforts made by that nobleman to afford extensive remunerative employment to thousands of our population; yet, notwithstanding these facts ,the scribe of the Telegraph, rewarding Lord Lucan according to his own worthlessness, endeavours to conceal the reality known to himself, and unblushingly writes a downright untruth by denying that vast employment has been given to the poor on his lordship’s estates. But though the virulent attacks on the noble Earl may be innocuous, they are not more lying than the ignorance displayed by our erudite contemporary, who has the audacity to assert that we pawned on the public as an editorial article the well-timed eulogium of the Morning Hearld.
Why, the most stupid of mortals who read our last journal could not for a moment make so gross an assertion. But we are not surprised by any statement made by that journal; yet we would suggest, that ere they rightly or wrongly bring us to task as to plagiarism, they should themselves set the example of honesty by acknowledging the newspaper from whence they filch their weekly ‘Leader’,
Which they foist on the public as their own handiwork, if they are so stolid to believe that the public are so gullible.
We return to Lord Lucan. As we originally made the statements relative to the immense employ given by his lordship, and the quantity of land cultivated and improved, we have taken the trouble to analyze the facts, when we find that within the last year the following is a correct statement of the outlay on his lordships estates in this locality:-
Total amount of money expended in wages since 1st Sept.,1848, £8,062; gross number of persons employed, 206,544; average daily, 662; no of statute acres in tillage this year, 4,000; no. of statute acres improved or in the course of improvement,10,000;no.of miles in walls built, 35; no.of miles in large main drains, 6.
This, we must remind the public, is the expenditure for but one year, and not the first either, for his lordship, since his accession to his estates, has invariably each year expended immense sums in employment, and the general improvement of his property. We trust that this simple but true statement will set at rest the malicious libels of wretched scribblers-malignant enemies, instigated by unworthy, personal feelings. We hope the Telegraph will not again venture to plight its veracity on this subject, as it must now see that we have placed the matter beyond cavil.We, in conclusion, must express our admiration for the modesty of the Telegraph in lecturing the conductors of the Freeman for the publication of the article from the Morning Herald, but its impudence in this respect is only of a piece with its ignorance in asserting we put the panegyric of the Herald forward as our editorial remarks. The Constitution Sept 4th 1849.
English
Farmers in Ireland.
To the editor of the Times
Sir-
In your paper of the 5th inst, you have inserted from the Freemans Journal a communication so inaccurate in its facts and of so mischievous a tendency, that I cannot resist offering a few observations on the subject, for my great desire is, as I believe it to be yours, that farmers with skill and capital should come and settle in this country. It is stated that two farmers from Lincolnshire were lately asked for a farm in the neighbourhood of Dunmore, 35s and 25s per acre, statute, of course, or it should have been explained for land that had lain waste for three years and destitute of any accommodation in the way of buildings for man or beast. It is true that on most properties farms have not those yards and buildings without which no man can properly and profitably carry on his business, and except where such indispensable accommodation can be provided it is in vain to expect that any large farmer will establish himself; but it is quite untrue that the landed proprietors are seeking, or, in my belief, that any single proprietor ever did seek or demand rents from 35s to 25s per acre. I will venture to say, that at this moment there are in this county alone upwards of 100,000 acres of land tenantless, and that in no instance would rents demanded would exceed from 10s to 15s without buildings, and from 12s to 18s with all the necessary and sufficient accommodation. I have myself farms as well conditioned as the best in the Lothians,and with yards and buildings quite equal (to which I don’t doubt Mr Caird would attest) and I would accept a rent of 18s per acre, and, recollect, free of tithes. Several farmers from the North of Ireland and elsewhere have visited me this autumn, and I have always proposed to let on leases of 21 years lands perfectly fenced, cleared and drained, with yards and buildings of the best description, and at rents varying from 12s to 18s, and I have not let one acre. Nor in my opinion, and I speak with some experience farming myself perhaps more extensively than any other man in this country, will land either sell or let so long as it is without a market and afflicted with crushing poor rates, which it is next to impossible to realize monies to discharge .With Oats at 3s 6d and Wheat 7s per cwt., no man can farm to profit, and the two gentlemen from Lincolnshire have only shown their prudence in returning to their less oppressed country and not attempt it.
If English or Scotch farmers are frightened by high rents, they are in error, for the rents of this country are undoubtedly less by one half than what they are accustomed to; but I see and feel very acutely substantial difficulties arising from poor rates and free trade, and I despair for strangers settling amongst us, or the land being cultivated, so long as these causes are allowed to continue to their present overwhelming extent.
If you consider these hasty observations deserving of a place in your journal, I shall feel thankful for their insertion. I have the honour to be, Sir. Your most obedient servant, Lucan. Castlebar, Nov., 8.
The 20th November 1849
To the editor of the Times
Sir-
In your paper of the 5th inst, you have inserted from the Freemans Journal a communication so inaccurate in its facts and of so mischievous a tendency, that I cannot resist offering a few observations on the subject, for my great desire is, as I believe it to be yours, that farmers with skill and capital should come and settle in this country. It is stated that two farmers from Lincolnshire were lately asked for a farm in the neighbourhood of Dunmore, 35s and 25s per acre, statute, of course, or it should have been explained for land that had lain waste for three years and destitute of any accommodation in the way of buildings for man or beast. It is true that on most properties farms have not those yards and buildings without which no man can properly and profitably carry on his business, and except where such indispensable accommodation can be provided it is in vain to expect that any large farmer will establish himself; but it is quite untrue that the landed proprietors are seeking, or, in my belief, that any single proprietor ever did seek or demand rents from 35s to 25s per acre. I will venture to say, that at this moment there are in this county alone upwards of 100,000 acres of land tenantless, and that in no instance would rents demanded would exceed from 10s to 15s without buildings, and from 12s to 18s with all the necessary and sufficient accommodation. I have myself farms as well conditioned as the best in the Lothians,and with yards and buildings quite equal (to which I don’t doubt Mr Caird would attest) and I would accept a rent of 18s per acre, and, recollect, free of tithes. Several farmers from the North of Ireland and elsewhere have visited me this autumn, and I have always proposed to let on leases of 21 years lands perfectly fenced, cleared and drained, with yards and buildings of the best description, and at rents varying from 12s to 18s, and I have not let one acre. Nor in my opinion, and I speak with some experience farming myself perhaps more extensively than any other man in this country, will land either sell or let so long as it is without a market and afflicted with crushing poor rates, which it is next to impossible to realize monies to discharge .With Oats at 3s 6d and Wheat 7s per cwt., no man can farm to profit, and the two gentlemen from Lincolnshire have only shown their prudence in returning to their less oppressed country and not attempt it.
If English or Scotch farmers are frightened by high rents, they are in error, for the rents of this country are undoubtedly less by one half than what they are accustomed to; but I see and feel very acutely substantial difficulties arising from poor rates and free trade, and I despair for strangers settling amongst us, or the land being cultivated, so long as these causes are allowed to continue to their present overwhelming extent.
If you consider these hasty observations deserving of a place in your journal, I shall feel thankful for their insertion. I have the honour to be, Sir. Your most obedient servant, Lucan. Castlebar, Nov., 8.
The 20th November 1849
TO THE EDITOR OF THE
MAYO CONSTITUTION
Castlebar, 16th March, 1842. Sir- I have been from home for the last fortnight, and on my return this day I read your publication of yesterday, the 15th inst., in which there appears an article headed George Knox v The Executors of Lord Lucan and purporting to be a report of a record heard at the last Assizes. It would appear by that report that it was alleged on the trial that I had received a sum of money from Mr. George Knox for the Earl of Lucan, and that it did not appear by the rent books that credit had been given for such money by me. The whole of that statement is totally devoid of truth, for every shilling received by me on account of rent or arrears of rent for the lands and premises held by Mr. George Knox, under Lord Lucan, has been fairly and justly credited, and entered in my books now in the possession of the Earl of Lucan. I cannot be accountable for what books were produced or withheld on that record, or for the management of the case on the part of Lord Lucan; but it is utterly impossible that the person who made the allegation I allude to could have made it without being aware that he was stating a falsehood. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient humble servant, ST. CLAIR O`MALLEY. Source The Ranger or Telegraph, 28th March, 1842. |
EMPLOYMENT
OF THE PEOPLE
We are informed upon good authority that Government have at length seen the necessity of providing useful employment the idle population during the prevalence of the panic consequent upon the potato failure. To carry out this laudable intention, we learn that our respected County Surveyor, Henry Brett, Esq., has been engaged in making arrangements for the purpose; and that he recommends the deepening of the beds of several rivers. We would here call the attention of the County Surveyor to the river of Castlebar, and suggest to him the propriety-may, the necessity of deepening its bed in the neighbourhood of the barrack. By doing so he will confer a lasting benefit upon the people living in Lucan-Street, whose houses are during the winter months destroyed by under-water, consequent upon being on a level with the present bed of the river. Among the rivers recommended by Mr. Brett for improvement are the Clydagh River, and some other tributaries of the Moy. This deepening and clearing, should they be effected, will render vast tracts of land, now useless, of great use to the landlords through whose property those rivers flow while it will in the meantime give employment to the labouring population.
We have undoubted authority for stating that the Earl of Lucan has determined upon making a cut from Saleen, by the rear of the Lawn, on by the farm yard, to the river at the pigeon park. Together with carrying out the intention of the noble Earl, that of erecting mills for grinding grain, he will be enabled to construct a waterfall at the black quarry which will in a few years, by the planting of shrubs along its banks, remind us of some to those romantic sceneries which have so often crossed our vision while perusing fairy tales. Again, by keeping the water of Saleen at summer level, a great tract of land will be rendered valuable to his lordship`s tenantry, which, during winter lies under water. By this contemplated improvement considerable employment will be given to the poor who stand much in need of such at the present moment. Source ;Connaught Telegraph December 31st 1845
We are informed upon good authority that Government have at length seen the necessity of providing useful employment the idle population during the prevalence of the panic consequent upon the potato failure. To carry out this laudable intention, we learn that our respected County Surveyor, Henry Brett, Esq., has been engaged in making arrangements for the purpose; and that he recommends the deepening of the beds of several rivers. We would here call the attention of the County Surveyor to the river of Castlebar, and suggest to him the propriety-may, the necessity of deepening its bed in the neighbourhood of the barrack. By doing so he will confer a lasting benefit upon the people living in Lucan-Street, whose houses are during the winter months destroyed by under-water, consequent upon being on a level with the present bed of the river. Among the rivers recommended by Mr. Brett for improvement are the Clydagh River, and some other tributaries of the Moy. This deepening and clearing, should they be effected, will render vast tracts of land, now useless, of great use to the landlords through whose property those rivers flow while it will in the meantime give employment to the labouring population.
We have undoubted authority for stating that the Earl of Lucan has determined upon making a cut from Saleen, by the rear of the Lawn, on by the farm yard, to the river at the pigeon park. Together with carrying out the intention of the noble Earl, that of erecting mills for grinding grain, he will be enabled to construct a waterfall at the black quarry which will in a few years, by the planting of shrubs along its banks, remind us of some to those romantic sceneries which have so often crossed our vision while perusing fairy tales. Again, by keeping the water of Saleen at summer level, a great tract of land will be rendered valuable to his lordship`s tenantry, which, during winter lies under water. By this contemplated improvement considerable employment will be given to the poor who stand much in need of such at the present moment. Source ;Connaught Telegraph December 31st 1845
CASTLEBAR FARMERS SOCIETY.
In our advertising columns will be found a report of the progress of this society which, though but a few weeks in operation, exhibits the great importance which the laudable efforts of the promoters of this institution have effected amongst the farmer class of this locality. Already have upwards of 2,470 individuals, for whom no relief is provided by the poor law, been rescued from death by starvation or the poor house, and, we trust that public generosity will ensure their salvation from these sad extremities. We, with pleasure, call attention to this document so worthy the approval of every friend of humanity, as the sole object of the society seems to be the praiseworthy motive of keeping the small farmers, who have tilled their land by the most unparalleled exertion, in the midst of the greatest privations from the poor house.The state of this class is too well known to require us to delineate the misery through which they are passing, and the annihilation which threatens them. The peasant pauper is comparatively independent having the poorhouse or outdoor relief to rely upon, but this most deserving class are permitted to dwindle by degrees into pauperism, and unless aided in the way the Castlebar Society are endeavouring to do, the end will be that the small farmer class must become extinct. We therefore most earnestly wish this society that success which we believe it deserves. The Constitution June 9TH
In our advertising columns will be found a report of the progress of this society which, though but a few weeks in operation, exhibits the great importance which the laudable efforts of the promoters of this institution have effected amongst the farmer class of this locality. Already have upwards of 2,470 individuals, for whom no relief is provided by the poor law, been rescued from death by starvation or the poor house, and, we trust that public generosity will ensure their salvation from these sad extremities. We, with pleasure, call attention to this document so worthy the approval of every friend of humanity, as the sole object of the society seems to be the praiseworthy motive of keeping the small farmers, who have tilled their land by the most unparalleled exertion, in the midst of the greatest privations from the poor house.The state of this class is too well known to require us to delineate the misery through which they are passing, and the annihilation which threatens them. The peasant pauper is comparatively independent having the poorhouse or outdoor relief to rely upon, but this most deserving class are permitted to dwindle by degrees into pauperism, and unless aided in the way the Castlebar Society are endeavouring to do, the end will be that the small farmer class must become extinct. We therefore most earnestly wish this society that success which we believe it deserves. The Constitution June 9TH