CLIMATE, SOIL, AND ASPECT. The climate of this county is in general very salubrious; but, from the irregularity of its soil and surface, it varies in dryness and geniality. On the east, where the land is warm and flat, the harvest is frequently ripe sooner than in the middle of the county, where the vales are extensive, but the surface light, and the bottom often clayey. But hay and grain are both gathered earlier in the middle of the county than on the western side, where the vales are narrow, and the high lands frequent and extensive, although the ground in general is not so stiff, and lies for the most part on the rock. The easterly winds prevail in spring, and westerly in autumn. Few counties are possessed of a greater variety of soil than this, as will be seen on reference to the respective parishes. Divided into nearly two equal parts by the Severn, its southern portion assumes the mountainous character peculiar to the counties of Montgomery and Denbigh, whilst the north half approaches more nearly to a level, agreeably relieved by bold swells, and romantic valleys finely wooded. The landscape possesses every variety of natural charms, the bold and lofty mountain, the woody and secluded valley, the fertile and widely cultured plain, the majestic river, and the sequestered lake; and is no less rich in those remains of ancient times which awaken a thousand enthusiastic reflections by engaging us in the contemplation of the memorable events of our history.
AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS. Great improvements by draining, enclosure, and superior management have been progressing for the last half century in most parts of the county. This has been accomplished on many estates by the united efforts of the landlords and tenants; the former finding tiles and materials, and the latter performing all the draught work at their own expense. The farms in Shropshire were formerly much smaller than they now are, which was found a great obstacle to improvement. They did not invite men of capital, and to manage a farm successfully, like any other occupation or business, it is necessary that the occupant should possess sufficient capital; for without it, it is useless to expect improvement or profitable cultivation. The want of it is unfortunately too common among farmers. Wanting it in the onset, they have not been able to acquire any, and thus have gone on from year to year with difficulty, perhaps deteriorating the soil, and reducing the little capital they possessed. The farmers’ clubs, established for the discussion of practical husbandry, have had a tendency to develop many hidden facts, and to dispel deep-rooted prejudices by friendly argument and interchange of thought. Farmers seldom meet to exchange ideas but at these associations, which may be considered in the character of Normal schools, where the old and young may impart and receive information on many things connected with their occupation. On the whole Shropshire is before many other counties in agricultural improvements. The judicious application of capital, superintended by men of true practical science, will make it one of the finest agricultural counties in England. The farm houses are mostly composed of brick, and have been greatly improved within the last thirty years, particular attention having been paid to the conveniency of the outbuildings and farm yards, which in many instances are of great extent and admirably contrived.