Agriculture in Oxfordshire : a Survey. By John Orr. (Clarendon
Press. 8s. Gd. net.)—On behalf of the Institute for Research in Agri- cultural Economics at Oxford, Mr. Orr made a systematic survey of the Oxfordshire farms in 1914, and now presents it, together with his general conclusions on the main questions—except allotments and small-holdings --which present themselves in any such inquiry. It is a most valuable and stimulating book. Mr. Orr lays stress on the necessity not only for better farming, but also for a more intelligent administration by land- owners of their estates. Ho notes that the Oxford Colleges arc regarded as good landlords, mainly because they have a continuous tradition of estate management. He urges landowners to apply business principles to their properties, and thus. benefit themselves, their tenants, and the community. His temperate and judicious chapter on the labourer, whose wages and conditions are below the modern industrial standard, conveys needed advice in a tactful form. We should much like to see similar surveys of other agricultural counties. Our rural difficulties cannot really be overcome until the facts are made known by impartial inquirers like Mr. Orr.
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