My dear Father,

I have sent a copy of your Mem: to Capt Jones at Chester³  Sanford says there is very little old furrowed grass about here, but I think I shall get his sappers to look to it.⁴

He says that in talking to Sir Geo: Grey some time ago as to whether such land should be called pasture or arable; Sir G. G. mentioned that there was a great deal furrowed & ridged that had been for a very long time untouched near Morpeth if you know anybody there.⁵ An old fellow told me a funny superstition about it today; he says that in many places the ploughmen give a slight curve to the furrow because if the fairies can look all up the furrow it blights the corn.

Your affect son | WED