Journal entry – John Grey – 12 Mar 1834

Wednesday 12th March

Arranged with Benson the several Buildings at Whitechapel & Lees, for which parties are preparing Estimates.   Directed him to examine the Offices at Coastley with a view to find a situation in which some Pig Houses may be built at small expense, which in arranging the Buildings, had strangely enough been forgotten. Afterwards accompanied him to examine Teasdales House & see in what way it might be made comfortable at the smallest expense as any thing that is to be done, must be decided upon and executed as quickly as possible, after his getting it.  I then went with Mr Parkin to consult him about the Wood that is wanted for the Building upon the Estates, & spent most of the day among the Planters, who are now near a conclusion with their work.  We have got a very nice piece of Plantation from the Waste Land by the side of the Slaley Lane, which has hitherto been worse than useless, being the constant resort of vagrant Tribes & their Asses.  I have desired Benson to get some refuse wood worked up at a cheap rate into hurdles, or moveable rails, which may often I think, save the expense of permanent railing, in situations where it is only needful to save a young hedge, or one that has been cut down during the short time that the adjoining field may be occupied by sheep; and for the want of such railing during that short period, the hedges often receive irreparable injury.  We can have them made for 6d each, from weedings that cannot be sold.