Journal entry – John Grey – 21 Jun 1833

Friday 21st June 1833

	Gilhespey came according to appointment for the settlement of his Account, which I paid him, after deducting 6d per rod from the drains formerly done, and giving him to understand that if he does any draining for the Hospital in future, it must be at a still less price – Received a proposal from Johnson & Turnbull of Haydon Bridge to rebuild the Boundary Wall on Mr Howdon’s allotment of Grindon Common at 2s/9d per rod. – I then went accompanied by Mr Hunt to inspect the Estate of Fourstones, of which I am happy to report, that it is in a very satisfactory condition, both as to cultivation and the state of the Buildings – and that no Arrears of Rent exist upon it. The Tenants upon this Estate are in the habit of resting their Land in Grass, the benefit of which is apparent in the freshness & vigour of their Crops, while they are obtaining an excellent price for their Mutton & Wool. Some draining is at present going on in Heslops Farm, which gave me the opportunity of advising as to their course, and the manner of their execution. – Mr Hunt has been engaged in taking down the tillage of various Farms and in looking after new Fences.

	I have found in various places young hedges of from one to four years growth, very much overgrown with Grass and weeds – It is in vain to look to the tenants to take any charge of them, contrary to all precedents, & especially under present circumstances, when unhappily they have little to hope from the future, & are only anxious to get through the struggle of the present depression – Rather than allow them to lose the years growth & get completely choked with weeds, I have directed Mr Hunt to employ some old men who are quite as capable of doing such work as those who expect 2s/6d per day, and who have expressed their willingness to take 1/6 – These Men have also some claim on the Hospital for employment, having spent many years of their lives in its service.