Journal entry – John Grey – 29 Mar 1834

Saturday 29th March



Went early to Hartburngrainge & found the boring for Coal which I had sanctioned, not so far advanced as I anticipated.  The Metal which the Workmen had got into indicated the vicinity of Coal, but as yet they have not touched the Seam. I examined all the Woodland along the Northern boundary of the Estate which consists of a Bank, in many parts very steep, bounded by a Stream. Some parts of the Wood are thriving & good & much improved by having had the undergrowth cut out for Corf Rods.  But in other parts, the trees have not got forward, either from the fences having been neglected or from their being choked at first by hazels & brushwood.  As the Ground is partially wooded & is of no use for any other purpose, it will be adviseable to have it cleared of all the rubbish in the autumn & filled up with useful kinds of Trees at the same time that that part will have to be planted from which the Lot of Wood I lately sold will be removed.  The Tenants here as elsewhere complain of the present prices of Grain being most incompatible with the present Rents.