Evidence on soil improvers 3
Before the arrival of the South Eastern Railway local farmers foudnit very difficult to obtain chalk and other soil improvers, as discussed in their evidence to the Opposed Bill Committee.
Evidence to Opposed Bill Committee on South Eastern Railway
23 March 1836, p.255
Parliamentary Archives, HC/CL/PB/2/2/36
Transcript
A: ..part of the ploughed land in the Weald of Kent it does little good the expence is such as to preclude its being used in a larger quantity.
Q: Instead of being 3 tons an Acre you ought to put more but for the expence?
A: If we had 5 ir 6 it would do more good.
Q: How long does that last one lime, that manuring?
A: We don't consider it lasts more than 2 or 3 crops.
Q: Do you know the difference between the price of a ton of lime and a ton of Chalk?
A: I do not exactly.
Q: The one is more than the other of course?
A: Yes.