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Margam Oct 6 1850

My dear Henry

I believe the reason why maize is not commonly cultivated in England, is that occasionally the summer is too short to ripen its seeds, and the total loss which is the result, eats up all the profit of other seasons. The late W. Cobbett tried hard to introduce it generally, but impudently called it “Cobbetts corn”, but though many were induced to try it, few or none contrived to grow it.

As regards poppy and other oily seeds they are largely cultivated in Yorkshire & Essex, the cake made from expressing the oil being used to feed cattle. The best seed for crushing in the rape, & a plant called the gold of pleasure, I forget the botanical name, but it is a very troublesome weed when you do not want it.

I sent my pamphlet to Sotheron, whose farm I have promised to go and see the first time I am in that neighbourhood. I wish you would take to farming, you would find it interesting if you got a clever bailiff, who like mine pays me more money than I could get as rent from a farmer.

Ever yours truly

CRM Talbot