It is much to be regretted that West Looe Down is not wholly inclosed;
the soil is very good, as is apparent from the fine state of the
grounds of Polvellan. The Looes being bounded by the sea on one side,
and by rivers and woods on the other, arable land is much wanted. The
objection raised against this inclosure is, that the poor of West Looe
would be deprived of gathering furze and fern for firing. But does not
the labour wasted and cloaths worn out in gathering this fuel more
than counteract the gain? If an inclosure were to be made, in a year
or two the hedges would produce greater quantity and more substantial
fuel than can now be obtained. The Down belongs to the Corporation;
but various tenants of houses and fields claim a right of putting what
is called Breaths (cattle), some more, some less, to depasture on it.
To such as are entitled to put breaths on this, common allotments
should be made in proportion to the number of breaths they are
entitled to; and an allotment to the poor might be made in lieu of
their claim (if it is a legal one) to take furze and ferns for firing.
The many advantages which would arise to the poor in particular from
an inclosure, should be considered. Exclusive of the numerous
productions which would follow, labour would be demanded, hedges must
be made, manure procured, land ploughed, corn tilled, cut, &c. &c. &c.
Milk, potatoes, &c. &c. would be obtained at a much more moderate
price than at present; and, no doubt, the poor rate would soon find
the beneficial effect of an inclosure. In short, the advantages
arising herefrom would be very great; and I sincerely hope the
prejudices of the interested will soon be done away, and that the
commoners will get an Inclosure Act passed. Formerly the Corporation
used to let out certain parts of this Down for tillage. There are
several memorandums of such lets in the Town Books. In 1621 that part
of West Looe Down which lieth on the west part of the Homer Well, was
let to rent, for two crops, at 6_s._ 8_d._ per acre.