ELLIS (William). The Modern Husbandman: or, the Practice of Farming: As it is now carried on by the most Accurate Farmers in several Counties of England.1744

London: Printed for, and Sold by T. Osborne, First edition, 8vo (195 x 115 mm), 12 parts in 4 vols., (complete) each part with its own title-page, [4], viii, 148, viii, 151, [1], viii, 150; viii, 152, [2], x, viii, 188, [10], 190; [10], 142, [8], 139, [1], [8], 152; [8], 152; [2], viii, 150, [8], 152pp., contemporary calf, rubbed, joints cracked, a couple of boards detached, spine of vol. IV split down the centre, a very good working set in need of attention. This is Ellis's most important work, arranged in the form of an agricultural calendar. Each part was issued separately with its own title page, complete set are extremely hard to find. William Ellis (c.1700–1758), agriculturist and writer. After a short period in the brewing industry, Ellis bought Church Farm at Little Gaddesden, near Hemel Hamstead, Hertfordshire, were he combined the practice of farming with his passion for writing on the subject. His writings were far more successful than his farming activities and his early books were very well received and "farmers in all parts of the country asked him to visit and report on their farms. He travelled over the country giving advice and observing different farming methods... Many farmers visited Ellis's farm at Little Gaddesden, but they found that he did not practise what he advocated in print, that his implements were old-fashioned, and that his land was neglected and in bad condition." (ODNB). Provenance: From the Lawes Agriculture Library, Rothamsted Research Institute, with a few of their ink stamps. Fussell II, p. 7; Perkins 561; Aslin, p.43.