The northern part of the county is intersected by several canals, which are of great commercial importance. The chief of these, the Birmingham aud Worcester Canal, reaches from the junction of the Birmingham and Fazeley canals at Birmingham, to the Severn, a little below Worcester, passing through the salt-distils:it of Droitwich, and having two branches, one to Dudley by way of Halos Owen, and the other from King's Norton to Stratford-upon-Avon. From Dudley there is a canal, which, under different names, runs to Stourbridge, Kidderminster, and Stourport, at which last place It opens into the Severn.
The principal roads are from Birmingham through Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Worcester, Severnateke, and Upton to Tewkesbury, Chel tenham, and Gloucester; from Dudley to Stourbridge, Kidderminster to Stourport ; or, leaving Stourport on the left, through 'irth:bury and Ombersley to Worcester ; and from Worcester to Malvern. There are good turnpike-roads which connect the county town with Tenbury and Bromyard, and other towns.
The main line of the Bristol and Birmingham railway intersects this county diagonally from north-east to south-west. The line rune nearly parallel with the turnpike-road leading from Tewkesbury to Worcester and Birmiogham on the south-east. The Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton railway enters the county a abort distance east of Evesham. and runs west-north-west to Worcester ; it then turns north ward, and passes by way of Droitwich, Kidderminster, aud Stour bridge to Dudley, where it quits the county. A short branch from Droitwich to the Stoke Works station connects it with the Bristol and Birmingham line. A portion of the London and North-Western rail way likewise traverses the north-eastern extremity of the county. Thera are some tram-roads, on which horses are worked, in the coal districts.
Climate, Soil, climate of Worcestershire, especially in the middle, south, and went of the county, is remarkably mild aud healthy, and the frulte of the earth are brought to early maturity. The vales of Severn arid Avon are but little raised above the level of the sea ; and it has boon observed, that an elevation of 60 yards makes a difference in climate equal to a degree of latitude towards the north, soil and other circumstances remaining the same. The higher parts of the county, between Bromsgrove and Birmingham, have consequently a later harvest. The higher hills, such as the Malvern Hills, are pro
portionally colder and later. They tend to shelter the vales between them from the cold winds, aud add to the mildness of the climate there.
The Vale of Severn, which extends about 30 miles in length from north to south, contains some extremely rich alluvial soils, which from their situation are admirably adapted for rich pastures. The banks of the Avon also, which falls into the Seven' near Tewkesbury, are rich, and consist mostly of meadows and pastures.
The Tame winds through the county for about 30 miles. Along its banks are many hop-gardens and orchards, a sure proof of a good deep soil, and the lower parts form rich meadows. Several lesser streams run in their own valleys, the soil along their banks being gene rally good, except in a few instances in which bogs, with their accom panying peat, have been formed by the stagnation of the waters. Except where the higher hills rise in peaks, the surface is in general gently undulating. One-half of the county consists of rich teams and clay soils. Upon the whole, few counties in England contain so much good land, and, as a consequence, fewer wastes.
Many of the farms are small, but the average size is gradually onlargiog. by the union of several farms under one tenant The system of agriculture is steadily approximating to the moat improved methods, with only the difference. rendered necessary by local peculiarities.
The average produce of wheat in Worcestershire is higher than in many other counties. Potatoes are raised in great abundance io this county, and supply the markets of Birmingham and Staffordshire. Wolverley sands have long been famous for the growth of carrots and for nutting carrot-seed. Bop-yards occupy • considerable extent. The cultivation of this plant is a perfect garden culture, chiefly by the spade. Apple orchards are extensive, and a great deal of cider is made. Pear orchards are common In Worcestershire. There is much fine timber growing in the hedgerows : elms predominate, and grow to a large size where they have room. There are also some woods and plantations of oaks and ash, the underwood of which forms valuable cop p ices.