Feudal farming
1990 1990-01Read it in the scan (PDF at ETOL), page 20 →
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vador. It thus gives valid reasoning for action on the reader's part.
I think, however, that perhaps a lot of knowledge was assumed to be part of the reader's background. The facts did not jump out at me as easily as I would have liked. Most importantly, though, is the fact that the article is greatly complemented by the other articles relating to El Salvador.
I sure enjoy reading your paper, but it's not just me who uses it. My roommate used an article in the paper as a support for her politics paper on the issue of freedom. It doesn't go unused in these parts!
G.V., Cruz, Calif. Dear editor, I enjoyed the first part of Linda Thompson's series on the environment in your December 1989 issue. I look forward to further installments.
I'd like to add some information to Thompson's all-too-brief description of farming practices under the manorial (or "feudalist") system.
Until about 1050, most agricultural workers had little more than a (wooden) hoe to work with. Europe was still covered with vast forests. But then, an agricultural revolution took place that changed the land„SQCIALIST ACTION. of their land to the production of commodities like cotton. Other fields were given over to sheep pastures. Trading centers developed into towns and cities.
Toward the end of the 14th century, Europe entered a new period of wars, plagues, and revolts. Large sections of the continent were temporarily depopulated; farms returned to forest. But in general, the ecology of Europe already had been changed forever.
M.S., We welcome letters from our readers. Please keep them brief. Tell us how you wish to be identified. IANUARY 1990 19
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