Pre famine West Cork had one of the worlds largest rurl population density. Thee wee an enormou number of cottis. The Devon commission describes they horrendous condition in detail
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Evidence to DEvon Commission Co.Clar
http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/history/devon_commission_clare.htm
https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/37525
1849, Report of Henry J. Fawcett, Practical Instructor on Husbandry of Visit to Bantry, Kealkil, Dunmanway, Durrus, Kilcrohane, Agriculture Very Backward, Custom after taking a Corn Crop to Leave Land Fallow for 4 to 5 Years, Starving Horses, Pannier Tracks, need for Proper Roads, Ploughs A few Sticks Put Together With Pins Only Goes Down A Few Inches, Suggests Grain Crops, Drainage, Manuring, Proper Seed. Back Roads. No Shortage of Local Manures Huge Potential.
West Cork History 