William Marshall (1745–1818), from farming stock, became a farmer and then estate manager and land agent after several years spent conducting business in the West Indies. A pioneer of scientific methods of farming, he published widely on best practice, and was also known for his geographical surveys of agriculture. This two-volume 1789 work covers the county of Gloucestershire, but also includes dairy management in north Wiltshire and the orchards and fruit products of Herefordshire. A hands-on reporter, Marshall stayed in the vale of Gloucester to learn the art of cheese-making, and then spent a year in various locations studying local farming practice. He describes the rural economy of the area, with the different activities suited to the different geographical locations and soil types, giving detailed information about types of land tenure, crops and animals, as well as providing a list of 'provincialisms' which offer fascinating insights into the Gloucestershire dialect.
