Gates, instead of being repaired, were propped up by running a pole across.

Labour was eschewed in every possible way.

Hedges were left uncut; ditches were left uncleaned.
The team of horses was reduced, and the ploughing done next to nothing.
Cleaning and weeding were gradually abandoned.

Several fields were allowed to become overrun with grass, not the least attention being paid to them; the weeds sprang up, and the grass ran over from the hedges.

The wheat crop was kept to the smallest area.