Purchase of a new plough, putting a few more oxen out to pasture, a farmer’s use of an unconventional new horse collar – events like these did not happen often and did not lead immediately to widespread change. Village life was cautious; decisions on major issues like how and what to plant were usually collective; and caution and consensus favoured conservatism. Survival was not to be put at risk by the promiscuous adoption of new techniques or by over-investment in animals that might die with inadequate winter fodder or by any other uncertain innovations.