f 66 3 



On the other hand, this pradlice is liable to the 

 following difad vantages :^-In fome lands it checks 

 the growth of the corn, and makes the fecorid 

 (hoots weak and fmall— of coiirfe the ears will be 

 fmall, and the grain light in proportion ; — in foul 

 lands and a wet feafon, it gives opportunity for the 

 weeds to rife above the corn fo as to choak it. 

 Sheep are alfo apt to bite off the knot of the plant.* 



This praftice anfwers beft on clean land, and a 

 light foil. Here the treading of the fheep is of 

 fervice ^ and there is no danger of the weeds rifing 

 ^0 as to injure the crop. 



In September 1777, I fowed fourteen acres of 

 wheat, which, foon after Chriftmas, feemed winter- 

 proud. The foil was a loofe loam, and I had laid 

 on plenty of dung. In the beginning of February, 

 \ turned about fixty Iheep into the field, and fed it 

 down; but the weather coming in milder than I 

 expedled, the weeds produced by the dung got fo 

 much a-head of the wheat, that the crop was a 

 very poor one — not more than nineteen bufhels 

 per acre. 



• To prevent this, the Farmer^ Ihould turn them in hungry, and take 

 "them out as foon as they have filled their bellies. When hungry, they 

 win eat the leaves of the plant ; but when their hunger is fatiated, 

 they will pick out the knot or crown of the plant, t|iat being the moft 

 fweet and delicate. 



I had 



