[ i89 1 



the field is finifhed; the only care required is to de- 

 liver the corn thin on the mark, by which method 

 it is in all weathers accurately fown, and not liable 

 to be hand-platted, 



I have for Teveral years drilled the grcateft part of 

 my corn, and have experienced that feven inches is 

 the mod profitable diftance for the farmer; nine and 

 ten inches is too far (except on very rich land) as in 

 thin land, the corn ^viIl be too much cxpofcd to 

 weeds and injury by dry weather. It was rc\y former 

 pra61:ice, and I am fatisfied I was right when I rc- 

 linquilhed it. Nothing has dcprefled the fpirit for 

 drilling fo much, as the fallacious idea held forth 

 and maintained by its enthufiaftick advocates, that 

 large crops may be obtained with little feed, and 

 rows at a great diftance; the defpicable crops I have 

 feen from fuch management, could not efcape the 

 obfervation and cenfure of thofe of another opinion, 

 when a generous diftritution of double the quantity 

 of feed would not only have prevented the ridicule, 

 but have been doubly advantageous to the theorilL 

 Some feed may no doubt be faved, and enough to 

 pay the cxpence of drilling; I never drill lefs than 

 two bulhels of wheat, feven inch furrows, and three 

 and half barley; whatever may have been faid to the 

 contrary, I never found the old farmers fo fliallow 



patcd. 



