NOTES. 193 
of Hoeing the Crop. 
“6 The operation of hoeing comprehends two distinct func- 
tions, ViZe that of hilling, and that of weeding ; and there are 
moreover two stages of hilling. The first hilling | commences, 
as heretofore described, i in the preparation of the field } previous to 
planting the crop, and it is performed, as before explained, by 
means of the peculiar implement called a hilling hoe ; the ' sec 
ond billing is performed after the crop is planted, with. a view 
to succour and support the “plant as it may happen to" want 
strengthening, by giving : a firm and permanent foundation to its 
root; and it may be effected. according to the demand of the 
respective plants by a dexterity in changing» the stroke with 
the weeding hoe, without any necessity to recur to the more 
appropriate utensil. 
«6 The more direct use of the weeding hoe commences with 
the first grow th of the ‘tobacco after transplantation, and never 
ceases ‘until the plant is nearly ripe, and ready to be laid by, as 
: they term the last weeding with the hoe ; for be who would 
“have a good crop of tobacco, or of maize, ‘must not be sparing 
of his labour, but must keep the ground constantly stirring dur- 
ing the whole growth of ‘the crop. And it is a rare instance 
to see the plough introduced as an assistant, unless it be the 
flook plough, for the purpose ‘of introducing a sowing of wheat 
for the following year, even while the present crop is growing 5 3. 
and ‘this is frequently practised” in fields of maize, and some- 
times in fields of tobacco, which” may be ranked amongst the 
best fallow crops, as it leaves the ground perfectly clean and 
naked, permitting neither grass, weed, nor vegetable, to remain 
standing i in 1 the space which it ‘has itty ao : 
ae 38 ; 
