350 Cultivation of Moorland. 



mutual interest in the future welfare of an estate, far the best 

 pl^n is that the owner should advance at once, and meet the 

 outlay in ])ermanent improvements, by the expenditure of his 

 own capital, as an investment, with a view to enhance the value 

 of the " fee simple " of liis property. When the owner of moor- 

 land is so circumstanced that he cannot with justice to his family 

 sink capital in an estate in which he may have only a life 

 interest, his operations will be greatly facilitated by applying to 

 some of the companies recently formed for the improvement of 

 lands. 



The permanent improvements in buildings, fences, roads, &c., 

 having been provided by the landlord, there follows a suitable 

 rental and the full use of a tenant's capital in cultivation, 

 tillages, and tenant's works. Otherwise, when a tenant's capital 

 has been too freely invested, under sanguine expectations, in 

 making permanent (or landlord's) improvements, disappointment 

 frequently ensues ; further, the delusive prospects of profit from 

 permanent improvements performed and paid for by the tenant 

 have an unhappy tendency to produce discontent, and ultimately 

 discourage other tenants from similar enterprises. This dis- 

 tinction in the employment of the two capitals should not be 

 lightly overlooked, or treated as a passing remark ; for upon a 

 proper adjustment of the several outlays and interests mainly 

 depends the success of the undertaking. 



Moorlands are of various descriptions. They are sometimes 

 situated in low and comparatively mild districts, sometimes on 

 moderately elevated lands, but more commonly upon the higher 

 ranges of hill or mountain. The former, from their low range 

 of altitude, are usually within the reach of common cultivation, 

 but much depends upon their geological formation, subsoil, and 

 on the proximity of manure and markets. 



Our principal attention will be given to the elevated moors as 

 presenting greater difficulties. This part of the subject will be 

 the more interesting and practically useful in the present state 

 of agriculture. 



Moors much elevated above the sea, or where the surface is 

 covered with stones, heather, or rough grasses, are seldom worth 

 the expense of cultivation, and from their height and consequent 

 exposure are best adapted to woodlands and wild mountain 

 pasturage for a hardy race of animals. These lands are usually 

 covered with indigenous plants, which should be observed. 

 Where the fern, broom, or heather grows, the turnip may with 

 safety be cultivated, while the presence of the English furze or 

 whin too frequently indicates a cold, poor soil ; in this case the 

 habit and growth of the plants should be closely looked to, as 

 they clearly indicate the particular nature of the soil, and show 



