354 Cultivation of Moorland. 



return may be made ; but in backward seasons the produce at this 

 height, owing to exposure to the moist vapour, is of small value. 

 Even in average seasons these crops too frequently outgrow their 

 strength (from the humidity of the summer), become lodged at 

 an early period, and consequently are of little use beyond the 

 abundant supply of long coarse straw. 



Not only the latitude and elevation of a country above the 

 sea are important, but the aspect and vicinity of lands to moun- 

 tains, or to swampy ground, are also material in their ijifluences 

 on temperature and natural growth. Again, the prevailing direc- 

 tion of the winds, the length of time the sun continues above the 

 local horizon, the difference of temperature between day and 

 night, as also the extent of dry surface in the neighbourhood, are 

 each in their way balancing elements and powers for and against 

 the climate of every district, but more especially those under 

 present consideration. 



The value of a high or medium range of temperature is 

 marked by its effect upon vegetation, as at a certain degree of 

 heat, say 40°, many plants become torpid, and remain in that 

 state until a higher range of the thermometer takes place. 

 When revived by the warmth of spring, and strengthened by the 

 summer's sun, they acquire fresh life, vigour, and maturity. 

 The average heat of a season is not so important as its intensity 

 and continuance at a certain height while tlie crops are ripening ; 

 it is the absence of sun, and the low range of temperature, upon 

 elevated lands, that prevents the growth of cereal crops with 

 advantage, but more especially the growth of the wheat-plant, 

 which requires a much higher range of heat than barley, while 

 oats may be grown as " weeds of the country " in most elevated 

 situations, though, of course, their profitable result will depend 

 on the season and the harvest. 



The winds that prevail in any particular quarter have a greater 

 influence on the character of a climate than is usually supposed ; 

 and truly is it said that " the wind rules the weather." For 

 instance, the winds that have passed over from the coldest regions 

 of Europe, and on to our island, are comparatively colder than 

 those that blow over the Atlantic ocean. The former are very 

 properly designated the cold, dry, easterly winds, while the 

 latter are usually laden with vapour, and often contain such an 

 excess of moisture as to be even prejudicial to a whole neigh- 

 bourhood, but more especially the elevated districts. 



Evaporation is again an important and objectionable circum- 

 stance in a moorland district, which can only be cured by the 

 suitable drainage of its springs and surface waters. 



Arrancjement of Moorland Farms. — In the laying out of a 

 hill farm which shall be chiefly dependent upon its own re- 



