Reed.] Report on Steam Cultivation, 193 



Conclusion. 



Having thus afforded a somewhat minute sketch of our tour of 

 inspection, we proceed to the statement of some general impres- 

 sions or conclusions that seem to arise naturally from it. 



The main objects of the inquiry were twofold: first, to ascer- 

 tain the actual results of the application of steam-power to tillage 

 operations ; second, to discover the hindrances that check its 

 further progress. 



Upon the medium and the heavy soils the benefits obtained 

 are undeniable, A culture deeper than it is possible for horses 

 to effect works a highly beneficial change in the texture of the 

 soil, imparts additional efficiency to drainage works, augments 

 the value of the manure applied, brings into operation certain 

 latent properties of the soil, which much increases its fertility ; it 

 also fits land, formerly unfit, for the growth of turnips, allows of 

 their being fed off by sheep, the operations of the field are econo- 

 mised, and the growth of all crops is stimulated. In nearly all 

 the cases reported it will be seen that the expenses of cultivation 

 are very much reduced, and yet that a larger amount of produce 

 is said to have been realised. The reduction of expenditure is 

 more susceptible of proof than increase of produce. As to the 

 first, we had definite statements made to us ; as to the last wc 

 can only report general impressions. There can, however, be no 

 manner of doubt that a large increase is obtained where the 

 bare fallow is abandoned, and a green crop is made to precede 

 a turnip crop. The existence of these crops may be taken 

 as evidence in favour of heavier crops of grain. Instances of 

 this advanced mode of culture were not single, but general. 

 Another very perceptible result, to which we have frequently 

 directed attention, is the quickened pace. Not only are the 

 operations in question themselves better done, quicker done, less 

 expensively done, but all kindred and collateral movements have 

 had imparted to them a speed and " whir " characteristic of steam ; 

 men acquire the habit of doing the day's work in the day, and 

 of not leaving it for the morrow. The day's labour, too, on a 

 steam farm represents more work, with less distress to the 

 physical frame of the labourer, and better remuneration. Steam 

 is working a revolution, slightly manifested as yet, so that we 

 can speak only of tendencies in farm practice, and in the cha- 

 racter of the rural population ; they are being trained for the 

 age of machinery in agriculture. Together with celerity t)f 

 motion must be coupled accuracy, reliableness, promptitude. 

 The results of well-directed machinery approach a certainty, 

 which is no small advantage when one crop is made to succeed 

 another with scarcely a day's interval. 



VOL. III. — S. S. O 



