Farining of Leicestersliire. 315 



ment of the arable land. Antiquated and obsolete practices, 

 however, yet linger on, but chiefly on the small farms ; and as a 

 rule the best management is seen on farms of fair size. 



Root-crops are now regularly grown on land where a few years 

 ago their production was thought impossible. This has been 

 brought about by drainage, the introduction of portable manures, 

 and the practice of autumn cultivation. 



Some sow turnips on the ridge, some on the flat, and some few 

 yet follow the barbarous system of sowing broadcast. 



For autumn ploughing the general practice is with three and 

 four horses tandem, and even in spring and summer culture this 

 absurd custom is very prevalent. 



Steam cultivation has as yet only met with a limited adoption. 

 Lord Howe, at Gopsall, is a convert to the system, as is also his 

 immediate neighbour, Mr. Clare, of Twycross. The latter gentle- 

 man farms spiritedly ; and a brief description of his management 

 will afford some interesting traits. 



Mr. Clares Farm is cropped on a four-course rotation, but 

 after wheat two-thirds of the shift are devoted to turnips and 

 mangolds, &c., and one-third to beans or peas ; thus affording 

 the means of alternating the fallow crops, and rendering their 

 return on the same land less frequent. The greater portion of 

 the young seeds is manured in the autumn with farmyard 

 manure. This promotes a luxuriant growth of clover, and affords 

 keep for an increased number of sheep, the extra manure from 

 which tells most beneficially on the succeeding wheat-crop. Nor 

 is the manurial benefit derived confined to the large extra amount 

 of sheep-droppings, as the fact is well known that the root of 

 the clover-plant bears a constant ratio to its stem, so that if a 

 large amoiint of foliage is produced, we may feel satisfied that 

 the root-growth is in exact proportion. Hence the practice is 

 sound, and deserving imitation. 



Towards the end of July, 2 tons of quick lime per acre are 

 applied to the seed land, and it is then broken up with the steam 

 cultivator. A sort of bastard fallow is thus made, and root-weeds 

 readily destroyed, when shaken out and exposed to the scorching 

 suns of August and September. 



As soon as possible after harvest the stubles are also broken up 

 by the cultivator, and laid in excellent form to receive the full 

 benefit of the winter's frost. 



With a lO-horse power engine and Smith's tackle, 7 acres per 

 day are got over by the men at their regular wages, and as an 

 incentive to industry, 2s. 6fZ. per acre is paid to them for all they 

 do beyond that quantity. 



Two sets of farm-buildings have recently been erected on this 



