Observations on Colonel Taylor's Letter. 69 
SSS ere 
which, however, is always changing its species on the 
oldest leys, in whole or in part.* 
Isee Mr. T. does not approve of exposure of sur- 
face, even in winter. 1 have read and heard much, in 
the dispute between the /adlowists and anti fallowists. 
The results, in my mind, have been much like many of 
our public disputes. You end with as little conviction 
as you begin. From long and reiterated practice for — 
* What Tull’s drill husbandry may prove against this long 
indulged, though not singular opinion, I cannot say. The drill 
husbandry is much in vogue again in England ; though Tull 
had been long, as sailors term it—under the weather.—I con- 
tend not for dogmas or theories. But I speak from uniform 
observation as to myself, without impeaching the experience © 
or judgment of others. Tull’s ideas were, that, by frequent 
stirring and culture and changing his drills, he could success- 
fully cultivate the same plant, in the same field, for any length 
of time with little or no manure. There seems a fashion in 
husbandry, as in all other human affairs. It will be seen that 
a Mr. Gregg, hereafter mentioned, succeeded in reversing 
the culture which had been used on his farm, for half a cen- 
tury. ’Tis not unlikely that when he passes away, somebody 
will reverse his practice. It is not surprising that in smaller 
operations such vicissitudes should occur. In naval tactics, 
magna componere parvis, Mr. Gregg’s countrymen succeed by 
breaking the line, [their own first and then that of their enemy,] 
though many old victories were gained, when it was the fashion 
to keep it compact. Their too successful antagonist wins, and 
desolates, fields, regardless of the labours of the husbandman, 
by reversing, or despismg, all the tactics, which had given to 
preceding conquerors, what was once considered, deathless 
fame. R. P. 
