246 On Trench Ploughing, 



a trial on a small scale. It is certain that all soils are 

 not proper for this operation ; though more are so, 

 than is generally supposed. Some have told me it did 

 harm on such soils as mine ; which is generally a light 

 loam : yet, I conceive, such soils are the best, for this 

 process. Roots, stumps, stones, &c. are equally ob- 

 structions to trenching, and the process adopted by Mr. 

 Kirk.* 



Mr. David Landreth^ who was then my garden- 

 er, above twenty years ago, trenched (and none un- 

 derstood it better) a piece in my garden ; two spits 

 deep, with the spade. It entirely altered the nature of 

 the soil ; so that a German gardener, who is yet with 

 me, was much prejudiced against it. He did not suc- 

 ceed in his crops on this ground : and it really ap- 

 peared to me to be harsh, subject to bind, and crack ; 

 and the worse for the operation. I changed the crops, 

 from leguminous, and tap rooted plants, to those of the 

 hrassica^ or cabbage, tiibe ; and they succeeded won- 

 derfully. So that this must be attended to, before a 

 judgment is finally formed. This ground is now oc- 

 cupied by about one hundred grape-vines ; and they 

 thrive so remarkably, that an intelligent foreign Vigne- 

 rouy who has been so kind as to assist me in their cul- 

 ture, assures me, I could not have chosen a more pro- 

 pitious soil. 



Although I may indulge opinions deemed too fa- 

 vourable to the practice; I have stated what has fallen 

 under my notice, both as to facts and opinions. I 

 cheerfully, therefore, leave the subject to those who 



*Fcr Mr. Kirk's paper, see page 85. 



