WEEDS OP AGRICULTURE. 351 



Following, when we first saw the field, its surface could not 

 be distinguished from the adjoining pastures, so matted, 

 full, and chain-bound with couch-grass, was this tenacious, 

 obdurate soil. By a series of combined operations, with 

 implements accurately adapted for the purpose, partly new, 

 and partly improved by himself, Mr. Dickson accomplished 

 in a few days all the effects of a clear-out summer naked 

 fallow, without the loss of time and crop always attending 

 on this hitherto unavoidable operation for cleansing neglected 

 couch-bound land. It is well known that strong lands can- 

 not be cleaned for a turnip crop the same season. In one 

 day the same land is ploughed, cleaned, manured, and 

 planted with potatoes ; and by the judicious use of his 

 hoeing implements and rotation of crops*, Mr. Dickson 

 completely keeps down and suppresses any attempt of the 

 couch to gain possession, until its enfeebled roots give way 

 altogether to the ordinary mode of culture. 



The implements required to effect the above important 

 objects on a strong, tenacious soil, are, 



1st. Rally's plough. 



2d. Morton's revolving harrow (invented and made by 

 that ingenious mechanic, Mr. Morton, of Leith), as improved 

 by Mr. Dickson. This powerful and effective implement is 

 so contrived as to allow the horses to walk in the furrows. 



3d. Improved drag-harrow, by Mr. Dickson, in four parts 

 for corn, eight feet land. This is also constructed in such a 

 manner as to allow of the full and complete working of the 

 harrow while the horses walk in the furrows, thereby saving 

 their feet when the soil is dry, and composed of hardened 

 lumps on the surface ; or, when green, prevents the serious 

 injury occasioned by poaching with the horses' feet. 



4th. A heavy cast-iron cylinder roll, in two parts, with an 

 improved knife for cleaning it when working. 



* The Kidbrook farm consists of 620 acres ; viz. wheat 100, tares 

 60, potatoes 60, beans 30, oats 40, barley 30, clover 100, meadow 170. 

 But the rotation varies according to circumstances connected with 

 green crops raised for market. The breadth of potatoes every year 

 allows of the above practice, saving so much naked fallow every 

 season. 



