A DIGRESSION. 461 



which regularly turn two furrows at the same time. In light 

 land, and where the ploughing is shallow, they save time and 

 expense. In stronger lands, where three horses are sufficient, it 

 is obvious that the expense of one horse is saved. In heavy 

 lands, where four horses would be required on account of the 

 double mould-board, it is obvious nothing would be gained. In 

 parts of Lincolnshire, on the chalk formation, where the plough 

 ing for wheat was not more than three inches, these ploughs 

 \vere much approved. I give below a cut of a double furrow- 



plough. The invention of this plough is by Lord Somerville ; 

 and it is certainly creditable for the ingenuity of its construction. 



LXXXII. A DIGRESSION. 



I 



PROGRESS OF IMPROVEMENT. I have gone thus at large into 

 the operation of ploughing, because it is the great operation of 

 husbandry ; and having finished the field, let us stand aside, and, 

 looking at the work, indulge a moment the reflections which 

 suggest themselves. 



A ruffle from under a crimping iron does not present a more 

 beautiful object than a well-ploughed field from under the hands 

 of an English or a Scotch artist. The lines are all straight j the 

 furrows well turned ; the headlands cross-ploughed j the corners 

 finished. A well-disciplined mind enjoys the highest pleasure 

 from seeing an operation of any kind, even the most humble, 

 well performed, and perfected according to its proper measure. 



There is something, likewise, extremely gratifying in witness- 

 39* 



