First Improvers. 27 



to experience, several of our own number having 

 followed the above directions with great success." 



Thus far of harrowing down weeds among the 

 springing corn. But even the free use of the harrow 

 among the briard was not quite enough at all times. 

 Of course it was when it came to the awal, or second 

 crop after bear, that the contest between the crop and 

 the weeds for possession of the ground became most 

 serious. And then, evidently, it not unfrequently 

 assumed the form of something very like a life-and- 

 death struggle ; became a question, in short, whether 

 the weeds, with which the land was so densely 

 stocked, or the corn was to be the predominant crop. 

 The roots of the weeds " being turned deeper down in 

 ploughing" formed one reason why the bear-root crop 

 " sometimes escapes their clutches. But if they miss 

 the one, the other, to wit, the awal, is sure to feel the 

 weight of their revenge." Our essayists, in speaking 

 of the management of the awal crop, repeat their 

 advice about the use of the harrow among the briard 

 in order to check the weeds ; and after observing that 

 " it will be fit to harrow down the weeds about the 

 time of stocking," they add, " and if, after all, the 

 weeds happen to prevail, it may be eaten up with 

 beasts betwixt the beginning and middle of May." A 

 truly sage advice it may be said ; yet, it was given in 

 all sincerity. For it was the case that the knot-grass 

 and other weeds were often so deeply rooted as to 

 " baffle the harrow, however carefully applied." So 

 say our authorities. And that being the case, " it is 

 very reasonably advised to eat both weeds and briard 

 up with beasts, to bring them upon one level." And 

 this being done, the chances were, we are assured, 

 that the grain would in all probability " soon overtop 

 the weeds." 



The essayists give specific directions how this rather 

 nice agricultural operation might be best performed. 

 " The animals that are fittest to be employed in this 



