318 ADAPTATION TO CIRCUMSTANCES. 



wise disposed of. With small lots, the farmer loses the 

 time of turning at every furrow in ploughing, and other 

 operations of a similar nature, like the use of the mow- 

 ing machine and the horse-rake. There is one advan- 

 tage, however, of no small importance, in these division 

 fences, and that is the protection which they afford to 

 the field in breaking the fierce winds, in arresting leaves 

 and dust, which settle upon and fertilize the soil. 



Another important lesson taught us by the use of the 

 machine is, that the stouter the grass is, other things 

 being equal, the more easily and economically it 

 can be mown ; and hence the importance of a high and 

 thorough cultivation of all grass lands, not simply in 

 the clearing away of stones, stumps, or other obstruc- 

 tions, which the use of the machine will lead to, but in 

 the use of more manure, and the more complete and 

 thorough tillage with the plough, the harrow, and the 

 roller. Many farmers have already taken the hint, and 

 are preparing their lands with reference to some future 

 use of a mowing machine. 



But the experiments thus far made establish con- 

 clusively that the machine can be used in a far greater 

 variety of circumstances than was at first supposed. 

 I have seen it operate safely and advantageously on 

 rough lands covered with stones, on hilly and broken 

 surfaces, reclaimed bogs and salt marshes, with two 

 horses, with one horse, and with oxen, and with fewer 

 accidents than might reasonably have been anticipated 

 under the circumstances of a new implement, and want 

 of experience and skill incident to the introduction of 

 machinery. It is, nevertheless, true that it will prove 

 to be a great saving, in the end, to put the field in good 

 condition, have it free from stones and all other ob- 

 structions; and some doubt whether it is economical to 

 buy and use a machine till this state of cultivation is 



