Ch. IV.] DEPTH OF PLOUGHING, 4'J 



change in the mode of performing the work has had a very perceptible 

 good effect upon the improvement of the crops*. 



From what we have thus stated, it must be apparent that, as every kind 

 of soil lias its appropriate qualities, each requires a peculiar mode of til- 

 lage. Ploughing, which is the chief operation, ought therefore to be ex- 

 ecuted according to the nature of the land, and not performed upon any one 

 invariable principle. On strong clays and loams, and other soils of a deep 

 and rich staple, the plough should go to a considerable depth ; whereas, on 

 thin clays and barren sands, the benefit of deep ploughing is very question- 

 able, especially when incumbent on a sterile subsoil : on each description of 

 land distinct modes of operation and implements of different construction 

 are therefore absolutely necessary. On wet retentive clays, too, where the 

 ridges must be considerably raised, in order to preserve the ground in 

 something like a dry condition, and in all cases where the gathering up of 

 the land is particularly desirable, greater care is requisite than in the 

 management of light soils, which technically admit of " crown and furrow " 

 ploughing, and the ploughman who is capable of performing it with accu- 

 racy is invaluable. In short, heavy land necessarily occasions heavy work ; 

 and the farmer who is not provided with proper implements, teams of 

 sufficient strength, and servants of capability, can never cultivate such land 

 with advantage. 



Very opposite opinions are however entertained by many farmers regard- 

 ing the proper depth of ploughing ; and, as the application of deep or shallow 

 tillage to various soils respectively has not been ascertained upon any settled 

 principle, we shall here add a few observations on the subject ; in doing 

 which we have, however, to acknowledge much obligation to that eminent 

 agriculturist Von Thaer, whose great practical experience and deep science, 

 added to the candour with which his remarks are imparted, stamp an inesti- 

 mable value upon liis works on Husbandry. 



DEPTH OF PLOUGHING. 



The proper depth of ploughing must necessarily depend upon the nature 

 of the soils ; but although every intelligent husbandman must be aware of 

 the superiority of those of a deep staple over those which are shallow, yet, 

 in discussing the propriety of the extent to which the operation may be 

 safely carried, it should be borne in mind that there is a wide difference be- 

 tween the effects of ploughing deeply into land, the vegetative stratum of 

 which is of nearly equal fertility throughout, and that of augmenting a 

 shallow surface of fertile soil by mixing it up with a subsoil of inferior 

 quality. 



The depth to which the roots of plants penetrate into the earth in search 

 of sustenance, varies as much, according to the properties of the soil, as does 

 the nature of the plants themselves. There are many, the roots of which 

 are found at fifteen to twenty, and even thirty feet under ground — sainfoin 



* "The sharp-witted Irish are sensible to ridicule; and the small farmer, formerly con- 

 tent with the vile old plough and its miserable accompaniments, upon receiving one of iron, 

 •with a handsome set of painted swingle-trees, thought it ' too bad,' as he would express him- 

 self, ' to have it drawn in the ould way ;' and in downright shame would strain a point to 

 make a hempen back-band, horse-skin collar, and winkered bridle supplant those articles 

 in former use, of fragile and temporary manufacture from the flail. He would, more- 

 over, try ' to swap the ould mare for one of a stronger cut ; ' and gaining something 

 better in the horse way, would perhaps be disposed, Ijy a patch of clover or vetches, to 

 provide something better for the animal's support." See an article on the Objects and 

 Effects of the late Farming Society of Ireland, in the Quart. Joiirn. of Agric, N, S. No. 

 xxii. ; also, on the Present State of Irish Agriculture in No. xxi. of the same work. 



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