FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 105 



it, and of course can perform the labor better, and at the 

 same time cheaper. 



The Farmer, perhaps, would do well to make more of a 

 business of raising fl*x, when he becomes engaged in it, 

 by raising enough in one season to last him two or .three 

 years: He would then have a greater inducement to go 

 more spiritedly into the most approved method of cultiva- 

 tion, from the conviction, that cultivating it in the most 

 complete manner, and pretty largely at a time, is the only 

 way to make the business profitable. 



Particular care should be taken to have the seed perfect- 

 ly clean ; and also, to sow it evenly. This is best effected 

 by first sowing one- half of the seed over the whole ground, 

 and then the other half, crosswise. It should bo sown in a 

 calm time. 



FLOODING OF LANDS. Where swamp-land is to be 

 cleared, and it can be flooded, by making a dam at the out- 

 let, at a small expense^ it is a matter of economy to attend 

 to this, as in this way its growth of wood can be completely 

 killed. This may also be performed on lands, after they are 

 cleared, for the purpose of killing the grass, if it be bad, in 

 order with more ease to introduce a better kind, or a better 

 system of culture. Flooding also serves, in a greater or 

 a less degree r to enrich the land; though this depends 

 chiefly on the kind of water with which it is flooded. 

 If it contain^ a rich sediment, it is good ; but, if destitute 

 of this, it is of no use. 



See IMPROVEMENT OF LANDS. 



FOALS, OR COLTS. To raise the best Colts, the first 

 step is to procure the best Breeding-mares, then put them 

 to the best Horses, and give the Colts good keeping, par- 

 ticularly during the first Winter after they are weaned. 

 The proper time for weaning is the begining of foddering- 

 time; and then they ought to be put in a stable by them- 

 selves, kept on good hay, and fed regularly twice a day, 

 during Winter, with oats, or some other nourishing food. 

 The next Summer, they ought to have good pasture, 



Colts are frequently spoiled by poor keeping at the time 

 they require the best; and this, as is the case with all other 

 young animals, is during the first Winter. Atter this they 

 do not require better keeping than is requisite for other 

 Horses. If Colts be not well kept the first Winter, they 

 are very apt to get stunted ; and of this they never wholly 

 recover. If Farmers would pay more attention to keeping 

 their Colts in the best manner, as well as a due attention to 

 the selection of Breeding-mares, and of Horses for cover- 



14 



