FARMER'S ASSIST AK 381 



Sheep, Sec. ; and are tilled in the following manner : The 

 fields are raistd in ridge*, which are lour mowing-swains 

 wide; the middle or higher part of each ridgt-, oi ilu width 

 ot two swaths, is cultivated for rye, and the remainder of 

 each, or the moist er parts, alternately for mowing dod p<s- 

 ture. When the rye is growing the grass- strips uie mow* 

 ed ; and the next season, when rye-strips are f. ifowfd for 

 another crop of that grain, the grass-strips afford pasture 

 lor their Sheep, &c. ; the dung and stale of the flock serves 

 as a light manuring for the ground every fallowing -year; 

 and this serves constantly to produce strips of good rye, and 

 mowing ground the next year. It would seem, by me de- 

 scription given of these grounds, that the soil is somewhat 

 wetish though sandy. Here, then, is ground tilled to ad* 

 vantage, us is said, in very narrow strips, and without any 

 cross-ploughing. It is however believed, that such fit. Ids 

 might be cultivated to much more advantage, on the soiling- 

 plan, heretofore recommended, or something similar. 



In tilling lands, it is essential that it be done in the right 

 season; mat it be done effectually; and, in order to this, it 

 is oi uie first importance to have- the implements of tillage 

 well constructed, and kept in good order. 



Again, lands should always be applied to that tillage fop 

 which they are best adapted; or, in other word*?, in which 

 they will constantly yield the greatest clear firofit If, there- 

 fore, the Farmer has lands which are only fiicd tor grass, 

 let him not work against wind and tide in trying to raise 

 grain on them. If he has broken hills and declivities, they 

 wili generally but poorly repay the unpleasant labor of cul- 

 tivating them with the plough and the hoe: Rather let such 

 be kepi for Sheep-walks, for orchards, for raising timber, or 

 perhaps for the culture of the vine, as they may be found 

 best adapted. If his lands are rocky and stony, to plough 

 and hoe them is a difficult uneasy employment; and never 

 can be productive of much profit, till the impediments to 

 the plough and the hoe are removed. If they are too light 

 and sandy, they may nevertheless be made to yield good 

 crops of taprooted plants, such as turnips, carrots, and clover; 

 or of such as ripen early, as rye, for instance; or that bear 

 drought well, as burnet, SA ntloin, lucerne; or of such trees 

 as flourish in sandy soils, as the locust, Lonibardy poplar, 

 olive, 8cc. If lands be boggy, when well drained, they will 

 be found very profitable tor hemp, which they will bear 

 yearly, with the aid of small yearly additions cf manure ; 

 but, it they be moderately level, smooth, and of a good me- 

 dium soil ; that is, such as is equally adapted for grain and 

 tor grasses ; there let the Farmer pursue the culture of a 

 rotation of crops, in such manner ts he finds will afford 

 him the greatest clear profit ; and in doing this, it is belie v 



