25 



1. Though fields, on the whole, should be of a large 

 size, yet there is a great convenience in having a few 

 smaller fields near the farm-house ; for the family cows ; 

 for rams, where sheep are kept ; for trying on a small 

 scale, useful experiments i and for various other pur- 

 poses *. 



2. Where inclosures are found too large for particu- 

 lar purposes, the field may be effectually subdivided by 

 sheep-flakes, or hurdles, a sort of portable fence, well 

 known to every turnip grower. When carefully set, 

 they have been found a complete fence, both for cattle 

 and sheep. By this means great advantage is derived, 

 from the constant use of the land that would otherwise 

 have been occupied by stationary fences, and the ex- 

 pence of subdivisions, which, on a large farm, would ne 

 cessarily have been numerous, is thereby avoided f. 



4. LENGTH, BREADTH, AND SHAPE OF RIDGES. 



The general advantages to be derived from ridges 



D 



four course shift can be adopted ; but with the eight-course 

 always to remain four years in grass. This plan of manage- 

 ment is only for good soils that will improve by being in pas- 

 ture, as there are thin clay soils, that the longer they re- 

 main in grass, they always get worse, and for which a 

 four-course shift is the best ; and the farm should be divided 

 in eight, twelve, sixteen, or twenty inclosures, according to its 

 extent. One or two of the fields could be cut green for 

 soiling the horses, or made hay for them in the spring ; but it 

 the tenant chuses, he can take one year's pasture. 



* Remarks by Mr Robert Kerr, the intelligent Reporter 

 of Berwickshire ; Mr Wilson of Simprin, and others. 



f Hints from Mr Hunter of Tynefield, and Mr Cuthbert- 

 son near Prestonpans. 



