27 



ground is ploughed in winter, if much rain or snow falls, 

 the surface of the ridge will be injured, more especially 

 in the furrows, by the long-run and large collection of 

 water, by means of which the finer particles of the soil 

 are washed away, and either carried off the field, or lodged 

 on the headland at the bottom. In such situations, rid- 

 ges of about 150 yards, are found to be most conve- 

 nient *. 



In regard to wet soils, where the ground is flat, from 

 240 to 300 yards, is considered to be the proper length : 

 If it should exceed 300 yards, the water might not ea- 

 sily get away ; and if the field is longer, it is necessary 

 to make a head ridge across the hollow of the field, 

 so as to form a level for carrying off the extra mois- 

 ture f. 



In dry soils, and where the land is level, the ridge may 

 be still longer, and indeed some recommend from 700 

 to 800 yards ; but, on the whole, from 350 to 400 yards 

 seems to be preferable : When it much exceeds the lat- 

 ter size, the horses are apt to be fatigued, and with such 

 a length, as little time is lost in ploughing and turning 

 as could well be desired J. Besides, when the ridge is 

 very long, it becomes more difficult to sow, and it has a 

 tendency to discourage the reapers. 



* Remarks by Mr Stewart of Hilside, and Mr Charles 

 Alexander of Eafterhaprew. 



f Indeed, wherever a field contains a hollow, transverse 

 to the direction of the ridges, and more especially in wet 

 soils, or retentive bottoms, a cross head-ridge, or a transverse 

 water-furrow, ought invariably to be made at that place. 



J Remark by Mr Dudgeon, Prora. Mr Brodie, Gatvald, 

 observes, that a long ridge has fewest interruptions from the 



