622 PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. Part III. 



ploughs infields of a small size, and of an irregular shape ; while every other branch of 

 labor (such as dunging, sowing, harrowing, reaping, and carrying in the harvest), can 

 be executed, though not altogether, yet nearly in the same proportion." (^Husb. of 

 Scot. vol. i. p. 41. and Suj}. Encyc. Brit. art. Agr.) 



3888. The circumstances on which the size of fields ought to depend are, the extent of the 

 farm in which they are situated, the nature of the soil and subsoil, the rotations adopted, 

 the number of ploughs on the farm, the inclination of the ground, its being in pasturage 

 or otherwise, and the nature of the climate. [Code. ) 



3889. Extent of the farm. The size of fields ought certainly, in some measure, to 

 depend upon the extent of the possession. In small farms near towns, from six to twelve 

 acres may be sufficient ; but where farms are of a considerable extent, fields from twenty 

 to even fifty acres, and, in some particular cases, as high as sixty, may be used to advan- 

 tage. In general, however, even on large farms, when permitted by local circumstances, 

 fields of a medium size, as from fifteen to twenty-five English acres, are recommended 

 by competent judges. 



3890. Soil and subsoil. In dividing a farm into fields, the nature of the soil and sub- 

 soil ought to be kept in view. Where the soil is various, it would be proper to separate 

 the light from the heavy. They are not only better calculated for different crops and 

 different rotations, but are naturally adapted to be cultivated at different seasons. It is 

 unfortunate, therefore, to have soils of a heterogeneous nature mingled in the same field. 

 But where this partially takes place, for instance, where there are only one or two acres 

 of light soil, to ten or twenty of strong soil, let the following plan be adopted : At 

 any slack time, either in summer or winter, more especially when the field is under 

 fallow, employ two carts and horses with four fillers, to cover the acre or two of light 

 soil, with the strong soil contiguous, and the soil in the field will then become more 

 uniform. In fields where light soils predominate, the plan might be reversed. This 

 plan, though at first expensive, is attended with such advantages, that whenever it is 

 necessary and practicable, it ought to be carried into effect. 



3891. The rotation adopted. It may be considered as a good general rule, to 

 divide a farm according to the course of crops pursued in it ; that is to say, a farm with a 

 rotation of six crops should have six fields, or twelve, according to circumstances. It 

 is proper to have a whole field, if the soil be uniform, under one crop ; and every farmer 

 of experience knows the comfort of having the produce of the farm as equal every year 

 as the soil and season will admit of. 



3892. Number of ploughs. It is likewise proper that the size of fields should be some- 

 what in proportion to the number of horses and ploughs on the farm. For instance, 

 where six two-horse ploughs are kept, and where it is difficult, from the nature of the 

 soil, to have the fields of a larger extent, sufficiently dry, from eighteen to twenty-five 

 English acres are considered to be a convenient size. With twelve horses, a field of 

 that extent can always be finished in four, or at the utmost in five days; there is less 

 risk, therefore, of being overtaken by bad weather, and prevented from completing the 

 preparation of the land for the intended crop. When the fields are of too great an extent, 

 in proportion to the stock kept, a considerable interval must occur between the sowing 

 of the first and of the last part ; and it will in general be desirable to have each field 

 cleared at the same time in harvest. The harrowing also is done more economically, 

 when the field is sown at once, than in several portions ; and where rolling is required, 

 that operation being most effectually done across, it cannot well be accomplished till the 

 field has been completed. Hence the advantages of having the size of the fields in some 

 degree commensurate to the stock of working animals upon the farm. 



3893. Inclination of the ground. It is, however, evident that the size of the fields must 

 in some respects depend on the flatness, or the hilly shape of the ground. Even on dry 

 land, if there be a rise on the ground, from fifteen to twenty chains is sufficient length ; 

 for if the ridge be longer, the horses become much fatigued if compelled to plough a 

 strong furrow up hill beyond that length in one direction. This objection, however, to 

 large fields, may in some measure be obviated, by giving the ridges and furrows in such 

 fields as are on the sides of a hill, such an obliquity as may diminish the difiiculties of 

 the ascent. 



3894. Pasturage. Where the system of grazing and tillage is alternately followed 

 (more especially where the fields are pastured for two or three years in succession), it is 

 convenient to have the fields of from twenty to perhaps thirty English acres. The 

 farmer is thus enabled to divide his stock, which he cannot well do with larger fields. 

 The cattle or sheep remain more quiet than if a greater number were collected together, 

 and less grass is destroyed by treading. When such a field has been pastured for some 

 time, the stock should be removed to another, till the grass in the former has renewed, 

 and is fit for being eaten. Such a size also, in general, suits graziers better than larger 

 ones, and consequently fields of this extent, when in pasture, generally let for more 

 rent. 



