76 PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. Part III. 



to resort to this mode of breaking up large trees, when cut down and left in inacces- 

 sible situations, where a great force of men and of implements cannot easily be procured 

 or applied; and certainly it is one of the most effectual modes of tearing their stools 

 or roots in pieces. (Sup. Encyc. Brit. art. Blasting.) 



4177. Land covered with furze, broom, and other shrubs, is generally well adaptedf r 

 cultivation. The furze, or whin ( Ulex europceus), will grow in a dense clay soil ; and where 

 they are found in a thriving state, every species of grain, of roots and grasses, may be cul- 

 tivated with advantage. Tlie broom, on the other hand, prefers a dry, gravelly, or , 

 sandy soil, such as is adapted for the culture of turnips. A large proportion of the arable 

 land, in the richest districts of England and Scotland, was originally covered by these two 

 plants ; and vast tracts still remain in that state, which might be profitably brought under 

 cultivation. For that purpose, the shrubs ought to be cut down, the ground trenched, or 

 the plants rooted out by a strong plough, drawn by four or six horses, and the roots 

 and shrubs (if not wanted for other purposes) burnt in heaps, and the ashes spread equally 

 over the surface. (Com. to the B. of Ag. vol. ii. p. 260.) In many places, shrubs and 

 brushwood may be sold for more than the expense of rooting them out. When coal is 

 not abundant, and limestone or chalk can be had, the furze should be employed in burn- 

 ing the lime that is used in carrying on the improvement. (Oxfordshire Re])ort, p. 232.) 

 It requires constant attention, however, to prevent such plants from again getting pos- 

 session of the ground, when it is restored to pasture. This can best be effected, by 

 ploughing up the land occasionally, taking a few crops of potatoes, turnips, or tares in 

 rows, and restoring it to be pastured by sheep. In moist weather also, the young plants 

 should be pulled up and destroyed. (Code.) 



4178. Fern (Pteris and Osmunda) is a very troublesome weed to extirpate, as, in many 

 soils, it sends down its roots into the under stratum, beyond the reach of the deepest 

 ploughing ; but it is a sign of the goodness of any soil, where it grows to a large size, 

 June or July are the best seasons for destroying it, when the plants are full of sap, and 

 when they ought to be frequently cut. They are not, however, easily subdued, often ap- 

 pearing after a rotation of seven years, including a fallow, and sometimes requiring ano- 

 ther rotation, and cutting them repeatedly, before their final disappearance can be effected. 

 Lime, in its caustic state, is peculiarly hostile to fern ; at the same time, it can hardly be 

 completely eradicated, but by frequent cultivation, and by green crops assisted by the hoe. 

 ( Oxfordshire Report, p. 234. and 240.) 



4179. The heath (Erica) is a hardy plant, palatable and nutritious to sheep; and 

 under its protection, coarse grasses are often produced. When young, or in flower, it 

 may be cut and converted into an inferior species of winter provision for stock. But 

 where it can be obtained, it is desirable to have grass in its stead. For that purpose, the 

 land may be flooded, or the heath burnt in March or April, and kept free from stock for 

 eighteen months ; in consequence of which, many new grasses will spring up, from the 

 destruction of the heath, and the enriching quality of the ashes. The improvement is 

 very great; more especially if the land be drained, and lime or compost be applied. 

 (Gen. Rep. of Scot. vol. ii. p. 359.) But if the land be too soon pastured, the grasses, 

 being weak and tender, the sheep or cattle will pull them up with their roots, and the pas^ 

 ture is materially injured. (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv. p. 465.) Where it 

 is proposed to cultivate the land for arable crops, the lime applied should be in a finely 

 powdered state, highly caustic, and as equally spread as possible. [Cum. to the B. ofAgt 

 vol. ii. p. 264.) 



4180. Paring and burning is a speedy and effectual modS of bringing a surface covered 

 with coarse herbage into a state of culture. Some have recommended making a com- 

 post of the pared surface, with lime ; or building folds or earthen walls of the sods, which, 

 by the action of the atmosphere, become friable and fertile ; but these processes are 

 slower and not so effectual as paring and burning. In coarse rough pastures, ant-hills 

 frequently abound, which paring and burning effectually destroys. (Code.) 



Sect. IV. Of Moors and their Imjirovements. 



4181. Moorlands are of various descriptions. Sometimes they are in low and mild si- 

 tuations, where theuppersoilisthin,orscantilysuppliedwith vegetable mould; and where 

 the bottom or under-stratum is impervious and barren. These, in general, may be re- 

 claimed with more or less advantage, according as they are near manure or markets, and 

 other means of improvement. Others, on the contrary, are in situations much elevated 

 above the level of the sea; where the surface is covei-ed with heath and other coarse 

 plants, and frequently encumbered with stones. Such moors are seldom worth the expense 

 of cultivation, and from their height are only calculated for woods or pasturage. 



4182. Moors which are not j)laced in high or bleak situations, where the surface is close- 

 swarded, or covered with plants, and where the subsoil is naturally either not altogether 

 wet, or capable of being made sufficiently dry at a moderate expense, may not only be 

 reclaimed, but often cau be highly improved by the common operations of farjn culture ; 



