122 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



this plough, was a loamy subsoil ; perhaps some other soil 

 would be helped more, by the use of it. 



I have no doubt, that the subsoil plough may be advanta- 

 geously used, for some crops ; but for a corn crop, it will not 

 usually pay for the expense. My view is this : Lands that are 

 highly manured, will be able to sustain a greater crop, but sub- 

 soiling does not enrich a poor soil. Our crops of corn do not 

 generally suffer so much for the want of moisture, as for the 

 want of proper food. It would be poor consolation to a ship's 

 crew, to know that they had water enough, but were out of 

 provisions. The water which the camel carries in his extra 

 stomach, would be of little use to him, in crossing the desert, 

 if he could not obtain provisions by the way. Until we have 

 well manured and pulverized the surface soil, to the depth of 

 ten inches, I think we may as well let the subsoil alone. 



On Turning the Furrow Slice Flat^ at the Time of Break- 

 ing Up. I am aware that there is a difference of opinion on 

 this subject. Some say that the furrow slice should be lapped, 

 or set obliquely, so that the land may lie lighter, and be more 

 easily cultivated. Experience has taught me, that land turned 

 flat can be cultivated the easiest, and will produce the best crop. 

 If we have a foe to contend with, we can usually manage him 

 best, if we lay him flat upon his back. When we plough tough, 

 swarded land, abounding in witch grass, eight inches deep, and 

 turn it flat, we shall have four or five inches of soil on top, 

 without any roots in it ; but if it is set obliquely, we shall have 

 part of the roots on top, and they will be growing up, between 

 the furrow slice, all the season. Our aim, in breaking up land, 

 should be, to place the grass and roots in that position where 

 they will decompose the soonest ; if set obliquely, the harrow 

 brings many of them to the surface, so that they will not rot. 

 I do not want a breaking-up plough to pulverize the soil, but 

 to turn it over, and put the grass and roots out of the v/ay, so 

 that I can pulverize it with the harrow and horse plough. 



On Preparing and Applijing the Manure for the Corn Crop. 



Formerly, it was the custom to apply all the manure in the hill. 



For some years past, many have spread all their manure. It is 



.an important question for the farmer to settle, how he can best 



