[ J 7 2 J 



plants; when at maturity the middle row is cut to the ground, 

 and the outside rows plashed. The quantity of fuel supplied by 

 these hedges is very considerable, and the only objection that can 

 be made to them is, that the earth used in the construction of the 

 banks is so considerable a quantity, that a large portion of the 

 field is robbed of its vegetable matter, and rendered for some years 

 unproductive. 



RHUBARB. 



At Williton near Watchet, the Turkey rhubarb has been culti- 

 vated, and brought to great perfection by Mr. Ball, surgeon, of 

 that place. His management of this root having been particularly 

 described in the annual publication of the Society of Arts, &c. I 

 shall not notice it here, and shall only add, that equal attention and 

 success have attended the exertions of James Bernard, Esq. of 

 Crowcombe in the same article, though in a different climate and 

 soil. 



It cannot be totally foreign to our purpose to mention the her- 

 ring fishery of Porlock, Minehead, and Watchet, which for some 

 years past has been carried on to some considerable extent. 



The lower classes of people have, in consequence, obtained a 

 cheap and wholsome food, particularly since the legislature has 

 taken off the duty on salt, used, in curing these fish, for home co?t- 

 sumplion. 



It were to be wished that this fishery could be further promoted 

 and encouraged, as it would be a means of furnishing employ du- 

 ring the winter, for those sailors who are engaged in the lime 

 stone, and culm trade, during the summer months. 



Their frequent journies across the Channel, make them excel- 

 lent pilots, and a hardy and skilful race of sailors would occasion- 

 ally recruit that grand bulwark of the nation, the Royal Navy. 



In an agricultural survey of the county of Somerset, it will na- 

 turally be expected that particular notice should be taken of the 

 forest of Exmoorj its vast extent, and capability of improvement; 

 render it an object well worthy of attention. 



This 



