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SECTION IL 



HOLLOPF-D RAINING. 



JL H E R E is no improvement to which the heavy land 

 hufbandry of this county owes fo niuch as to the fortunate 

 introduflion, and continuance of the pradlice of hollow- 

 draining. The means of melioration, and the confequent 

 fources of fertility, thence derived from the foil, over and 

 above what it formerly yielded, are not more important and 

 valuabla in the prefent day, than permanent and precious, as 

 they muft prove in their confequences hereafter. The fe^r 

 inftances of invincible blindnefs to the beneficial effects of 

 this excellent pradlice, go no further than to prove, that 

 where the work is not properly executed, it never ceafes to 

 fail in producing the defir^d effect. 



To coinplete an improvement of this nature, much is 

 neceflfary to be attended to. If the field propofed to be 

 drained lies greatly upon the defcent, every care fliould be 

 taken to make the drains bear fufficiently horizontally, in 

 the firft place to prevent a too precipitant fall of the water, 

 by which the bottoms of the drains would be worn uneven, 

 and a temporary obftrudion occafion them to blow; and 

 fecondly, becaufe the more perfedlly horizontal is the field, 

 fo that it lies level free, and affords a fufficient fall for the 

 water, the lefs occafion will there be for the fame number 

 of drains as would be required upon a foil of equal clofe- 

 nefs upon the fide of a hill: The drains in the field that lies 

 nearly level, drawing equally well upon each fide; whereas 

 thofe on the hang of a hill, drawing only from the higher 



S 2 fides 



