( 152 ) 



ferious coftfideration, and doubt, whether in the procefs of 

 fallowing (the temperate and light lands) that the fucceed- 

 ing crop may not be injured to a greater degree, by the fre- 

 quent and long expofure of the energies of vegetation to the 

 fummer's heats, than may be equal to all the benefit derived 

 to the crops by the de{lru6lion of weeds; for which pur- 

 pofe however, the leguminous crops, and the hoe, form an 

 admirable fubftitute. 



That the hoe will anfwer an excellent purpofe in cleanfing, 

 and meliorating the furface foil, there can be no doubt ; at the 

 fame time it is material to recollecl, that as the fibrous roots of 

 the corn approach fo very near the furface, a due regard fliould 

 be paid, both to the time and manner of condudling its ope- 

 ration ; as the dilTevering from the root, or bruifing the 

 fmalleft fibre, mull be produdlive of proportionate detri- 

 ment and injury to the crop. 



The weed hook in many cafes will be found more effec- 

 tual than the hoe, particularly in keeping down thirties and 

 thofe weeds which have a pipey ftem ; for it has frequently, 

 and may always be obferved, that thirties cut an inch above 

 the ground, will not be fo formidable at harveft, as thofe cut 

 at the fame time with the hoe, and below the furface. In 

 the former cafe, the remaining flub of the thiftle gets filled 

 with water, which rcrting upon the crown of the plant, in- 

 jures it fo far, as to occafion a few feeble fhoots only to rife ; 

 vvhijft in the latter, ftrong and luxuriant flioots ftool forth, 

 that become extremely injurious to the crop, and inconve- 

 nient to the reapers. 



The weeds, which to guard againft^in this county, require 

 the greatert care, and are attended with the heavicrt expence 

 in keeping under, are the black grafs and crows garlick j 

 thefe are found moft generally to prevail upon the ilrong 



moift 



