xxiv Notices for a Young Farmer, 



floods, are highly advantageous ; by furnishing temporary 

 irrigation ; and, finally, supplies for the compost heap. The 

 Chinese have, time out of mind, set examples of constant use 

 of irrigation ; and their modes of raising water from rivers, 

 streams, kc. and of applying it, are to be found in many 

 writers. 



Acquire some knowledge of practical surveying ; and 

 procure a small Compass, or a plane-table, or cross at least, 

 with a chain and level. You will thereby be enabled to lay 

 out your water courses, drains, and ditches, to the greatest 

 advantage. You could, also, lay out your fields regularly ; 

 and you should note their contents, and designate them by 

 names, or descriptions. Too large enclosures are not benefi- 

 cial ; smaller fields afford more changes for cattle or tillage ; 

 and are more neatly, and less wastefully, fed or farmed. 

 Some acquaintance with Hydrostatics and the Mechanic pow- 

 ers, would aid you in many branches of your business. 



Visit, often, every part of your farm ; and fix, beforehand, 

 your work. View, frequently, not only your water courses, 

 but all your enclosures, crops, and woodlands ; and note what 

 is amiss. You will thus guard against evils consequent on 

 negligence. 



Shew yourself in your fields; in busy seasons especially. 

 Your presence will animate the industrious, and stimulate 

 the unfaithful and indolent. More profit will arise, if your 

 concerns are extensive, from such attentions, than from all 

 you could accomplish by your personal labour confined to 

 one object ; to which, however, if your circumstances compel 

 you to submit; you will soon discover the superiority, (ac- 

 cording to the country phraseology,) of " come boys," to 

 « go boys." The one ensures your work ; — the other leaves 

 it half done. If you are rich enough to employ an Overseer, 

 you will be fortunate, if he will not require overlooking. 



Although some of the acquirements and duties herein re- 

 commended, may not be necessary to a mere practical far- 

 mer ; they are not the less worthy of the attention of one who 

 wishes, and has it in his power, to gain a more perfect know- 

 ledge of his profession. 



