[ 16 j 



Monticello, March 6, 1816, 



Dear Sir, 



I have to thank you for the copy of your discourse on 

 agriculture which you have been so kind as to send me. 

 I participate in all your love for the art. We are indebt 

 ed to you for much of our knowlege as to the use of the 

 plaister, which is become a principal article of our im- 

 provements, no soil profiting more from it than that of 

 the country around this place. The return of peace will 

 enable us now to resume its use. My son-in-law, Col. 

 Randolph, is perhaps, the best farmer of the state ; 

 and by the introduction of the horizontal method of 

 ploughing, instead of straight furrows, has really saved 

 this hilly country. It was running off into the valleys 

 with every rain ; but by this process we now scarcely 

 lose an ounce of our soil. 



A rafter level traces a horizontal line around the curve 

 of the hill or valley, at distances of 30 or 40 yards, 

 which is followed by the plough ; and by these guide- 

 lines the ploughman finishes the interval by his eye, 

 throwing the earth into beds of six feet wide, with large 

 water furrows between them. When more rain falls than 

 can be instantly absorbed, the horizontal furrows retain the 

 surplus untill it is all soaked up, scarcely a drop ever reach- 

 ing the valley below. Some two or three years ago, I 

 mentioned to Mr. Peale this method of ploughing, and I 

 think he has informed me of his having since practiced 

 it with satisfaction. It is probable therefore you may- 

 have heard of it from him, if not through some other 

 channel. 



