On Salt Marsh. 219 



only add, that the tough dry sod would lie on the ground, 

 to catch the seed it could not nourish — to trip the work- 

 men — to arrest the sway of the sithe — to harbour moles, 

 meadow mice, snakes, worms and insects. Beside all 

 this, ploughing is a most difficult operation, in new 

 marsh, when every step in the furrow brings oxen to the 

 dew-lap. 



All our exertions were attended with cost far beyond 

 calculation; but they confirmed our original views of 

 the value of salt marsh, where it is (as is our own) of 

 sufficient height above the neighbouring water, and of 

 sufficient depth of solid mud, after allowing for its sett- 

 ling. We were so convinced, that, as I stated before, 

 we enclosed an additional tract of four thousand acres. 

 We now prescribe rules for ourselves, by which we feel 

 assured that the new marsh will not cost, at the end of 

 five or six years, more than a third of the expense of the 

 other. 



The first rule is to avoid farming altogether for two 

 years, by which time cattle can draw a harrow over the 

 ground, if this has been well drained. 



2d.. To have nothing done on our own account, by the 

 day, month or year. 



3d. To let the meadow to the shares, or for monev — 

 preferring the latter. 



4th. To authorize no repairs to the houses or out 

 buildings, after they are once put in order. 



5th. To build barracks on the meadow, instead of 

 barns on the upland. 



6th.* If the rent be payable in grain, to remove om 

 share before the rats consume more than one-t£;ith of it 



