234 On well-rotted Dungy Stercoraries, ^c. 



Three years ago, I used, from necessity, unrotted 

 litter, for potatoes. I was punished for my aberra- 

 tion, by a most terrific and profuse growth of the 

 May-tveed, or Daisy^ the seeds whereof had been 

 among the muck. I am scourged by this vile and ex- 

 hausting pest ; which I cannot subdue without great 

 exertions ; and, with them, not entirely ; unless I 

 hand-weed. Like a slave flagellated by his driver, 

 I revolt ; and my hatred is increased by every repeti- 

 tion of the lash. This season, I have sacrificed a fine 

 sod of timothy and clover, infested by the Daisyy 

 which I have ploughed under, with another potatoe 

 crop. With this I shall defeat the foe ; attacked be- 

 fore becoming a veteran. 



Many years ago I met, in one of the agricultural 

 publications of either Great Britain or Ireland, a most 

 convincing proof of the bad effects, and ruinous con- 

 sequences, of an inveterate attachment to the hot 

 muck system. I have it not now in my power to lay 

 my hands on the book ; which was one of indubitable 

 authority. It is really a strong case in point ; and 

 made an indelible impression on me. 



A nobleman of large property, who kept a numer- 

 ous stud of horses, leased part of his estates to a full 

 handed tenant, who brought, on the estate leased, seve- 

 ral thousand guineas. A part of the contract was, that 

 the tenant should have all the muck of his lordship's 

 stables ; in consideration of his furnishing all the straw 

 required. This contract was complied with ; and, 

 through a course of many years, the tenant applied 

 the fresh muck to his fields. He rarely, if ever, reap- 

 ed a clean and healthy crop. Smut, blight, mildew, or 



