56 SIZE AND SHAPE OP FIELDS. 



are too much fatigued, if compelled to plough a strong 

 furrow, up-hill, farther in one direction. 



8. Pasturage. Where the system of grazing and tillage 

 is alternately followed, (more especially where the fields are 

 pastured for two or three years or more), it is convenient* 

 to have the fields about twenty-two Scotch, or twenty- 

 seven English acres ; because the farmer generally wishes 

 to have his stock divided, which cannot well be done with 

 larger fields, and if they are of a smaller size, too much 

 ground is occupied with fences. Besides, if grass fields 

 are let for pasture, such a size suits graziers best, and con- 

 sequently they rent considerably higher, than fields would 

 do of a larger, and consequently a more inconvenient de- 

 scription. Unless where there are small fields near the 

 house, it is desirable to have some part of the green-crops 

 near the farm-offices. For if the fields are all large, the 

 whole lot of turnips or clover might be removed to the 

 outward boundary of the form; whereas if fields are of a 

 moderate size, it is possible to have a part of these crops at 

 a convenient distance.* 



9. Climate. The last circumstance to be considered in 

 determining the proper size of fields, is the nature of the 

 climate. In dry and cold climates, small enclosures are 

 desirable, on account of shelter : whereas, in wet countries, 

 the fields under culture cannot be too open and airy, for 



* Remarks by Mr Brown, Cononsyth, by Arbroath. Another corre- 

 spondent observes, that some extent is desirable for fields in pasture, to 

 attend the stock pasturing over its surface. Fields from ten to twenty 

 acres, however, are large enough for grazing. When few cattle are put 

 together, they remain more quiet, than when there are many, which is 

 very desirable for fattening stock. In a wet autumn, much grass is de- 

 stroyed by treading, and in large fields more grass is destroyed by thfr 

 feet of the cattle, than consumed by their mouths. 



