58 OF DRAINING. 



them. The loss of ground also was trifling compared to 

 the Essex mode, by which, out of three feet six inches, one- 

 seventh part was lost in the furrow.* 



There are few objects of greater importance, than to have 

 this system extended over all the tenacious soils in the king- 

 dom, 



In regard to light soils, under-draining is a common 

 practice. When artificial grasses are cultivated, it is usual 

 to gather the stones upon the young grass into heaps, im- 

 mediately after harvest, and to cart them off during the first 

 winter frosts. If there is any appearance of a spout or land- 

 spring in the field, the stones are applied to drain it off; 

 where there is no spout or land-spring, if there is any hol- 

 low or flat place through which a cross water-furrow runs, 

 a drain is made very near, and in the same direction, for it 

 is of the greatest consequence never to allow any water to 

 remain upon the field. 



As to new modes of draining, Mr Pringle of Ballencrief 

 informs me, that in his neighbourhood, common pantiles 

 have lately been used in the making of drains. After they 

 are dug in the ordinary way, a small hollow is made in the 

 middle of the bottom of the drain, taking care to leave a 

 piece of firm ground on either side for the tiles to rest upon. 

 They are laid with their convex side uppermost, and the 

 earth is thrown in. The tiles hitherto used, have been those 

 thrown aside, on account of some flaw rendering them un- 

 fit to be employed in the roofing of houses, and they are 

 sold at the kiln at 2s. per hui.dred, instead of 8s. 4d., the 

 price of sound ones. A cart carries 400, which cost 8s., 



* See Mr Arthur Young's Letter to the Board of Agriculture, on the 

 husbandry of three celebrated farmers, (Bakewell, Arbuthnot, and Duck- 

 et) printed anno 1311. p. 18. 



