OF RIDGING. 157 



1. The proper Length of Ridges. The length of a ridge 

 must vary, according to the size of the inclosures, the ac- 

 clivity of the ground, and the nature of the soil, whether 

 wet or dry. 



On fields which have much acclivity, a long ridge is 

 hurtful, not only as tending to fatigue the horses, and to 

 overstrain them in their wind, but also because, after the 

 ground is ploughed in winter, if much rain or snow falls, 

 the surface of the ridge will be injured, more especially in 

 the furrows, by the long-run, and large collection of water, 

 by means of which the finer particles of the soil are washed 

 away, and either carried off the field, or lodged on the 

 head-land at the bottom. In such situations, ridges of 

 about 150 yards are found to be most convenient.* 



In regard to wet soils, where the ground is flat, from 

 240 to 300 yards may be considered as the proper length : 

 Were the ridges to be longer, the water might not easily 

 get away ; and if the field is longer, it is necessary, either, 

 to make a head-ridge across the hollow of the field, so as 

 to form a level for carrying off the extra moisture, or, what 

 is still better, without a head-ridge, to have transverse 

 gripes or small open cuts, to conduct the accumulated wa- 

 ter to the ditch, on one side or other of the field. 



In dry soils, and where the land is level, the ridge may 

 be still longer, and indeed some recommend from 700 to 

 800 yards; but, on the whole, from 350 to 400 yards 

 seems to be preferable : When it much exceeds the latter 

 size, the horses are apt to be fatigued, and with such a 

 length, as little time is lost in ploughing and turning as 

 could be well desired. Besides, when the ridge is very 



* Remarks by Mr Stewart of Hillside, and Mr Charles Alexander of 

 Easterhaprew. 



