160 OF RIDGIN6. 



are required for the one than the other. Three reapers 

 are sufficient for the 15 feet ridge, the proportion of 

 breadth not being wider than these can easily take. The 

 18 feet ridge is always oppressive to three reapers, and 

 three reapers, on a 15 feet ridge, will seldom be behind 

 four reapers on an 1 8 feet ridge, from each reaper, in the 

 latter case, being obliged to stretch over 6, in place of 5 feet, 

 to accomplish the proportion. On these grounds, Mi- 

 Wight is of opinion, that in wet soils and climates, the 15 

 feet ridges are preferable to ail others. 



Where land is of a loamy quality, but not wet, Mr Ren- 

 nie of Oxwell Mains also prefers ridges ] 5 feet broad, as 

 three reapers can easily work them, and they can be plough- 

 ed as described in the plan of 8 feet ridges. On land that 

 is ploughed crown and furrow, the grain is equally good on 

 every part of the ridge ; but when rounded, and gathered 

 up from the furrow, the grain is not only of inferior quality, 

 not getting the sun equally, but, owing to the thinness of the 

 crop, is with difficulty taken up. 



Another intelligent farmer, gives the preference to 16 

 feet ridges, which, he contends, can be more correctly sown 

 with two casts than the 18; besides, two gatherings from 

 the level, lays them in a safe dry position ; whereas, with 

 18 feet ridges, on flat strong clays, in a moist climate, two 

 gatherings and a half are absolutely necessary. 



Others prefer a ridge of 17 feet in breadth, as the best 

 size for any soil. They urge, that in narrow ridges, upon 

 wet land, much damage is done, when taking up the fur- 

 rows, by the horse travelling so much upon the ploughed 

 land, as they are compelled to do, when the ridges are made 

 10, 12, or even 14 feet broad, and much time is lost in so 



forming the ridges; in short, the first two bouts of the plough, whether 

 the work is given along or across the field. The ploughmen are much 

 valued, who are best at this operation. 



