214. OP PLOUGHING. 



The importance of good ploughing is such, that an in- 

 telligent farmer remarks, he has often observed a difference 

 in the crop of some ridges where he has had a bad plough- 

 man, when compared to the rest of the field, where the ope- 

 ration had been judiciously performed. Indeed, if one 

 field is ploughed only four and a half inches deep, and an- 

 other nine inches, the latter becomes capable of giving room 

 and nourishment to twice the length of roots the former can 

 maintain, consequently becomes more productive, and can 

 afford a higher rent. Besides, the horses of a good plough- 

 man, suffer less from the work, than those entrusted to an 

 awkward, and unskilful hand. 



The great difficulty in ploughing is, to determine the 

 width and depth of the furrow-slice, which must vary ac- 

 cording to the object the farmer has in view, and the na- 

 ture of the preceding and succeeding crop, &c. The fol- 

 lowing table, will give some idea of what is considered to be 

 a proper size, in different circumstances, though it must be 

 regulated, in almost every case, according to the nature of 

 the soil that is to be worked. 



machine in Scotland on an improved system), together with Mr Reoch, 

 were accidentally led to appoint a competition of ploughs upon a certain 

 field, where judges, after a strict examination of the work, awarded 

 small marks of distinction to the victors. Other similar meetings suc- 

 ceeded, and honorary medals to the best ploughman, and small pecuni- 

 ary rewards for the exertions of those who were unsuccessful competi- 

 tors, were distributed. In short, the example had a wonderful effect, 

 and since, under the patronage of the Highland Society of Scotland, the 

 same plan has been introduced into almost every county in that part of 

 the united kingdom. The original ploughing-matches were warmly pa- 

 tronised by Mr Erskine of Mar, who has uniformly displayed an ardent 

 zeal for promoting agricultural improvement of every description, niucli 

 to the credit of his own character, and the benefit of the public. 



