216 OF PLOUGHING* 



ed with the depth of soil you already have, than attempt to 

 increase it, at the hazard of bringing up such unproductive 

 substances. But such an idea is condemned by many in- 

 telligent practical farmers. It is observed by them, that 

 though deep ploughing without manure, or frequent expo- 

 sure after it is brought up, may be unprofitable, (as the sub- 

 soil is less productive than the surface in its natural state), 

 yet where these are properly applied, the soil, its thickness 

 being increased, becomes more impervious to wet, and less 

 so to drought, and of course more fertile ; nor where the 

 land is shallow, is the turning up of a little till, or coarse 

 clay, to be apprehended, if the till is not of a poisonous qua- 

 lity ; as by that means you deepen the soil, which, when the 

 new earth is mixed with lime and dung, will be found a 

 great improvement.* Whei'e sea-sand, abounding with 

 shells, can be had in considerable quantities, that will be a 

 sufficient corrector. 



The following general rules regarding the depth of 

 ploughing, have been recommended from various respect- 

 able quarters, and as the subject is of infinite importance, 

 it cannot well be too much discussed, nor represented in 

 too many points of view. 



Maxims as to deep Ploughing. 



1. The depth which land ought to be ploughed, must be 

 regulated, 1, by the depth of soil, and, 2, by the means of 

 improving it ; when the soil is deep, whether light or clay, 

 it ought to be ploughed as deep as a pair of horses ean go, 



* B&ron Hepburn says, that though deep ploughing shall bring to the 

 surface, a sour-looking, obdurate, pale yellow-coloured till, or coarse clay, 

 I care not, e.rpcrto crede, the manure given to the fallow mellows it suf- 

 ficiently. 



