OF FALLOWINft. 235 



strong lands, it is still accounted the foundation of their fer- 

 tility, by the most intelligent practical farmers that Scotland 

 can boast of. Indeed, the peculiar correctness and atten- 

 tion, with which the fallowing process, in strong soils, is 

 executed in Scotland, is considered to be one of the most 

 important and distinguishing features of the Scotch system. 

 It is not repeated so frequently as it is in many districts in 

 England, occurring in general but once in the course of six 

 years ; the soil of the field subjected to this operation, how- 

 ever, by frequent ploughings, though consisting of the 

 strongest and most stubborn clay, is thus completely pul- 

 verized, weeds are extirpated, insects are destroyed, and 

 fertility insured during the whole course. 



In considering this subject, it is proposed to give, 1. An 

 account of the manner in which the fallowing process is 

 performed; 2. The expences attending it; 3. A statement 

 of the advantages derived from the practice, as transmitted 

 to me by a number of the most intelligent practical farmers 

 in Scotland ; 4. An account of some cases where fallowing 

 strong lands is not adopted in Scotland ; and/5. Some mis- 

 cellaneous particulars connected with this branch of the en- 

 quiry. 



1. Of the manner in which fallowing is performed. As 

 the farmers of Scotland are convinced, that their after-crops 

 are good, in proportion to the correctness with which the 

 summer-fallowing process is executed, the greatest possible 

 attention is bestowed on that operation. The first plough- 

 ing, if the season will admit of it, is given, as soon as the 

 sowing of the winter wheat is finished. Mr Brown of 

 Markle recommends, that this should be done by gathering^ 



them thoroughly, without which neither wheat nor clover can well be 

 expected. 



