OF FALLOWING. 237 



irons are bent. After harrowing, it is a most essential part 

 of the process, to collect the weeds by hand-picking, the ex- 

 pence attending which is well bestowed. Mr Brown justly 

 observes, that more root-weeds are taken off by one gather- 

 ing, than can be destroyed by a couple of ploughings, al- 

 lowing the season to be ever so favourable; and if hand-ga- 

 thering will save one single ploughing, (which cannot be 

 stated at less than 12s.), the expence is amply repaid. Some 

 burn the roots that are gathered upon the field, and spread 

 the ashes, whilst others accumulate them into a heap, fre- 

 quently turning it over, till the weeds rot, and by mixing 

 the whole with lime, a most excellent compost is made, and 

 an enemy is converted into a friend.* 



2. Of the expence attending the process. Nothing but the 

 deepest conviction of the advantages to be derived from 

 that operation, could induce such multitudes of skilful and 

 intelligent farmers, to incur the numerous and heavy char- 

 ges attendant upon the summer-fallowing process. It is 

 evident, however, that the expence must depend upon the 

 amount of the rent, the number of ploughings, &c. and the 

 value of manure applied. Indeed, the crop of wheat suc- 

 ceeding the fallow, must pay the rent and expences of two 

 years ; of the amount of which, the following calculation 

 will give some idea. 



Pwr Scotch acre. Per English acre. 



1. Six ploughings, harrowings, 



&c. L.4 00 L.3 3 



2. For the rent of two years at 

 L.3 per annum per Scotch, 



orL.2 :7 : 3 per English acre. 600 4 14 6 



Total, L.10 L.7 17 6 



f See Brown's Treatise on Rural Affairs, vol. i, p. 202-. 



