238 OF FALLOWING. 



Mr Somner of Gilchriston, however, estimates, that in- 

 chiding lime as well as rent and labour, the expence cannot 

 be less than L.I 5 per Scotch, or L.I 1, 16s. per English acre. 

 Nay, L.20 and upwards have in many cases been so ex- 

 pended ; but the whole of that sum cannot be charged 

 against the fallow crop, as the lime remains productive for 

 many years afterwards. 



3. Advantages of fallowing clay soils. Nothing could 

 justify such an expence but advantages of a superior de- 

 scription ; and the returns which I have received in favour 

 of the fallowing system, are so extremely important and sa- 

 tisfactory, that though it may appear tiresome to some read- 

 ers, I think it incumbent upon me to give extracts from a 

 number of most interesting communications which I have 

 received, explaining the advantages of the system. 



1. These benefits are very ably stated by one of the first 

 farmers in East-Lothian, (Mr Hunter of Tynefield). That 

 gentleman observes, that he has always experienced, a na- 

 ked fallow necessary, once during a rotation of six, ( 1. Fal- 

 low; 2. Wheat; 3. Clover; 4. Oats; 5. Beans; 6. Wheat); 

 and he is persuaded, that it will be found the case, in every 

 soil not of the turnip sort. Clay soils become hard when 

 constantly cropped, by being always ploughed in winter, or 

 early in spring, and as in so moist a climate as that of Scot- 

 land, they must be often wet during the operation of plough- 

 ing and harrowing, they lose their fertility, becoming as it 

 were impervious to the sun and air, as well as to the roots 

 of plants, &c. Summer-ploughing is necessary to rectify 

 this; besides giving opportunity to take out all sorts of root- 

 weeds, to put in lime, &c. &c. Other drilled crops, as beans, 

 peas, or tares, mu>t be sown early in spring. Potatoes 

 also must bo planted in April to have a full crop, and can- 

 not be substituted for a fallow to any tolerable extent ; even 



