342 OF ROTATION OP CROPS. 



of Fishwick)^ farmers have been induced, in many parts 

 of Scotland, from the high prices of corn, to plough too 

 much ; and there is reason to apprehend, that the great 

 source of manure, namely stock, being neglected, sold off, 

 or almost given up, that the soil will be exhausted by the 

 severity and weight of cropping, a circumstance which, 

 in the course of a few years, must produce serious mis- 

 chiefs. Importation being permitted, grain cannot rise in 

 price in proportion to the decrease of the produce on the 

 fields, in consequence of the land not being refreshed, and 

 enriched by grass and stock. The result must be, that 

 the price of stock will rise enormously on account of its 

 scarcity, a circumstance which cannot be remedied under 

 a succession of years : for, first, the lands worn out must 

 be fallowed, and laid down to grass, which would not be, 

 for a few years, so fit for sheep as old turf; and next, 

 stock must be bred for pasturing the land after it is laid 

 down. The supply of Highland cattle has been of late 

 rather less than formerly, of course the prices higher, 

 which also wilr" raise the price of other breeds. Another 

 difficulty will also occur; farmers, who had excellent flocks 

 of sheep of the Leicestershire breed, have rashly parted 

 with them, for the purpose of turning their farms into 

 tillage, and cannot get such flocks again, but at a great 

 expence, and after a lapse of years. 



On the whole, the convertible system of husbandry, 

 where one-half of a farm is in grain, and the other half in 

 grass and green crops, is in general to be recommended. 

 By the grain crops, a sufficient quantity of straw is provided, 

 to assist in feeding cattle, where that system is partially 

 adopted, or for being converted into dung, in addition to a 

 reasonable profit to be derived from the grain. By the 

 grass and green crops, a number of cattle are well kept both 

 in summer and winter ; and when they are well littered as 



