OP THE SOWING OF SEED. 345 



two systems, any doubt on the subject can only arise 

 from differences of climate. Besides, as Mr Robertson 

 of Lady kirk observes, every season ib not wet; in wet wea- 

 ther, a smothering crop may always be obtained by drill- 

 ing ; and in a dry one, by that process, the land may be 

 fully cleaned. 



Many farmers also drill their peas, more especially in 

 light and pliable lands; but on strong clays, it is main- 

 tained that peas sown broad-cast succeed better. Mr 

 Wight of Orrni^ton observes, that upon clay soils, and 

 more especially in high situations, the broad-cast system 

 can be sooner got at than the drilling one, and in a rainy 

 season or backward spring, the latter operation cannot be 

 easily performed, the crop consequently must be precari- 

 ous and late. It is remarked by Mr Stewart of Hillside, 

 that peas sown in drills, may be calculated for cleaning 

 the land, but not for obtaining a crop; and Mr Charles 

 Alexander observes, that he has several times attempted 

 the drilling of peas, but never with success; the slender 

 nature of that plant, not admitting of horse-hoeing, except 

 when young; and as it is not of upright growth, not well 

 even then. As that plant supports itself by the plants 

 taking hold of one another, the interstices prevent the 

 tendrils from getting hold, except in the row, when the 

 wind blowing across the drills lays them over on one side, 

 and retards their podding. This may be the case when 

 crops are drilled at wide intervals, but the rows should not 

 be above from twelve to fifteen or eighteen inches from 

 each other. Peas, when drilled, should always be fully 



test season?, a certain portion of cleaning can certainly be exhibited by 

 hnnd-hoeing and hand-weeding, besides the regular admission of air, 

 which is peculiarly wanted in a rainy season. 



8 



