34>8 OF THE SOWING OF SEED. 



dicate weeds by hoeing, but to give the grain a good hold 

 of the ground,* which may prevent the frost throwing it 

 so easily out in the spring, and the wind loosening the 

 roots of it so readily when it is in ear, and beginning to 

 fill. On light land, he has sometimes observed the grain 

 make no farther progress towards perfection, after a high 

 wind at this period, which he presumes is principally ow- 

 ing to the roots being, loosened, the ascension of nutri- 

 ment to the ear being thereby prevented. 



Mr Robertson of Ladykirk is of opinion, that the pro- 

 priety of drilling beans, turnips, and potatoes, cannot be 

 doubted, and that the more labour and hoeing bestowed 

 on the bean and turnip crops, with judgment, and in dry 

 weather, the better will be the returns. He also thinks, 

 that drilling is of great use to grass seeds, for when the 

 ground is rich, if sown broad-cast, the corn is apt to lodge, 

 and to destroy the young plant. In regard to potatoes, 

 Mr John Shirreff reinarks ; that, if the soil continues to be 

 stirred, and the fibres which nourish the plants are conti- 

 nually disturbed, the stems will be puny, and the bulbs 

 few and small. Potatoes should not be disturbed after 

 being considerably advanced. Any annuals which may 

 appear, should be drawn by the hand. Mr Robertson ob- 

 serves, that drilled crops of white corns are less apt to be 

 beat down in wet seasons. It is contended on the other 

 hand, that grain in drills, is more liable to be shaken than 

 the broad-cast. 



It is remarked, from the highest authority in the Carse 



* It is a great advantage, as Mr John Shirreff remarks, to be able to 

 regulate t his hold of the ground, and to give all the seed at the same 

 time the same hold. This advantage drilling affords ; whereas, in the 

 broad-cast mode, the seed must be deposited at very irregular depths ; 

 and as there can only be one best depth, all others must be faulty. 



