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called internal evidence of its value ; but there are also 

 external marks bearing on the same subject which must 

 not be overlooked, and to which reference is made in the 

 succeeding chapter. 



IV. ON THE EXTERNAL INDICATIONS OF THE QUALITY OF 



LAND. 



Besides a correct knowledge of the nature and composi- 

 tion of soils, as described in Part Third, a valuator should 

 be familiar with the external indications of the value of 

 land, which are elevation, superficies, drainage, subdivi- 

 sions, herbage, and crops. The most of these are apparent 

 to the intelligent observer at a glance, and impress him at 

 once with a general conception of value, which it only 

 requires the subsequent examination of the soil or subsoil 

 to modify or confirm. 



PRIME LANDS require that all these external indications 

 should be favourable. 



The elevation moderate, so as to suit for growing wheat. 



The superficies a plain, free from any inequalities that 

 would render horse labour impracticable or severe. 



The drainage, either natural or artificial, to be perfectly 

 performed, exhibiting a dry surface, capable of labour in 

 all seasons. 



The subdivisions into fields not to be too great in num- 

 ber, nor made in a slovenly or faulty manner. If the 

 internal fences of a farm be huge ramparts of earth on one 

 side, with a deep wide ditch or fosse on the other, the 

 ground which they unnecessarily occupy should be calcu- 

 lated, and deducted from the value of prime lands. 



The herbage should be plentiful, and of good quality. 

 It is sometimes very plentiful, but coarse and bad. Thick 

 fine grass, of a dark colour, on dry land, is always good. 



The crops growing on land will furnish good evidence 

 of its capabilities, and, if these should be reaped, the stub- 

 ble will show what they have been. The weak and needy 

 stubble proves either exhaustion or incapability in the soil ; 

 while coarseness and strength indicate luxuriance. 





