H4 MARCH. 



are venturer! on so many soils that are not entirely 

 fit for them, that difficulties often occur at the time 

 when it is proper to stir for the spring-corn that is 

 to succeed. The season is now so far advanced, 

 that it may be unsafe to trust to such smart frosts 

 ensuing, as shall have any effect in pulverizing the 

 soil. Upon all clays, and loams of any degree of 

 tenacity, which have been sheep-fed lately, the sur- 

 face may be firm and trodden. The degree will de- 

 pend upon the weather that has taken place, whe- 

 ther wet or dry ; but if the farmer has a strong and 

 heavy hoe in hfs hand, or a spade, he will easily 

 perceive whether or not the temper of the surface 

 will let the scarifier work effectually. In this re- 

 spect, more attention is necessary now than in Fe- 

 bruary, as the advanced state of the season has- 

 lessened his chance of frosts, which are more effec- 

 tive in giving friability than any other circum- 

 stance. If this tool works well, or is likely to work 

 well, by the 20th, its use should preclude the 

 plough ; but if, from the state of the surface, 

 compared with that of the soil, at the depth of five 

 inches, it appears that a ploughing is really neces- 

 sary, in such case, the prudent farmer will, of 

 course, give it. His grand object, in this exami- 

 nation, is to avoid turning down a surface which is 

 in a friable state, and bringing up another, which 

 will harden, by north east winds, into clods of 

 brick, as they are sometimes called. Let him only 

 .have the circumstance in contemplation, and he 

 will then be guarded, on one hand, against being 



wedded 



