OCTOBER. 503 



, 



and open, it is a sign that the clay is very stiff, 

 and of so adhesive a nature, as to contain the water 

 like a dish. It is likewise probable, that draining 

 may prove insufficient to cure the natural evil of 

 such land. This kind of soil, likewise, shews itself 

 in the breaking up of stubbles for a fallow; a very 

 strong draught of cattle is then necessary to work. 

 it. It breaks up in vast pieces almost as hard as 

 iron. WhcMi it is worked fine, it will run like mor- 

 tar, with a heavy spring or summer shower. These 

 soils will yield very great crops of beans and 

 wheat, &c. They must, like others, be cultivated 

 by somebody ; but I would not advise any friend of 

 mine to have anv tiling to do with them ; never to 

 be captivated with seeing large crops upon the land; 

 for he does not see at the same time the expences 

 by which they are raised. 



Peat, bog, moor, and fen, in many variations 

 are very profitable; but the expences of improve- 

 ment demand a calculating head. The vicinity of 

 lime or marl is then of great importance. 



In respect to grass lands, the marks for judgment 

 are different. These are best examined by attend- 

 ing, first, to the circumstances in which they are 

 most deficient ; and then to such as are in their fa- 

 vour. The more seasons grass fields are viewed in 

 the better ; though any one is sufficient for a tole- 

 rable ju Igment. 



Ore evil attending these lands is, that of being 



too wet ; the signs of which can never be mistaken 



or overlooked in any season of the year. In win- 



K k 4 ter, 



