Size and Shape of Fields. 143 



open the inclosures are, the better ; for in hot weather, both 

 cattle and sheep always resort to the most airy places. It 

 is easier also, when they are in pasture, to obtain supply of 

 water in large fields than in small ones : indeed fields are 

 sometimes so small, that it is very difficult to procure an 

 adequate supply of water, even in winter. But the conclu- 

 sive argument in favour of large arable fields is this ; that 

 where fields are small, much time and labour are wasted by 

 short turnings ; and it is now ascertained, " that if fields 

 are of a regular shape, and the ridges of a proper length, 

 five ploughs may do as much work in them, as six ploughs 

 in fields of a small size, and of an irregular shape ; while 

 every other branch of labour, (such as dunging, sowing, 

 harrowing, reaping, and carrying in the harvest), can be 

 executed, though not altogether, yet nearly in the same pro- 

 portion ( 365 )." 



The circumstances on which the size of fields ought to 

 depend, are ; the extent of the farm in which they are si- 

 tuated ; the nature of the soil and subsoil ; the rotations 

 adopted ; the number of ploughs on the farm ; the incli- 

 nation of the ground ; its being in pasturage or otherwise ; 

 and the nature of the climate. 



1. Extent of the Farm. The size of fields ought certain- 

 ly, in some measure, to depend upon the extent of the pos- 

 session. In small farms, near towns, from six to twelve 

 acres may be sufficient; but where farms are of a consider- 

 able extent, fields from twenty to even forty acres, and in 

 some particular cases, as high as fifty, may be used to ad- 

 vantage. In general, however, even on large farms, when 

 local circumstances are favourable, fields of a medium size, as 

 from fifteen to twenty-five English acres, are recommended 

 by competent judges. 



2. Soil and Subsoil. In dividing a farm into fields, the 

 nature of the soil and subsoil ought to be kept in view. 

 Where the soil is various, it would be proper to separate the 

 light from the heavy. They are not only better calculated 

 for different crops, and different rotations, but are naturally 

 adapted to be cultivated at different seasons. It is unfor- 

 tunate, therefore, to have soils of a heterogeneous nature, 

 mingled in the same field. But where this partially takes 

 place, for instance, where there are only one or two acres of 

 light soil, to ten or twenty of strong soil, let the following 

 plan be adopted. At any slack time, either in summer or 

 winter, more especially when the field is under fallow, em- 

 ploy two carts and horses, with four fillers, to cover the 



