24-2 On Paring and Burning. 



ly, a most luxuriant crop of grass, which continued per- 

 manent ( 3 4 ). There is something resulting from heat, ap- 

 plied to the surface of the soil, the advantages of which are 

 not yet sufficiently understood ( 3 5 ). It certainly contributes 

 to render the soil more porous, and of a texture through 

 which both air and moisture can more freely penetrate. 



5. The Expense. This must depend on various circum- 

 stances ; as, 1. The nature of the soil on which the opera- 

 tion is to be performed, and the interruptions and obstacles 

 that may occur ( 3pG ); 2. The price of labour at the time; 

 3. The instruments that are used ; 4. The skill of the la- 

 bourers employed ; and, 5. The state of the weather. But 

 in general it may be remarked, that there is scarcely any 

 process, accompanied with such beneficial effects as that of 

 paring and burning, if properly applied, or one that can be 

 done at so moderate an expense. In the fens of Cambridge- 

 shire, for instance, the charges of paring and burning, and 

 spreading the ashes afterwards, (when the sod is cut by the 

 plough), costs only at the rate of from 125. to 15s. per acre; 

 but the manner of executing the work by the plough, is there 

 brought to the greatest possible perfection. In other dis- 

 tricts, where this operation is less practised, it maybe stated 

 at from 205. to 305. per acre. When the breast-plough is 

 used, the amount, which in Kent was formerly only from 

 25s. to 305., was raised, in 1803, to 505. per acre ( 3 7 ). Even 

 at that sum, or still higher, the expense can be no objection, 

 when it is considered, that on soils suited for the purpose, 

 it is repaid by the first crop ; that this crop furnishes ma- 

 terials that will produce manure for the succeeding crops; 

 and that land thus brought into cultivation, if cautiously tr,eat- 

 ed, under a rotation of alternate green and white crops, and 

 then laid down well manured, and in good order, into grass, 

 will continue productive for a series of years ( 3 8 ). 



6. The Season. The paring^ in favourable seasons, may 

 commence in February ; and the sods will thus be ready to 

 receive the beneficial influence of the north-east winds, which 

 are so usual in spring, and which are distinguished by their 

 drying properties. The paring, however, should always be 

 executed in a dry season, to prevent the sods getting into a 

 growing state. The burning may begin in March, and be 

 continued till the end of October. What is earliest done, 

 may be planted with potatoes ; the next in succession may 

 be sown with turnips ; in July with rape ; and what is exe- 

 cuted later, may be reserved for winter rye, or, in good soils, 



