334 On Drilling 



that purpose, is no new discovery. It has been practised 

 from time immemorial in the East Indies ( I04 ), and has like- 

 wise been long known in Spain ( I05 ). The introduction of 

 that mode of sowing into this country, is justly attributed to 

 the celebrated Tull, who founded it on the erroneous doctrine, 

 that tillage, even without manure, would produce an endless 

 succession of abundant crops. That theory is fortunately 

 abandoned ; but the practice of drilling, being now establish- 

 ed on sound principles, and sanctioned by experience, is 

 progressively increasing, much to the advantage of the far- 

 mer. 



In discussing the subject of drilling, it is necessary to 

 make a distinction between leguminous, or green, and culmi- 

 ferouS) or grain crops. 



Drilling Leguminous, or Green Crops. 



There is no question, but that the culture in rows, is best 

 calculated for them, because, 1. It carries off the extra 

 moisture in wet soils ; 2. It exposes more surface to atmo- 

 spheric influence, by which the soil is ameliorated ; and 3. 

 It gives an additional opportunity for the vegetation, and 

 the destruction of weeds. 



Beans should be drilled, not only on loamy soils, but even 

 on strong and rich clays. When drilled, from the manner 

 in which the plants grow, the pods are placed on the stem 

 from the root upwards, and of course they must derive es- 

 sential benefit, when filling, by the admission of air through 

 the open space left between the drills. The soil is likewise 

 meliorated by the hoeing, and weeds are effectually destroy- 

 ed ( I0<5 ). 



Drilling for turnips is likewise greatly to be preferred. 

 The superior facility afforded by the drill culture, of simpli- 

 fying and expediting hand-labour ; the advantages of ap- 

 plying recent and moist manure directly to the seed ; the 

 more regular and correct adjustment of the number of plants 

 to be left on a given space ; and the more equal admission 

 and circulation of air among the plants ; entitle the drill 

 system to a decided preference ( I0? ). 



Potatoes also, ought to be planted in rows by all farmers, 

 whatever plan gardeners or cottagers, on small patches, may 

 adopt. There ought to be a distance of from 24 to 30 or 

 even 36 inches between each row, so that the fibres which 

 nourish the plants, may not be disturbed by the hoeing, 

 for if they are injured, the stems will be puny, and the bulbs 



