On Hoeing. 345 



instance ; and in all cases it is necessary to be cautious, in 

 regard to hoeing rich soils, otherwise the crop will be apt 

 to rise in a weak state ; if heavy rains take place, it will be 

 lodged, the quality will be inferior, and the quantity consi- 

 derably less. 



SECT. XVI. Of Treading. 



AFTER the seed is sown, treading the surface, is a prac- 

 tice that has been strongly recommended on light soils ( l53 ). 



In some districts of England, it is usual either to fold the 

 sheep on the ground sown with wheat, between the sowing 

 and the coming up of the crop, or to drive the flock repeat- 

 edly over it, at that juncture; in order to give firmness to 

 the soil, and greater stability to the crop. By this means, 

 wheat may be raised on land, which is naturally too loose 

 in its texture, for the profitable production of wheat ( I5C ). 



Some farmers, on light soils, prefer pigs for that purpose, 

 as better calculated for the process than any other animal, 

 from their great weight, compared to the size of their feet ( l57 ). 

 But in West Sussex, the lighter soils, in dry seasons, are 

 trod by t/ie plough horses, when turning the seed-furrow. 

 Three plough horses, instead of going at length, draw the 

 last made plough furrow a-breast, and thereby tread or com- 

 press the line of soil they are turning ( l58 ). 



The advantages of treading, as more effectual than even 

 rolling, in destroying the larvae of insects, and preventing 

 the harbouring of vermin in the soil ( IS9 ), cannot be ques- 

 tioned. It may likewise contribute to check the vegetation 

 of weeds ; it prevents evaporation ; and it is found, that 

 the crops on land thus trodden, are not liable to be rusted. 

 It is certainly most applicable to dry light soils; but even in 

 wet ones, when it is impossible to roll the land after it is 

 sown, owing to the wetness of the season, it may be trodden 

 afterwards by sheep. 



The discovery of a machine to facilitate the operation of 

 treading, would be of immense importance to agriculture. 



SECT. XVII Of the Culture of growing Crops. 



WHERE husbandry is either imperfectly known, or care- 

 lessly practised, fanners are too apt to leave their crops 



