38 Improved System of Summer Fallow. 



which, though they would hardly have rendered the soil so clean, yet 

 would have added at least 9s. 6d. to the expense, the whole then 

 amounting to L.4 : : 6 per acre. Yet considerable as this difference 

 is, it is not the whole benefit which is derived from the use of that 

 implement in the fallowing process : for it is well known, that expe- 

 dition is of the utmost importance in the conducting of rural opera- 

 tions ; and as one man, with four horses in the grubber, will go over 

 as much ground in a day, as six men and twelve horses can do with 

 the plough, hence, in this point of view alone, the value of the former 

 implement is of the highest importance. In cases where there is but a 

 small quantity of root- weeds, such as knot grass, the saving of labour 

 is still more considerable, as the grubber, going but once over the 

 ground, is frequently found as effectual, in bringing these to the sur- 

 face, as one additional ploughing. 



The grubber is likewise of use in other farming operations. In the 

 preparation of the ground for turnips, that implement is in general 

 found equally efficacious ; the only exception being, where the soil is 

 uncommonly soft, (as in some instances is the case upon the sea-coast), 

 and at the same time remarkably full of root- weeds. Under such cir- 

 cumstances, the grubber is very liable to choke up ; but in by far the 

 greater number of situations where turnips are cultivated, that objec- 

 tion will not occur. 



Where lime or compost has been applied, the value of the grubber, 

 in working these valuable substances into the soil, is also of very great 

 importance, for by passing it once along, and then across the ridges, 

 the lime or compost is thoroughly mixed, without being thrown too 

 deep into the ground, as frequently happens, when the plough is used 

 for that purpose. After the grubber, however, has been used, the 

 field ought to be ploughed, so that the ridges may be brought into 

 such a form, as to facilitate the descent of rain-water into the fur- 

 rows. 



Another most important use of the grubber is, that it may be em- 

 ployed with great advantage, on all lands ploughed in autumn, or 

 early in winter, to be sown in spring, for by passing it once over the 

 field, the soil is effectually stirred and loosened to the depth of five 

 or six inches, without burying the fine mellowed surface, or bringing 

 up fresh soil, to run into hard and stubborn clods, which almost con- 

 stantly happens, when the plough is used in such cases, in wet or 

 clayey soils. Oats or barley may be thus sown, with much less ex- 

 pense, and consequently with more profit. 



Grubbers, on an improved principle, are now made in the Lothians, 

 entirely of cast iron, and at a moderate expense. It is an implement 

 that cannot be too strongly recommended. 



