112 Mr Hunters System of Farming. 



per consistence for the succeeding crops of wheat, &c. Where land 

 has been over-cropped, or it may be rather said, over -ploughed, far- 

 mers will find two or three years' pasture necessary, to consolidate 

 the soil ; but he is so partial to soiling, that he thinks two years' 

 soiling, preferable to two years' pasturing, even though the second 

 year's crop should be greatly deficient ; as he is certain, from his 

 whole practice, of constantly having oats after cut clover, as well as 

 the other crops, fully equal to those after pasture, and is assured that 

 the produce will be equally great, during the whole after-crops in the 

 rotation. 



This idea of soiling two years in succession, instead of pasturing 

 the second year, is justified by the opinion, that one acre soiled, is 

 equal to two pastured *. 



No. X. 



OBSERVATIONS BY FRANCIS BLAIKIE, ESQ. ON THE ERECTION OF 

 FARM-HOUSES AND OFFICES. 



MUCH has been said, and volumes have been written upon the de- 

 signs and situations of farm-buildings ; but the construction of those 

 buildings, and the execution of the work, are seldom properly attend- 

 ed to. A few leading principles, and prominent errors, shall be here 

 pointed out. 



Situation. In fixing upon the situation, water ought to be a pri- 

 mary consideration. If a well is to be sunk, that ought to be done 

 in the first instance, and the quality and supply of water proved. 

 There have been many instances of water being carried from great 

 distances, and at much expense, to mix mortar for erecting buildings, 

 and immediately after their being completed, the wells have been 

 sunk. 



Foundations. The earth should always be thrown out a proper 

 width and depth to give a good foundation, and where the ground 

 is not sound, it should be well piled before the foundations are laid. 

 When the subsoil is retentive of wet, or where it is springy, drains 

 should be carefully laid in the foundations, so contrived as to lead 

 the water from the buildings, and discharge it at a lower level. Iron 

 grates should be built in those drains near their ends, to prevent rats 

 and other vermin entering them. When grates are set up at the ends 

 they are frequently stolen, or otherwise removed. No building can 

 possibly be wholesome for man or beast to lodge in, when water 

 stands stagnant in the foundations, or even when dampness prevails, 



* This valuable paper, was highly approved of, by that most intelligent agri 

 culturist, John Middleton, Esq. who remarked, that few whole volumes contain 

 so much important information, For the south of England, Mr Middleton re- 

 commended winter tares before turnips. 



This paper would be an excellent model, for other intelligent farmers to draw 

 up accounts of their respective plans of operations. 



