1781. NORFOLK. a$ 



with a hoe cut it off level with the rods on the 15. 



under-fide, and for this purpofe drew his hoe ^11 "FLOOR! 

 over every part of it a job prefently done. 



In the fpring, when the floor is thoroughly 

 dry, it is intended to be plaiftered on the un- 

 der-fide, to cover the rods, and give it a par- 

 lourable appearance. This will take about a 

 day's work. 



A clay floor is preferable in two refpects to 

 a boarded one : it is cheaper and tighter. 

 Boards, except they be well fealbned, and with- 

 out they be plowed-and-tongued, and laid 

 down at a greater expence than can be beftowed 

 on a farmer's hay-chamber, will let the duft 

 and feeds through upon the horfes and harnefs ; 

 whereas clay renders it as tight as lead. 



Mentioning my doubts to the workman as to 

 its duration, obferving that the rods, I was 

 afraid, would foon rot; he anfvvered, that did 

 not fignify, for if the ftraw be well worked 

 into the clay, the floor will remain firm, 

 though t;he rods be rotten. 



Mr. John Baker, of Southreps, whofe opini- 

 on in this cafe is decifive, corroborates the 

 idea of clay floors being preferable to boarded 

 ones ; and of their lafting a great number of 

 years. 



AUGUST 



