TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 167 



much useful information, and may possibly induce our cultivators 

 to turn their attention, when husbandry is a little more advanced, 

 to clover, rye-grass, and lucerne, which in England are esteemed 

 valuable crops for this system of feeding. In the mean time, I 

 again recommend the practice of green fodder crops from barley- 

 wheat, oats, or common barley ; for all these have already been 

 found the most certain, and most rapid in growth in this climate. 

 Their produce is immense, being from 12 to 14 tons per acre in 

 two months from putting the seed into the ground. It is indeed 

 my opinion that these crops are preferable here to clover or rye- 

 grass. The lucerne, however, thrives well, and certainly deserves 

 attention ; because, when once established, it will last for many 

 years without any other expense than harrowing and weeding ; 

 which are necessary for the purpose of keeping it clear of weeds, 

 and op^^ning the soil for the admission of air and moisture. 



Mr. Curwen's Paper* also contains some useful hints on the 

 subject of soiling, that are equally applicable to the crops I re- 

 commend as to those he made use of. 



February 24th, 1813. 



* Communications to the Board of Agriculture, Vol. VI. Part I. 



