750 PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. Part IlL 



by rectifying the shape of fields, adjusting their size, improving the fences, draining the 

 soil, or adding to the shelter ; and few are the farmeries that may not be rendered more 

 commodious. "Of this, we shall give a few examples, after we have stated the general 

 principles and modes of proceeding. 



Sect. I. General Principles and Modes of Procedure, in improving Estates already more 



or less improved. 



4569. The groundwork of improvement, on which a practical man may tread with safety 

 and full effect, is an accurate delineation of the existing state, together with a faithful 

 estimate of the present value, of the lands, and other particulars of an estate to be im- 

 proved. A general map of the appropriated lands, readily exhibiting the several farms 

 and fields as they lie, and showing the existing watercourses, embankments, fences, and 

 buildings ; the woodlands, standing waters, morasses, and moory grounds ; the known 

 mines and quarries ; together with the commonable lands (if any) belonging to the estate, 

 forms a comprehensive and useful subject of study to the practical improver. It is to 

 him, what the map of a country is to a traveller, or a sea-chart to a navigator. If an 

 estate is large, a faithful delineation of it will enable him in a few hours to set out with 

 advantages, respecting the connections and dependencies of the whole and its several parts, 

 which, were he deprived of such scientific assistance, as many days, weeks, or months 

 could not furnish. If on the same plan appear the rental value of each field or parcel 

 of land, and the annual produce of each mine, quarry, woodland, and productive water, 

 in its present state, the preparatory information which science is capable of supplying 

 may be considered as complete ; and it remains with the artist to study with persevering 

 attention the subject itself, in order to discover the species of improvements of which it 

 is susceptible, and the suitable means of carrying them into effect. 



4570. The species of improvements incident to landed property are numerous. They 

 may, however, be classed under the following heads : the improvement of the outline, 

 and general consolidation of an estate by purchase, sale, or exchange : the improvement 

 of the roads ; of the mines and minerals ; of the towns, villages, mills, and manufacto- 

 ries ; of the waters ; of the woods and plantations j and of the farmeries and farm lands. 

 This last subject is the most common, and to it we shall devote the succeeding section. 

 To discuss the other species of improvement, as applied to old estates, would necessarily 

 include so much of what has already passed in review in the foregoing Book, as to be 

 wearisome to the reader. 



Sect. II. Improvement of Farmeries and Farm Lands. 



4571. Farm lands are of more or less value according to the means of occupying them. 

 Arable lands in particular require buildings and other conveniences proportioned to the 

 size of a farm. We frequently see tenants curbed in their operations, and incurring a 

 waste of produce, through the want of sufficient homestalls. On the other hand, we 

 sometimes observe a prodigality of expenditure on farm buildings ; thus not only sinking 

 money unnecessarily, but incurring unnecessary expenses in subsequent repairs, by ex- 

 tending homesteads beyond the sizes of farms. In some cases, therefore, it will be 

 found necessary to curtail the extent of farm buildings, as large barns ; in others to 

 enlarge the yards, and in many to add and re-arrange the whole. The subject there- 

 fore may be considered in regard to design and execution ; but as we have already 

 treated fully on laying out new farmeries, we shall here offer only a few general remarks 

 as to alterations. 



4572. In improving the plan of a farmeiy, the given intention is first to be maturely 

 considered, and the several requisites to be carefully ascertained. The given site is next 

 to be delineated, so as to show the existing buildings, yards, roadways, and entrances ; 

 and then, by maturely studying the plan alternately with the site itself, the improver is 

 to endeavour to trace out the most suitable alterations ; all the while keeping in view the 

 perfection of arrangement, the situation and value of the existing buildings, and the ex- 

 penses of alteration ; reconsidering the sul)ject repeatedly, until the judgment be fully 

 satisfied. It is much easier to plan and erect a new farmstead, than to improve one which is 

 already erected. The former requires science and ingenuity only ; the latter good sense 

 and judgment also. 



4573. In executing improvements on old farmeries, some difficulty occurs as to the in- 

 corporation of new and old materials. If the situation and plan are likely to be of per- 

 manent approval, the new erections may be made in the most substantial manner ; 

 keeping it in view that the old, which are repaired at the time, may afterwards be wholly 

 renewed. But if the repairs and improvements are not to extend further than the 

 duration of a lease, or till, by the expiration of various leases, some general plan of 

 improvement can be determined on, then old materials may be used, or less permanent 

 structures may be erected. 



