752 



PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. 



Part III. 



4579. As an example qf improving the shape and size of fields, we shall refer to a farm of 350 acres, 

 situated in Middlesex. {Jig. 713.) In this case, the fields were larger than usual, but the fences were in 



many parts from ten to fifteen yards in width, more resembling strips of copse wood than fences, as they 

 contained hazel, dogwood, black and white thorns, wild roses, brambles, and a variety of native shrubs. 

 The lines of these fences were so ill calculated for carrying off the surface-water, that in one half of the 

 fields there were open gutters for the discharge of the water collected in the hedge-row ditches. 



4580. In the centre of one field (25), for example, above an acre was rendered waste by the water from 

 other fields (19, 20, and 21), which water, it is curious to remark, might, if led over the same acre agree, 

 ably to the principles of irrigation, have produced annually at least two loads and a half of good hay, in 

 place of annually rendering the produce of this acre unmarketable. The water of some fields (as 16, 18, 

 and part of 19,) ran in a diagonal direction through another (15), two acres of which might have been irri- 

 gated by it to advantage. 



4581. In the farm, when altered (fig. 714.), the fields are more uniform in shape and size ; their sides 

 are parallel, and better adapted for ploughing the lands in straight ridges. All the surface-water is 



carried off by the open fence drains. Access is had to every field by the shortest possible road from the 

 farmery. Only two-thirds of the number of gates formerly required are requisite. Fifty acres are ren- 

 dered useful which were formerly lost, or pernicious, by occupying space for which rent was paid, and by 

 harbouring insects and noxious weeds ; and as much rich vegetable earth is obtained from the old hedge 

 banks as, spread abroad in every direction, may be said to manure at least ten acres. The whole is more 

 open and healthful ; and, from the number of single trees thrown into the fields, more elegant, and bear- 

 ing a greater resemblance to a park. A part near the house (1, 2, 3) is in permanent pasture, and the rest 

 (4, 5, 6, &c.) under a course of fallow, wheat, clover, beans, and wheat. _ 



