58 FALLOWING. 



possible proflucts, both in hay and pasturage. It will 

 greatly increase the means of the farmer to multiply 

 stock, and thus enrich the other lands with manure. It 

 is within the power of almost every farmer to derive 

 some advantao^e from irrigation. 



FLOODING. 



It differs from irrigation, in which the water ought 

 constantly to be in ajlowltig state^ whereas in the pro- 

 cess of flooding, it is wholly, or nearly stagnant. 



AVhere swamp-land is to be cleared, and it can be 

 flooded, by miking a dam at the outlet, at a small ex- 

 pense, it may be a matter of economy, as it will tend to 

 destroy the growth of wood. This may also be per- 

 formed on low meadows to kill the grass, if it be bad, in 

 order to introduce better. If the water contains a rich 

 sediment, it will enrich low meadows to flood them du- 

 ring winter. But by covering large tracts of country 

 with water, in cold, and still more in the warm seasons 

 of the year, it must render the climate moist and un- 

 wholesome. 



MANURES. 



In the theory, as well as in the practice, of agricul- 

 ture, the subject of manures is exceedingly important. 

 Every operation of husbandry, every preparation of 

 land is calculated to render manure eflicacious in its ap- 

 plication. It is in vain that the soil is composed of the 

 best substances, in tlie best proportions ; that when so 

 composerl, it is kept in the best possible condition for 

 vegetation, unless manure be added to it of such a kind, 

 and in such a state, as is favourable to the growth of 

 plants. In tine, it is that part both of the theory and 

 practice of agriculture upon which every other may be 

 said to depend. The ploughing and harrowing of land ; 

 the exposure of it to the frost of winter; irrigation and 

 draining, are all regarded as important, only as far as 

 they adapt it to the reception of manure, and are calcu- 

 lated to render its uses in vegetation more serviceable. 



It may be noticed that the substances capable of being 

 made use of as manure, are extremely numerous, and 

 of dilTercnt natures and properties. We will confine 

 ourselves to those of most importance to the farmers of 



