at Casilehead in Lancashire. ■ 5 



It is imagined by some, that moss land can be made too dry, but that has not 

 been found to be the case at Castlehcad. The moss being so deep, there always 

 comes a damp from it, which keeps the land moist enough. 



Roads. — Next to draining, roads are essential, and Mr. Wilkinson has been 

 extremely successful in making them good over the very softest moss. 



Instruments used. — The first instrument to be mentioned, is called a torn spade, 

 used for cutting the drains. The second a plough, of the nature of the common 

 swing plough, but the coulter is steeled, and the sock, which is 14 inches broad, is 

 also steeled, and both are kept quite sharp. This instrument will not do so much 

 work as the Cambridgeshire fen plough per day, but being simpler in its construction, 

 it is better calculated for general use, more especially in a country, where such im- 

 provements are to be introduced. With this plough they can cut as thin as an inch. 



Besides this plough, an instrument has been contrived for cross cutting the 

 surface previous to its being ploughed, which is of great service, by dividing the 

 sods into small pieces, and making them either more portable, or fitter to burn. 



The only other peculiar instrument is a hurse patten, to be used when the moss 

 is soft. Pattens are not necessary for the fore-feet of horses, but are often required 

 for the hind feet, more especially when the moss is first ploughed. After many trials, 

 a patten of a circular form has at last been hit upon, which answers the purpose 

 effectually. Perhaps a similar contrivance might be of use for oxen, or for horses 

 with bad feet.* Before this invention, the ploughs were wrought by the strength of 

 men till the moss had consolidated. 



Rotation of Crops. — Before the land can be laid down with grass seeds, the fol- 

 lowing plan, after the draining, and other previous operations have been completed, 

 is pursued. First year, burn the heath, with any hillocks which were cut off in 

 order to make the surface plain, and fit for ploughing. Plough the moss 7 inches 

 deep; then cover it with clay or sand, or mould, (1000 single horse carts per Lan- 

 cashire acre,} as any of these articles may lie most convenient for carriage, which 

 is the point to be principally attended to. This year turnips may be sown, if the 

 season and other circumstances are favourable. Second year, after a slight plough- 

 ing, sow oats, and the crop will in general be excellent. Third year, another 

 slight ploughing, burn any clods that may appear, and lay down with turnips in 



* Having brought with me a pair of these pattens for the inspection of the Board of Agriculture* 

 it was thought proper to have a drawing of them engraved, to be annexed to this paper. 



