at Langwell, in the County of Caithness, North Britain. i t 



small gravel, may also be employed as manures, as circumstances will admit 

 of it. 



Crops. — Bear seems to thrive on lands thus prepared. Oats also would answer 

 well. Rye would probably succeed. Rape would certainly be productive. Red 

 clover has not yet answered, but will most probably succeed, when the lands have 

 been longer under cultivation. Rye-grass, and the grass called Yorkshire fog, seem 

 to answer particularly well. 



Succession of Crops. — It has not yet been ascertained by experience, what is the 

 best succession of crops, in such lands, but the great object certainly is, to get them 

 laid down into grass as quickly as possible. They can then be broken up with the 

 fen plough, the surface burnt, and the quantity of rich ashes which the roots of the 

 grass will produce, will ensure a succession of abundant crops, for at least three 

 years, of which, two may be of grain, and with the last crop of grain the land may 

 be again laid down to grass. 



CONCLUSION. 



There is every reason to believe, that by following such a system, the extensive 

 bogs in England, Scotland, and Ireland, may be rendered fertile, and a great addi- 

 tion made to the wealth of the country, and the subsistence of its inhabitants. . 



Berriedale Inn, Caithness, 13th Sept. 1804, 



Observations try Mr, James Anderson, of Ausdale, on the preceding Paper. 

 Addressed to Sir John Sinclair. 



I AM too deficient in the knowledge of natural philosophy, to comprehend the inju. 

 rious effects that moss has on an atmosphere, or making a country unwholesome; 

 but I am certain, from an experience of near thirty years, that the men, cows, horses, 

 and sheep, who live in the mossy districts of Scotland, enjoy as much health and 

 vivacity, as those who reside in the more cultivated parts of the kingdom. No 

 doubtj the former experience a greater proportion oi frost, owing to altitude, and 



