Obsei-vations on Colonel Taylor'' s Letter, 69 



which, however, is always changing its species on the 

 oldest leys, in whole or in part.^ 



I see Mn T. does not approve of exposure of sur- 

 face, even in winter, 1 have read and heard much, in 

 the dispute between the falloxvists and anti fallowists. 

 The results, in my mind, have been much like many of 

 our public disputes. You end with as little conviction 

 as you begin. From long and reiterated practice for 



* What TidPs drill husbandry may prove against this long 

 indulged, though not singular opinion, I cannot say. The drill 

 husbandry is much in vogue again in England ; though Tull 

 had been lonpf, as sailors term it- — under the weather. — I con- 

 tend not for dogmas or theories. But I speak from uniform 

 observation as to mijsdj\ without impeaching the experience 

 or judgment of others. TuU's ideas were, that, by frequent 

 stirring and culture and changing his drills, he could success- 

 fully cultivate the same plant. In the same field, for any length 

 of time with httle or no manure. There seems -^ fashion in 

 husbandrs^, as in all other human affairs. It will be seen that 

 a IMr. Gregg, hereafter mentioned, succeeded in reversing 

 the culture which had been used on his farm, for half a cen- 

 tury. 'Tis not unlikely that when he passes away, somebody 

 will reverse his practice. It is not surprising that in smaller 

 operations such vicissitudes should occur. In naval tactics, 

 magna componere parvis^ Mr. Gregg's countrymen succeed by 

 breaking the line, [their own first and then that of their enemy,] 

 though many old victories were gained, when it was the fashion 

 to keep it compact. Their too successful antagonist wins, and 

 desolates, ^V/(is, regardless of the labours ol' the husbandman, 

 by reversing, or despismg, all the tactics, which had given to 

 preceding conquerors, what was once considered, deathless 

 fame. R. P, 



