( %) 
ture) the former is to be preferred; but in farm- 
inz, the greater expedition of the latter gives it a 
decided advantage. Our remarks, therefore, will 
be confined to the operations of this instrument, 
and particularly to such of these as have given oc- 
casion to differences in opinion among practical far- 
mers. 
ist. At what season of the year (spring, summer 
or fall ) is ploughing best performed, in relation to « 
division and improvement of the soil and the destruc- 
tion of weeds ? 
The more scientific opinion is in favor of fall 
ploughing ; because to the action of air and mois- 
ture, it adds that of frost, whose sceptic or dividing 
quality is second only to that of the plough itself. 
in clay soils, this preparation should never be 
omitted; because on those the action of frost ig 
greatest, and because one ploughing of this kind 
may save two in the spring, when time is every 
thing.(1) In this operation, however, we must not 
forget to ridge, as well as plough ; and care must 
be taken that our furrows have sufficient declina- 
tion to carry off surplus water. With these pre- 
cautions, your clay ground will be ready early in 
the spring for another ploughing; and the decom- 
position of the sod and weeds (turned down in the 
fall) will be nearly, if not altogether, complete.(2) 
In dry and warm soils, these advantages are less, 
(1) The Marsh bean grows best on a fall ploughing ; and oats, well harrowed, 
will (on such ploughing) give a good crop without other culture. 
(2) Without water there is no decomposition, and much water checks and pre’ 
vents it, 
