AGKICUI/TUKE ON THE KHINE. 165 



fields where the soil has been made by cultivation, ^Yith 

 matter that gives the farmer a great deal of his work to 

 do over again. As we leave the Rhine the volcanic sand 

 predominates, especially in the strip at the foot of the 

 hills, called the '' Mayfield," between Mayen and Miin* 

 stermayen. In the hilly region, to which we must re- 

 turn when speaking of the vineyards, the prevalence of 

 lava and basalt makes the soil difficult to plough, and 

 condemns large tracts to the condition of poor pastures. 

 On these large flocks of sheep are kept, numbering 600, 

 600, and sometimes 900 head. Some time back it was 

 the fashion to cultivate the Merino cross ; but the loss 

 that ensued when the rot and other diseases ran through 

 an expensive flock, discouraged the small farmers, and 

 made them leave things as they were. The sheep 

 the traveller finds here present, therefore, the strangest 

 mixture, from high-bred Merinos to the common moun- 

 tain breed yielding small weight of carcase, and short 

 although coarse wool, of which the fleece runs from 

 2 lbs. to 3.^ lbs. in weight. On the larger farms good 

 management of manures is frequently to be found. The 

 volcanic soil is well limed by diligent farmers. Com- 

 post heaps, on which especially the liquid manure is 

 poured, are also common. For green manures, soiling of 

 rye, lupins and buckwheat are used, the last named plant 

 being allowed to flower before it is ploughed in. It is 

 probable that this good system of manuring partly owes 

 its origin to the care of the former government of the 

 last Elector Palatine, who freed lime, marl, and manure 

 of all kinds from tolls upon the high-roads, of which he 

 was likewise an active promoter. The outlay in ready 

 money fur turnpike toll is often a greater sacrifice for a 



