VOL. XXXV.] PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. 279 



1723, 24, 25, and 28, through all that large tract of ground between SafFron- 

 Walden and Cambridge, in a circle of about 10 miles diameter. In that coun- 

 try saffron has been longest cultivated, and therefore it may reasonably be 

 expected that the inhabitants there are more thoroughly acquainted with it than 

 any where else. 



The greatest part of the tract just mentioned, is an open level country, with 

 few inclosures ; and the custom there is, as in most other places, to crop 2 

 years, and let the land lie fallow the third. Saffron is always planted on fallow 

 ground, they prefer that which has borne barley the year before. 



The saiFron-grounds are seldom above 3 acres, or less than one ; and in 

 choosing them, the principal thing they have regard to is, that they be well ex- 

 posed, the soil not poor, nor a very stiff clay, but a temperate dry mould, such 

 as commonly lies upon chalk, and is of a hazel colour. About Lady-day, or the 

 beginning of April, the ground must be carefully ploughed, the furrows being 

 drawn much closer together and deeper, if the soil will allow it, than is done 

 for any kind of corn. 



About 5 weeks after, or during any time in the month of May, they lay be- 

 tween 20 and 30 loads of dung on each acre ; and having spread it carefully, 

 they plough it in as before. The shortest rotten dung is the best ; and the 

 farmers who have the conveniencies of making it, spare no pains to make it 

 good, being sure of a proportionable price for it. About Midsummer, they 

 plough a 3d time, and between every l6 and i, or pole in breadth, they leave 

 a broad furrow or trench, which serves both for a boundary to the several parcels, 

 when there are several proprietors to one inclosure, and to throw the weeds in 

 at the proper season. 



To this head likewise belongs the fencing of the grounds, because most 

 commonly that is done before they plant. The fences consist of what they call 

 dead hedges, or hurdles, to keep out not only cattle of all sorts, but especially 

 hares, which would otherwise feed on the saffron leaves during the winter. 



The next general part of the culture of saffron, is planting or setting the 

 roots; the only instrument used for which, is a narrow spade, commonly termed 

 a spit-shovel. The time of planting is commonly in the month of July, a little 

 sooner or later, according as the weather answers. The method is this : one 

 man with his spit-shovel raises between 3 and 4 inches of earth, and throws it 

 before him about 6, or more inches ; 2 persons, generally women, following 

 him with heads, place them in the farther edge of the trench he makes, about 

 3 inches distance from each other. As soon as the digger or spitter has gone 

 once the breadth of the ridge, he begins again at the other side, and digging 



