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entirely destroyed. The roots will have, to a great extent, decomposed in 

 the earth, and in the process have imparted, he thinks a fertilizing element 

 to the soil equivalent to fifteen or twenty loads of barn-yard manure. Dr. 

 Peck objects to the grubbing system, for the reason that by the removing 

 of the roots, it deprives the soil of this great fertilizing principle. I have 

 no doubt but that a vast aggregate of vegetable matter may, by deep plow- 

 ing, without grubbing, be incorporated with the soil. I do not merely 

 embrace in this idea the spongy roots referred to, but the leaves and the 

 coarse vegetation which shroud the surface by a net work of its infinitude 

 of roots, fibers, and tissues. To what extent these materials would be 

 disturbed by the harrow, and clog its operations, I have no practical know- 

 ledge ; but I conjecture that the collecting and burning of those which 

 should be brought to the surface, would not be attended with much expense. 

 The earth on the third or fourth year, in the second method advised by 

 Dr. Peck, would be ready for plowing. The large stumps will then be 

 torn up by the plow without difl&culty. He thinks that seven or eight dol- 

 lars will cover the disbursement of clearing the land by either system. The 

 burning over the whole surface is in one aspect objectionable. The accu- 

 mulation of vegetable matter, and the humus on the soil, will be consumed 

 by the process. Although the ashes will be valuable, the ingredients them- 

 selves are far more so. I should prefer, I think, piling the bushes and 

 rubbish in as narrow and high heaps as possible for burning. 



In my judgment, when the land is not designed for immediate cultiva- 

 tion, sheep would be found the most efi"ective and economical agents for 

 preparing the soil for tillage. The course to be pursued in this system 

 would be to cut oiF the trees and large bushes, pile and burn the refuse 

 material, and enclose a field, its size being determined by the number of 

 sheep, by a secure fence. Turn into this enclosure the flock of sheep, in 

 early spring, when the young sprouts begin to start, and the coarse grasses 

 are tender and juicy. Sheep delight in this kind of pasture. They feed 

 with avidity upon these grasses at that time, and will totally suppress the 

 growth of all bushes and briars. In the second year the surface of the 

 land wi41 be cleared and subdued ; and while this process is in progress, 

 the roots and stumps will have essentially decayed. In addition to these 

 benefits to the land, the sheep will impart a positive and great fertility to 

 the soil, which will be equal in its effects, to the application of a large 

 amount of manure. Their excrement must also exert a powerful effect in 

 freeing the soil from its inherent acidity and inertness. The entire surface 

 of the land will, in two years, be mantled by a rich and verdant covering 

 of clover. When I suggested this mode of reclaiming these lands, I was 

 met by the objection that on the Island sheep cannot be protected from the 

 ravages of dogs. In my journeying on the Island, I noticed only one flock 

 of this valuable animal, and their absence was imputed to this cause. The 

 enforcement of existing statutes, or of more stringent laws, if required, 

 might certainly remove this impediment to the fostering of a most import- 

 ant branch of stock husbandry. 



