Draining a first Consideration. 61 



superior soils by indifferent management, the 

 evidence now presented to our view would have 

 decided the question. 







A neighbouring farmer accompanied us. I 

 inquired of him for what purpose a field which 

 had been broken up was intended ? He hesi- 

 tated at length replied, " his neighbours 

 called it a fallow." The painter who, ques- 

 tioning his own skill; deemed it prudent, that 

 mistakes might be avoided,, to write under his 

 sign, " This is a Lion," evinced at least can- 

 dour, in suspecting that a portrait would not 

 be recognized which bore no resemblance to 

 the intended .animal. 



'..'.'. , < \ k' ~ , . "VA...I . y ' \ 



The fallow in question required the same li- 

 beral designation. After this we saw a number 

 of excellent meadow grounds entirely ruined 

 by the presence of water. The want of drain- 

 ing, if it rest with the landlord, is deserving of 

 reprobation ; for the yearly tenant cannot be 

 justified to his family by the expenditure of 

 capital on the permanent improvement of his 

 farm, for the possible purpose of having the 

 next year's rent increased. How impolitic and 

 repressive of all kind of effort are yearly 

 tenures ! 



