23a NATURE NEAR LONDON. 



each end, and throwing the earth in opposite direc- 

 tions. The result is a perfectly level field, which, 

 though not designed for it, must suit the reaping 

 machine better than the drain furrows and raised 

 " lands " of the valley system. 



It is somewhat curious that the steam plough, the 

 most remarkable application of machinery to agricul- 

 ture, in this respect resembles the village-made wheel 

 plough. The plough drawn by steam power in like 

 manner turns the second furrow side by side into the 

 first, always throwing the earth the same way, and 

 leaving the ground level. This is one of its defects 

 on heavy wet land, as it does not drain the surface. 

 But upon the slopes of the Downs no drains or raised 

 "lands" are needed*, and the wheel plough answers 

 perfectly. 



So perfectly, indeed, does it answer that no iron 

 plough has yet been invented that can beat it, and 

 while the valleys and plains are now almost wholly 

 worked with factory-made ploughs, the South Downs 

 are cultivated with the ploughs made in the villages 

 by the wheelwrights. A wheelwright is generally 

 regularly employed by two or three farms, which 

 keep him in constant work. There is not, perhaps, 

 another home-made implement of old Enghsh agricul- 

 ture left in use ; certainly, none at once so curious and 

 interesting, and, when drawn by oxen, so thoroughly 

 characteristic. 



Under the September sun, flowers may still be 

 /ound in sheltered places, as at the side of furze, 

 on the highest of the Downs. Wild thyme continues 

 to bloom— the shepherd's thyme— wild mignonette, 



