INTRODUCTION. 5 



against the casualties of a climate so changeable, in 

 which we often experience spring in mid- winter, and 

 the effects of winter at mid-summer *. 



In order to remedy, then, as much as lies in our 

 power, these disadvantages, let us endeavour to im- 

 prove the climate, by the high cultivation of the 

 soil. To drain it of superabundant water, should 

 be the first object of the improver ; by which 

 noxious vapours may be expelled, and the air may 

 be rendered more pure. To drain it of latent wa- 

 ter, is necessary to the production of wholesome 

 vegetables ; for in a soil surcharged with moisture, 

 neither fruits nor kitchen esculents will thrive, but 

 languish. 



Next to draining, effectual digging and trench- 

 ing, aerating and incorporating the soil, according 

 to its quality, and the purposes for which it may be 

 intended, demand our particular attention. By pe- 

 riodical and judicious trenching, subtrenching, and 

 digging ; by the discreet application of fit manures ; 

 and by a proper rotation of crops, the soil of the 

 garden may be preserved fresh and sound for a long 

 series of years, so as to be capable of producing 

 wholesome and plentiful crops of vegetables. 



In the following Sections, I shall endeavour to 

 set forth these matters in a clear point of view ; and 

 in the Kalendar, I shall endeavour to exhibit, in a 



*In 1802, June 3, the snow fell, and lay till mid-day on the 

 Lomonds in Fife. The same year new-fallen snow lay till two 

 P. M. on the south sides of the hills to the west of Inverness, 

 on the 20th July. 



