DR. ANGUS SMITH ON PEAT. 297 



motion unless when the ground was very wet ; and drainage 

 would have been a disadvantage. 



On the other hand, if systematic peat-growing were un- 

 dertaken, not drainage but irrigation might be necessary ; 

 that is, it would be needful to choose a place where abun- 

 dance of water could be had. 



By selecting suitable land, which is generally very low- 

 rented, it seems to be the case that abundance of fuel can be 

 raised for the outlying population. There may even be much 

 to spare ; and in some districts a large surplus can be ob- 

 tained. I shall not go into the question as regards the 

 town population, as it is not now that our large towns 

 require to think of this ; nor shall I speak of the low 

 grounds where rich land for grain is to be had ; but my 

 first object, as stated, is to show that peat is really an im- 

 portant groiving fuel, and that it is not wise to root it out 

 as is so frequently done, but that it is wise to preserve 

 a certain portion for the near inhabitants, as it can be 

 raised at a price far lower than coal or wood, the land 

 costing almost nothing, and the labour very little. If care 

 is not taken to have the peats grown near to the spot where 

 they are used, the expense becomes great. I am told that 

 the cutting, drying, and stacking of peat in one district 

 where much is used, amounts only to is. gd. per ton on the 

 dried product. If we multiply this by 2 \ we obtain 45. 3^. 

 as the price of i\ tons of peat, equal to 1 ton of coal. The 

 5 tons of coal, or its equivalent in peat, is obtained for 

 215. $d., a price that would be low for one ton only of coal 

 in nearly all the hilly parts of the country, and in most 

 even of the coast-towns. I am aware that this price is not 

 everywhere the same ; but I had it on good authority that 

 it is done where the work is systematic and the wages not 

 low. I know that some estimates are much higher. 



I can quite imagine a peat-farm of no excessive size 

 growing fuel as fast as it can be made use of by itself and 



SER. III. vol. v. x 



