84 



keep it as far distant as we can from the surface and roots 

 of the grass. 



Attentive and persevering weeding will be found parti- 

 cularly necessary on such low moist meadows, most pro- 

 ductive in coarse aquatics; but this drainage, and weeding, 

 more severe and requisite here, will occasion more labour ^ 

 and secure employment to the industrious and unoccupied. 



An interesting field remains in the South of England, to 

 "which my attention has been more than once called in the 

 most flattering manner. — I mean Dartmoor mountain, in 

 Devonshire. 



The liberality of the Royal Proprietor to the Bath 

 AND West of England Agricultural Society, excited 

 their gratitude, and roused their exertions, to attempt the 

 improvement of this most ungenial tract. For years they 

 offered premiums for an Essay on the improvement of 

 Dartmoor, but did not succeed in obtaining any ; and 

 when afterwards I gave them my sentiments on the 

 subject, they honoured me with a valuable medal, and 

 immediately proposed a premium for the cultivation of 

 florin ON Dartmoor. 



Most flattering and lucrative offers were made to myself 

 from high authority, through a most respectable Vice- 

 President of the Bath Society, to induce me to engage in 

 this Herculean labour; but my late period of hfe deterred 

 me fi'om accepting the tempting off'er. 



Where could we find a finer field for the employment of 

 the industrious and unoccupied? Am I not justified for 

 stepping out myself, and for calling on the Bath Society 

 as my coadjutor ? Strange as my former measures may 

 have seemed, that respectable Society gave me their most 

 decided support ; and their premiums have produced mea- 

 dows, though not equal either to my expectations or pro- 



