PART IV. AGRICULTURE. 225 



turer, as many of our rivers might thereby become much more 

 easily navigable than they are at present, and those bars which 

 frequently obstruct their mouths (as the Severn and Avon near 

 Bristol) would by such means be entirely removed. 



Warping, paring and burning, and clearing op 

 surface incumbrances, come next in order in the list of 

 improvements. The first is derived from what we see takes 

 place in nature, where land is covered by muddy water, either 

 on the sea shore, or on the banks of rivers. It is of great use, 

 and is successfully practised in Lincolnshire. Paring and 

 burning are seldom advisable ; clearing the surface of stones, 

 roots, bushes, &c. is easily understood. 



Improving the composition of soils is held out by 

 agricultural chemists as of great importance; and although 

 their observations have not hitherto been of much consequence 

 to practical men; yet the discoveries already made with re- 

 gard to the proper food of plants and vegetables must eventually 

 be of incalculable advantage, in facilitating the increase of the 

 vegetable productions which support animal life. 



Inclosing. This important branch of agriculture natu- 

 rally divides itself into, 1. The propriety and advantage of 

 inclosing. 2. The size of inclosures. 3. Their form. 4. The 



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