THE PRACTICE OF FORMING 



BOOK it. 



combined with that of horses, or by the artificial application of 

 mechanical powers. Manual labour, that is, with the spade and 

 wheelbarrow, is proper on small or confined spots ; and in 

 others where the distance that the earth is to be wheeled is not 

 above fifteen or twenty yards, or when it is to be moved down 

 a sudden declivity. Combined labour is proper in other more ex- 

 tensive cases ; as, in laying land level, or smoothing ridges by 

 the new machine*; or merely by repeated ploughings and 

 harrowings, which answer the same purpose, and might often 

 save much expense. The application of mechanical powers is 

 either by means of gunpowder, which may soften or disperse 

 hard stony knolls or excrescences, which it is desirable to re- 

 move, or alter in form; or by directing a current of water 

 against softer soils. This last mode will produce wonderful ef- 

 fects, as has long been demonstrated at Blair Drummond, and 

 was some years ago shewn at Netherby, where the water of a 

 small rill was collected in a pond, and always, when full, let 

 out in a small rapid stream against a knoll ; which was thus 

 entirely removed, at little expense, and in a short time-f-. In 

 every case of the removal of earth, care should be taken not to 

 have it to move a second time ; and also, in depositing it, al- 

 ways to keep the best soil uppermost ; and though dispersing 



* See Tilloch's Philosophical Magazine. 



f See Gilpin's Tour to the Lakes for a full account of this operation. 



