34, 



A DISCOURSE 



and change its very nature also, so as too hot a compost be no ingre- 

 dient in it 



Here I take notic6, that husbandmen observing a too clean and accurate 

 gathering of stones from off those grounds which lie almost covered with 

 them, rather impoverishes than improves the land, especially where corn 

 is sown, by exposing it to heat and cold. Certain it is, that where the 

 stones are not too gross and plentiful, a moderate interspersion of the 

 smaller gravel preserves the earth both warm and loose, and keeps it 

 from too sudden exhalation ; whilst the over-fine grain, or too nice a sift- 

 ing, makes it apt to constipate and grow stiff upon wetting, so as the ten- 

 der seedlings can hardly issue through ; and this is a document for igno- 

 rant gardeners, who, when they have a fine flower, think they can never 

 make the ground fine enough about it ; yet the finer the plant or seed, 

 the finer should the mould be which entertains it ; though, when all is 

 done, trees thrive best where they have easier footing. 



Chalky grounds come next to be considered, and they should be treated 

 like gravel, sand, and stony, if harsh ; but if of the melting kind, it is 

 apt to mix with all the sorts of moulds ; and being of itself so husbanded, 

 composes a kind of natural soil fit for most uses sought for, and of ad- 

 mirable effect in dry grounds. 



Light sandy soils are best improved by marl ; but as that most excellent earth cannot 

 be procured every where, some judicious persons recommend clay, which, from various trials, 

 is found to answer very well upon light lands. In proportion to the lightness of the soil, 

 the quantity of clay must be increased or diminished. The best and most profitable method 

 of applying clay to sand land, is thus described in the Georgical Essays : — " Where the land 

 " has never been broken up, the clay may be carried and spread, and suffered to lie a whole 

 " year before it is ploughed in. The swarth will set the clay a working ; but, where there 

 " is no swarth, a coat of dung will be necessary before the land is sown. Where the clay is 

 " short, and the soil light, 120 loads will be required for an acre ; but where the clay is strong, 

 " and the land not so light, then 60 or 80 loads will be sufficient. It is better to lay on too 

 " little than too much ; it will be sufficient if the land is made moderately cloddy. About 

 «'a cubical yard of clay makes a load. Carry the clay at any convenient time of the 

 " year. If time permit, carry it after harvest, and lay it upon a wheat stubble ; there let it 

 " remain spread all the winter. In March, plough it in ; plough again in May ; and 

 " twice in June ; and sow turnips about midsummer. In Norfolk, they formerly paid one 

 " guinea for filling and spreading 120 loads of clay, but now (1772) they are obliged to allow 

 " something more." p. 424. 



