72 Transposition and Admixture of Soils, 



and require to be renewed in the course of fifty years^ or perhaps 

 sooner. On this head I have no apprehensions, but am confident 

 that, if after the lapse of twenty or thirty years there were not a 

 particle of clay remaining, the land will have acquired sufficient 

 quality and strength in itself, to produce a crop of any kind of 

 grain. 



I am led to this conclusion from my own observations, and 

 think it one which may readily be come to by others on referring 

 to the statement made of the produce, which is considerably 

 within what I might have stated, had I selected the leading or 

 best crops. This increase in the produce (which is double to 

 what it was) returns in part to the land under the four-course 

 system. 



It may not be necessary for me to add more, as enough already 

 has been adduced to increase exertion in making such improve- 

 ments upon light sands, I have to regret that I did not com- 

 mence the above improvements with greater determination, and 

 to a greater extent from the first, but being inexperienced in the 

 business, and having but little information on the subject, I was 

 desirous of finding out the best way of doing the work and of trying 

 the result before I went to any extent. If people would improve 

 the land they have, particularly light land, by draining, marling, 

 &c., they would realise a far greater return for the outlay than by 

 purchasing more. It is a great national loss, and much to be 

 regretted, that so much land, capable of being made really good, 

 should lie waste, having a good drainage, and a plentiful supply 

 of excellent clay underneath, which is generally the case when 

 there is a white sandy surface. 



Having the sanction of my landlord, who is anxious to see this 

 system spread, I may be excused for stating that the whole of 

 the above improvements have been carried on at his expense, 

 for which I pay a rent which yields him a clear 4 per cent, on his 

 purchase and other monies expended on a farm originally of the 

 most barren quality. 



Inferior land, and especially light sands, ought not to remain 

 untilled ; but for the common benefit of the owner, the occupier, 

 and the consumer of the produce^ they should be brought into 

 cultivation. 



Sheriff Hutton} near York. 



