Management of Wheat. 



77 



4th. It leaves the land clear for the commencement of tillage. 



5th. The securing a greater quantity of straw^ and hence the 

 making more manure. 



The objections to mowing hold good only on such land as 

 produce very bulky crops. These are — 



1st. The loss of gleaning to the poor^ which is no valid objec- 

 tion, and only to a certain extent correct. 



2nd. The crop is more expensive to carry and thrash. 



The extra expense of thrashing mown wheat, by four-horse 

 machines, has been estimated at 2s. 6d. per 10 quarters; by flail 

 the expense is doubdess considerably increased ; and where this 

 method is still in vogue, mowing wheat is rarely practised. 



9. Thrashing and Dressing. 



These operations are, by the majority of enlightened and eco- 

 nomical farmers, generally performed with machinery, frequently 

 at a cost of less than one-half what is usually paid for thrashing 

 by hand ; the straw left free from grain, the grain sacked in better 

 condition, whilst it is not exposed to so much danger from pilfering. 

 Yet, notwithstanding these advantages, the flail is extensively used, 

 particularly in the southern counties. But it must be admitted 

 that, where the straw is saleable, and is carried to market, it does 

 not make so good a price from the machine as it does from the 

 flail. The best method of dressing is undoubtedly by a well- 

 constructed machine, such as those made by Cooch, Hornsby, and 

 others. Very few farmers, however prejudiced against machinery 

 generally, are now to be found without one for dressing. 



Thrashing and dressing during dry weather have a material 

 effect on the sample, restoring a damp sample to better condition, 

 and enhancing its price ; whilst, if these operations be performed 

 in wet weather, the wheat, though previously dry, soon handles 

 cold and damp. 



Kingswood.) Baldock, Herts, 

 Mag 20th, 1847. 



VI. — On Burning Land for Manure. By John Peirson. 



Burning of earth, or rather clod burning, is now very exten- 

 sively practised in Suffolk : it is adapted for heavy clay soils, and 

 with most successful results; producing most excellent crops of 

 mangold-wurzel and turnips: barley luxuriantly following, and 

 generally certain of a healthy plant of clover. Wheat grown in 

 the following year after clod burning, shows its advantage by in- 

 creased production. The manner of doing it is to plough a piece 



