On the Farming of Snffolh. 



317 



better crop than those parts which he had covered with dung-. 

 The origin of its being used on the black heaths is pointed out 

 by Captain Alexander, in his '''Soils of East Suffolk/' and thence 

 copied in the Journal, vol. iii. p. 183. 



Of the use of crag as a manure, Mr. Rodwell says: — '^The 

 dimensions and great antiquity of the crag pits of East Suffolk, 

 afford an indisputable proof of crag having been long used in 

 these districts, and of its fertilizing properties, but more espe- 

 cially in rendering the stiff and retentive soils more friable and 

 porous to the influence of atmospheric air. Upon these soils we 

 find large quantities are usually carried, and in some cases re- 

 peated again an(5 again with very good effect, at the rate of 30 or 

 40 cubic yards to the acre." 



6. The process of burning Clay, and the soils to ivhich it is appli- 

 cable. 



The practice of burning the soil dug from the borders of fields 

 is very general in the heavy land of Suffolk : borders round the 

 fallows are usually dug up in March, and the flags placed on 

 their ends to dry. The scourings of ditches are burnt by some ; 

 these are either dug or ploughed up, so that they become dry; 

 and are carted to the fire as wanted, or laid in heaps round the 

 fire. The fire is prepared with straw, 3 or 4 faggots and blocks 

 of wood, round which a wall of flags is formed ; some mould is 

 laid on, and the fire is lighted on the windward side ; the flags are 

 chopped in pieces before being laid on. Very little is laid on at 

 first; but after a few days the heap requires constant attendance, 

 because, if suffered to burn through, the fire is likely to go out; 

 fresh clay must therefore be laid on 3 or 4 times a-day. Before 

 letting out the fire the side walls are drawn and the unburnt 

 flags are cut in pieces and burnt. The great art consists in 

 applying fresh material as soon as the fire makes its appearance 

 on the outside. 



The cost for labour is from SJ. to Is. per chaldron load (36 

 bushels) ; the burnt earth is used on fallows at the rate of from 15 

 to 30 loads per acre. It is also drilled with turnips, and a dress- 

 ing of burnt earth is considered by some to be the best m.anure 

 for clover. Border-burning being practised throughout the greater 

 part of the heavy land district is a sufficient proof of its usefulness 

 on that kind of soil. 



But there is another system of burning practised, more espe- 

 cially in that part of the county lying between Stradbroke and 

 Framllngham, viz., in Dennington, Worlingworth, Brundish, Bad- 

 dingham, Laxfield, Cratfield, and the adjoining parishes. This 

 is chiefly a deep staple soil. I obtained the following information 

 at Stradbroke respecting clod-burning," which is the name 



