Agriculture of Northumherland. 



437 



tlon ; and there is no doubt but if the same means of comparison 

 existed, there would be found an equal or greater increase in the 

 production of grain. We have no hesitation in attributing this 

 improvement mainly to the improved turnip husbandry, as the 

 increase in cattle is in the face of many thousand acres of grass 

 land having been brought under the plough : thus proving the 

 striking fact, that we now can, with much less grass land than 

 formerly, actually feed more cattle, as well as grow more corn. It 

 must, however, be admitted, that whdst a part of the increased 

 growth of corn is to be attributed to the grass land, brought into 

 cultivation, and the application of artificial manures, some of it is 

 owing to the draining, which has been extensively practised in 

 the county for several years. As it is yet an undecided question 

 how this improvement, draining, is best carried into effect, it 

 appears advisable to state the different plans adopted, and leave 

 it to experience to decide the question. On the Duke of 

 Northumberland's estates, under the direction of Mr. Lorrain, 

 the drains are cut 3 feet deep and 20 feet apart, the clay that is 

 cut out being carefully spread over the land, and the tiles slightly 

 covered with straw, or stones, if procurable. Soles, or tiles with 

 bottoms, are always used. The entire cost is about 7L per 

 acre, upon which the tenant is charged a per centage. On some 

 other estates it has lately been the practice to cut the drains 5 feet 

 deep and 30 feet apart, and the tiles are carefully jmcldled over 

 with clay. Near Newcastle a third plan is followed : v.-henever 

 springs or outbursts are seen to exist, they are first carefully cut 

 off by deep stone-drains ; afterwards furrow-drains are made, 2 

 feet to 2j feet deep, and *20 feet apart ; if of a greater depth than 

 this, they are filled up to the level of the plough with some porous 

 material, and the clay, taken out of the drains, spread over the 

 land as far as possible from them. Whilst such very opposite 

 plans are followed by persons of great experience, it is almost 

 presumption in the writer to give his opinion, especially as the 

 advocates of each plan are equally sanguine of success : there seems 

 at present no other course but to look forward to the speedy set- 

 tlement of the dispute, with anxiety commensurate with its im- 

 portance. 



It must, however, be acknowledged, that though much has been 

 drained, sadly too much remains to be done. On some estates 

 in the wheat district, which require it most, scarcely anything has 

 been effected. 



VOL. VIII. 



2g 



