Expenses of Dcamtonuing. 



35 



the object fail. When the land is ready for the operation of the 

 subsoil -plough J a man with a pair of horses turns out the first 

 furrow from 10 to 12 inches wide; then follows the subsoil- 

 plough to the depth of 14 inches, taking care not to stir the turf 

 covering the stones in the drains ; it is worked at right angles of 

 the drains^, and drawn by six horses^ two and two abreast. The 

 plough is drawn from an axletree, with double shafts and low 

 wheels ; the horses draw perfectly even^ and by this mode it is no 

 more than ordinary work. 



The statement of the expenses given may appear to vary, but 

 that is in the carting of the stone; some part was carried three- 

 quarters of a mile, and in other parts the stone was got in the 

 same field. 



As far as crops have been obtained since commencing this 

 system, I can say but little. The turnips, from No. 2, sown late 

 in July, 1837, were small, and nearly all destroyed by the hard 

 frost : the barley-crop, last year, was said to be much better than 

 any ever seen on the farm before — it is estimated at upwards of 

 30 bushels (imperial) per acre. 



The fields Nos. 1 and 3 were worked for and sown with tur- 

 nips last year (1838), and upon the stiffest soil; they were very 

 good on the lighter parts : the wire-worm did much injury to the 

 crops. Upon the other fields no crops have yet been got ; but 

 one very material point has been obtained in a very satisfactory 

 manner — that is, the whole of the six fields were, previous to the 

 draining and subsoil-ploughing, in a state of high narrow ridges, 

 with surface gutters ; but now forming a flat surface, without 

 furrows or gutters, and perfectly firm. 



The whole has been executed upon Mr. Smith's system, and, 

 if that system is strictly followed and adhered to, I am firmly of 

 opinion that the introduction will tend to greater improvement in 

 the cultivation of the soil than anything hitherto brought forward. 



In the course of a year or two, I have no doubt it will be in 

 my power to lay before you the most favourable result ; and, as 

 you have personally attended to the operation of the draining and 

 subsoiling whilst in the country, you will be much better able to 

 judge of the improvement. The draining for 17 acres is now 

 going on, preparatory to subsoiling, which will be carried into 

 effect in due time. 



I have the honour to remain. Sir, 

 Your faithful and very obedient humble servant, 



Richard White. 



Oakleij Park, Feb. 22, 1839. 

 To the Hon. Robert Henry Clive, 3LP. 



D 2 



