On the Drill Husbandry of Turnip^-. 
55 
favour of the level or flat system for swedes are not so great ; 
and I am prepared to admit, that a heavier crop of swedes maif 
be got by ridging (in favourable seasons for that system) than on 
level. But, after well weighing the chances, I generally sowed 
swedes on level ; and some of the best farmers I know yet do the 
same — preferring what amounts to almost a certainty of a good 
crop to taking a more expensive and tedious process for a small 
chance of a better, with the risk of no crop at all. 
For land of rather a wet nature, ridging has recommendations 
which it has not for that which is naturally dry — the spaces be- 
tween ridges become a species of surface-drainage, and the farm- 
yard manure within them will have a similar tendency, which not 
only accounts in some degree for the ridge being more suitable 
for wet than for dry soils, but partly explains why longer manure 
may be used with advantage, on the former, than such as is consi- 
dered proper for the latter. Again, the spaces also serve as a 
sort of railway for the carts, &c., used in sowing the crop, as well 
as consuming it ; thereby partly preventing the injury which such 
land is liable to, from being poached" in wet weather. 
The same process of treading the ground whilst consuming the 
turnips, which is so beneficial to thin light soils (except in extra- 
ordinarily wet seasons), is generally injurious to strong soils ; so 
that, in every case, our practice must be regulated to a great 
extent by what is peculiar to the situation. 
He, who lays down general rules, as applicable to every variety 
of situation, will in my opinion only mislead those who place im- 
plicit confidence in him. 1 think we are only justified in stating 
such general principles, as extensive observation may have pointed 
out, and offering them for the consideration of those who may 
have had less experience, accompanied with the caution to reflect 
well, how far they are applicable to their own particular soil and 
situation, and to regulate their proceedings accordingly. 
The turnip crop being considered not only as a means of sup- 
plying our cattle and sheep with food, but as a preparation for 
future crops, by cleaning the land and enriching it; these several 
objects must always be borne in mind whilst preparing the land 
for turnips. 
As complete a pulverization of the soil to the depth at which 
the plough usually goes as the season and the nature of that soil 
will allow, so as to admit the free circulation of the air to that 
depth, is one of the first essentials. Where the soil not only ad- 
mits complete pulverization, but will at the least expense grow the 
heaviest crops of the most valuable varieties of the turnip, with 
the greatest permanent benefit to the land by the preparation for 
the crop, and the consumption of it, whether on the land where it 
was grown or otherwise, we call this the best turnip land. 
