38 
On Thorough- Draining. 
unless gravel or some porous material is placed over them, which it is 
difficult to obtain in these districts ; and the expense to maintain a good 
system is also less than by tiles, taking durability and expense into con- 
sideration. 
IFrittle, Chelmsford, March, 1843. 
III. Essex Draining — 2. By Martin Nockolds. 
Question 1st. — Antiquity of Draining. 
From inquiry I have made amongst the oldest farmers in this neigh- 
bourhood, I find that draining was practised 150 years ago; the system 
then adopted was to dig out a trench the width of a broad spade thus. 
and fill in with a large quantity of bushes. My informant could not 
state how long this practice continued, but he recollects that the narrow 
spade was used for draining as long back as the year 1780, and probably 
before that time. 
Question 2nd. — Extent of district drained. 
I am of opinion that nearly all the clay soils in this district have been 
underdrained at different times either by mole-plough or spade, but the 
drains have not been renewed so often as necessary ; and ten years ago, 
after a succession of wet and bad seasons, attended with low prices of 
agricultural produce, nearly all the clay lands were in a very bad state of 
cultivation from want of draining. Since that time there has been a 
gradual improvement, but I think I am warranted in stating that as yet 
one-third only has been effectually drained. 
Question 3rd. — Material used. 
Thorn and straw universally until within the last fifteen or twenty 
years. The system of ramming is now introduced on sound clay, and 
appears to be getting into general use ; the great advantage is economy, 
and I am informed that it draws off the water efi'ectually if thoroughly 
done, but requires the master's attention more than any other mode, and 
is not so durable. Peat, brought from the fens in Cambridgeshire, has 
also been used during the last ten or fifteen years, and is considered 
more durable than any other material except tiles; but it is rarely used 
in this neighbourhood, except for leading drains and outlets. The 
general opinion is, that the tile will not answer the ])urpose on clay soils 
unless bushes, stones, or peat be laid over them. 
