296 
On the Farming of the 
in the common way or sown broadcast, applying at the same 
time 2 cwt. of guano and 2 cwt. of salt, broadcast and harrowed 
in. This year we have followed the ploughs with a presser hea- 
vily weighted, in order to solidify the soil (which is rather light 
than otherwise), and then sown 2i bushels per acre broadcast. 
We have also applied this year, about 2 tons per acre of lime, 
spread over the stubble immediately after the crop is removed, 
and before the paring took place. The object of this was to 
assist in destroying the growing weeds by applying the lime in its 
quickest or most caustic state, and impairing the vitality of their 
seeds. I considered that the application of the lime so long 
before the introduction of the guano, destroyed its power of re- 
leasing the ammonia by its becoming a carbonate before that 
period, by the absorption of carbonic acid from the atmosphere. 
I mean to persevere in the same system on the field in question, 
and I feel perfectly satisfied that, so far from impairing the land, 
I shall render it much more fertile." 
I am not aware of any other peculiarities of cultivation in the 
coal district of sufficient importance to be dwelt upon at further 
length; but I would direct the attention of proprietors and occu- 
piers on this formation, to the farming of Mr. Johnson, of Chevet 
Grange, and of Godfrey Wentworth, Esq., of WooUey Park, to 
whom the Yorkshire Agricultural Society awarded the first and 
second prizes in 1843, for "the best cultivated farms:" the details 
of their management, along with that of the other competitors, 
is recorded in the Transactions of the Society for that year, and 
will repay a careful perusal by all who desire to farm profitably 
and systematically. 
The magnesian limestone, running through the more exclusively 
agricultural districts of the Riding, is much less subject, in the 
cultivation of its soils, to those varieties and peculiarities in crop- 
ping which are induced by circumstances over the more variable 
and densely populated localities of the coal-measures. Bemg of 
a naturally dry and friable nature, this soil is well adapted for 
turnip husbandry. The usual rotation is the four-course of tur- 
nips, barley, seeds, and wheat, varying the grain crops occasion- 
ally, and substituting red clover for seeds. Peas are also grown on 
the deeper portions of this soil, and are a judicious and profitable 
adjunct in the rotation, large quantities being pulled green and 
sent to Leeds and other surrounding markets. The six-course 
shift is sometimes followed, and when conducted with skill 
and judgment is suitable for this land. I am indebted to Mr. 
Charles Cliarnock for the following account of his H(jlmfield 
House farm, near Ferrybridge, to which I would direct attention 
as one of the best specimens of thoroughly good farming that is 
to be met with, amongst the many which exceed mediocrity, on 
