Farming of Devonshire. 
471 
rations of this valuable company has exceeded the most sanguine 
anticipations of its supporters, having given perfect satisfaction 
to the proprietors and tenants of the land drained, and also well 
remunerated the shareholders. I feel it would be superfluous for 
me to advance any arguments in support of a practice so generally 
appreciated. Want of capital is (he principal impediment to its 
progress ; but, notwithstanding this, its advances are great and 
annually increasing. 
Implements. 
The agricultural implements of any part afford a good criterion 
by which to decide the extent and character of the improvements 
which may have been introduced into the farming there practised. 
Within the last five years the general character of their imple- 
ments has much improved, and many of the awkward and 
cumbrous tools then in use are now superseded by others of 
more convenient form and practical utility. The only imple- 
ment which I shall describe is Lovvcock's double-plough. It is 
employed in ploughing steep land, and is very convenient for 
this purpose. It is supplied with two mould-boards, placed 
" back to back the body of the plough is never turned, but the 
handle is simply raised and turned over : at the same time the 
horses are brought to the opposite end of the plough. The ring, 
which previously connected them with the plough, slides up an 
iron rod at the side, and becomes again attached to another bridle 
of the plough. In order to reduce friction only one point of the 
plough is kept in the soil, being thrown into or out of work 
according to the direction of the handles. 
Threshing-machines are frequently found on large farms, and 
are usually driven by horse-labour. In a few cases we find 
water-power used ; and I am surjirised it should be so rarely 
employed, considering the opportunities which exist throughout 
this county. The drill is becoming more extensively used for 
the turnip and swede crops, but is rarely employed for any other 
seed. Improved implements are gradually coming into use in 
this county, and the increasing number of spirited agriculturists, 
who introduce the improvements of other parts, and stimulate 
native talent and mechanical skill, materially extend their employ- 
ment. 
Orchards. 
A large extent of land in this county is occupied in the growth 
of apples, for the manufacture of cider. The apple was culti- 
vated here as early as 1520 (Hoker's MS. Survey), but in the 
beginning of the following century received more attention, exten- 
sive tracts being devoted to its growth, " for furnishing their own 
