478 
Farming of Devonshire. 
an unhealthy growth is immediately induced in the plant. The 
quality of the herbage is also injured by the more valuable 
varieties of grass being replaced by others of inferior character 
and less nutritious properties. The aquatic plants which are so 
frequent in our meadows plainly indicate the want of drainage, 
and few persons can form any conception of the check thus 
exerted on the productive powers of the soil. If the land is well 
laid out this will be easily effected by means of open drains, an<l 
especially if it be thrown into lands having a gentle declivity, with 
the water supplied at the crown of the ridge. Natural evidences 
of the advantage of draining are occasionally met with, as, for 
instance, where the land has a porous subsoil, which affords the 
water a free outlet, and consequently an increased herbage is 
produced. 
If the agriculturists of Devon would rightly estimate the means 
at their disposal, and could be led to their better application by 
regular and systematic flooding, and the more perfect removal 
of the water, their private interests would be benefited and the 
public welfare promoted. 
Cattle. 
The cattle which are preferred by the farmers of this county 
are the North Devon breed, and its crosses with the Guernsey or 
Somerset. On the north and west of Tiverton the North 
Devons prevail ; but from that town to the neighbourhood of 
Newton Bushell this breed is not in general so pure. The 
characteristic peculiarities of the North Devon breed are so well 
known and valued throughout England as to render any descrip- 
tion of them unnecessary. \[ general character oi \\ie ^oxXh. 
Devons was compared with any other breed of cattle, more par- 
ticularly in reference to their shape, aptitude for fattening, quick- 
ness and steadiness of draught, as also their value for dairy 
purposes taken collectively, they would be found best adapted to 
the requirements of the agriculturists of this county. Circum- 
stances exist in other counties which modify the comparative value 
of this breed, the above statement must therefore be considered 
as bearing only on Devonshire. Numerous attempts have been 
made to improve North Devon cattle by an intermixture of other 
breeds. The Devon ox beinof rather below the ordinary size, 
a cross with the Hereford was expected to increase it, but this was 
effected with a proportionate decrease of their activity. For dairy 
purposes they are rarely preserved pure, it being considered 
that a slight touch of the Guernsey renders them more profitable. 
In the northern district of this county the rearing of cattle is the 
principal source of profit to the farmer. Agriculture here occu- 
pies a secondary position, and neither the dairy nor feeding for 
