On Reclaiming Heath Land. 
.85 
Contemplating a spring crop, the land ought to be ploughed 
between Lammas and Martinmas, or as soon after as possible, 
and allowed to remain in that state over winter. In the spring it 
will be found well pulverized, from the effects of the frost ; and the 
harrows will perform tlieir work upon it with the very best effect. 
The additional richness imparted to it by the lime and ashes, and 
their partial fermentation with the fibrous roots of the heath and 
other vegetable substances, will render it (to use a homely phrase) 
" as mellow as a compost midden." 
The stones ought to be carted off as they are turned up by the 
plough ; at least, all those which are likely to interfere with the 
harrows. On cold wet soils the ridges ought to be small (say 6 
or 7 times about, or double that number of furrows), observing to 
plough the land with the most favourable descent for water. On 
tirm dry land they may be made double the size mentioned, or 
even larger, to suit the fancy or caprice of the farmer; and, if 
convenient, ought to run north and south, which is most favourable 
for obtaining an even effect of the sun's rays. If a wheat or other 
autumn crop is contemplated, the land ought to be ploughed in 
August, or earlier in most cases. But I apprehend we have not 
much unreclaimed heath land suitable for the growth of wheat, 
especially as a first crop. It is generally apt to get too nuich bladed 
straw when tried (except upon thin sterile clayey soils), and often 
gets lodged; which renders the grain very rough in sample, and 
frequently unsound. 'I'he difficulty also of getting the land pro- 
perly cleared and ploughed in sufficient time, and of getting it to 
work kindly without the action of a winter's frosl upon it, would 
induce me, in nine cases out of ten, to recommend a spring crop* 
ui preference to an autumn one. I know frequent instances where 
the land has been pared and burnt early in the spring, and 
ploughed in time for a crop of oats ; but these are isolated cases in 
favoured situations, principally on dry moss (peaty) earth or 
loams, where the parings are easily burnt ; and such as cannot be 
held up as general examples, although in some few instances this 
method may be admitted as proper. The operations being too 
often performed in such cases in a loose and hurried manner, are 
seldom succeeded by any real advantage ; which a patient, well- 
regulated, and more systematic course would not more than coun- 
terbalance. The liming, stoning, and draining are wholly or in 
a great measure omitted, the land insufficiently pulverized, and 
seldom more than half a crop is obtained, in comparison to what 
might reasonably be expected under the ordinary course of pro- 
ceeding:. 
-Having now reclaimed the 10-acre plot, so far as preparing it 
for the reception of the seed for a first crop, the same process raay 
* Spring-sown. 
