On Redaiming Heath Land. 
87 
ever, are a mere trifle on unreclaimed heath land. If we esti- 
mate the average cost at 12^.* per acre, which is a high figure, 
and suppose that it required a couple of years instead of one to 
pay for reclaiming the land, sm'ely the improved state of the land, 
to the extent of three or four times its previous value, ought to be 
a sufficient inducement for us, in the present state of things, to 
reclaim all our barren heaths which are capable of so great an 
amelioration. Some of the estimates given in the tabular state- 
ment may be questioned as to their being too low ; but they are 
founded on an average of twenty years, and upwards of 2000 
acres of reclaimed heath land. They are also made on the sup- 
position that all the labour is performed by the piece, and not by 
the occupier of the land, who in most cases would not estimate his 
labour so hi^h, particularly in reference to horses and carts. The 
costs of fencing and liming form two very considerable items in 
the account. By leaving out the former, which in some cases is 
not required, and in others a temporary fence put up at a light 
expense is sufficient for the purpose, the cost per acre would fall 
below 6/. The liming appears to cost about 2>l. per acre. But, 
viewing this article as an indispensable requisite where it can be 
conveniently obtained, and one that will amply repay its cost, I 
shall not attempt any reduction in the average cost on that score. 
I have estimated the cost of fencing two sides of the enclosure, for 
it rarely happens that more is required, but frequently less. The 
cost of a stone wall, and that of a sod fence, quickset and railed, 
in most cases will amount to nearly the same. In some instances, 
however, the latter may be made at a lower rate where railing is 
cheap. 
Taking into account the length of time required to rear a quick- 
set or growing fence in some situations, and the labour and atten- 
tion that must necessarily be bestowed upon it during its growth, 
I think stone fences are often cheaper in the long run ; although 
tlie former, in point of appearance, are certainly entitled to the 
preference when fairly reared. I need scarcely add that, in high 
climates (say 1000 feet above the level of the sea), it is more than 
probable that a stone fence will have a decided preference. 
The system I have advocated will probably not be found appli- 
cable, in all its bearings, to every acre of unreclaimed heath land 
in this country, which may fairly be considered worth reclaiming, 
for there are few general rules without some exceptions. I may 
mention deep boggy ground and peaty earth, wliich are nearly 
one and the same thingf. These consist of an accumulation of 
vegetable substances holding water in excess, and sometimes much 
• Land may occasionally cost 12/. per acre to reclaim it etFectually where 
an extensive and ramitied course of drainage is required, but even in such 
cases the first two crops will frequently cover the outlay. 
