Farming of Kent. 
285 
culture of crops in rows, has in great measure obviated the neces- 
sity of naked fallows. On the better lands Ij'ing in the valley of 
the Beult tlie following course is frequent, but with numerous 
variations, according to difference of soils, seasons, &c. : — 1. Beans 
or peas; 2. Wheat; 3. Oats; 4. Tares; 5. Wheat; G. Clover. 
Wheat is generally manured with lime, rags, or artificials. Mr. 
Barnes of Staplehurst has employed guano and the nitrates of 
potash and soda with marked success as dressings for corn-crops. 
The average of this district may be called — wheat, 3 to 3^ qrs. ; 
beans, 4 qrs. ; peas, 3 qrs. ; oats, 5 to 6 qrs. The most approved 
varieties of wheat are the Chevalier, Golden Drop, Duke William, 
Peacock White ; of oats, the Poland, with the black and white 
Tartar; beans, the Middle Tick, generally drilled or dibbled. 
The soil is not adapted for the growth of mailing barley. 
In some localities on the Hastings sand formation wheat is 
brought round more frequently — in some few cases every alternate 
year. We think, however, that this practice cannot be long main- 
tained in soils not naturally rich without an extraordinary and 
frequently unprofitable application of manure. W^hen tares alter- 
nate with wheat, folded with sheep, and the ground is kept clean, 
its fertility may remain for a time unimpaired. On the second-rate 
soils especially, experience has decided an extended rotation to be 
preferable. Mr. Francis Ayerst of Hawkhurst has adopted for 
many years the undermentioned course, which seems well adapted 
to the district : — 1. Fallow; 2. Wheat; 3. Beans, peas, or turnips ; 
4. Oats; 5. Tares; 6. Wheat; 7. Seeds; 8. Oats. In this course 
the naked fallow occurs only once in eight years, and if the land 
is clean, early turnips, &c., might be substhuted. Clover coming 
round at longr intervals has been found not to fail. On some of 
the turnip soils in the county, that valuable root, in consequence 
of its long cultivation and frequent repetition, is found not so pro- 
ductive as formerly. Chemistry may ultimately find a remedy 
for this phenomenon ; but with our present imperfect knowledge 
it is safer to keep as close as possible to the paths of extended 
observation and experience. The observance of this simple rule 
in farming would frequently prevent many a disappointment and 
failure. 
Hops are extensi\ely cultivated in the Weald, particularly in 
the iron-sand district. In the clay valley their culture has of late 
years much extended, owing no doubt to the better drainage of 
the land. The two principal varieties are the " Grape'' and 
" Jones's,'' but " Colgate's " have of late increased. The two latter 
are considered hardy sorts, and when allowed to get perfectly ripe 
before they are picked, a matter not always sufficiently regarded, 
ihey make an excellent sample. Hops are planted in hills from 
6 to 7 feet asunder, either square or triangular ; the latter form 
X 2 
