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XII. — On the Influence of Climate on Cultivation. 
By R. Russell, F.R.S.E. 
This subject has already been somewhat generally discussed in 
the pages of this Journal in two valuable papers. In its eluci- 
dation very elaborate series of meteorological figures have been 
collected and applied in explaining the more obvious features 
and influences of climate within the British Islands. To repeat 
these figures would be out of place, and we are desirous to take up 
ground which has not been already occupied. In treatinjj the 
subject, we shall divest it, in the first place, of all technicalities 
or reference to meteorological figures. On a future occasion we 
may take up this particular branch of the subject with the view 
of simplifying and bringing out more graphically the variations 
of temperature and humidity. Indeed, we are of opinion that 
the ordinary methods of instrumental expression of those elements 
which constitute the peculiarities of climate are anything but 
satisfactory. 
At present, however, it is our object to deal with those branches 
of the subject which are strictly practical: to state as concisely 
as possible the influence of climate on the growth of those plants 
that are principally cultivated ; to trace the varieties in the 
agricultural practices of different localities, induced bv differences 
in their climatic conditions ; to point out the varieties in rota- 
tions, cultivation, and manuring of crops, which certain climatic 
conditions favour. 
It should be kept in view that other elements often over- 
ride those of climate, and are chiefly concerned in forming 
our agricultural systems. Thus, in all parts of Britain, the 
demand for particular crops, with unlimited supplies of manure, 
render farming much alike in the neighbourhood of large towns. 
It is in inland districts where the features of distinct systems 
stand out in boldest relief. There we generally find that those 
crops are most cultivated which are most suitable to the soil and 
climate. Yet to this rule there are many exceptions, owing to 
what may be termed the practical economy of cropping. Thus 
turnips are well known to thrive best in the cooler and moister 
parts of the British Islands. Tiie climate is far more suitable 
for turnips in Scotland and the West of England than in Norfolk. 
It has often appeared to many a curious circumstance, that turnip 
culture should liave beaun in the eastern counties and extended 
to the north and west. In no part of Scotland is a fourth part of 
the arable land devoted to the culture of turnips, as is the casein 
Norfolk. In the West of England and Ireland tliis crop is only 
slowly making its way, as the pioneer of better cultivation. It is 
