446 On the Reclamation of Peat-Land in the Netherlands. 
are fed on hay ad libitum, with 5 lbs. of oats three times per diem, 
winter and summer alike, as they are always at work. The 
working oxen have the same feed as the cows, but beans are 
substituted for linseed. 
Threshing is done by steam, with a Ransome's machine, and a 
portable engine by a Hull firm. Most of the oats grown are 
used on the farm, but most of the rye is sold. The marketable 
produce of the farm consists, however, chiefly of mutton, beef, 
and artificial butter. 
Labourers. — There are always about 100 labourers employed 
on the farm ; some few are lodged in the farmhouses, but 
Mr. NeringB(3gel does not like the system. Ordinary labourers 
get Is. %d. per day, and are found in work all the year round. 
When there is no farm-work on hand, the process of reclamation 
is resorted to ; cleaning out the ditches also provides work for 
a large number of men in the winter. The labourers work 
ten hours per diem ; and when they make overtime, as during 
harvest, they are paid 3fZ. per hour for the extra work. There 
are no other privileges or additional emoluments during harvest. 
Willows. — Mr. Nering Bogel has recently commenced growing 
willows, and last year sold some three-year-old poles on the spot 
at lOZ. per acre, the purchaser to cut and carry them. Con- 
sidering the quality of the land, and that very little labour or 
attention had to be bestowed on the willows after the first 
planting, this experiment must be regarded as having paid very 
well, especially as the purchasers were quite satisfied with their 
bargain. 
Extensive Farming. — Such is a rapid sketch of the reclamation 
of peat-land, and its adaptation to what is on the continent 
termed " extensive " farming. The farming is on a large scale, 
with a large proportion of grass-land, and all kept in the hands 
of the proprietor. Manure is abundantly used for improving 
the quality of the pastures and the hay, and with the aid of arti- 
ficial food for increasing the quantity of milk, which is used on 
the spot for making an article of commerce which ordinarily 
competes successfully with the produce of the farm. The next 
estate to be described presents a complete contrast to this picture, 
as it is designed to become a perfected example of " intensive " 
culture in the hands of owners or tenants of moderate acreages, 
employing a very large capital per acre in the production of 
market-garden and industrial crops. 
HELENA-VEE^^ (NORTH BrABANT). 
Description of Property and Owners. — The tract of peat-land, 
known as the Helena-veen, is the property of a company called 
