270 
On the Farminfj of Huntingdon. 
Blanures. — The farmyard is tlie principal source from whence 
manure is derived ; and such manure when well made is by 
far the most valuable fertiliser that can be applied to strong 
land. That, in this respect, there is an improvement on the 
practice of former times is obvious, yet there is still ample 
room for increased exertion. As the land becomes more freed 
from water, and the cultivation of root-crops extends, the manure 
of the farm will doubtless become better ; but at present oil- 
cakes of difl'erent kinds are largely used with straw during 
winter. Some difference of opinion prevails amongst practical 
men as to the most suitable state in which to apply farmyard 
manure. We are of opinion that when put on the land direct 
from the yard in an unferraented state the greatest benefit is 
insured at the least waste of manurial ingredients. 
Implements. — Improved iron ploughs have almost invariably 
superseded the old clumsy wooden implement, and iron harrows 
are likewise becoming general. One-horse carts are in use on 
some farms, but there is a singular clinging to the old, heavy, 
broad-wheeled cart and the wooden-armed waggons of a century 
ago. Chaff-cutters worked by horse-power are to be found on 
most farms. Thrashing is done by portable steam-engines and 
machines hired for the purpose. Few reaping-machines are 
found on the clay-lands ; the sticky nature of the soil, particularly 
in showery weather, precluding their profitable use. Coleman's 
cultivators are used in the summer on the fallow lands ; and 
Suffolk corn-drills are almost universal, the light steerage-drills 
being of little use on the clays, particularly for putting in the 
wheat-crop. 
Harvesting Corn. — The scythe has entirely superseded the 
sickle and the reaping-hook*; the cutting of corn is now inva- 
riably performed by task at so much per acre, and the cart- 
ing is done by the day. The advantages of tying up all the 
different crops is generally admitted, and little corn is saved 
in a loose state. The prices paid for mowing and tying 
are from 6s. Qd. to Qs. per acre ; the rate of wages per day for 
carrying being 3s. Qd. to 4s., with an allowance of beer. Some 
farmers, instead of beer, give their men 20s. for the harvest, 
which is not only better for the men, but saves a great deal 
of trouble to the farmer. Thatching is commonly done by 
piece-work, and costs from IQd. to Is. 'Id. per square. 
Labourers Wages. — The regular men employed on the farm 
ai-e paid weekly, generally on Friday evening. Common labourers 
get lis. to 12s. per week ; shepherds and horsekeepers, in addition 
to a house and garden found rent free, receive from 12s. to 13s. 
Labourers Cottages. — The agricultural labourers are generally 
congregated together in the small villages and hamlets by which 
