Page:The plains of Long Island.djvu/19

 entirely destroyed. The roots will have, to a great extent, decomposed in the earth, and in the process have imparted, he thinks a fertilizing element to the soil equivalent to fifteen or twenty loads of barn-yard manure. Dr. Peck objects to the grubbing system, for the reason that by the removing of the roots, it deprives the soil of this great fertilizing principle. I have no doubt but that a vast aggregate of vegetable matter may, by deep plowing, without grubbing, be incorporated with the soil. I do not merely embrace in this idea the spongy roots referred to, but the leaves and the coarse vegetation which shroud the surface by a net work of its infinitude of roots, fibers, and tissues. To what extent these materials would be disturbed by the harrow, and clog its operations, I have no practical knowledge; but I conjecture that the collecting and burning of those which should be brought to the surface, would not be attended with much expense. The earth on the third or fourth year, in the second method advised by Dr. Peck, would be ready for plowing. The large stumps will then be torn up by the plow without difficulty. He thinks that seven or eight dollars will cover the disbursement of clearing the land by either system. The burning over the whole surface is in one aspect objectionable. The accumulation of vegetable matter, and the humus on the soil, will be consumed by the process. Although the ashes will be valuable, the ingredients themselves are far more so. I should prefer, I think, piling the bushes and rubbish in as narrow and high heaps as possible for burning.

In my judgment, when the land is not designed for immediate cultivation, sheep would be found the most effective and economical agents for preparing the soil for tillage. The course to be pursued in this system would be to cut off the trees and large bushes, pile and burn the refuse material, and enclose a field, its size being determined by the number of sheep, by a secure fence. Turn into this enclosure the flock of sheep, in early spring, when the young sprouts begin to start, and the coarse grasses are tender and juicy. Sheep delight in this kind of pasture. They feed with avidity upon these grasses at that time, and will totally suppress the growth of all bushes and briars. In the second year the surface of the land will be cleared and subdued; and while this process is in progress, the roots and stumps will have essentially decayed. In addition to these benefits to the land, the sheep will impart a positive and great fertility to the soil, which will be equal in its effects, to the application of a large amount of manure. Their excrement must also exert a powerful effect in freeing the soil from its inherent acidity and inertness. The entire surface of the land will, in two years, be mantled by a rich and verdant covering of clover. When I suggested this mode of reclaiming these lands, I was met by the objection that on the Island sheep cannot be protected from the ravages of dogs. In my journeying on the Island, I noticed only one flock of this valuable animal, and their absence was imputed to this cause. The enforcement of existing statutes, or of more stringent laws, if required, might certainly remove this impediment to the fostering of a most important branch of stock husbandry.