Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/247

Rh greatest judgment is requisite in fixing the course of crops. The chief object being to convert these soils ultimately into good meadows, or sheep-walks, the tillage ought only to extend to the destruction of spontaneous growth; to the removal of the acidity peculiar to peat-soils, and to support a flock during the winter: which purposes may be effected by paring and liming judiciously, and also by sowing hay.—The first course, which Mr. considers as deserving more particular attention, is:

1., or.

2..

3., mown.

4. &c. Grasses, fed.

This course is generally preferable to others; but, in case it should be found inadequate, he recommends the following variation to be adopted, viz.

1. Turnips or cabbages.

2. Cabbages or turnips.

3. Oats.

4. Grasses, mown.

5. Grasses, fed.

Such rotation is, in Mr. 's opinion, far superior to that in which turnips, &c. and oats, are sown twice alternately, previously to laying down grass-seeds; because the grass is thus defended one year; whereas two alternate crops of oats too much exhaust the virtues of the manure, before the grass-seeds are sown; while the turnips, &c. being fed on the land, return to it, by the dung of the cattle, comparatively more than they derive or take from it.

As there are extensive wastes in various parts of England, which consist of moors, capable of being brought into a high degree of cultivation, the patriotic Society for the Encouragement of Arts, &c. has, from time to time, offered premiums for improving them.—Large tracts of lands have, in consequence, been rescued from a state of nature; but ths most considerable improvement appears to be that effected by, Esq. of Brownslade, Pembrokeshire, on whom the Society, in 1800, conferred their gold medal; and whose merit we have incidentally mentioned, under the article.

The quantity of land thus recovered, was 274 acres situated between two hills, which extended nearly two miles in length: it was formerly a common, so completely inundated as to be of little or no value. The lord of the manor having obtained an act of parliament for its inclosure, Mr. proposed to take a lease, on condition that the proprietor should cut a drain, and lay down a tunnel; which being accordingly executed, the lease was concluded, and Mr. proceeded to complete the drainage.

He formed a channel on the north side, and divided the land into twelve pieces, by double ditches, of such a depth as the fall would allow, from a few inches to four feet: between the ditches, a space of about 30 or 40 feet was left for planting willows. The soil appeared a perfect sponge; and, as soon as the drains began to take effect, it sank so considerably that, after frequently lowering the ditches, the surface of the water remained nearly the same distance from that of the land. Having repeatedly sunk the principal drains and ditches, he at length obtained above three feet from the water to the surface of the