Full text of "Letters and papers on agriculture and planting, etc"

See other formats

S v-U

LETTERS and PAPERS

o N

Agriculture, Planting, &c,

ADDRESSED TO THE

Bath and JVejl of England Society,

• FOR THE ENCOUR AOKMINT OF

Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce.

VOLUME IV.

S.ll.

LETTERS and PAPERS

O N

Agriculture,, Planting, &c<

SELECTED FROM

THE CORRESPONDENCE

OF T H

Bath and Weji of England Society

FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF

AGRICULTURE,
ARTS,

MANUFACTURES,
AND COMMERCE.

VOL. IV.
THE SECOND EDITION.

BATH, PRINTED, BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY,

BY R. CRUTTWELLJ

AND SOLD BY C. DILLY, POULTRY, LONDON,

AND BY THE BOOKSELLERS OF BATH, BRISTOL, SALISBURY,

CLOCESTER, EXETER, &C. &C.

M SCC XC11,

C O N T E N

O F

VOLUME IV.

IPAGg
NTRODUCTION ix

Letter from Dr. James Anderfon — ■ I

Mifcellaneous Experiments and Obfervations on the Cul-
ture of Potatoes, and fome other Plants. By Dr.
James Anderfon - — — " 7

Paper I. On the Nature of the Seeds moil proper for

being planted ibid.

— *- II. On the Effefls of Cutting the Stems of Po-
tatoes while growing, &c. ■ 38

— III. Of Ardent Spirits afforded by Potatoes — 49

■ . IV. Of the Marks for diftinguiftring different Sorts

of Potatoes from each other ; — its Utility, &c. 59
V. Of raifing Potatoes from Seed 68

■ ■ VI. The Doctrine of feminal Varieties confidered 80

— VII. Of the Difeafe called the Curl in Potatoes,

and fome other Particularities obfervable
with regard to this Plant — — gz

Conclufion — — — — — 107

On the moft practicable Method of fixing an equitable
Commutation for Tithes in general throughout the
Kingdom. By Mr. B.^Pryce — — 109

Strictures on the Husbandry of Turnips, or an Attempt
to promote a fuccefsful Culture of that ufeful Root.
By Mr. Wimpey — — ■ 1 37

Of the Neceffity of adapting the Crop to the Nature and
Circumfhnces of the Land; with an Account of an
Experiment to afcertain the Quantity of Butter and

b 3 Cheefe

[ vi ]

PAGE

Cheefe producible from a given Quantity of Milk.

By the fame k ■ I r<)

Practical Obfervations on fundry Letters in the Third

Volume, and on the Benefit of Friendly Societies.

By the Rev. Mr. Onley _ ij0

On the Culture and Management of Rhubarb in Tartary.

By Dr. Father gill 1 80

On a more fpeedy Method of propagating Rhubarb.

By Mr. Hayes 183

Account of a Plant of the Rheum Palmatum, grown at

Boreatton, in Salop » 185

Obfervations on the Growth of fome Rhubarb. By Mr.

George Poole ■ 187

On the Danger of ufing Lead, Copper, and Brafs VefTels,

in Dairies. By Mr Hayes — — — 189

On the Culture of Rape or Cole Seed. By Mr. Hazard 195
On the Means of preferving Apple-Bloflbm and Orchard.

from Injury. By Mr. Guile tt - 202

S uccefs of an Experiment of fumigating an Orchard. By

the fame • ■ — 205

Means of infuring full Crops of Turnips. By the fame 207
On the Culture of Muftard; Remarks on the Trifolium

Alpeftre ; on the Neceffity of Change of Artificial *

Grafs Crops, &c. By the Rev. Mr. Onley — 212

Account of the Cultivation and Produce of a Crop of

Buck-Wheat — — — 216

Defcription of the Conftru&ion and Ufe of a new Imple-
• ment in Hufbandry, for Tranfplanting Turnips. By

Mr. Kirkpatrick — — 226

On the Cultivation of Broad Clover. By Dr. James

Anderfon — 229

Biihop of Killalue's Method of cultivating Potatoes 238

Obfervations on the Difeafe called the Wind in Sheep.

By Mr. J. Webb 241

On the Cultivation of Apple-Trees. By Mr. Rd. Samuel 244
On the Degeneracy of Apples. By Mr. Daniel Grimwood 248
On the Culture of Parfnips. By Mr. J. Hazard — 250

[ vii ]

page

Account of the Culture, Expcnces, and Produce, of Pota-
toes per Acre, about Ilford, and the adjacent Parifiies,

fix Miles Eail of London. By Mr.Braines — 255
On the Depravation of Apple-Trees. By Mr. Edmund

Gillingwmter ■ — — - 256

Obfervations on the fame. By Mr. Wagstaffe — 258
On the Cultivation of Flax and Hemp. By Mr, James

Ellerker 261

Defcription of a Comb-Pot to be ufed with Pit Coal.

Invent td by John AJbman 262

On the Diforder called the Blaft in Sheep. By Mr. Potticary 264
A Continuation of Experiments in the Drill Hufbandry.

By Sir Jobu Anjirutbcr, bart. 266

Account of a Series of Experiments made by Mr. Bartlty,

on his Farm near Briftol ■ " 273

■ . Experiments on Deep Ploughing 274.

— 1 . on Turnips ■ ■ 276

On the Culture of Flax — 277

• On Jerufalem Artichokes — 278

— — On Woad ■ 279

On Coriander Seed 280

On Brining Seed Wheat ■ 281

. On Spring Wheat 282

— — A Comparifon between Brining and not Brining 283

— — On recovering Smutty Wheat . ibid.

— — On Canary Seed 285

On Anife ■ ibid.

. On Potatoes 286

On Black Oats — 287

On the Black Rult in Wheat. By Mr. Baker — 288

Recipe for making Rennet for Checfe. By Mr. Crocker 290

On the Benefit of cultivating Parfnips and Burnet — 293
On the Ufe and Value of Turnip-rooted Cabbage. By

Sir Thomas Bee-uor • ■ 296

On the Mangel-Wurzel, or Scarcity Root. By the fame 299

Experiments on various Sets of Potatoes. By the fame 303

On Planting Wdc Lands. By Mr. Wagstaffe — 305

Vlll

]

Defcription of the Model of a Machine for communica-
ting Motion at a Diftance. By Mr. Hornblonver — 30S

On the Importance of planting Timber-Trees. By Mr,

Pa<vier •• ■ — 310

On the Healthinefs of managing Silk- Worms. By Mifs

Rhodes — 319

Defcription and Ufe of Mr. Winter's Patent Drill-Machine 322

Afcertainments of Crops reaped from feed fown by the

Rev. Mr. Cooke's Patent Drill-Machine — 326

Defcription of a new Harrow and Drag. By Mr. Triffry 330

On the Advantage of River Weeds as a Manure. By

Mr.J.Wagstaffe — 334

An Account of a new Drill-Machine, and of a crop fown

with it. By Mr. George Barnes ■ — > 337

Account of a Crop of Cabbages. By Mr. Vagg — — 341

On the Prefervation of the Health of Perfons employed
in Agriculture, and on the Cure of the Difeafes inci-
dent to that Way of Life. By Dr. Falconer — 347

— Advantages which Perfons employed in Agriculture

poffefs in Point of Health — \ 351

— Diforders to which Agricultural Perfons are fubjett

from the Nature of their Employment — 355

■ Diforders to which Perfons employed in Agricul-
ture are liable from their own Imprudence — 359

— Directions relative to the Prevention and Cure of Dif-

orders incident to Perfons employed in Agriculture 366

— On the Cure of the Difeafes incident to an Agri-

cultural Life 1 1 384

Report refpeding a trial of Ploughs in 1788 — 441

DIRECTIONS for PLACING the PLATES.
Plate I. Containing Comb-Pot, Tranfplanter, and Icy

Columns — 262

II. Mr. Winter's Patent Drill-Machine — . 322

«— III. Mr. Triffrfs Harrow and Drag ■ 330

INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION,

THIS Society having, in its Book of
Premiums for 1787, announced an
intention of fbon publifhing a Fourth Vo-
lume of Papers; the public had certainly a
right to expeft an earlier fulfilment of that
intention.

For the delay, feveral reafons might be
afligned; among which, and not the leaft
operative, was the deceafe of Mr. Edmund
Rack, the late ufeful and ingenious. Secre-
tary of this Society. By that event was dif-
folved an ideal arrangement of materials $
and even for fome time was fufpended, a
certainty to whom fome few of the MSS.
had been lent for perufal.

On adverting, afterwards, to the promife
of publication, fome of the moft a£tive
Members of the Society, though agreeing

Vol. IV. b on

[ X ]

on the propriety of printing a frefti volume,
were perhaps lefs urgent than formerly about
the expedition of the meafure. The abfence
of many of the country gentlemen during
the laft fummer, and the greater propriety of
determining on the time of printing, when
the Committees fhould be more united, was
another reafon of a temporary delay. But
this interval was not unoccupied with bufi-
nefs of a fimilar nature, and of no inconfi-
derable importance ; which was the fuperin-
tendance of the prefs, through the printing a
fecond edition of the former three volumes —
all of which are now completely reprinted.

Among the many proofs of the ufefulnefs
of this Society, and the public refpeft which
has been paid to its pad progrefs, the com-
plete difpofal of the firft edition of thofe
volumes, and the increafe of the public de-
mand, make at once a convincing and a
pleafing teftimony. But while the neceffity
for a new edition of former volumes was

flattering,

• [ * ]

flattering, due care to preferve a reputation
for ufefulnefs became a new incentive to de-
liberation and the proper choice of mate-
rials. Of this deliberation and care, it is
hoped the prefent volume will furnifh fome
evidence.

The caution which has been ufed, has
given time for remarking the different opi-
nions that have been imparted, by particular
gentlemen on the general fubjedt of publica-
tion ; and it may not be improper here to
acquaint the public, that though this Society
can never wifh to withhold thofe articles of
pra&ical communication which it is its plan
to encourage ', yet the importance of publijhing
well appears too great to be hazarded by any
arbitrary adherence to ftated periods.

On a work like this, written by a variety
of hands, and on an almoft equal variety of
fubjedts, every man, who in connexion there-
with confiders the fallibility of human (kill,
and the varied complexion of the human
b 2 mind,

[ 4 ]

mind, will anticipate criticifm. Neither from
works of this fort, on which may poffibly de-
pend the fuccefs or difappointment, profit or
lofs, of fubfequent experiment, fhould the pa-
trons of improvement wifh to have the ftric-
tures of experience and intelligence averted.

An ingenuous and candid reader will not
be lefs thankful for a new hint, or a new
refult of experiment, which he finds to be
fraught with his own and the public advan-
tage, becaufe it is not unaccompanied in the
fame volume by inequality and imperfection!
And in return for the liberality of re-
ception which this Society is confident of
finding with the public, we think it incum-
bent upon us to give the following aflurance,
viz. That the fterling worth of thofe ani-
madverfions which proceed from real know-
ledge, and from that zeal for the advance-
ment of truth which this Society has mainly
in view, will be ever gratefully diftinguifhed
from the cafual cavils of inexperience, or ir-
rational attachment to cuftom.

The

[ xiii I

The firft Article in this Volume, the com-
munication of a Gentleman of large experi-
ence in rural fcience, is long and elaborate.
But as the fubjecl: is confeffedly of great im-
portance in the prefent improved fyftem of
cultivation, it is prefumed that no apology
can be neceflary for inferting, at large, a
piece which is evidently the refult of un-
common ingenuity, and practical obfervation.
The value of Potatoes, both as an article of
hufbandry, and general confumption in fa-
milies, is now fo fully eftablifhed, that no
argument is required to enforce it. The
feries of fafts, thus given by Dr. Anderson,
and interfperfed with numerous remarks re-
fusing from thofe facts, it is prefumed, will
throw very confiderable light on the pro-
perties and value of the root in queftion.
And if fome experiments fhould be found of
comparatively lefs importance than others,
and fome conjectures of a lefs certain ten-
dency, the Society cannot but be allured, that
a large tribute of public praife will be paid to

the

[ xiv ]

the author of the effay : — a man, who, while
eminently converfant in the abftrufe and ele-
gant departments of fcience, could devote fo
much time and pains to the culture of a fingle
root; but a root on which the fubfiftence and
comfort of a large part of the poor of thefe
kingdoms has been known to depend.

The piece on the fubjeft of a Commutation
for Tithesy by Mr. Benjamin Pryce, has
been honoured with a public mark of this
Society's approbation. The fubje£l, with re-
lation to agricultural improvements in this
nation, is of the firft collateral importance.
And though it may poffibly be obje&ed, that
any alteration in the prefent fyftem of Church
eftablifhment is not an objeft of contempla-
tion within the province of an agricultural
fociety, nor a fubjeft on which fuch an aflb-
ciation may be fully qualified to judge; yet
is it unqueftionably a fubjeft, on which any
body of men, as well as any individual, has
a right to form and to give an opinion. The
influence which any fyftem, for tithing the

produce

[ xv ]

produce of hujbandry, muft have upon its
progrefs, will be ever proportioned to the
wifdom or imperfe&ion of the fyftem fo
eftablifhed. And in general, though the
body of farmers fhould be allowed to be per-
fonally interejied in fhifting the burden which
lies immediately upon them, it may be alfo
fairly allowed that they are the beft judges of
the irkfomcnefs of the mode whereby they
are taxed in their labour.

In the prefent age of liberal enquiry, which
has reached the minds of intelligent farmers,
as well as other citizens of the realm, there
are not wanting many among them, who fully
difcriminate between the prefent legal rights
of the clergy, and the erroneous ideas of re-
ligion and policy which gave rife to the pecu-
liarities of thofe rights. They are convinced,
in common with all men of fenfe and reflec-
tion, that while it is their prefent duty to pay
the clergy their due, according to the legal
eftablifhment, and to give them as little trou-
ble as poflible in the payment; yet that th^y

arc

[ xvi ]

are warranted in complaining of a fyllem,
which both in its nature and tendency is un-
equal, inconvenient, and vexatious. — Hence
it is not unnatural for fuch a Society as this
to countenance a difcuflion of fuch a topic,
and to confider itfelf as acting the part of a
common friend to the Clergy and the Laity, by
endeavouring to point out a mode of fupport
for the former, more equal and righteous
among themfelves, more compatible with the
principles of peace, more promotive of uni-
verfal improvement, and, which is efpecially
defirable, lefs invidious to the claimant, ,

Such were the views of this Society in of-
fering a premium for the beft-written paper
on the fubjefb of a Commutation for Tithes:
and though the Society is not fo fanguine as
to expeft, that through their means a national
tithe revolution fhall be brought about -, yet
have they a hope, that, by agitating the fub-
jeft, the attention of ingenious men, both in
^nd out of parliament, may be the more ex-
cited

I Xvii ]

cited to attempt fome poffible improvement,
where improvement is fo much to be wifhed.

The two next following papers, from the
ingenious Mr. Wimpey, refpe&ing the cul-
ture of Turnips, the management of the Dairy,
&c. are inferted as practical treatifes, on fub-
je£ts of eftablifhed importance j and it ispre-
fumed they will not be found to diminifh the
reputation of their intelligent author. On
the former fubject much has been written in
detached publications 3 and from the import-
ance of the Turnip hufoandry, both as a fyf-
tem of cultivating the foil, and as an abund-
ant fource of food for cattle, too much praife
cannot be eafily bellowed.

It were much to be wifhed, that the ex-
ample of Mr. Wimpey may excite other
Gentlemen, equally capable of reflection and
experiment, to bend their attention to the
properties and management of this delicate
plant j till, if poffible, fuch a knowledge of
jt may be obtained, as to enable the farmer

xviii

jo guard it more effe6hially from its grand
, enemy the fly; by the ravages of which fo
much real calamity is frequently produced.
Of the latter fubjeft, treated by Mr. Wim-
pey, it would be needlefs to expatiate on
its general utility. The enormous advance
of the prices of butter and cheefe, efpecially
the latter, within the laft very few years,
has rendered an enquiry into the general con-
du£l of the Dairy, and of Dairy farming,
particularly commendable; and it muft give
the Society and the Public great pleafure to
find, that men of Mr. Wimpey's abilities
and information turn their attention to a de-
partment of rural ceconomy, fo much con-
ne&ed with the comfortable fupply of the
rich and the poor man's table.

The extrafts of letters from Sir Thomas
Beevor are interefting in their kind, as might
be expedted from the elegant pen of fo accu-
rate an experimentalift ; and it is not with-
out reafon that we hope to receive from Sir
Thomas, as well as from feveral other Gen-
tlemen,

[ xix ]

tlemen, another year, fuch accounts of the
nature and effe&s of the Mangel JVurzel, as a
vegetable for the table, and a food for diffe-
rent kinds of cattle, as may determine the
value of this new and celebrated exotic*

To Dr. Fothergill, and Mr. Hayes,
for their laudable attention to the cultivation
of Rhubarb-, and to the latter Gentleman for
his other communications, the Society, on
the public behalf, has been laid under new
obligations.

The remarks on Fruit Threes, from Mr.
Grimwood, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Gilling-
water, and our fcientific correfpondent Mr.
Gullet, will be found interefting, not only
to the lovers of horticulture in particular,
but to our country readers in general.

• It is with pleafure the Society embraces this opportunity of
paying a full tribute of refpecl to Dr. Lettsom, (though not an.
immediate correfpondent on the fubjec"t) for that fteady and laud-
able zeal which he has (hewn for the introduction of fo promising
a root into this country. By fuch generous exertions, whenever
well directed, an individual may fecure, even againft the force of
prejudice, the molt lalting advantages to his fellow -citizens, and
to pofterity.

[ xx ]

To the experienced and accurate Mr.
Onley, of Stijied-hall in EfTex, the Society
owes many thanks for his prefent and part
favours, and folicits the continuance of his
correfpondence. When Gentlemen of fuch
pradtical knowledge, and exaft obfervation,
are difpofed to favour inftitutions of this
kind with their fupport, we may hope to
gratify the public attention with a beneficial
and lafting effeft.

To Sir John Anstruther, the Society
continues to be indebted for careful records
of experiments, in a branch of hufbandry
growing into general efteem, and which can
never be better recommended than by repeated
experiment, calculation, and comparifon.

To Mr. Nehemiah Bartley, no fmall
fhare of commendation is due, as well for
the variety of his ufeful experiments, as for
the candour and liberality with which he im-
parts them.

The

[ xxi ]

The correfpondence of Mifs Henrietta
Rhodes, whofe attentive obfervation and ju-'
dicious opinions do equal credit to herfelf
and her fex, the public cannot be wanting to
value j and this Society wifhes her continued
remarks on the curious fubject of her parti-
cular attention.

Mr. Winter's own publication has anti-
cipated what we might otherwife have had
pleafure in communicating from his pen;
but too much credit cannot be given him for
his praftical exertions, and endeavours to
promote the Drill hufbandry. His drilling
machine, of which we give a reprefentation
by his own plate, promifes much utility on
lands favourable to fuch a mode of crop-
ping ; and the public has great reafon to ex-
pert the gradual advancement of this mode,
through different paFts of the kingdom, to
the great increafe and perfeftion of the dif-
ferent fpecies of grain, as well as the faving
of prodigious quantities of feed, heretofore
loft to the nation.

The

[ xxii ]

The Reverend Mr. Cook, (a defcription of
whofe drilling machine was given in our laft
volume) having furniihed for this publication
an ample account of the fuccefs attending the
ufe of that machine; we infert the fame on a
principle of impartial juftice to him, and of
unbiafled attention to the public advantage.

To Mr. Woodbine, Mr.WAGSTAFFE,Mr.
Crocker, Mr. Hazard, Mr. Webb, Mr.PoT-
ticary, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Kirkpatrick,
Mr. Triffry, Mr. Baker, and various other
correfpondents whofe names do not appear,
the Society owes a return of acknowledge-
ments for their obliging mifcellaneous com-,
munications -, — fuch acknowledgments are
cordially returned, whatever reafons may have
induced an omiffion of fome articles, both
well intended and refpeftably written,

Laftly, we have to acknowledge very parti-
cular obligations to Dr. Falconer, for the
excellent Eflfay with which this volume con-
cludes . The co-incidence of the Do£tor 's de-

fign

[ xxiii ]

fign with the public views of this Society, is
fufficiently obvious. The prefervation of a
clafs of men who are the hands and finews of
national ftrength, is a firft object of found
policy, as well as of genuine benevolence.
If that praife be juft, which has been fully
beftowed on a fentiment of Goldsmith,

" But a bold peafantry, their country's pride,
" If once deftroyed, can never be fupplied,"

we cannot be too ftudious of preferving their
health and vigour. And while many of our
readers will be pleafed and inftru&ed by the
Do&or's judicious counfel, his piece will be
confidered as highly worthy the adoption of
the Society, and worthy himfelf as one of its
original founders.

To conclude. Though the Society can-
not undertake to vouch for the perfect accu-
racy of every account, nor for the juftice of
every opinion contained in the mafs of ma-
terials, which from time to time we may be
able to lay before the public $ yet may we

reafonably

[ xxiv ]

reafonably hope, that the continued commu-
nications of our correfpondents, on various
important matters, will be found an accumu-
lation of fcience either immediately obvious,
or remotely tending to national good. And
if, in fome unavoidable inftances, an inequa-
lity of intrinfic knowledge fliould be difco-
vered, it is but the inequality of human en-
deavours, ever to be expected.

Thofe Gentlemen, who, from their own
praftice and fagacity, are the beft qualified
to difcriminate between truth and error, will
ever be found the moft difpofed to candour.
And while every man defirous of improve-
ment iii rural purfuits will make trial of a
new procefs with caution; any new acqui-
fitions of agricultural fkill, which may take
their rife even from the fuggeftions of theory,
will be defervedly confidered as fo many tef-
timonials to the public benefit of eftablifh-
ments like this.

Bath, May i, 1788.

LETTERS

TO THE

BATH AND WEST GF ENGLAND
AGRICULTURE SOCIETY.

7i the Secretary.
Sir,

IObferve with pleafure that the Society inftitiited
at Bath, for the encouragement of Agriculture,
Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, continues to
publifh many valuable letters and papers commu-
nicated by gentlemen in every part of this ifland.
And as I am difpofed to believe that thefe papers
are very generally read, I have been induced to
communicate to you the refult of a few experiments
I have made on the culture of Potatoes, which con-
tain fome difcoveries that fuch friends as I have
imparted them to think of great importance. If
the Gentlemen of your Society fhall view them in
the fame light, and think them worthy a place in
their next volume, thefe papers are much at thsir
fervice.

Vol. IV. B Having

C I ]

Having attended very particularly to the fubje<2:
of agriculture for many years paft, I have obferved
with not lefs concern than amazement, the fmall
advances that have been made in this ufeful art,
when compared with that of other arts of lefs ge-
neral utility, and have endeavoured to inveftigate
the caufe of this phenomenon. I find it lefs diffi-
cult to difcover the caufe of this ftationary ftate of
our knowledge, than it is to remove the obftructions
that ftand in the way. Without entering here upon
the queftion at large, I fhall content myfelf with
obferving, that the length of time necefiary for
making an experiment in agriculture, and the dif-
ficulty of difcovering all the circumftances that
may vary its refuk, are among the chief caufes of
the fmall progrefs that has been made in this ufeful
and necefiary art. Man, impatient of delay, and
anxious to get forward, becomes tired of the fnail-
like progrefs he mud make if he were to fubmit all
his facts to the teft of experiment. To avoid that
tirefome progrefs, men in general have been willing
to admit experience as a mode of acquiring know-
ledge on this fubject, fufficiently accurate for all the
purpofes of life. Among practical farmers this is
fo much the cafe, that they rely entirely on experience
as an infallible guide, and condemn experiments as

abfurd

[ 3 1

nbflird and unneceflary* By thi6 means the fubjdcT:
is only imperfe&ly inveftigated, and uncertainty
pervades every department of it.

In compliance with common cuftom, by expe-
rience I here mean thofe general obfervations, col-
lected from an extenfive courfe of practice, which, by
frequently recurring, have made a deep and lading
impreflion on the mind ; and by experiment, I mean
thofc fpecial trials that have been made to afcertain
particular fads with accuracy. In the firft cafe,
fads are admitted as proved by the frequency of
their recurrence, and the fuppofed notoriety of their
correfpondence with each other, without being fub-
je&ed to any other criterion of accuracy but a ge-
neral recollection of their frequency and univerfality.
In the laft cafe, like mathematical truths, nothing is
admitted till it be clearly proved. Upon a fair in-
veftigation it will appear that a practical farmer, in
different circumftances, mud fometimes place reli-
ance on the one, and fometimes on the other of thefe
two modes of acquiring knowledge ; and that with-
out the aid of both, he never can underftand his bu-
finefs compleatly.

The bufinefs of a practical farmer naturally di-
vides itfelf into two branches. One that embraces
B 2 the

[ 4 ]

the (Economical detail of the operations of hufban-
dry; the other relates to that degree of fcientifick
knowledge which directs to thofe operations that
ought to be performed. In the firft fenfe he may
be compared to a mafon, in the laft to an architect
of a new building. Now, though it fhould be ad-
mitted, that, by a conftant courfe of attentive expe-
rience, a man may in time acquire fuch a knowledge
of the detail of the practical operations of husban-
dry as could not otherwife be obtained, and might
thus come to know, by a fort of mechanical habi-
tude, without much forethought or reflection, the
various obft ructions that ufually occur in the courfe
of bufinefs, and the eafieft means of furmounting
them; — though he may come to know in what man-
ner to conduct his different operations, fo as not to
interfere with, or to interrupt one another, and be
thus able to make fuch ufe of time, as that none of
it be either mifapplied or loft by the different per-
fons he has occafion to employs — yet all thefe al-
lude only to the firft department of bufinefs, which,
of whatever importance it may be to the fuccefs of
thofe who follow the bufinefs of agriculture for a
fubfiftence, is only a part of that profeffioni and
much knowledge remains to be acquired in the
other department of agriculture, with regard to

which

[ 5 3

which experience would ferve but as a very imper-
fect inftru&or.

It is indeed impoflible for any man who pra&ifes
agriculture to avoid obferving, that better or worfe
crops may be obtained from the fame field in diffe-
rent circumftances, and that certain foils are better
adapted to yield good crops of one kind of produce
than of odiers. It is as impoflible for a man, whofe
fubfiftence depends upon the produce of his fields,
to avoid forming conjectures as to the caufes of
thefe diverfitiesj and in the courfe of a long and
attentive obfervation it muft probably happen, that
fome of thefe conjeftures may be right. But as this
judgment is formed merely from a complex view of
the whole, in which a great variety of particulars are
blended indifcriminately together, it is impoflible for
the mind to diftinguifti in this way, with any degree
of certainty, thofe circumftances that are of ejfential
from thofe that are of trivial importance. The im-
agination is thus left at full freedom to exert its in-
fluence; and ill-grounded theories fo warp the mind
as to make it believe that it fees certain fa6ts as
clearly proved, which are nothing elfe but a fpecious
delufion. Nor is it pofllble ever to corredt the
falfe judgments that are thus formed, but by calling
in the aid of experiment; which, by carefully fepa-
B 3 rating

[ 6 J

rating cveiy circumftance that can in any cafe affect
the refult, and viewing it diftinct and apart from all
others, gives full room to perceive what degree of
weight it ought to have in every practical cafe, and
to fhew how far it is either effential or unimportant.

The experiments which accompany this letter,
and the obfervations that refult from them, fuffi-
ciently evince the juftnefs of thefe remarks, and
afford a very convincing proof of the neceffity of
fubjecting the different cafes that daily occur in
agriculture to the teft of accurate experiment, if
ever we hope to obtain fuch a thorough knowledge
of facts as to introduce that degree of fleadinefs in
the practice of husbandry, of the want of which we
have ft ill reafon fo juftly to complain.

I hope any apology for the trouble I now give
you will be unneceffary. I remain, with great re-
flect for the worthy members of yqur Society,

Sir,

Your moil obedient, and

mod humble fervant,

Cotfield, near Leith, JAMES ANDERSON,

Nov, 28, 1786.

Article

[ 7 ]

Article I.

Mifcellaneous Experiments and Obfervations on
the Culture of Potatoes, and feme other
Plants; written originally in the year 1778,
with feme additional Remarks of a later date.
By James Anderson, L. L. D. F. R. &
and F.S.A. Scot.

PAPER FIRST.

ON THE NATURE OF THE SEEDS MOST PROPER FOR
BEING PLANTED,

THE Potatoe has been cultivated in Britain
for half a century paft, with great advan-
tage to the community 5 but many parti-
culars refpedting its culture are ftill involved in un-
certainty. To point out the means by which that
uncertainty may, in fome cafes, be removed, is the
chief defign of the following eflay.

§• I.

Among other particulars, it ftill remains a doubt
with practical farmers, whether it is mod pro-
fitable to ufe fmall potatoes uncut for feed, or large

B 4 ones

[ 8 ]

ones cut into pieces. This does not indeed appear
to be a matter of doubt with any one individual, if
Jie alone fhould be confulted on this head j but
the uncertainty appears when many are confulted.
Every one is ready to decide pofitively in favour
of one or other of thefe modes of practice; but
when the votes are collected, it is found that they
are nearly equally divided between the two; and
when enquiry is made into the reafons on which
thefe oppofite opinions are founded, it appears
that they reft upon no better foundation than
theoretical conjectures : for I have never been able
to learn, upon the moft attentive enquiry, that a
fingle comparative trial has been made with a
view to afcertain this fact. The culture of this
plant never attracted my own particular attention
till lately, and therefore I never did think of afcer-
taining this fact by experiment till the year 1776,
at which time the following comparative trial was,
made with that intention,

Experiment First.
April 26, 1776, Four rows of potatoes were planted in
a piece of garden ground, without dung, for the fake of
the experiment ; there being no variation of foil in any
part of the experiment ground. Thefe four experimental
rows were planted contiguous to one another, and at
equal diftances ; other potatoes were planted on each fide,
of them, at the fame diftance as they were from each other,

[ 9 ]

to render all thefe rows as much alike each other as pof-
fible in all refpe&s. The four experimental rows confided
of plants of the following kinds :

I ft row. Small potatoes planted whole.

2d. Potatoes fomewhat larger than the former, cut into
two equal parts,

$d. Pieces cut from the fmall end of large potatoes,
with one eye in each.

4/£. Pieces cut from the large end of the fame potatoe,
with one eye in each.

To underftand the meaning of the laft part of the expe-
riment, it is neceflary to obferve, that the kind of potatoe
ufed in this experiment (and in all the other experiments
in this eflay, where not othcrwife related) was that com-
monly known here by the name of the white kidney potatoe.
The bulbs of this kind of potatoe are ufually of an oblong
fhape, flatted a little, having one end confiderably fmaller
than the other : the colour yellowifh white, without any
tinge of rednefs. The fmall end of this potatoe, which
is always oppofite to the umbilical eye, by which* it ad-
heres to the ftem, is ufually filled with a clufter of bud-
eyes, very clofe upon one another ; fo that the flices taken
from this end, with a fmgle eye in each, are of neceffity
very fmall ; whereas thofe that are cut from the oppofite
end, in which the eyes are placed much thinner, are al-
ways of a much larger fize,

Thefe potatoes were properly hoed, and kept free from
weeds during the fummer, and on the 30th of O&ober
they were dug up, and, after being properly cleaned, the

weight

[ 10 ]

weight of the produce of the refpeclive rows was found to
be as under, in avoirdupoife weight.

lb, oz.

lb. oz.

i/? row , -

- 1 8 o 1 $d rowy -

- 16 13 1 4rZ> - -

- 12 Si

" 36 4

The difference between the produce of the third and
the fourth rows appeared to me aftonifhing : and as the
plants in the fourth row confuted of much larger pieces^
and as thofe in the third row were fmaller than any of the
others, this experiment feemed to indicate, that the weight
of the produce depended in a great meafure on the weight
of the feed planted.

It likewife feemed, from this experiment, that whole
potatoes might in fome cafes be more profitable for feed,
and in others lefs fo, than cuttings ; for the firft row ex-
ceeded the fecond and third, though it fell greatly fhort of
the fourth. The cuttings in the fourth row were much
larger, and thofe in the third much fmaller than the whole
potatoes in the firft.

It deferves to be remarked, that the vigour of the ftems
©f each of thefe rows was nearly in proportion to the
weight of produce above ftated.

It is alfo of importance to remark, that although the foil,
at the time of planting, was in every refpeft equal through
the whole of the experiment ground ; yet, at the time of
taking up the plants, that part on which the fourth row
grew, was in much better order, and feemed to be much
richer, than that where the others had grown , efpecially
the third,

t » 1

It is likewife worth noting, that a row of the potatoes
which grew befide thefc, having been taken up by itfelf,
and the bulbs cleaned, was found to weigh 23 pounds.
Thefe were from feed cut in the ordinary random way.

§. II.

As the foregoing experiment feemed to point to-
wards an important difcovery with regard to the
culture of this valuable plant, I refolved to repeat
it next feafon with dill greater accuracy, which was
accordingly done as under.

Experiment Second.

In the month of April, 1777, a piece of ground was
prepared for the experiment. This had been in grafs
fome years, and now got a flight kind of trenching barely
to cover the fward, without any dung. It was found that
this fmall piece of ground could contain exactly twenty
plants in length, at fixteen inches from each other ; and
it was divided into rows croffing thefe at right angles, at
the diftance of fixteen inches from each other alfo ; fo that
the plants ftood in fquare fixteen inches from one another,
in every direction. The fbil of this patch was thin and
poor, infomuch, that when in grafs, the crop was fo fcanty
as fcarcely to admit of being cut with the fcythe ; but no
dung was put upon it, on account of the difficulty of
fprcading it fo equally as not to affect the accuracy of the
experiment.

On the 5th of May, twenty plants of each of the fol-
lowing kinds were provided and planted, each kind by »t-
fclf, in afingle row; all the plants in each row being, as
nearly as poflible, of one fize. A row of potatoes cut pro-

mifcuoufly

E » ]

mifcuoufly having been firft planted next the edge of the
plot for the fake of accuracy.

iff row. Small potatoes whole. The twenty) «»»«»
plants together weighed - - S 5i

2d. Small potatoes cut in two - - - 3i

2d. Small pieces cut from the fmall end of large? x
potatoes, with one eye in each - 3

4th. Pieces of an equal fize with the former, cut }
out of the large end of large potatoes, with> if
one eye in each J

[N. B. Though it was not expecled that any difference
could arife from the difference of circumftances here
notedy yet as this had never been afcertained by experi-
ment, the fad was not certainly ejlablijhed. This trial
was meant to give it the certainty wanted.']

-x vuntn.

fame potatoes that were employed in No. 3 I 261

6th. Large potatoes, from which all the eyes had
been cut out, fave one about the middle part
of the bulb -

$th. Large pieces cut from the great end of the
fame potatoes that were employed
and 4, having only one eye in each,

]

yth. Large potatoes with one eye only, left in 7
the fmall end of the bulb, - - J I23*

2th. Large potatoes planted whole, as nearly")
as could be got, of an equal fize with the [ 124!
former, J

[N. B. No. 6 and 7 were intended to difcover whether
the produce continued to increafe with the weight of the
feed planted. The leaving only one eye was intended

[ '3 1

to make theft plants refemble, as nearly as poJJible> thofe
in No. 5. The variation between No. 6 and 7 was
with the fame view as that in No. 3 and 4. No. 8
was intended to difcover if plants are damaged in any
refpeflfor feed merely by being wounded^ and what is
the refult of planting feeds with many or few eyes.']

Experiment Third.

On the fame patch of ground that was prepared for the
foregoing experiment, and immediately contiguous to the
8th row in the preceding experiment, (one row only inter-
vening, which will be afterwards taken notice of) was
planted on the fame day with them, feven other rows of
feeds, being each of them exactly of the fame fize and
weight with the foregoing ; fo that it was an exact repe-
tition of the fame experiment, intended to fave time. The
only difference between them was, that the feventh row
was here entirely omitted for want of room. The general
refult of thefe two experiments was as under ; the upper-
moft row of figures, where double, denoting the refult of
experiment 2d, and the undermoft of experiment 3d.

No. of No. of
rows, feeds
that ger-
minated.

ift,

id,

4th,

6th,
7th,
Sth,

ill]

m
m
i-r

Weight of
feed.

lb. oz.

7 iof

7 "!

7 »i

No. of roots
produced.

Average

»31

{"si

urn**

iJ5l*»

<4i

Weight of the

produce of

each row.

lb. oz.

{!
{I
p

*2}

{» l\\

Average weight
of the pro-
duce.

lb. oz.

7 6

IS!
xof

From

t 14 ]

From thcfc two experiments thus carefully collected it
appears, that there is fuch a near coincidence between the
produce of the correfponding rows in each experiment, as
gives us reafon to believe, that the average obtained from
each row is nearly what would refult in general' practice
from planting feeds, correfponding to thofe planted in each
of thefe rows rcfpe&ively j fo that the corollaries deducible
from thence may be admitted as general rules in practice.

§. III.

It may, in the flrft place, be inferred, by a care-
ful review of thefe two experiments, that the pro-
duce is not materially offered by planting for feed, either
whole potatoes or cuttings, or large or /mall potatoes
merely as fuch -, for that it is only incidentally that either
of thefe particulars can affeel the crop. The whole
potatoes in the firft row yielded a fmaller produce
than the cuttings in the 6th row. Seed from fmall
potatoes yielded a fmaller produce than was ob-
tained from large ones, in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and
8th rows; but it yielded a greater produce than
was obtained from the fame large potatoes, in the
3d and 4th rows. It feems, in the fecond place, to
be a fact confirmed by every ftep in both thefe ex-
periments, that the weight of the crop is always in
Jome meafure influenced by the weight of the feeds
planted. The third and fourth rows, in which the
feeds were lightejl, yielded the pooreft crop; and a
progrefiion from lighter to more weighty, is obferv-

able

[ >S ]

able in the produce, as well as the feeds through the
i ft, ad, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th rows. Some trivial
variations do not difturb the general rule, . which
fcems to be fufficiently eftablifhed by the general
rcfult of the firft fix rows.

§.IV.

Of all the experiments in agriculture that I have

ever feen recorded, that in queftion exhibits the

mod interefting refult, whether we confider it with

refpect to the principle from which the phenomena

originate, or its great importance in agriculture

as a practical art. . In this laft refpect, indeed, it

promifes to be of the utmoft utility, becaufe by it

we are taught, that without any alteration in the foil

or culture, but merely in confequence of a proper

attention to the ftate of the feed to be planted, a

crop nine times as weighty may be obtained in one

cafe as in another. Is it not aftonifhing, that a cir-

cumflance of fuch amazing influence lhould not

have been difcovered by accident long before this

time? And does not this afford a moft convincing

proof of the neceffity of fubjecling the common

modes of hufbandry to the teft of actual experiment,

in order to obtain a rational degree of certainty, in-

ftead of thofe conjectural opinions that individuals

are fo apt to rely upon with uniufpecting confidence ?

That

That the nature of the fubftance from which *
plant is to be produced, fhould have Jome influence
on the future vigour of that plant, feems not un-
reafonable to fuppofe j yet I believe that even the
warmcft imagination could hardly induce one to
fufpecl: a priori, that fuch an extraordinary degree of
vigour could be communicated, merely by an in-
creafe in the quantity of matter contained in the feed.
To me, this circumftance appeared the more fur-
prifing, as the refult was extremely different from
what I had found by fome former experiments was
produced by plump and lean grain employed as
feed. The experiment was as follows :

Experiment Fourth.

With a view to know of what confequencc it was in
the practice of agriculture, to employ plump or lean grain
for feed, I planted, April 2d, 1 770, upon a fmall bed of
ground in a garden, one hundred of the plumpeft grains of
oats that I could pick out from a large parcel of unmixed
oats, in five rows, five inches row from row, and one inch
between each plant in the rows. On another equal fpot
in the fame ground, I planted at the fame time, and in the
fame manner, one hundred of the hungrieft grains I could
pick out from the fame parcel of oats: but to infure againft
contingencies, I :ilfo took as many of the fmall hungry
grains as equalled in weight the hundred plump grains above-
mentioned, which, when numbered., I found amounted to
one hundred and leventy. Thefe 170 grains I planted in
five rows, each of the fame length as the former, and dif-
tant from each other five inches, fo that the hundred and

feventy

[ '7 ]

fcventy bad grains occupied precifely as much ground as
the hundred good grains. >

Result.

No. l/?. That divifion on which a hundred good grains
were fown, produced ninety-five plants.

id. That on which a hundred lean grains were (own
yielded ninety-fix.

yl> That divifion on which was fown the one hundred
and fcventy hungry grains, yielded alfo ninety-fix.

On the firft appearance of the feed leaves above ground,
thofe of No. i ft were broader, and more fucculent than
thofe of the other two plots ; but as the plants advanced
towards perfection, the difference in appearance gradually
began to difappear, and long before harveft it-was not pof-
fible to remark any difference in the healthinefs and luxu-
riancy of the ftalks in any of the three divifions. The
grain when ripe was equally healthy in No. 3d as in fro. 1 ft,
and the crop feemingly as weighty in every refpeel : but
this I could not afcertain with the certainty I wifhed, on
account of the deftrucYion by birds.

The refult of this experiment was, in truth, very con-
trary to what I had expected. If No. 2d only had been
fown with the lean grain, I fhould have attributed the
health and vigour of the plants to its thinnefs: but, with-
out the aid of that circumftance, the plants in No. 3d were
equally ftrong and vigorous. I mean not, however, at
prefent, to make any farther ufe of this experiment than
barely to remark how very dangerous it is in farming, to
rely implicitly on reafoning from analogy between two
cafes that are not in every refpefi alike, though they may re-
femble each other in many ftrilcing particulars. It would

Vctl. IV. C not,

C 18 1

not, for example, feem very unnatural for a perfon who
had made only one of thefe experiments, to concludeyhwz
analogy, that the refult in the fomewhat fimilar cafe, which
he had not tried, would be fimilar to that which he had
tried : yet it appears, that with regard to grain (that kind
of it at leaft which had been proved) a difference in the
weight of feed, if it has any effecl: on the future crop at all,
is fo little as fcarcely to be perceptible ; whereas, with re-
fpecl: to the plants of potatoes, it is fo great as to augment
or diminifh the total amount of the crop in the ratio of
nine to one. This, at the fame time that it fhould teach
the farmer to be extremely cautious how he fuffers his
mind to be influenced by vague reafoning, ought ftrongly
to incite him to redouble his attention, and by well-chofen
experiments endeavour to obtain fome kind of certainty in
the knowledge of many particulars, wherever he finds that
his opinions have been adopted in confequence of early
prejudices, or crude indigefted notions arifing from theories
that have not been fufficiently underftood.

§. v.

But although it appears, from experiments firft,
Jecondy and third, fufficiently obvious, that the crop
of potatoes is augmented by the weight of feed, yet
it alfo appears from experiments fecond and thirds
that the weight of produce is not augmented in the
fame proportion with the weight of the feed: for al-
though the weightier!: feeds have always yielded the
weightiest crop in proportion to the extent of ground,
yet the lighteft feeds have as invariably produced the
greateft return in proportion to the weight of feed

planted.

[ '9 3

planted. That the reader may be enabled to obferve
every particular relating to thefe two proportions,
the following table has been conftructed. In this
table is exprefled the quantity of feed, and the pro-
duce of an Englifh ftatute acre, proportioned to the
weight of feed and produce in the different rows of
the preceding experiments, together with the re-
turns from the feed in each row, and the clear pro-
duce after deducting the feed.

That thofe who choofe it may be able to follow
thefe calculations, they need only to be informed,
that an acre would contain 24,502 plants at fixteen
inches from each other: all the other data neceflary
arc exprefled above.

KMM corre-
faMpM to
thofe of the
fame num-
bers in Exp.
ad and 3d.

ad,

6th,
7th,

Quantity of feed
required to

Quantity pro-
duced from an

Proportional
returns of feed

plant an acre

acre, in the

from each

in the propor-
tion of each

proportion of
each row, re-

row.

row reduced to

duced to bum-

buJhels and

cls & decimals*

decimals.

Bujb. Dee.

Bujb. Dec.

7.50

161.30

21.4

7 5'13

130.5

25.3

J 2.05

51.6

35-5

266.$

7-5

396.1
400

2.4

1:1

170*2

453-9

Clear product
from an acre.
in the propor-
tion of each
row. after de»
ducting the
feed.

Bujb. Dec.
153.80
115.37

50.65

231.00
228.7

irs

3-7

From this table it appears, that the 3d and 4th
rows, in which the fmalleft quantity of feed was
planted, yielded the greateft returns, in proportion to
the feed, but the fmalleft in proportion to the extent
of ground. The returns of feed being as 25.7 to
C 2 one*

[ 20 ]

one; whereas that of No. 8th was only 2.6 to one.
But the total average produce of the 3d and 4th
rows was only 52.6 bufhels; whereas that of the
eighth row was 453.9 bufhels.*

To obtain a juft notion, however, of the profit
that would be derived from cultivating a field in the
one or the4 other of thefe ways, it is neceflary to
deduct the feed in both cafes from the grofs pro-
duce, the remainder only denoting the free produce.
The laft column in the table above marks this free
produce, in all the different cafes above ftated. And
from this table it appears, that the total free pro -
duce from the fmalleft feed here employed was
only 50.65 bufhels per acre; and that where the
largeft feed was employed, amounted to 283.7, *°
that one acre in the laft cafe yielded nearly as much
free produce as fix acres in the firft.

Hence ft feems reafonable to infer, that it is in no
cafe profitable to plant fmall potatoes, or fmall cut-
tings unlefs where it is meant to increafe as faft as
pofiiole a 'favourite kind; in which cafe it may be
fometimes eligible to plant pieces very fmall, as in
that way the kind will bernoft quickly multiplied.-}*

* By experiments more at large fince that time, and on a richer dunged foil,
1 have obtained a return from feeds even larger than thofc in No. 8th, in the
proportion of at leaft ten to one, fo that the very final! returns in this experiment
muft be afcribed to the great poverty of the foil.

f Since the ab^ve was written, I find reafon to believe, that the returns from
large potatoes may be augmented greatly b J 2nd what it was in this experiment ;

whether

[ SI I

§. VI.

By comparing No. 6th and 7th with No. 8th, in
experiments fecond and third, there is fome room to
fufpect that the feeds may poflibly have been in-
jured by the wounds they received in having their
eyes cut out, as the produce in No. 6th and 7th
does not feem to be quite fo great in proportion to
the feed as in No. 8th; But this difference is not
fo confiderable as to enable us to fpeak with any
degree of certainty. Had it even been greater than
it is, there would (till have been room to doubt
whether it had been occafioned merely by wounding
the feeds, or in part alfo by diminifhing the number
of the eyes. The following experiments would tend
to elucidate thefe particulars :

< 1/?. Take any determinate number of potatoes, all(of one
fort, and of an equal weight each, and having ieparated
them into two equal parts, plant all thofe of one divifion
wholes and let all the "plants of the other divifion before
planting, be wounded with a knife in many places, without
cutting out any of the eyes. Obferve the refult.

idly*. Take, in the- fame manner, another determinate
number of potatoes, of the fame foi t, all of equal weight,
and having felecled an equal number of the fame kind of
potatoes fomewhat larger each than the former, wound
thefe laft deeply in various places, and cut out from them

whether it could by any peculiarity of culture be brought to equal that from fmall,
my experiments, which have been interrupted by Other atocations, do not enable
mc to fay— but it is not at all improbable.

C x feveral

[ 22 ]

feveral deep flices, fo as to reduce them to an equal weight
with the former, taking care not to cut out or wound any
of the eyes. Plant thefe in eqnal circumftances, and ob-
icrve the refult.

3^//y. Repeat the experiment of the 7th and 8th rows of
experiment fecond, with proper caution: fori have afuf-
picion,that in my experiment the eyes in the plants of the
7th row had not been cut out deep enough, to prevent
them from fending forth ftems,

^tbly. Take fome large flefhy cuttings, with one eye only
in each, all of an equal fize, and having fe]e#ed an equal
number of whole potatoes, equal in weight to thofe cut-
tings, plant them, and obferve the refult.

[Since the above was written, other avocations have pre-
vented me from repeating thefe, and many other experi-
ments propofed in this elTay. To fome the importance of
thefe experiments will appear doubtful, and many will feel
a ftrong propenfity to foretel what would be the refult, and
therefore will think it unneceflary to prove it by actual trial.
This prefumptuous propenfity has tended in a wonderful
degree to retard the progrefs of agriculture, and cannot be
too cautioufly guarded againft. Before we can attempt to
make any decifive experiments on the bell method of culti-
vating this plant, fo as to obtain in every fituation the great-
eft poilible crop that circumftances admit of, all thefe pre-
vious queftions muft be fully difcufled. From the few
experiments above recorded, we are enabled to perceive in
what manner many hitherto inexplicable peculiarities re-
corded concerning the culture of this valuable plant may be
accounted for, that have been explained far otherwife.

Tho' it does not appear probable that the mere wound-
ing the bulbs will affecT: the crop, yet it is certainly within

the

[ *S 3

the bounds of pofiibility, and therefore the fact fhould be
afcertained. As to diminifhing the number of eyes, the
probability that it may affect the crop appears very ftrong.
Every ftcm which fprings from a potatoe becomes in time
a diftinct plant, which fpreads its own roots around, and
fends forth its own clufters of potatoes in the fame way as
if it were a diftinct and feparate plant. By having many
or few of thcfe, therefore, the crop may certainly be affected
-—but how far no one at prefent can fay; and therefore no
one can make an accurate comparative experiment on the
culture of potatoes in general.]

§. VII,

There feems to be no reafon to fufpect that eyes
taken from any particular part of the bulb are pof-
fcfled of a degree of prolifiacy greater than thofe
taken from any other part of it, independant of the
fize of the flefhy part that adheres to the eye. This
appears by comparing the 3d with the 4th, and the
7th with the 8 th rows in the foregoing experiments.

[It is however highly probable that a difference
in the crop, either with refpect to the number and
fize, or general weight of the whole, would refult
from planting large cuttings of equal weight, taken
from the big end of large potatoes, or from the point,
as many eyes would be in the laft in comparifon of
the firft. This is therefore one of the many pre-
paratory experiments that requires to be made.]

§. VIII. Hitherto

[ *4 ]
§. VIII.

Hitherto I have only taken notice of the total
weight of the crops but as the value of that crop is,
in many cafes, affected by fize of the bulbs, it is
neceiTary to attend to thofe circumftances that may
tend to increafe or diminifh their fize. With a
view to that particular I have, in the preceding ex-
periments, recorded the number of potatoes pro-
duced in every cafe, as well as their weight.

It is commonly imagined, that if the feeds planted
contain many eyes, the bulbs produced will be nu-
merous, but fmall; and that larger bulbs in
fmaller number are produced in plants that have
only one, or few eyes : hence it is concluded, that
whole potatoes planted for feed will always pro-
duce a greater number of/mall potatoes j and cut-
tings will yield larger potatoes, though fewer than
thofe. It does not, however, appear, that this hy-
pothefis is fupported by the foregoing experiments.
In the average table, §. II. we find that the bulbs
produced from the 3d and 4th rows, which con-
fided of plants with -one eye only in each, were
fmaller, as well as lefs numerous, than thofe in the
1 ft and 8th rows, which confided of plants that
contained many eyes. On the other hand it ap-
pears, from the fame experiments, that the bulbs

produced

[ *S ]

produced from the 5th r6w, in which the feeds
contained one eye only, were larger than thofe in
the 8th row, (confiding of plants with many .tyes)
in the proportion of 20 to 24 nearly. I would
draw no conclufion on this head from the 6th and
7th rows, becaufe, as I have already obferved, I
fufpect that fome of the eyes in thefe had not been
cut out deep enough to prevent fome of them from
pufhing out (talks j for I obferved that in thefe two
rows, as well as in the 8 th, there were many items
arofe from each plant. It deferves however to be
remarked, that feveral (terns fprang from the roots
of the others, and fome of thefe at a confiderable
diftance afunder, although in thefe I think I am
certain there was only one eye in each cutting, for I
cut them all with my own hand, and was as careful
as pofiible to examine them with attention ; fo that
nothing certain can be inferred from the number of
(talks that fpmng from one plant.

§.IX.

It is commonly imagined that the fize of the
bulbs is augmented, and their number retrenched,
by cutting off the fupernumerary (talks at the firft
hoeing, fo as to leave only one (tern at each plant;
but I never heard of any experiment by which this
fact has been afccrtained. Therefore in equal cir-

eumftances

[ *6 ]

cumftances plant two rows of the fame kind of
potatoes whole, the plants being all of equal weighty
and in the firft hoeing cut off all the Items fave one
to each plant in one row, and in the other leave all
the Items. Obferve the refult.

Plant at the fame time other two rows in every
refpecl as the former, but inftead of cutting off the
fupernumerary ftems, pull them up by the hand. —
Obferve the refult.

[Since the above was written, I attempted this experi-
ment, but I found that new ftems fprung up from thofe
that were cut over, fo as rather to augment than diminifh
their number, and alfo to retard the ripening of the ftems ;
and as thefe ftems bleed confiderably when cut, it feems
probable that the plant muft be weakened thereby. But
as this experiment was not made with fufficient accuracy,
no certain conclufiohs can be drawn from it.

It appeared to me that if potatoes were planted very
fhallow, more ftems were always produced than if they
were planted deeper ; but in no cafe where potatoes are
planted whole, does it feem that a ftem is produced from
every eye. Perhaps the beft way of diminifhing the
number of ftems from large potatoes, is either to let them
fpring before they are planted, or to take them up foon
after they have germinated, and to rub off the young
fprouts as many as you incline. The germ becomes' a
plant adhering to the prefent bulb, whofe roots fpread on
its furface before they ftrike into the ground, and in that
ftate may be eafily feparated, and poifibly might be em-
ployed as plants.

I have

[ 27 ]

I have yet made no experiments to try if the crop be
fenfibly aftcclcd by planting the feeds deep or fhallow, and
by confequencc do not know what is the moft proper depth
to plant them at. This particular requires to be elu-.
cidated.]

Although it appears, from the foregoing experi-
ments, that the weight of the crop was always
greateft where the feeds planted were the moft
weighty, yet it would be too rafh in us from thence
to infer that as great a crop could in no cafe be ob-
tained from the fame extent of ground, if it were
planted with fmall potatoes or fmall cuttings, as if
it were planted with large ones. For, as it is pro-
bable that the more bulky feeds would require a
greater fpace to nourifh them properly than fmall
ones; fo it is not impqffible, that if thefe fmall feeds
were planted at a proportionally fmaller diftance,
the crop might equal that obtained from the larger
ones. Though it does not feem probable that this
would be the cafe, and though it appears probable,
were it even fo, that the practice would be trourple-
fome and inconvenient, far beyond any benefit that
could refult from it; yet our firft bufinefs mould
be to afcertain how the matter of faft (lands, and
then enquire into the other circumftances depend-
ing on that fact. To do this in a proper manner, a
numerous fet of experiments would be required,
fomewhat upon the following plan. T,

[ 28 ]

The firft ftep would be to afcertain what is the
diftance that ought to be allowed between each
pLnt, when the feeds are of any given- fize, fo as to
obtain the molt weighty crop.

For Example :

Let it be required to afcertain at what diftance from one
another potatoes weighing half a pound each (that is equal
to ten pounds of feed in our experiment) mould be planted,
fo as to infure the greateft pollible crop.

To do this let a plot of ground be made choice of for
this experiment, which was of a good quality, and as equal
as pofTible in every art. Let this be divided into fmall
fquares, each of which mould be fuflicient to contain ex-
actly one hundred plants, at each of the diftances it was.
intended to afcertain. Thefe fquares mould be divided
from each other by a fingle row of potatoes planted at one
foot diftance from each other in the rows ; and each of the
fquares mould be fo divided as to allow every plant in the
outfide rows to ftand at the fame diftance from the divifion
rows, as from the other rows in the fquare. That is to
fay, each fquare fhould be divided into eleven equal parts, on
every fide, fo as to allow ten free rows every way, as in the
following Diagram, on which the fmall dots reprefent
the divifion rows, and the larger dots the hundred experi-
mental plants.

DIAGRAM.

[ 29 ]
DIAGRAM.

■■■•

• «• illllo.. I.IUKV^

; # ft . /• • ■ • -ft m\,*

; • {• % • • • • • J

* ;

•
•

♦ :•••• • jp •

ftl

» «

■j

ft ;

ft ;« • ft > \ • •

♦ ;
1

• «

ft ». > • • • # \

• *♦. V *•
J o »%,».....• * • ?. fy

"ft

If the whole ico plants were taken up and weighed, it is
probable the experiment would be the more accurate; but
fhould that trouble be thought too great, the fixty plants
contained within the inner Tine of fmall dots would anfwer
perfectly well; or mould that bethought too many, flill
the 16 plants in the diagonals, with four near the centre
marked alfo with dots, fo as to make in all twenty, would
anfwer the purpofe fufficiently. All that is here required
is, that a certain order of felecHon fhould be previoufly
adopted, and mod ftridtly adhered to ; for mould a random
fele&ion of a certain proportion of the plants be permitted,
this might be done in a particular manner either through
prejudice or favour, which might affect the accuracy of the
experiment. — A fquare fpot divided in this manner fhould
be fet apart for each of the undermentioned diftances be-
tween

[ 30 ]

tween the plants, beginning at twelve inches ; as that is
furely as little as ever could be judged necefTary for plants
of the fize here fpecified. The diftance between the plants
in the other fquares to increafe as in the table below.

Plants weighing ten pounds per fcore.

In the i ft fquare to be placed at 1 2"

2d dittto at

3i —

4th —

5th

6th -

7th

8th ' -

9th

10th —

nth

12th —

13th

17
18

1Q-

21
22

24J

In the 14th fquare to. be at 25"

15th

16th

17th

►-1

1 8th

19th

20th

—

3i >

2lft

22d

>
73

23d

24th

25th

Li?

Which it is imagined will be the
greateft diftance that need be tried. •

Let all thefe plants be carefully hoed and attended to,
and when the plants have attained a perfect maturity, let
the produce of each fquare (or of fuch proportion of it as
Ihould be thought proper) be carefully weighed. The re-
sult would fhew, with fome degree of precifion, what
would be the diftance at which feeds of the fize here fpe-
cified ought to be planted, fo as to yield the greateft crop
on a given extent of ground. But, as it is highly pro-
bable that the refult of this experiment would be different
if it were tried on rich and on poor foils, it would be pro-
per to have it feveral times repeated, trying it on the richeft
and moft highly manured fpots, and on others declining
from that till they approached to as great a degree of fte-
rility as this crop could be profitably reared on. Thus
would the farmer come to know the proper diftance at
which he ought to plant his potatoes in all cafes. The

other

C 3' ]

other experiments that follow in this feclion, ought to be
varied in the lame manner.

And as it is alfo poflible that potatoes of* different forts
may require a different diftance between them, even where
the plants are of the fame weight, it mould be always un-
dcrftood that an experiment of this kind is only to be ab-
folutely relied on when applied to the particular kind of
potatoe that was actually tried ; therefore, if any experi-
ments of this nature are recorded, the kind of potatoe that
was tried mould be particularly fpecified. After this, it is
fcarce neceflary to add, that no intermixture of kinds mould
be admitted in any of thefe experiments.

We ought, in the fecond place> to endeavour in the fame
manner to afcertain what is the moft profitable diftance at
which plants of all different fizes mould be planted. With
this view, a number of plants of equal fizes mould be fe-
lecled and arranged into clafles by weight, as in the tabic
below, fo that the foregoing experiment can be repeated
through all its varieties with each clafs of plants. We
(hall make the firft clafs confift of plants of half a pound
each, or ten pounds per fcore,as it will be more convenient
to weigh the plants by fcores than feparately ; fmaller di-
vifions being thus more obvioufly perceptible than if the
plants were weighed individually. The weight of the
other numbers is marked in the fecond columns.

Plants weighing per /core.

Plants weighing perfeorv.

lb. ave'trd.

lb. avoird.

Clafs ill — io

Clafs 6th

2d q

7th

3d — 8

8th

— 3

4th 7

9th

5th — 6

loth

— t

[ 32 ]

In all thefe claffcs the diftances fliould be the fame as
above, viz. from 12 to 36 inches, varying in each fquare
one inch. In thofe that follow the greateft diftance need
not exceed 24 inches, and the fmalleft diftance mould be
as low as fix inches :

Plants weighing per fcore.

0%.

Clafs nth — 14

Clafs 15th — 6

12th — 12

^th 4

13th — 10

17th — 2

14th 8

Which we will fuppofe the minimum : — perhaps all below
eight ounces might have been omitted, without any detri-
ment to the practice of agriculture. But no harm can
ever accrue from afcertaining with accuracy any number
of facts in agriculture.

This has the appearance of being a very formidable fet
of experiments 5 and it would, no doubt, require a good
deal of trouble, and fome expence, to execute it properly;
fo that it mould fall to the (hare of fome of thofe gentle-
men of opulence and high rank, -who take delight in the
fludy of agriculture. Perhaps few experiments that could
be named, would be productive of greater national benefits
than that which is here propofed : nor would the expence
to a man in eafy circumftances be an object: of great con-
fequence. Somewhat lefs than five acres of ground would
be fufficient to execute the whole fet of experiments once
over, fo as to afcertain witn fome tolerable accuracy the
moft advantageous diftance for planting each fize of feeds,
on one clafs of foils, confider.ed as to their richnefs, and
lead to many probable conclufions as to other foils, which
would be of the moft extenfive benefit in general practice ;
and the crop obtained would probably repay the greateft

part,

t 33 1

part, if not the whole of the expence. Were fuch a fet of
experiments carefully made, and properly publifhed, it
would probably advantage the publick many millions a year.
How much is it tov be regretted that a national experi-
mental farm is not fet apart for making fuch experiments
in agriculture, as it docs not befit practical farmers to
make at their own expence!

[In practice at prefent, fome perfons choofe to plant
large, and others only very fmall cuttings or little potatoes,
yet every man invariably plants them at one dijlance in all
cafes, planting the fmall feeds as wide as the large, when
he chances to have them o\' different flzes. This being
the cafe, it feems impoflible, if the foregoing experiments
can be relied on, (and I have found by many trials they cer-
tainly may) but that the largeft crop muft always be ob-
tained from that field which has been planted with the
largeft 'feeds — other circumftances being nearly alike. And
as the variation arifing from this hitherto unobferved pecu-
liarity may be extremely great, may we not reafonably
conclude that fome of thofe extraordinary variations in the
produce of potatoes, which have been remarke d,but not
accounted for in any probable manner, may have arifen
iolely from this circumftance?]

§.xi.

To enable individuals to eftimate without much
trouble the amount of any crop of potatoes they
wi(h to examine, I here fubjoin a table, (hewing the
number of plants that would be contained in an
acre at each of the forementioned diftances, and
the weight of produce from twenty plants in each

Vol. IV. D cafe,

[ 34 ]

cafe, when the whole produce of an acre would be
twenty-five, fifty, feventy-five. One, two, three,
four, five, fix, feven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or
twelve hundred bufhels of 56 pounds each — be-
ginning with fix inches and ending with thirty-fix
inches diftance from plant to plant :

That is to fay,

When the plants (land at fix inches from each other
every way, an acre contains 174,240 plants.

If the crop is equal to 100 bufhels per acre, the
produce of twenty Items would be 0.63 1 pounds
and decimals:

If the crop was equal to 500 bufhels per acre, the
produce of twenty plants would be 3.15 pounds
and decimals:

And if 100 bufhels per acre, the produce of 20
plants would be 6.31 pounds, as in the firft line
of the table.

And after the fame manner all the others are to be
read in the following table:

Diftance

^ 1
0

w -5

o»

a, o

0 ,5

8 S

'0 3

« s

174,240

128,013

98,010

77,44^

62,726

51,840

4^,560

37,116

32,003

27,878

24,502

21,704

19,360

17*375

15,681

14,223

12,960

ii,iS7

10,890

10,036

9>279

8,604

1 8,000

'7>458

6,969

6,527

6,125

5>76o

5.426

5,120

4,840

Th^mounted to

I,IOO I,2CO

Bufliels.

Bufhels

5.454 239.97
5.841257.03

By the help of the ments, or in any
other field where theiould be felected
for the average, it is ppofe a hundred:
multiply by 5, for fiv inches diftance
100 plants were feled.855, and fo of
others. In like mat be got by At-
tracting the letter fritne as Tow as 20
bufhels. Example : find the neareft
number to that to be, which being
about the third part \ 625 per acre.
Any other cafe may

Vol. IV. §. XII. In

[ 37 ]

§, XII.
In the foregoing experiments no attention was
paid to afcertain any other part of the produce but
the weight of the bulbs only; but as it may happen
that the weight of the flems, and the quantity of
tpples produced, may, in fome cafes, be an object
of value, it is worth noting that the ftrength and
weight of the ftems were in all the foregoing expe-
riments apparently much in the fame proportion as
the weight of the bulbs; the ftalks being invariably
ftronger where the crop of roots was weighty than
where it was light. The produce of apples, fhould
thefe ever be found to be an object of value, (which
there is great reafon to think will be the cafe) in-
creafes in a yet higher degree than the potatoes
themfelves, when the feeds planted are very large;
when the cuttings are fmall, fcarcely one apple is
{ccn in a field; when they are large plants, the
apples are numerous and of great magnitude, hang-
ing in clufters of nine or ten together; fo as in
fome cafes I have known them produce at the rate
of more than 200 bufhels per acre.

[I mean to make fome experiments on the ufes
to which thefe may be applied; the refult of which
Jhall be in due time communicated to the publick.]

D 2 PAPER

i * ]

PAPER SECOND.

ON THE EFFECTS OF CUTTING THE STEMS OF
POTATOES WHILE GROWING, &C.

§. i.

HE Items of potatoes, if cut while growing,
and ufed green, are found to be a wholfome
food for cattle and horfes. But though fome farmers
maintain that the produce in potatoes is not lefTened
by having the ftems cut off while they are in a ftate
of vigorous vegetation ; others as pofitively infift
that the crop is eflentially injured by that operation,
It is proper that this point fhould be afcertained.
Probably the crop is hurt if the ftems are cut over
before they have attained a certain point of matu-
rity, though it is poflible they may be afterwards
cut without doing any effential injury to it.

The following experiments were made in the
year 1779, with a view to afcertain the foregoing
particulars: —

Experiment Fifth.

With a view to afcertain the weight of green ftems of
potatoes at different periods of their growth, nine flems of
potatoes, being part of three rows, and three plants in each
row, were cut over in the middle of the* field as reprefented

[ 39 ]

by the figures 0 0 0, &c. in the following diagram, at the
feveral periods marked on the right hand, and were found
at each cutting to yield the weight of green fodder marked
at each of the periods refpcclivcly.

DIAGRAM.

ooo
ooo
ooo

000

ooo
ooo

Wefeht of greea
ftcm».

XXX J u».°*.

xxx {"Aug. 2d*

XXX

xxx*..

xxx ^Aug. 10th,

xxx. ..

xxx...

xxx frAug. 17th

xxx . . .

000 . . xxx ,

000 . , xxx J- Aug. 22d

000 . . xxx

000 . . xxx J- Aug. 29th f

000 . . xxx

•>...

. . rn -

. 000 . . XXX.,

LU:

. OOO . . XXX..

. 000 . . xxx . .

7 «

Sept. 5 th J 62

» Auguft 2d.— At this time U>e flowers were juft beginning to open.

+ Auguft 29th— At this time the apples of the white fort employed in
Ihe experiment were well formed. Red potatoes in the fame field juft
coming into bloom.

% September 5th— At this time the ftems of the white potatoes were
beginning to fade. Apples, fome of them ripe. Red potatoes juft part the
bloflbm, and in full verdure.

D 3 It

[ 40 ]

It appears from this experiment that the green ilems are
weightieft at the time potatoes come into bloflbm, (in this
experiment the weight of an acre of green ftems was then
equal to 12 tons and a half nearly) and that they become
gradually lighter, as the crop approaches nearer to maturity.

Cows eat this forage very readily, as do horfes alfo ; but
it is not in general accounted a very nourifhing kind of
food. — It is eaten moft readily when in its moft fuccu-
lent ftate.

Experiment Sixth.

[To afcertain the proportional weight of a crop that
would be obtained from a field of. potatoes of this kind, if
taken up at different periods, one ftem marked x in the
foregoing diagram was taken up at each of the periods that
ihe nine ftems in the laft experiment were cut over, and
they were found to produce when weighed and numbered
as under refpe&ively :

Produce from one Jlem of Potatoes,

Weight lb. ox.

Number.

Auguft 2d - - - 0 3! -

Auguft 10th - 0 7

omitted.

Auguft 17th - -09!

Auguft 22d - - 0 14J

Auguft 29th - - 0 13

September 5th - -17

From this experiment it would fcem, that if the whole
crop had been taken up on the 2d of Auguft, it would have
yielded no more than three ounces and a half per ftem,
(at the rate of 125 bufhels per acre) and if let ftand till
the 5th of September, it would have yielded twenty-three

per.

[ 4i ]

per ftem, (868 bufhels per acre) fo that at the firft period
the crop would have attained only about one-feventh part
of its whole bulk.

The reader, however, muft be cautioned not to rely im-
plicitly on this experiment as conclufive, on account of one
material impropriety in the mode of conducting it. One
ftem only can never be fuppofed to afford a fair average of
thirty-two thoufand ; more efpecially when it is adverted
to, that the feeds planted were in this field cut in the
ufual random way; fo that one might have been found by
accident much larger than another, and by confequence
would greatly affect the accuracy of the trial. — -Had the
nine ftems contained within the fmall dotted lines in the
diagram been taken up at each period, much greater re-
liance could have been had upon it. We mall afterwards
find that there is fome reafon to conclude, that the refult
of this experiment is not far from the truth : but as many
important leflbns to the practical gardener and farmer could
be deduced from this experiment, if carefully made, I can-
not help recommending it to the attention of the reader, as
one of thofe radical experiments that cannot be too care-
fully made and adverted to. For were it known with
certainty what is the deficiency of weight that in all cafes
would accrue from taking up any one kind of potatoe at a
particular period of its growth, the practical agriculturift
could compute with great accuracy whether the additional
price he could receive for the produce at an early period,
together with the ufe he could make of his ground after it
was cleared, would be fufficient to indemnify him for the
lofs in quantity. Thofe who mean to try this experiment
would do well to advert to the following particulars;

i/?. To the equality of the fize of the feeds at planting.

2dly. Txjx

[ 4* ] .

idly, Tothe progrefs of the growth of the plant at each
period.

%dly. To the different kinds of potatoes with which it is
tried. And,

$thly. To the nature of the weather at the time.

Experiment Seventh.

With a view to afcertain whether any lofs, and what,
as to the weight of potatoes, was fuftained by cutting over
the ftems at different periods, all the plants whofe ftems
were cut over in experiment 5th, were allowed to ftand till
the 28th of October, at which time they were all taken up,
and the produce of each parcel feparately weighed. On
the 28th of October alfo, nine other plants marked xxx,
&c. fee the foregoing diagram, being part of three rows,
three plants in each row, that grew contiguous to the po-
tatoes cut, (two rows intervening, fo as that they could
not be influenced by the opening occafioned by cutting the
flems of the potatoes 000, &c.) were taken up by them-
felves and feparately weighed. This, it was fuppofed,
gave a very fair average of what the cut plants would have
yielded, had they been allowed to remain uncut ; and of
courfe, that the difference between the weight of each of
thefe patches fhewed the lofs of crop occafioned by the
cutting of the ftems at the different periods indicated.

Thefe particulars are expreffed in the following table;-—
to which is added a column, denoting the total lofs of crop
per acre, that would be fuftained by cutting over the ftems
at each period refpedtively.

Time

Time when the
ftems were
CQt 01

Auguil ad
Auguft ioth
Auguil 17th
Auguft 2id
Auguft 19th
September 5th

Produce of nine
plants cut
vver\ taken
up October
aSth.

Weight, Num.

lb. o».

78
100
90

103
no
10a

I 43 ]

Produce of nine
plants uncut ;
taken up
18th.

Weight. Num.
lb. ox.

a 11

9 5

IO IO
IX O

I* ia

n n
13 ia
13 13

13 «

101
96
94
97

100
96

Difference be-
tween the pro-
duce of nine
(terns cut and
uncut.

Weight.

lb. ca.

JO o

8 J

Lofs of crop per
acre, occa-
fiooed by cot-
ting over the
ftems.
Wt. Buflrefc.

/fr. dec.

35.000 624

aS.650

36.691
15.750

12.031
5.a5o

511

476

a8i

ai4

From this experiment it appears, that if the ftems of
this kind of potatoc be cut over about the time they are
coming into bloiTom, there would be a diminution of the
crop of ten parts out of twelve nearly, of the whole produce,
or a lofs at the rate of 624 bulhels per acre ; and that a
proportional lofs would be fuftained by cutting the ftems at
any future period of their growth. Hence it is obvious,
that the lofs by this practice would be much greater than
could be counterbalanced by any advantage that couu! be de-
rived from the green ftems, as feeding for domeftic animals.

Though it alfo appears from this experiment, that pota-
toes advance but very little after the ftems are cut over;
yet, by comparing this experiment with the former, it
would feem that they did advance a little. This may be
inferred from the following table; — the firft column of
which is the refult of experiment 6th, multiplied by nine —
and the laft is taken from experiment 7th.

Auguft ad
Auguft ioth
Auguft 17th
Auguft 2ad
Auguft 29th
September 5th

Produce of nine Produceof nine Difference; be

plants taken up
at the periods
mentioned in
the margin.

lb. OZ,

1* is

plants cut over
at the fame pe-
riods.

lb. cz.

% 12

9 5

10 10

13 »

ing the increale
after the ftems
were cut.

0 \o\

1 11
o
o

3 5

o 9

Though '

[ 44 ]

Though I mull again obferve, that no accurate conclu-
fion can be drawn from the refult of experiment 6th; the
unufual great produce of the ftem taken up Auguft 22d,
and the fmaller produce of that of the 29th, were probably
owing to the larger fize of the cutting in the firft than in
the laft, or to fome other unobferved circumftance. This
comparifon therefore only affords a probable reafon to fuf-
pcc"t, that the plants do increafe fomewhat after they are
cut over, though but a little.

Experiment Eighth.

To afcertain whether a benefit might in any cafe accrue
from replanting the ftems of potatoes that were taken up
for an early crop, and to what that might amount, the
items of the different plants that were taken up in expe-
riment 6th, were all immediately replanted after the bulbs
were taken off and weighed. It was found that thefe plants
readily took root, and produced another crop of potatoes
that feafon, the amount of which, when fuffered to remain
in the ground till the 28th of October, and the proportion
that this fecond crop bore to the firft, is denoted below :
one ftem being in both cafes multiplied by nine, to admit
of their being the more readily compared with the refult of
the other experiments mentioned in this fec~tion.

Second produce
of nine ftems
replanted.

Auguft ad
Auguft 10th
Auguft 17th
Auguft zzd
Auguft 29th
September 5th

Firft produce

from

9 ftems,

taken

up at

the times de-

noted

on the

left hand.

lb.

ox.

3
5

lb. ox.

Tornupbyacc'ld.

2 n£

I 2

0 9,
o 42
o 4*

Difference be-

Total produce

tween the

of both plant.

. firft and fe-

ings from

cond pro-

nine ftems.

duce.

lb. ox.

- 3|

6 io|

7 oi

6 9t
9 13*

7 9t

11 jof

13 H

It thus appears that a fmall quantity of potatoes may be
obtained by replanting the ftems, if taken up at a very early

period j.

[ 4$ ]

period ; yet this, at the beft, is but a trifling acquifition, and
probably can never in any cafe be worth the expence ; ef-
pecially when it is alfo adverted to, that the fecond produce
of potatoes thus gained are always bulbs of fo fmall a fize,
as to be of very little value in proportion to their weight.
It may be a fatisfa£tion, however, to fome to know, that in
cafe a ftem of a particular kind, of which one has very
few, be pulled up by accident before the potatoes are fit for
feed, it need not be altogether loft, but that by replanting
it the kind may be ftill preferred.

Where a few early potatoes are wanted, the moft ©eco-
nomical practice is to pick out with the fingers (which
may be eafily done in a well-drefled foil) thofe bulbs that
have attained the fize fit for ufe, leaving the items in their
place, witn the fmall potatoes upon them to grow till they
alfo attain a fize fit for being ufed«

§. II.

The foregoing experiments were all made with
one kind of potatoes j nor have I taken notice above
of any other varieties. But as there is a very great
diverfity in this refpect, and as the properties of
one kind are often very different from thofe of an-
other, our knowledge of the value, and moft proper
mode of cultivating this plant, muft be very incom-
pleat, until the farmer fhall know the different
weight of crop, &c. that he could obtain by cul-
tivating any one kind in preference to any other; for
different forts are known to vary very much from
each other in regard to prolificacy, as well as in

feveral

[ 46 ]

feveral other refpects. A necefiary fet of experi-
ments therefore would be a comparative trial, in
equal circumftarrces, of all the different kinds, with
a view to afcertain the weight of produce that could
thus be obtained from each.

The only experiment under this head I ever
made, was the following :

Experiment Ninth.

At the fame time that the potatoes in experiment 2d
were planted, I made choice of twenty plants of a different
kind of potatoe, that is ufually diftinguifhed in Aberdeen-
fhire by the name of the Dutch clujier potatoe. The bulbs
of this kind are of an irregular roundifh knobby form.
The colour of the fkin a yellowifh white, with a faint pinkifh
tinge about the eyes, efpecially before it is quite ripe. The
colour of the pulp yellowifh white — confiftence vifcid, not
meally: tafte fweetifh. The eyes are pretty deeply funk
in the bulb. The ftalk and leaves are neither folong, nor
fo dark in the colour, as moft other kinds ; but are gene-
rally numerous, more erect:, and lefs jointed. BlofToms
white, with a pale pink-or purplifh tinge, numerous and
large. Thefe are fucceeded by apples, which in this kind
are generally abundant, and of a large fize. The umbili-
cal fibres do not in this kind fpread to any confiderablc
diftance from the ftem, fo that the bulbs are ufually found
in a clufter clofe to the root, to which they firmly adhere.
It is reckoned a great bearer. — Thefe are the principal
characteriftics that at prefent occur to me for diftinguifh-
ing this kind, which I only do from memory.

Twenty whole potatoes of this kind, which weighed
exactly 123 ounces, were planted in a row immediately

contiguous

[ 47 ]

contiguous to the eighth row in experiment 2d, (which
weighed alfo 123 ounces) at the fame time with them, and
both rows were managed in every refpec"r. exaclly alike.
They were alfo taken up, and the produce weighed at the
fame time, when the weight of each was found to be
as under:

The 8th row in experiment 2d, confiding oft lb, oz»
the white kidney potatoe — the produce \
weighed - - - J21 5>

The row of Dutch clufter potatoes - - - 27 1

Difference - - 6 n {

Which is equal to about 150 bufhels per acre in favour of
the Dutch clufter potatoe. Though no abfolute depend-
ance can be had on one experiment only, yet it plainly
appears, that much benefit might be derived from the ex-
periments propofed in this feclion, if properly executed.

§. III.

The reader will pleafe to take notice, that all
the experiments above recorded (thofe in fection
1 ft, paper 2d, only excepted) were made upon a
poor undunged foil, for the fake of accuracy 3 fo
that the crop, upon the whole, was very poon I
have never yet had a proper opportunity of making
any trials that could with accuracy afcertain what
might be the greateft crop that could be obtained
from an acre: nor indeed can that point be fully
ascertained, till the experiments fuggefted in feclion

Xth,

t 48 ]

Xth, as well as to comparative trials mentioned in
the laft fedlion, with fome others, fhall have been
made. From fome trials I have made, but with
lefs accuracy than to admit of being here recorded,
I have reafon to be fatisfied that the pqffible produce
from an acre is much greater than moft perfons
at prefent imagine to be obtainable. I mean to
profecute thefe experiments next feafon, if I am
not prevented by fome unforefeen accident, and
fhall not fail to communicate the refult to the pub-
lick in due time. But though my intention is to
try to elucidate this fubject myfelf, I beg leave
warmly to recommend it to others alfoj for it is
impofiible that a matter of fo much importance can
be too fully inveftigated.

§. IV.
The reader who has attended to the accounts
that have been publifhed of the various crops of
potatoes that have been obtained by different per-
fons in different fituations and circumftances, can-
not fail to have obferved, that the diverfity in the
total produce per acrey is much greater than can
well be accounted for, by any particulars of the foil
or culture that have been taken notice of: fuch a
diverfity, however, will now no longer appear won-
derful, when he remarks, that the fize of the feeds
planted has never in any inftance been fufficiently

adverted

[ 49 ]

adverted to: fo little indeed has this been done,
that is is only cafually that it is taken notice of at
all; though the foregoing experiments clearly prove
it to be of the mod eflfential importance with re-
fpett to the total amount of the crop.

PAPER THIRD.

' OF ARDENT SPIRITS AFFORDED BY POTATOES.

§. I.

THE ufes of the potatoe as a food for man,
and the domeftick animals he rears, are al-
ready pretty well known $ but it is not in general
underftood that from this plant may alfo be ob-
tained a vinous fpirit, of an excellent quality, in
very large proportions. A good many years ago
an account of an experiment made in Sweden to
afcertain this fadt was publifhed in the memoirs of
the Philofophical Society of Stockholm. This, to-
gether with fome obfeure hints I received from the
late ingenious Dr. John Gregory, of fome fimilar
experiments that had been made with fuccefs in
the North of Scotland, induced me to make the
following trial.

Experiment

£ so 1

Experiment Tenth.

February 15th, 1777, 1 fet apart two Aberdeen/hire pecks
of potatoes by meafure, which I have fince found were
each equal to 36 pounds by weight, fo that th? whole was
72 pounds. Thefe potatoes were boiled in a cauldron till
they were brought to a foft pulpy ftate ; they were then
bruifed, and made to pafs through a ftrait riddle along with
fome frefh water ; the fkins being kept back by the riddle,
which were thrown away. The pulp was then mixed with
cold water, till the whole amounted to about twenty gal-
lons Englifh. This was allowed to cool till it attained the
fame temperature as would be proper for mixing yeaft with
wort; when fome yeaft was put to it, as if it had been
yeaft to wort from malt. In ten or twelve hours a fer-
mentation began, which continued very brifkly for the
fpace often or twelve hours, but at the end of that time it
began fenfibly to abate ; from which circumftance I was
afraid my experiment would fail. After waiting for fome
time, and in vain, warming it a little, with a view to re-
new the fermention, I determined to ftir it brifkly to fee if
it could be renewed by that means. This produced the
defired effecl:, and the fame operation was renewed every
day, and the fermentation continued to go on in a proper
manner for a fortnight. At the end of this time the fer-
mentation abated, and could not be renewed by agitation
or otherwife; and the liquor, having been found upon
trial to have acquired a kind of acid, llightly vinous tafte,
was judged fit for diftillation. It was then diftilled with
due caution, care having been taken to ftir it in the ftill,
until it began to boil, before the head of the ftill was ap-
plied ; and the fire was afterwards kept up fo ftrong as to
keep it boiling brifkly till the whole was run over. This
was intended to prevent the thick matter from fubfiding
to the bottom j for I was afraid that without this precau- ,

tion,

[ 5' 1

t:on, it would have acquired zjlill-burnt flavour; and I
found by experience in one inftancc, that this kind of em*
pyreuma was of an exceeding difagreeable kind, refembling
in flavour the funics of burning tobacco*

In confequence of thefe precautions and due rectifica-
tion, I obtained an Englifh gallon of a pure fpirit, confidcr-
ably above proof; and about a quart more of a weaker
kind, a good deal below proof. This was, in every refpect,
the fined and mofl agreeable vinous fpirit I ever faw. In
tafte it fomewhat refembled very fine brandy; but it was
more mild than any brandy I ever tailed, and had a certain
kind of coolncfs upon the palate peculiar to itfclf, by which
it might be readily diftinguifhed, by a nice judge, from
every other kind of fpirit. Its flavour was ftill more pe-
culiar to itfclf, but it more nearly refembled brandy im-
pregnated with the odour of violets and rafberries, than any
thing clfe to which I could compare it. [A fingle glafs of
it put into a bowl of rum punch, made it appear as if it had
confifted half and half of rum and brandy, impregnated with
the juice of rafpberries.] It feemed to derive this flavour
from afubtile efTential oil, of a very fmgular kind — for al-
though it rofe with the firft fpirit that came over, it ftill
continued to come over, without any fenfible diminution or
change of flavour, till the whole of the fpirit was entirely
drawn off. It was alfo fo difficult to be diflipated, as to
fcent with its own perfume a drinking glafs, into which the
fpirit had been poured, for more than twenty-four hours
after it had been emptied, and apparently quite dry ; and
this perfume, after the fpirituous flavour was totally diili-
pated, appeared to me the mod agreeable I had ever met
with. I have beert at the greater pains to defcribe thi<
kind of fpirit in its ftate of perfection, becaufe I have fine
heard of and feen fome fpirits, faid to be drawn from potr

Vol. IV. E toe

[ B» ]

toes, which, for want of (kill or caution In the operators,

was intolerably naufeous. As others may fall into the fame

errors in attempting to perform the fame operation, I fhall

hazard a few remarks on the cautions neceflary to be ob-

ferved in attempting to extract vinous fpirits from this or

other roots; for want of attending to which particulars,

many attempts of this kind have no doubt failed.

§. ii.

Every philosophic enquirer knows that vinous
fpirits are entirely the produce of fermentation, and
cannot be obtained from any fubftance whatever,
till it has undergone that chemical procefs: but
many of thofe who attempt experiments of this
kind, are neither fufficiently aware of the neceflity
of this previous ftep, nor acquainted with the means
of exciting it, or of conducting it properly, which
frequently fruftrates their attempts.

If any vegetable in an unfermented (late be dif-
tilled, there is, for the mod part, obtained by that
operation, a portion of native ejfential oil, flrongly
impregnated with the peculiar tafte or flavour of the
fubftance from which it is obtained : but if the fub-
ftance be properly fermented, that efTential oil dis-
appears, and in its ftead a new fubftance is obtained
by diftillation, altogether different from the former
in many refpecls. This fubftance is called vinous
Spirits, or alcohol, when in its higheft rectified ftate.

But

t S3 1

But if any vegetable fubftance be fubjected to diftil-
lation before it has been made to undergo a proper
degree of fermentation, zpart of it only rifes in the
ftate of vinous fpirit > and a part of it alfo rifes in the
ftate of native ejfential oil -, which, mixing with the
fpirit while in the ftate of vapour, and being dif-
folved therein, communicates to that fpirit a tafte
and flavour very different from that of the pure
fpirit by itfelf, which is, for the mod part, extremely
naufeous and difagreeable. It has pretty much rhe
lame effect as if a quantity of the raw vegetable
fubftance fhould be diftilled along with another
quantity of it that had been properly fermented. In
all thofe cafes, where the volatility of the native
effential oil is nearly the (lime with that of the fpirit,
it is evident that no care in the procefs of diftilla-
tion can prevent them from being blended together
in the fame procefs.

From hence it appears fufficiently obvious, that if
ever we hope to obtain the pure genuine vinous
fpirit without adulteration from any vegetable fub-
ftance whatever, it is of the very greateft confe-
quence that the fermentation be properly carried on,
fo as that die whole of the matter fufceptible of fer-
mentation fhall be equally and entirely aflimilated
before it be committed to the ftill. This is on all
E 2 occafions

[ 54 ]

occafions necefiary; but it is peculiarly fo in thofe
cafes in which the native oils are very abundant, or
volatile, or difagreeable. In diflilling malt fpirits,
this circumftance is feldom fufficiently attended to ;
the fermentation being ufually hurried forward with
a rapid carelefihefs, in confequence of which fome
part of it is converted into vinegar, before other parts
of it are affimilated at all. Hence it neceflarily fol-
lows, that the malt not only yields a fmaller quantity
of fpirit, but affords that fpirit alfo of a much infe-
rior quality to what it would have been if the fer-
mentation had been duly conducted. Spirits that
are drawn from ale, which has been accidentally al-
lowed to run into the acetous fermentation, are
always, on this account, of a quality far fuperior to
that obtained from malt by any other procefs.

In attempting therefore to obtain a fpirit from
roots or other vegetable fubftances, the firft point to
be attended to is, to conduct the fermentation pro-
perly, and to pufh the vinous fermentation as far as
it can be made to go. I am difpofed to afcribe the
fuccefs I had in this experiment, beyond what others
have experienced, in a great meafure to this caufe,
and to the care that was taken to prevent it from
obtaining the flighted empyreumatic taint during
the diftillation j though it may alfo have been oc-
cafioned by fgme other unobferved peculiarity.

One

[ 55 ]

One particular I remarked relating to the diftilla-
tion of this fpirit, that deferves to be mentioned.
In diftilling from malt, it is found that towards the
end of the operation a quantity of weak fpirit is
forced over, which is ftrongly impregnated with a
very difagreeable oil, that very much debafes the
whole of the fpirits, if it be fuffered to mix with
them. To feparate this from them, with as little
lofs of good fpirit as poflible, conftitutes one of the
principal niceties in the procefs of diftillation from
malt. But no fuch phenomenon occurs in the dif-
tillation from potatoes ; for I could perceive no
difference between the tafte of the very weakeft
fpirit towards the end of the operation, and that
which came over at the beginning or any other part
of the procefs, if equally diluted with water. It
would feem that the oil, to which this fpirit owes its
fragrance, is in all parts of the procefs feemingly
the fame, and always agreeable; contrary to the
gout, or goo, as it is pronounced, of malt.

§. III.

I have defcribed above, with all the accuracy I
could, the whole procefs and phenomena that oc-
curred in diftilling fpirits from potatoes, as I ob-
ferved them when the procefs was conducted under
my own eyes. This procefs I repeated twice^ about
E 3 Xh%

t 5° 3

the fame^ period of time, with the fame fuccefs.
But it is alfp juft to obierve, that though it lias
been fince that time feveral times attempted by my
direction, under the care of another perfon, on whofe
accuracy 1 thought I could depend, it has invari-
ably failed in as far as refpects the peculiar fra-
grance of the fpirits above defcribed, though in
every other refpect the refult was the fame with
mine: the fame yield of fpirit of equal ftrength be-
ing obtained, which was diftinguifhed by the fame
cool fenfation on the palate, and in every refpect
an excellent fpirit, though diverted of that unufual
fragrance above defcribed. I have often wifhed to
repeat the experiment myfelf, and fo to vary cir-
cumftances as to try to difcover the caufe of this
peculiarity ; but the revenue laws are fo ftrict at
prefent, that a private man cannot venture to have
a flill in his pofTefTion for the fake of making any
experiment of this fort, without fubjecting himfelf
to a very heavy penalty ; and as I fhould very much
diflike any thing that had the appearance of evading
the laws, I have thus been, very much againft my
will, prevented from repeating thefe experiments.
Certain, however, as I am with regard to the fad,
(which if neceflary could be attefted by many per-
fons who tailed the fpirits) I have no fcruple in
publifhing it fairly to the world, leaving it to time,

and

[ 57 ]

and to others who have opportunity to make theft
experiments, to difcover the caufes of this peculia-
rity, and other particulars relating to it.

If the vegetable fubftance that is fubje&ed to fer-
mentation contain but a fmall proportion of fer-
mentable matter, it will not be pofilble ever to free
the fpirits from the peculiar flavour of the vege-
table; for that large proportion of unaffimilated
matter being fubjected to diftillation, along with the
fermented liquor, will of neceffity yield its oil by
the heat employed to diftil the fpirits. This feems
to be particularly the cafe with regard to carrots,
parfnips, and turnips, all of which I have tried, and
found that although they could be made to undergo
the procefs of fermentation, and to yield a consider-
able proportion of ardent fpirits, yet that thefe
fpirits were ftrongly tainted with the flavour of the
vegetables from whence they were obtained, and fo
intolerably naufeous, that they never could be em-
ployed for food by man. In the procefs above, de-
fcribed, the whole of the matter of the potatoes was
fubje&ed to diftillation. What effett would have
been produced by feparating the grofs fediment
from the tranfparent fluid above it, after the fer-
mentation was over, cither as to the quantity ar
quality of the ipirit, I had not an opportunity of
E 4 remarking i

C 58 ]

remarking ; but fhould ever the procefs of extract
ing fpirit from potatoes be attempted on a large
fcale, it would be of importance to try to feparate
that fediment before diftillation, as that procefs
would be rendered much eafier, and lefs precarious,
in confequence of that operation.

If ever this manufacture fhould be attempted, it
deferves alfo to be remarked, that the farinaceous
powder which fubfides to the bottom after the fer-
mutation, feems to have fuffered very little change
in its tafte or appearance by the procefs, as it very
much refembles boiled potatoes in all refpects, fo
that it might probably go as far, as food fordomeftic
animals, as the potatoes themfelves would have
gone in their native ftate,

I {hall only farther add on this fubjecT, that I
attempted to obtain a fermentable liquor, by brui-
fmg the potatoes raw, and pouring water of different
degrees of warmth upon it, as is ufed in mafhing
malt, but couk} never thus fucceed in exciting any
degree of fermentation. It always afforded a vifcid
roapy liquor, that remained unaltered after the ad-
dition of yeaft to it. I now return from this long
^ncj interefting digrefiion,

PAPER

C 59 I
PAPER FOURTH.

OF THE MARKS FOR DISTINGUISHING DIFFERENT
SORTS OF POTATOES FROM EACH OTHER:— ITS
UTILITY, &V.

§. I.

IHave had occafion to obferve, in fome of the
foregoing parts of this effay, that there are feveral
varieties of potatoes, which differ from one another
confiderably in fome of their mod effential proper-
ties. Thefe varieties are indeed fo numerous as
renders it impofiible for almolt any perfon not to
have remarked them, yet no one is fo well ac-
quainted with all thefe varieties and their properties,
as to know with certainty which kind would be
mod profitable to cultivate on every particular oc-
cafion ; for want of which knowledge, much lofs
mud be annually fuftained by the public. But till
fome method fhall be adopted for diftinguifhing
each kind from another with certainty, it is in vain
to hope for any comparative trials that could be of
material utility to the farmer. To begin this fyf-
r.em of claffification as to this particular, the fol-
lowing hints may be of ufe.

As it is impoffible to convey a diftinct idea of
3\e fmall variations that require to be here attended

to,

[ 60 ]

to, in fo eafy a manner as by comparing every va-
riety with one kind that fhall be confidered as an
univerfal ftandard, to which all defcriptions fhould
refer; the firfl ftep therefore will be to fix on one
kind that fhall be proper to be confidered as an
univerfal ftandard. The difficulty is to find a kind
that may be diftinguifhed from all others, by fuch
ftriking characlerifticks as to prevent a poflibility
of miftaking it.

In cafting about with this view, it feems to me
that the kind known in 'Scotland by the name of
the wife potatoe, promifes to anfwer this purpofe
better than any other, becaufe it is diftinguifhed
from other kinds by one very obvious peculiarity*
viz. that of never carrying any bloflbm or fruit.
[Since the above was written, I have feen fome
other forts that carry no bloflbm, but thefe may
be very eafily diftinguifhed from it by fome other

of its obvious characterifticks.] Its peculiarities

are as under. In form the bulbs of this kind are
remarkably regular, being all of the fhape of a
heart, fomewhat longer than its due proportion,
and flatted a little one way. The fibre by which
it adheres to the ftalk, which I would call the um-
bilical cord, adheres to the great end of the bulb,
and the point of the fmall. and is thickly covered

with

[ 6» ]

*ich eyes. Thefkin is fmooth and thin; its colour
I pale red, rather brighter at the point than elfe-
where. Its flefh is of the meally fort; the tafte ra-
ther tending a little to fweetifhnefs. The fibres, to
which the bulbs adhere, do not ramble very wide,
nor do they keep fo clofe to the ftem as fome other
kinds; they neither pufh very deep, nor rife ex-
tremely near the furface. The bulbs themfelves
are never remarkably fmall, nor uncommonly
large, but of a good equal fize, and it is reckoned a
good bearer.

By attending carefully to thefe marks, it might
in general be well known; and when any perfon
was once poflefled of a plant or two of this ftand-
ard kind, with which all others could be compared,
he would thus be able to point out with accuracy
the fmalleft difcriminating peculiarity, fo as to be
in no danger of miftaking any others that mould be
the object of difcuflion.

This fundamental ftep being firft taken, I would
recommend, that in every defcription attention
(hould be given to fpecify all the following pecu-
liarities : —

Below Ground.

The general form and fize of the bulbs.

Their colour.

The

[ 62 ]

The fmoothnefs or roughnefs of the (kin.
The confiftence, that is, the mealinefs or vifcofity, and
tafte, of the bulb.

The colour, length, thicknefs, &c. of the umbilical cord,

Their tendency to go deep, or to rife near the furface 5
to ramble wide, or to adhere clofe to the ftem.

The time when the bulbs knot and fet; marking, not
by the kalendar only, but alfo compared with the advance
of the plant above ground.

The time when they attain perfect maturity with refpeft
to fize, and alfo that period of their growth at which they
Jofe the herbaceous, and attain the farinaceous tafte.

Their general prolificacy.

How long they may be kept, at what feafon they are in
greateft perfection for eating, &c.

Particulars obfervable above ground.
The general height, colour, and form of the ftem.

Their tendency to pufh out many or few ftems from
a root.

Whether they carry blofTom or not.

The form, dimenfions, and colour of the leaves.

The form, colour, and general habitude of the blofTom 5
where there is any.

The time at which the blofTom appears.

The tendency they have to produce few or many apples.

The tendency they have to produce thofe excrefcences
on the ftalks that refemble potatoes below ground, whieh
may be called air potatoes,

Th<*

[ «3 )

The comparative hardinefs or tendernefs of the lcavesa
in refpect of froft or other variations of weather that
affect them.

Particulars that concern the zvhole plant.

The foil which feems beft to fuit each kind.

The mode of culture that beft agrees with them.

The accidents which arc mod liable to affect them ; and
in general every particular that could indicate any diffe-
rence between one kind and another.

§. II.

Thofe who have not been accuftomed to attend
to the growth of this plant, will perhaps think that
fome of the above marks are of no moment: and
fome of the particulars they will not be able to
underftand. To obviate thefe objections, a few
explanations are necefiary.

The potatoe, becaufe it grows below ground, has
been ufually called a root — but improperly. It
more nearly refembles a kind of underground fruit;
and in conformity with this idea, the French have
given it the name of Pomme de Terre, ground apple.
This fruit has a fet of organs peculiarly adapted for
its production, in the fame manner as every other
kind of fruit above ground has a fet of organs for
their production; which organs appear at the

proper

i 64 ]

proper period, carry the fruit, and then decline, in
a manner exactly analogous to what happens below
ground with the potatoe. The potatoe plant,
when it begins to vegetate, fends forth roots into
the ground, by which it imbibes its nourifhment
like every other plant; but after it has arrived at a
certain period of its growth, it begins to fhew its
fruit, bearing apparatus below as other plants do
above ground. This below ground confifts of a
fet of fibres quite diftinct from the roots, which are
at firft of a tender flefhy confidence, ufually of a
whitifh colour, which is in fome kind blended with
a flight tinge of red. Thefe gradually extend them-
felves around the plant to a greater or fmaller dis-
tance in different kinds of potatoes, and from thefe
in due time fpring out the bulbs, or fruit, appearing
at firft like fmall excrefcences upon the fibres,
whrch gradually expand, and afllime their proper
fhape as they advance towards maturity, very much
refembling, in thefe particulars of their growth, the
progrefs of the cones of the larix tree upon its
fmall fibrous branches. Thefe fruit-bearing fibres
become by degrees lefs bright in colour, and more
firm in confidence; and affume a dark colour and
itringy confidence, as they advance towards per-
fection. This fet of fibres I would diftinguifh
by the name umbilical, from the great fimilarity in

office

t 6S ]

office they bear to the animal organ fo called ; and
becaufe they never yet have obtained an appro*
priated name.

Different kinds of potatoes do not differ from
one another more in any one refpett than they do
in the form, colour, habitude, time of fpringing
forth, &c. &c. of this apparatus of fibres; fo that
this ought not only to be attended to as one mark
of diftinction between different kinds, but alfo as
a particular that may on fome occafions influence
the mode of culture that would be proper for par-
ticular kinds. I (hall give one example.

It is found by experience, that fome kinds of
potatoes may be profitably cultivated by means of
the horfehoing hufbandry; (pofiibly under due re-
gulations this might be always of ufe) but in fome
cafes that mode of culture is attended with danger ;
for, mould the kind of potatoe that is thus culti-
vated have a tendency to fend out thefe umbilical
fibres early and to a great diftance, if the plough
fhould be employed after thefe were fhot forth, it
might cut them off, which would have a very dif-
ferent effect from cutting the roots that abibrb food
for the plant. The flems might thus indeed be
increafed, but die produce in fruit much dimi-
nilhed. I have feen a field of horfehoed potatoes,

which,

t <* i

Which, owing to this circumftance, although a Very
luxuriant crop above ground, yielded when taken
up only a very few well-formed bulbs j the umbi-
lical fibres being at that time in a fucculent growing
ilate, and covered with fmall crude potatoes that
would have required a very long time to bring them
to maturity. Late and deep hoeing, even with the
hand-hoe, is, on this account, with fome kinds of
potatoes highly pernicious.

On the other hand, there are fome kinds of po-
tatoes that never fend thefe umbilical fibres above
a few inches from the flems, which would not be
liable to the fame objection, as there would be no
danger of having them cut by the plough; and
other forts fend thefe fibres direclly downward to a
great depth, fo as to be in no danger of being in
any cafe wounded by the hand-hoe.

Other kinds of potatoes have a tendency to fend
out bulbs at every joint of the flem, even above
ground; but unlefs thefe be covered With earth
they never acquire the colour or tafte of real pota-
toes, although they have the exact fhape and appear-
ance. I have feen fome flems of potatoes, efpecially
in a rainy feafon, that were covered with thefe
green potatoes to the very top, and have num-
bered fifteen or fixteen on one ftem, fome of them

[ 67 ]

of the fize of fmall hen's egg's : [And I once met
with a chiller of that kind of potatoes, confirming
of about twenty bulbs, that occupied the place of
potatoe-apples, fpringing all from one foot-ftalk
that adhered to the ftem, precifely in the fame way
with that which fupports the bloflbm and feed

vefiels. This I have ftill in my poflefiion.]

Nature feems here to indicate, that the items ought
to be covered in part with earth to blanch them,
(potatoes that grow below ground, if laid bare
while in their growing ftate, afiiime the fame green
appearance) which would probably in thefe kinds
augment the crop confiderably; although with re-
gard to fuch kinds as have no tendency to produce
bulbs along the item, the operation of covering
them would probably be much lefs beneficial. Care,
therefore, fhould be taken to felecl: the firft of thefe
kinds of potatoes, where it is intended to rear them,
after the Irifh fafhion, in lazy beds.

I have mentioned this tendency to produce po-
tatoes on the ftems above ground, as one means for
ditlinguifhing different kinds from each other} for
although a few kinds are endowed with this quality
of producing bulbs above ground, in the fame way
as fome peafe that produce pods both above and
under ground; yet this in the one cafe as well as

Vol. IV. F the

[ 68 ]

the other feems to be contrary to the ordinary ceco-
nomy of both kinds of plants, and therefore ferves
as a proper mark of diftinction.

§. III.

The potatoe admits of being tranfplantcd as
eafily as moil other plants, efpecially if this be done
before the umbilical fibres fpring out. Doubtleis
this property might be laid hold of with advantage
for cultivating thofe, efpecially of the early fort.;
though I do not know that it has ever yet been
attempted to be carried into practice.

PAPER FIFTH.

OF RAISING POTATOES FROM SEED.
§.I.

IT is not many years fince it was firft difcovered
that potatoes, could be reared in Europe from
actual feeds, the produce of our own climate; but
this fact is now afcertained without . the poffibility
of a doubt. As many improvements have been
faid to refult from this mode of culture; and as the
defcriptions hitherto given of the effects that refult

from

[ 69 ]

from it are lame, and have been delivered with fuch
8 myfterious air, as to give me no diftinct notion of
the matter; I refolved to fatisfy my (elf experimen-
tally on that head, which was done as under :

Experiment Eleventh.

Upon the 23d day of* April 1776, 1 fowed, on a bed of
good garden mould, fome feed potatoes that had been ga-
thered the former autumn, and had been preferved among
fome dryftrawall the winter, to prevent them from being
injured by the froft. The apples, which had been packed
up whole, were by that means fo much dried, that 1 found
it a difficult matter to feparate the feeds fufficicntly, which
occafioned the plants to come up in tufts much thicker in
fome places than others. The young plants appeared
above ground in about ten days, and advanced vigoroufly
during the fummer, cfpecially in thofe places where they
were not too thick. On the 3d day of November there-
after, they were carefully taken up, when it was found that
fome of them were nearly as big as a pigeon's egg, gra-
dually decreafing from that to the frze of common peafe,
many of them being no larger. A few of the largeft of
thefe were boiled, and others roafted, with a view to dif-
cover if they poflefled that rich almond-like tafte, which
fome pcrfons had faid the potatoes raifed from feeds always
poiTcflcd in a remarkable degree. They were found to
eat very well, but not one bit better than other good po-
tatoes of the fame kind that had been raifed from fets in
the ufual way. The remainder were carefully packed up
to guard againft froft, and were thus preferved for planting
in the fpring.

F 2 April

t 70 ]

April 20th, 1777, thefe fmall potatoes were planted frJ
a bed of good garden mould, in rows one foot afunder, and
at four inches on an average apart in the rows. On this
occafion I began to plant at one end of the bed, the rows
going acrofs it, and proceeded regularly towards the other
end, always felecting the largeft bulbs I could obferve.
By this means it naturally happened, that the biggeft plants
were all placed at one end, and gradually diminifhed to-
wards the other end of the bed, where the very fmalleft
were planted -t and as the laft of thefe came to be very
fmall indeed, I gave them lefs room in the rows, decrea-
fing, as the plants diminilhed in fizc, from fix to two inches.
All thefe plants were equally cared for during the fummer;
but it was obfervable that the ftems which grew from the
largeft plants were from the beginning exceedingly large,
luxuriant, and healthy, in comparifon of the fmaller ones.
The leaves of thefe were broad and healthy, and the whole
plant above ground appeared at lead ten times greater than
the puny plants that fprang from the fmall feeds. They
were all taken up in the month of October, when it was
found that the largeft feeds yielded a good crop of potatoes,
many of which were as big as a hen's egg ; but thofe pro-
duced from the fmaller feeds did not in general exceed the
fize of a horfe-bean, and many of them no bigger than
fmall peafe. None of the plants fhewed blofTom this fea-
fon. The bulbs were carefully preferved for planting in
the fpring.

[Thefe potatoes were accordingly planted in the month
of April 1778, in rows about a foot from each other, and
the largeft were planted at the diftan-ce of one foot in the
rows, the fmaller being placed clofer as their fize diminifhed,
fo as that the leaft flood about four inches apart in the
row. The largeft feeds again produced by far the moft

luxuriant

[ 7' ]

luxuriant and weighty crop, and a few, and but a few of
them, mewed any bio/Tom ; but none of the bulbs, not even
thofe from the largeft plants, were nearly of fuch a fize
as thofe produced frbm very large potatoes: nor did they
rd nearly the fame produce per acre as was obtained
from old potatoes planted on the fame foil at eighteen
inches apart. The facts wifhed to be eftablifhed by this
experiment being now afcertained, and I being engaged in
other intercfting purfuits, it was not thought neceflary to
continue it longer. The following corollaries feem to be
clearly deduciblc from it.]

§. II.

From the accounts I had received of potatoes
raifed from feed, it did not appear to me clear
whether new bulbs were produced from thefe po-
tatoes in the fecond or third year of their growth,
or whether thefe potatoes during that time con-
tinued only to increafe in bulk, without producing
other potatoes from them. It was always faid that
they did not attain perfection till the third year from
the feed; and what was meant by their attaining
perfection, I could not gather from any accounts I
had feen. And as it was faid they could be ob-
tained by this means much earlier in the feafon than
others, and were pofiefled of many other fingular
qualities, I could not tell what judgment to form of
it. From the foregoing experiment, however, it
clearly appears, that after the firft year thefe feed-
ling potatoes pufh forth ftems and bulbs exactly in
F 3 the

[ 72 ]

the fame manner as any other potatoes planted for
feed, and agree entirely with them in other refpedhj
the largeft in this cafe, as in every other cafe, as in
every other cafe, whether cuttings of old potatoes
or whole ones be planted, always producing the
largeft bulbs and the moil weighty crop.

As to the notion of their attaining their full fize
on the third year, and not before, this feems to have
originated merely from inaccurate obfervation. It
does not feem pofllble to afiign any precife period
at which thefe bulbs will invariably attain perfec-
tion, as that muft in general depend on many acci-
dental circumftances. It appears that the fize of
the bulbs produced in the fecond and third year
depend in a great meafure on the bignefs of thole
that were planted -, and that this will be influenced
by the richnefs of the foil, and the diftance allowed
to the feedling plants the firft year. I know no
circumftance that could fo well be aflumed as fuch
a probable criterion of the potatoe having attained
perfection, as that of its pufhing forth flowers and
producing feeds properly Jo called. Now, although
none of the plants in my experiment produced
flowers in the fecond year, yet it is not improbable,
that on fome occafions, if the feeds were fown very
thin and on a rich foil, the bulbs of the firft year's
growth might be much larger than any of thofe

raifed

C. 73 ]

raifed by me; — fo neither is it in the leaft impro-
bable, that in that cafe fome of the beft of them
might produce bloflbm in the fecond year. On the
other hand, as the bulbs of the fecond and even of
the third year's produce, produced from the fmalleft
plants, were fome of them not fo large as fome of
thofe of the firft year's growth, and as the vigour of
the plant, and the fize of the bulbs, and quantity of
bloflbm produced, evidently depend on the fize of
the potatoes planted, it is probable that thefe fmall
bulbs would require a year longer than the formei
to attain the fame fymptoms of maturity. In ihort,
as the vigour of the future plant, &c. fcems in this
cafe to depend very much upon the fize of the bulbs
planted for feed, it is probable that if two plants of
very unequal magnitude were picked off from the
fame ftem, and planted out as feeds, the one of
them might be found to have attained its full de*
gree of perfection, fo as to carry bloflbms and fruit
in abundance, while the other yielded none at allj
and if the fame procefs were repeated, the fame phe-
nomena might be produced in infinitum. The age
therefore of the plants, by which we muft here be
underftood to mean the number of years from the
time that the feeds were fown, can give no precife in-
dication of the (late of the crop that may be expected
from them, independent of the fize of the bulbs.

Although,

[ 74 ]

Although, in compliance with the ufe that others
have made of the term, I have fpoken of potatoes
attaining a period of perfection that has been deno-
minated maturity, I mud here enter a caveat about
this application of the term, as being indefinite and
inaccurate. I faw no room to fufpect that the po-
tatoes raifed from feed had not in the firft year,
though fmall in fize, attained as great maturity;
that is, in proper circumftances, were as well ri-
pened, and as fit for ufe, as others of the fame fize
ever afterwards would become. Nor are the largeft
potatoes of the fame kind, if taken from the ftem at
the fame period of its growth, feemingly much if
any thing fuperior in tafte, and other qualities that
could indicate maturity > to thofe of a fmaller fize.
The term maturity^ therefore, in the fenfe above
given, feems to be extremely improper, and mould
be entirely confined to denote the degree of ripe-
nefs that the plants had attained in the feafon they
are produced in. It feems that a certain fize of
potatoes planted for feed, the foil and climate given,
is necefTary for producing a plant of fuch vigour
as will pufh out bloflbms and fruit, and that till it
attains that degree of vigour at leaft^ it never pro-
duces bulbs below ground of the largeft fize. But
what the other circumftances are which tend to
augment the fize of the bulb to the greateft pofr
fible degree, we cannot as yet poflibly fay.

[ 75 ]

§. III.

In conformity with the notion that frecifely three
years are neceflary for bringing to perfection the
firft bulb raifed from feed, it has been aiferted, that
no method is fo proper for obtaining potatoes very
early as to plant thefe feedling potatoes after the
fecond year's growth pretty early in the third fpring,
to fufFer them to remain in the ground for fome
time, and to dig them up in the months of June or
July; when, it is faid, they have attained their full
fize and due perfection in every refpect. But I did
not find from experience the fmalleft foundation
for this beautiful hypothecs. It has already been
faid, that no augmentation in the fize of the parent
bulb takes place, after being planted, in this cafe
more than in others. The parent bulb in all cafes
waftes away and confumes, and it is the young bulbs
produced from the fibres of the plant that fpring
out from it which are ever fit for ufe. I dug up
feveral of thefe feedling potatoes in the fecond and
third years of their growth, in the months of June
and July, and could obferve no difference between
the progrefs thefe plants had then made, and their
whole ccconomy, and others of the fame kind
planted in the ufual way. The bulb planted as feed
wafted away nearly at the fame period in both

cafes,

[ 76 ]]

cafes, and the fibres from which the feeds originate
began in both to appear about the fame time, and
they feemed to be in every refpeit alike.

The earlinefs of potatoes, ceteris paribus ,feems to
depend upon the nature of the kind planted, more
than any other circumftance. Two kinds of potatoes
planted at the fame time, and upon the fame foil,
fnall differ fo much from one another in this re-
fpecl, that the bulbs of one kind will be fully formed
and of confiderable magnitude, before the umbilical
fibres of the other have begun to fpring forth, ex-
actly analagous to what happens with regard to
early and late kinds of peafe. It is poflible, how-
ever, that in potatoes of the fame kind thefe fruit-
bearing fibres may fpring forth fomewhat earlier in
very vigorous plants than in fuch as are more
weakly; but I am ignorant if ever this fact has
been hitherto afcertained. It is well known that
rather the reverfe of this happens with peafe and
beans, as the moft weakly plants (to a certain de-
gree) of thefe claries of vegetables come earlier than
fuch as are extremely luxuriant.

[In the year 1779, I obtained from London a
potatoe under the name of the early Henley po-
tatoe; the bulb is a dirty white; form very round,
not deeply indented at the eyes; (kin imooth and

fine,

t 77 ]

fine, but not filky. The ftem low and dwarfifti,
of a pale green colour ; carries fcarce any bloffora,
but the few flowers that appeared were of a pinkifh
white, umbilical veflels very Ihort, confidence tend-
ing rather more to the vifcous than farinaceous ;
tafte fomewhat, though very (lightly, fwectifh \ the
bulbs never of a large fize, feldom exceeding that
of a large hen's egg.

By fome trials I made, which, not having been
done with the accuracy I think neceflary, I do not
fpecify particularly, it appeared that if this kind had
been taken up at the beginning of Auguft, and at
that time compared with the white kidney fort em-
ployed in my former experiments, the Henley fort
would have afforded a crop more than double of what
the other fort would have afforded. But had the
crop been allowed to remain in the ground till the
middle of October, the kidney fort would have pro-
duced more than twice as much as the Henley kind.
My experiment was fufficiently accurate to allow
me to reft fatisfied with this refult.

Hence it appears, that it would be equally bad
ceconomy in one who intended to lift his potatoes
in the month of Auguft, to plant the kidney fort, if
he could get the Henley, as it would be for him
who intended to let them remain in the ground till

O&ober,

[ 78 ]

October, to plant the Henley, if he could get the
kidney potatoe; for in both cafes he would only
reap half the crop he might have done, had he
made a judicious choice of feeds. The bulbs too
of the Henley potatoes, at that early feafon, are
much better to the tafte than thofe of the other
kind, although the cafe is afterwards in fome mea-
fure reverfed,

[This is one proof of the very great benefits that
would accrue to agriculture, by an accurate experi-
mental attention to circumftances.]

It has been alledged that potatoes, which have
been long propagated by means of bulbs, lofe in
time their generative quality, fo as to become much
lefs prolific than at firfts and it is aflferted that
thofe bulbs which have been lately obtained from
feeds are much more prolific, and confequently
much more profitable for being employed as plants
than others: but this opinion likewife I am afraid
has been adopted without fufficient examination. I
attended particularly to this circumftance in my
own experiment, and could not obferve the fmalleft
indication of fuperior prolificacy, in thofe raifed
from feeds, but rather the reverfe.

That

[ 79 ]

That potatoes do not degenerate in point of pro-
lificacy, in confcquence of being long propagated in
the ufual way, feems to be confirmed by the general
experience of all Europe. It is now about a hun-
dred years fince the potatoe was pretty generally
cultivated in Ireland, and it has been very univer-
fally cultivated in Britain for fifty years pad, and
all that have been reared in it fince their firft in-
troduction two hundred years ago, a very few of
late only excepted, have been propagated from bulbs
only; fo that if they had declined in point of pro-
lificacy, the degeneracy fhould in this time have
been very apparent. Nothing of that kind how-
ever was ever remarked, nor any infinuation of that
fort thrown out, till the difcovery of rearing pota-
toes from feed was made, when it was for the firft:
time heard of. There are many perfons now living
who have been in the conftant practice of rearing
potatoes for thirty or forty years -, and notwithstand-
ing the general tendency that mankind have to dif-
praife the prelent, when compared with pafl times,
yet none of them have given the fmalleft hint of de-
generacy in this refpecl:. And I am perfuaded,
when it comes to be fully enquired into, it will be
found that this is merely a groundlefs notion, that
has originated from the partial fondnefs of thofe
who firft propagated this plant from [Gtd, in favour
of their new difcoverv.

PAPER

t 80 ]

PAPER SIXTH.

THE DOCTRINE OF SEMINAL VARIETIES CONSIDERED,
§. I.

IT has alfo been faid, that by raifing potatoes from
feeds many new and valuable kinds may be ob-
tained. An opinion of obtaining new varieties of
plants by propagating them from feeds, fo univer-
fally prevails among natural ifts, and it had been fo
pofitively afiferted as to potatoes, that I entertained
no doubt about this matter, and waited with fome
degree of impatience till the time of taking them
up arrived, to fee what new varieties I mould thus
obtain j but to my great furprife, and no fmall difap-
pointment, I found no new kinds among my feed-
lings. There were indeed among them three or
four varieties, bur. not one of them different from
fome of the kinds I had before -, and as the feeds
were picked up at random from a field in which all
the different kinds had been intermixed promifcu-
oufly, I think there is guat reafon to fuppofe that
fome of the feeds of the different kinds had been
promifcuoufly gathered, to which I attributed the
varieties among my feedlings. This I mention
however only as a ground for fcepticifm on this
head, and not as a proof. As I did not at the time

doubt

[ ll 1

doubt of the fact, I took no precautions to have it
afcertained. But this I fhall endeavour to do on
fome future occafion.

My difappointment in this inftance, however,
made me examine with a greater degree of atten-
tion than I had ever before done, the whole popular
doctrine of what is cdlted/eminal varieties among
plants ; when I found from other experiments I had
formerly made, and obfervations I could recollect,
that there is great reafon to fufpect that the received
doctrine on that head is only a popular error. The
following facts feem to confirm this opinion.

The phr&k feminal variety has been adopted by
botanical gardeners, and philofophical botanifts, to
denote certain fmaller variations that are obfervable
among plants of the fame kind, than they have been
able to find marks for difcriminating. Plants by
them are arranged into claries, which are further
divided into genera, and thefe again into fjpecies.
Seminal varieties denote different kinds that are all
reducible to the fame fpecies, and they have ob-
tained their name becaufe it was fuppofed that they
differed from each other only in fome fmall pecu-
liarities that were accidentally obtained from feeds,
and that of courfe plants raifed from feeds were apt
perpetually to afford new accidental varieties of this

fort.

[ 82 ]

ibrt. Being thus fuppofed to be perpetually liable
to new changes, thefe feminal varieties have been
totally excluded from every botanical fyflem of
claffifkation. As it is fuppofed that all the diffe-
rent kinds of potatoes ufually cultivated in Europe
belong to one fpecies, and that the different kinds
are only accidental varieties that have been cafually
obtained from feeds, it was very natural to fuppofe
that new varieties of the fame kind would arife
from feeds whenever they fhould be fown.

According to the fame fyflem, all the different
kinds of cabbages, of turnips, of garden peafe and
beans, &c. are only feminal varieties, which, having
been produced by accident, may be in like manner
again varied by accident; yet- that this is not the
cafe, feems to be proved beyond difpute by expe-
rience ; for every gardener knows, that if he be at
due pains in faving the feeds of his cabbages, &c.
the fame kind may be propagated for any length
of time without the fmalleft variation : experience
even goes farther, as it proves that thefe varieties
may not only be kept diftincl as long as you pleafe,
but that they may alfo, in Jome cafes, be mixed and
adulterated almofl atpleafure; and that even thefe
adulterated varieties can be made to continue of the
fame kind without any variation, as long as you fhall

choofe

[ «3 ]

choofe to cultivate them, by a due degree of atten-
tion and care. I fhall beg leave here to mention a
few common and well-known facts, in confirmation
of thefe remarks.

There are two kinds of cabbages very obvioufly
diftinguifhable from each other, the red and the
white. ■ It is well known that-if either of thefe kinds
be cultivated in a diftrict where none of the other
is raifed, no plants but of that kind will ever be
obtained from the feeds there produced. No per-
fon who inhabits a part of the country where red
cabbages are never brought to feed, ever faw a red
cabbage plant raifed from feeds of his own faving,
nor the reverfe. But it is alfo a fact equally well
known, that if both white and red cabbages are
reared in the fame diftrict, it is impoffible, without
very great precautions indeed, to keep the two kinds
diilinct, if an attempt be made to rear them from
feeds of their own faving. The plants raifed from
feeds of the white cabbages become in this cafe, if
nearly an equal proportion of each be faved, tinged
with red veins, and thofe of the red become in fome
degree white, fo that nothing but a mongrel breed,
neither true red nor true white, can be obtained.
If the proportion of one kind far exceed the pro-
portion of the other, the kind of which there are
j Vol. IV. G feweft

t 84 ]

feweft foon becomes fo much adulterated as to be
fcarcely in any refpect different from the other; and
thofe who wifh to have the leffer quantity of a true
kind are under the neceffity of obtaining feeds from
another diftrict, where they are chiefly cultivated.
In this manner thofe of the fouth of Scotland muft
obtain red cabbage feeds from Aberdeen (hire, and
thofe of Aberdeen muft import their white cabbage
feeds from elfewhere, if they expect to have them of
a true kind. Phenomena exactly fimilar to thefe
occur in cultivating the red and white beet, the
feeds of which always produce a mixed kind, unlefs
they have been faved with great care.

A difciple of Linn/eus will find himfclf at no
lofs to account for thefe phenomena, by drawing a
parallel between the forementioned cafes, and the
changes that are produced among the animal crea-
tion by an intermixture of different breeds of the
fame kind, which invariably produce a mongrel
breed, participating of the qualities of both the pa-
rent (locks. I am fully fenfible, however, of the
danger of being milled by fuch general analogies in
cafes of this nature, and fhould not have relied
upon that fpecies of reafoning, had I not been able
to produce at leaft one decifive experiment on this
fubjecl:: though I fball have occafion to fhew that

the

t 85 3

the rule is by no means fo general as fome, who rely
on theory only, may be difpofed to believe.

Experiment Twelfth.

Among all the varieties of the turnip tribe, the yellow is
the mod remarkable, becaufe its colour is not confined to
that part of its flcin which appears above ground, as in
moil other kinds, but afte&s not only the whole of the
flcin, but the flefh alfo. It is by much the fwected and
firmed of all the turnip tribe ; and inftead of being injured
by the winter's froir, it is in fweetnefs of tade,and tender-
nefs of confidence, improved by it. On account of thefe
qualities, it is highly valued for the table wherever it is
known ; but as it never attains to fuch a fize as the large
green-topt field turnip, and is of a confidence rather too
firm for cattle whofe teeth are tender, it occurred to me
that if a mongrel breed could be obtained between thefe
two kinds, it would anfwer extremely well for feeding
cattle; and as the experiment could eafily be made with-
out trouble or expence, I refolved to try if fuch a kind
could thus be obtained. With this view, adopting the
principles of the fexual fyftem of Linnaeus, many years
ago I planted fome yellow turnips of a true kind for {ecdy
and clofe be fide them on both fides I planted fome green-
topt turnips. In that fituation they were allowed to flower
and to perfect their feeds ; and as care had been taken to.
prevent their flower-dems from intermixing with each
other, the green-topt turnips were all taken away, and the
feeds of the yellow kind were beat out by themfelves.
Thefe feeds were fown next feafon, and produced a crop
of yellow turnips tinged with a grecnifh cad above ground,
the flefh of which was neither fo deep in the colour, nor
Co firm of confidence, as the genuine yellow kind, and the
fize confiderably larger. It was in every refpect a mongrel
G 2 breed,

f 86 ]

breed, which produced its own kind without variation for
ten or twelve years, that I continued to cultivate it and
preferve it from any intermixture with other forts. If it
were not a very eafy matter for any one who can have
accefs to green and yellow turnips to repeat this experi-
ment for his own fatisfaction, I mould have been fome-
what fliy to mention the fact ; but as the experiment is fo
ilmple and eafily made, I prefume any one who doubts it
will take the trouble to fatisfy himfelf experimentally about
it. :;The fame may be done with white and red cabbages
or beets, where thefe more readily occur.

This experiment, at the fame time that it feems in this
cafe to confirm Linnasus's fexual fyftem of the procrea-
tion of plants, in a ftill ftronger degree feems to ftrike at
the root of the doctrine of ' feminal varieties , in the fenfe it
has been ufually underftood to bear, while it pretty clearly
accounts for the origin of that doctrine. Men have ob-
ferved, that in certain cafes new varieties of plants, which
had not been obferved before, have been obtained from
feeds. This might naturally happen where feveral vari-
eties of the fame kind of plants were allowed to flower,
and to ripen their feeds together. The mongrel breed,
efpecially among the gaudy tribe of flowers, fometimes
might poiTefs beauties that did not belong to either of the
parent kinds, which would not fail to make them be parti-
cularly taken notice of. In this way, before any idea was
entertained of any kind of fexual fyftem in plants, this caufe
of the obvious change produced could not be adverted to,
and it would be accounted an accidental anomalous feminal
variety : and having obferved this fact in feveral cafes, it
might be accounted a general law of nature, no pains hav-
ing been taken to overturn it by oppofing facts equally
obvious at leaft. For the experience of the kitchen gar-
dener,

[ 8? ]

dcner, who propagates without any variation of kinds, for
centuries together, the different varieties of beans and
peafe ought certainly, if adverted to, to have excited a
doubt at lead of the univcrfality of the rule.

In the fame manner that I obtained, as above, a new va-
riety of turnips, it might poflibly happen that fome new
varieties of potatoes might in fome cafes be obtained from
feeds. For if the varieties of this clafs of plants naturally
admit of mixture with each other, (which however I doubt)
and if feveral kinds of potatoes mould happen to grow in a
field mixed together, two or more of thefe forts blended to-
gether might produce a mongrel breed, participating of
the qualities of the parent ftocks ; but as to new varieties,
obtained from feeds gathered from folitary plants, I have
met with no fact that gives reafon to expect them.

The only cafe that occurs to me juft now as feeming to
confirm the doctrine of feminal varieties, is that of fruit
tree, which I only mention that it may not feem to be
overlooked. But I have met with no facls that tend to
prove that the generally received notion on this head is not
hypothetical, and have found fome that feem to prove that
it is. It is in general very confidently afTerted, and as
generally believed becaufe of that afTertion, that the feeds
of a grafted apple do not produce trees bearing fruit of the
fame kind with themfelves. This is fo generally believed
in Europe, that I have never heard of an experiment being
made with a view to prove it : but that very good apples
are produced from feeds without grafting, is certain by the
practice in America, where that operation is entirely laid
afidc, and where the fame kinds of apples are frequently
found on different trees in the fame way as among the
grafted trees in Europe i though doubtlefs, where the feed*
arc allowed to fow themfelves at random, there muft be
G 3 much

[ 88 ]

much lefs certainty, than where the practice of ingrafting
prevails. Yet even here, on this very fubject of apple-
trees, we meet with one fact that ftrongly oppofes the
dectrine in queftion. There are two kinds of apples that
have been uiually employed as (locks on which others have
been grafted. One of thefe is called free flocks, and the
other crab flocks properly fo named. The plants of thefe
two kinds are eafily diftinguifhable from each other by an
experienced eye, and are well known by every nurfery^
man. The curiofity is, that in fpite of the doctrine of
feninal vi r'.eties, {o firmly believed by every gardener, the
feeds of them may be bought as diftinft kinds in every
feedfman's (hop, and always produce plants according to their
kind, wherever the feedfman has been honeft. I need make
no remarks on this fact.

Were I not afraid of tiring the reader, I could give many
other inftances of plants, which contain many varieties that
rife not above the clafs offeminals, even among trees and
fhrubs, which invariably propagate by feeds their own kind*
but {hall at prefent confine myfelf to the wild or dog rofe,
many kinds of which produce a fruit called hips, which in
the autumn are very beautiful. I have frequently gathered
the feeds of particular kinds of thefe on account of their
beauty, and fowed them ; nor did I ever in any inflance
know them to differ in any refpect from the parent plant.

§. II,

From what has been already faid on this fubjefr,
the reader will clearly perceive, that although fome
clafies of plants are certainly affected by being al-
lowed to fructify by the fide of particular varieties
of their own clafs j yet that there are others whofe

varieties

[ «9 ]

varieties are (o diftinft, that they Teem to refufe all
fort of intermixture with each other in any circum-
ftances whatever, and continue invariably to pro-
pagate their own kind by feed without any fort of
change whatever. This is obvioufly the cafe in all
the varieties that are yet known of the pea tribe.
Not only do the grey, the white, and the green, con-
tinue to produce their like without any variation,
although they fhould be reared together in the mod
promifcuous manner, but even the lefler varieties
of each of thefe forts keep all their diftinguifhing
properties without the fmallefl appearance of adul-
teration. A fingle charlton pea that grew among a
whole field of marrow-fats, if carefully faved, would
produce next year a charlton pea of as true a kind as
it would have done had it grown perfectly detached
from all others ; and the fame thing is obfervable
with regard to all the other kinds of garden peafe.
In like manner fweet-fcented peafe, which confift
of four forts, the white, the purple, the painted
lady, and the fcarlet, though fown promifcuoufly,
continue each to produce its own kind without any
variation. All the kinds of beans poflefs the fame
property i as do alfo lupines, kidney-beans, and
many other clafTes of plants. Hence it is obvious,
that confidered in this point of view, vegetables
may b divided into at lead two general clafles.

One

C 90 ]

One clafs containing all fuch plants as admit of a
promifcuous procreation, if the phrafe may be ad-
mitted, fo as thus to produce a mongrel breed, as is
particularly obvious in all the tribe of Braffica.
The other clafs, containing fuch plants as do not
admit of intermixture among the different varieties
by procreation, each of which continually retains its
diftinguifhing peculiarities, though reared in the
neighbourhood of other varieties of the fame clafs.
This is particularly the cafe with all the pea tribe,
and perhaps with all the papileonaceous clafs;
though I dare not venture to fay, that this rule
would prove general. As this diftinclion has not,
that I know of, hitherto been taken notice of, natu-
ralifts have not thought of affigning to each order
of plants the clafs they ought to be placed under in
that refpecl. Whether the Jolanum belongs to the
one or the other, I cannot tell, and therefore cannot
fay whether any new varieties of potatoes may be
expected from potatoes or not.

Confidered in this point of view, there are pro-
bably other clalTes of plants that might -be efta-
blifhed, with regard to which profeffed florifts may
perhaps know fomething. As I have no preten-
fions to that name, I mention it here only to bring
jt under the view of thofe who have opportunities

[ 9» ]

of inveftigating fuch queftions. Some plants, when
firft raifed from feeds, are faid to produce flowers
of one colour only, which afterwards break as it
is ftiled, and become ftriped, as the tulip. Others,
though originally variegated, are faid in time to
become plain, and afterwards retain that plainnefs,
as the carnation. Whether thefe things are actually
fo, I do not take upon me to fay, becaufe I know
many things of this nature are vaguely and confi-
dently afTerted. But if they do exift, it might be
of ufe, for fome purpofes, to afcertain the plants that
are reducible to the one or the other of thefe clafTes.

Upon the whole, with refpedt to the rearing of
potatoes from feeds, I think we may fafely con-
clude, that if this practice will ever be productive
of any benefits to focicty, thefe advantages have not
yet been difcovered.

PAPER

[ 92 )

PAPER SEVENTH.

OF THE DISEASE CALLED THE CURL IN POTATOES,
AND SOME OTHER PECULIARITIES OBSERVABLE
WITH REGARD TO THIS PLANT*

*. I.

POTATOES are fubje&ed to one particular dif-
eafe, the cu,rl> which it would be improper for
me altogether to omit 3 and though I can fay little
fofitive as to the caufe of this diforder, a good deal
may be faid on the negative fide of the queftion ;
which, as it may pofTibly lead to future refearches,
fhall here be added.

The only thing that feems to be pofitively certain
with regard to this diforcler is, that it was fcarcely,
if at all, known till very lately; and in particular
that it was not known in the northern parts of this
ifland till a very few years ago, (I myfelf had never
feen it when the former parts of this treatife were
written) when, there is great reafon to believe, it
was introduced by means of feed potatoes imported
from the South country: and it is at this moment
much lefs frequent in the Northern and remote
parts, than in the Southern and more commercial
diftrifts of this ifland.

From

[ 93 ]

From this fingle fact, feveral corollaries are dedu-
cible, which entirely overturn fome theories that
have been formed to account for this difeafe. It
has been fuppofed, that nature, fated as it were by
having long produced this plant in a climate that
was not deemed congenial to it, had become fo far
exhaufted, as to occafion this difeafe. But if fo,
the more Northern parte of this ifland, where the
climate is the mod unfavourable, fhould have been
fboneft afTc&ed by it. It has been further fuppofed,
that potatoes that are froft-bitten, (the bulbs are
here meant) before they are properly houfed, oc-
cafion this difeafe in the plants produced from
them ; but the curl is lead known in thofe diftricls
where the potatoes are mofl liable to this accident.
It has been faid, that potatoes which are taken up
before they attained perfect maturity, infallibly be-
came affected with this difeafe : but in fome cold
mofly foils, and expofed fituations, where the pota-
toes muft often be taken up while they are yet in a
(late of vigorous vegetation, this difeafe is fcarcely
known. It will not be imagined I mean to infi-
nuate that fuch fituations would preferve from the
difeafe, when once introduced in other places aroundi
for that, without doubt, is not the cafe.

It has been further alledged, that fuch plants as
have been lately obtained from feeds, properly fo

called,

t 94 3

called, are entirely free from the curl. But I r^ave a
very ftriking proof before my eyes at this moment,
that this is not the cafe. A large field, which was
planted with potatoes the third year from the feed,
has more than one half the plants curled; while
another field near it, raifed from potatoes that never
were, that we know of, produced from feeds in this
country, has fcarcely one curled plant in the whole.

It is by fome alledged, that the foil or feafon
occafion the difeafe: but that this is not the cafe,
is alfo plain from the ftate of a field now in my
neighbourhood. Several ridges in it, that were
planted with potatoes obtained from one particular
perfon, are very much curled, while the remainder
of t}ie field, which was planted with potatoes of the
fame fort, obtained from a different perfon, is not
at all infefted with that difeafe. In this cafe the.
foil and climate were the fame, (for the ridges were
intermixed with the others) but the crop extremely
different.

In the lafl example it is plain, that the difeafe de-
pends entirely on the nature of the feed -, and it
feems to me highly probable that the curl in po-
tatoes, like fome hereditary difeafes among animals,
if once introduced, vitiates the prolific ftamina, fo
as to be perpetuated as long as the infe&ed breed

continues

C 95 1

continues to produce others. But this is hazarded
merely as a conjecture. Are there any facts fuffi-
ciently authenticated, which prove that a plant once
known to be infected with this difeafe, invariably
produces difeafed plants ? Or is it for certain known,
that in any cafe a curled potatoe has been produced
from a plant that was perfectly found, and not in
the fmalleft degree affected with that diforder?
Clear proofs by experiments made with the utmoft
caution are here wanted, and not the refult of ran-
dom obfervation.

In confidering thefe queftions, and comparing
them with phenomena already known, it feems dif-
ficult to decide which way the probability lies. On
the one hand, feeing this difeafe is, or at leaft moft
certainly was, entirely unknown in many large dif-
tricts where potatoes have been long cultivated, it
would feem to favour the opinion that it only ori-
ginated from infected feed: — on the other hand, it
is afferted, as a well-known fact, that fields which
have been planted with feed that was in the former
year very little if at all affected, have been known
to produce plants the fucceeding year, almoft en-
tirely of the curled fort. Should this fact be
proved, it would feem to favour the oppofite hy-
pothec's ; but even here, we mail foon fee reafon to
judge cautioufly.

Infectious

[ 96 1

Infectious difeafes in the animal creation may
be communicated in two ways. One clafs of dif-
orders can be communicated only by defcent from
parent to child, and can never be communicated by
juxta pofition : another clafs of difeafes can be com-
municated merely by juxta pofition, and not at all
by defcent of blood. Does fuch a diftinction as this
prevail among vegetables? Has any experiment
been recorded, which proves that any particular dif-
eafe among plants can be conveyed by juxta pofi-
tion only? Is not the fmut in wheat of this clafs ?
May it not extend to others ? May not a few in-
fected potatoes in this way, if mixed in a large heap,
like a fubtile leavening principle, infect the whole ?
Experiments are here much wanted.

But I am far from alledging, that, though it were
an eftablifhed fact that potatoes had been known
to be much more infected with the curl, than thofe
from whence the feed was obtained had been in the
former year, it would either prove that the difeafe
might originate from other caufes than contami-
nated feed, or make it certain that befides direct
defcent, the diforder could be communicated merely
by juxta pofition. For though it mould fo happen,
that the diforder could be communicated only by
direct defcent, the fact above-mentioned might

poflibly

£ 97 ]

poflibly happen in this way. It is well known that
potatoes affected with the curl, feldom produce
bulbsofafize nearly equal to thofe of the fame
kind that are found. This being the cafe, mould
one man, from among the heap of thofe potatoes
which were only in a fmall proportion affected
with the curl, felect only the fmall potatoes for
feed, and otherwife difpofe of the large ones, it is
obvious he mull thus preferve almoft the whole of
the curled fort for feed, and very few of the found;
and the potatoes railed from this feed muft of
courfe be much more infected with the curl, than
the parent potatoes were, from which the feeds
were obtained.

On the other hand, mould another man pick out
from the fame parent ilock only the very largeft
bulbs he could find, he would probably have fcarcely
one curled plant in the whole field. Thus might
the feed from the fame heap prove to be, in one
field entirely (rcc from the infection, and in the
other altogether difeafed. Men are in general fo
carclefs in obferving facts of the nature here alluded
to, that we frequently meet with inexplicable phe-
nomena like what we have here fuppofed. But till
thefe particulars be fully inveftigated, it would feem
to be, from many confiderations, the fafeft plan to
felect only the largeft bulbs for plants: for as there

t 98 ]

is reafbn to think the difeafe proceeds in all cafes
from the feeds planted, and as the infection muft
certainly be lefs virulent in the plants that have been
leaft previoufly infected with it than others, and as
no large potatoes are produced by plants which are
ftrongly affected by this difeafe, thefe ought furely
to be chofcn for plants in preference to others.
This I know, that I never yet have obferved a
curled potatoe among thofe I have obtained from
large potatoes planted whole.

Should it be found that this diforder, like the
fmall-pox or meafles among mankind, can be com-
municated by juxta pofition only; in that cafe it
would be prudent to felect the large bulbs at the
time of taking them out of the ground, putting
them all in one heap then, without ever letting them
touch the fmall, and thus keep them entirely fepa-
rate. By thefe cautions, accompanied with roguing
the potatoes as foon as they are fairly above ground,
(that is, pulling out all thofe that fhewed the fmall-
eft fymptom of this difeafe) it feems to me pro-
bable it might be in a great meafure, if not en-
tirely, avoided*

Some think the difeafe is produced by allowing
the potatoes to be a little touched by froft during
the winter. Certain it is, that a potatoe never can

t 99 ]

be in any i efped benefited by froft, and therefore
not be too carefully guarded againft it; but from
the facts already ftated, it does not feem to me at
all probable that ever the difeafe originates from
that caufe.]

Befides the above, there are many other particu-
lars relative to the culture of this ufeful plant, that re-
quire to be elucidated, fome of which are as under.

It is to be obferved, that although the fame kind
of potatoe be planted in two different fields, the pro-
duce of the one often proves to be of a much more
meally kind of potatoe than that of the other; and
it has been in like manner remarked, that the po-
tatoes of one year's growth are in general more
watery, or the reverfe, than thofe of another feafon.
The caufes of thefe peculiarities do not feem to be
as yet fully known, though, as is ufual, many things
are vaguely afferted on this head, with a fufficient
degree of confidence.

It is generally believed that a dry foil, or a dry
feafon, necelTarily produce the drieft potatoes, and
indeed it is fo natural to expect, a priori, that this
fhould be the cafe, that it is not furprifing if men
mould not be difficult about admitting the fact.
I find good reafon, however, to fufpeft that thefe

Vol. IV. H opinions

[ 100 ]

opinions are not altogether well-founded. The
year 1775 was the drieft and warmeft feafon that
has been known in Scotland within the memory of
man, yet the potatoes of that year's crop were
watery almoft to a proverb : on the other hand the
potatoes of crop 1777, although it was a remakably
rainy feafon, were as dry and meally at leaft as is
common, and much more fo than in the year 1775.
It deferves alfo to be remarked, that the crop of
1775 was almoft double in quantity to that of 1777.
Hence a dry feafon would feem to augment the
produce, though it does not for certain in all cafes
improve the quality of this crop.

The year 1774 was one of the coldeft and moft
rainy, that has perhaps been known in Scotland.
Quere — Could that have any effect on the produce
of the enfuing feafon? If it had, the potatoes of
crop 1778 mould be more watery than ufual; for
the year 1777 was almoft as cold and rainy as 1774.
Obferve if this fhall happen.

[N. B. The potatoes of 1778 were not more
watery than ufual, therefore this conjecture does not
feem to be well founded. The year 1782 was the
coldeft and wetteft feafon ever known by any man
alive: but the potatoes were almoft entirely de-
ftroyed by froft in Abcrdeenfhire, before they were

taken

[ ioi ]

taken up* and my attention was fo much engaged
at that time with more interefting concerns, that
the prefent fubject of inveftigation never occurred,
fo that I made no remarks on that crop.]

If a dry feafon does not necefTarily infure meally
potatoes, fo neither does a dry foil always and ne-
cefTarily produce that efTect. I have frequently feen
the fame kind of potatoes, and of the fame year's
produce, reared in two different places; the one of
them in a foil which was naturally inclined to damp-
nefs, which were much freer and more meally than
the others which were reared on a drier and fharper
foil. This I'have fo often remarked, that I cannot
be miftaken as to the fact. I have, no doubt, as
often obferved that the cafe has been reverfed. I
believe it will be alfo found to be a fact, that pota-
toes which are raifed in thofe diftricts of the coun-
try, where the foil is of a hot fandy nature, are
ufually more free and tender than thofe which are
reared in countries where the foil in general is cold
and damp. Such feemingly contradictory pheno-
mena as thofe abovementioned are not uncommon
in agriculture, and often give rife to falfe opinions,
which are followed by erroneous practice. In order
to difcover the caufe of thefe feeming contradictions,
conjectures may be freely hazarded, if they are de-
livered only as conjeRures, not to influence our rea-
H 2 foning,

[ 102 ]

foning, but to direct the attention towards proper
objects of enquiry and experiment. It is not evert
necelTary that thefe conjectures fhould be founded
on any facts already known; it is enough if they
point towards probabilities, that may be confirmed
or refuted by future obfervations. They ought not
even to be confidered by the perfon who hazards
them as probabilities, which it imports his charac-
ter to fupport, becaufe this would warp his judg-
ment, and pervert his reafoning; but as mere ran-
dom gropings in the dark, which, if they do not
clearly difcover what is the direct road to know-
ledge, will at lead in lbme cafes point out what is
not the track to be purfued, and will at any rate
fooner difcover it, than if we flood ftill without ex-
ertions or obfervations of any fort.

With thefe views I would hazard the following
query; — Is the waterinefs or drynefs of a crop of
, potatoes in any fort affected by the degree of ripe-
nefs that the plants employed for feed may have
attained in the preceding Jeafon? That the maturity
they have attained in the Jeafon that the potatoes are
ufed, does affect the quality of the potatoes, I con-
ceive to be highly probable ; and therefore potatoes,
which, on account of the richnefs or other peculia-
rity of foil, continue in a flate of vegetation highly
luxuriant, till they are nipped by froft or checked

[ '©3 ]

in their growth by other inclemencies of feafon,
have much lefs chance of being dry and meally, than
others of the fame fort, which have attained their
full growth before the coldnefs or inclemency of
the weather checked them. The prefent queftion,
therefore, does not relate to this, but to the effects
that fuch unripe plants have upon thofe produced
from them next feafon. If, upon examination, it
fhould be found that the due maturation of the
plants employed as feed had any effect upon the
quality of the future crop, it might help us to
account for fome of the foregoing phenomena; be-
caufe, in a country of various foils, it might acci-
dentally happen, that the crop raifed on a dampifh
foil was produced from feeds that had grown on a
dry warm foil the preceding year, and had been
fufficiently ripened, or the reverfe; but in large dis-
tricts, where the foil is in general pretty much of
one quality, either warm and dry, or cold and wet,
the kind of interchange of feed here alluded to could
not fo readily take place.

But even if it fliould be found that the maturity
of the feeds affected the quality of the potatoes, it
would not follow invariably that the feeds produced
on early dry foils would be better than thofe from
later foils, becaufc it might fome times happen, from
H j local

[ I04 3

local pofition, and other accidental circumftances,
that the growth of the potatoes in the dry early foil
might be checked by frofls many weeks before thofe
on the other foil were affected; in confequence of
which, the plants in the cold foil might attain to
more perfect maturity, than thofe on the drier one.
I mention this peculiarity, merely to (hew how cau-
tious the farmer ought to be in adopting general
conclufions, without carefully attending to all the
collateral circumltances that may affect his experi-
ment. I (hall only farther add on this head, that I
had occafion to know well a dry warm fpot of
ground, on which the items of the potatoes of crop
1776 were froft-bitten, at leaft fix weeks before
thofe on another fpot at fome miles diftance from
it, where the foil was naturally more cold and damp,
were in the fmalleft degree affected by it. It like-
wife fo happened, that the potatoes raifed on the
■firft-mentioned fpot in the year 1777, (their own
froft-bitten* feed was employed) had fuch a pecu-
liar acrid and bitterifh taftevas to be hardly at all
eatable; while thofe in the colder place of that crop
had nothing of that unufual tafte. Whether this
diverfity was occafioned by the circumftance here

* Obferve, the term frcft -bitten is here applied to the ftems only,
and not to the bulbs. The items were fo much hurt by the froft as
to turn black and decay., but the. bulbs were taken up before the froft
had been fufficiently intenfe to hurt them.

allude^

[ »o5 ]

alluded to, I do not take it on me to fay. In
matters of fuch nice difquifition as the prefent, many
facts obtained by very accurate obfervation are ne-
cefTary, before any conclufion can be relied on.

The following accidental experiment, relating to
the fubjeft here in agitation, deferves to have a
place: —

Experiment Thirteenth.

In the year 1776, 1 planted with potatoes afmall plot in
my garden ; it accidently happened that the one half of it
had been in cabbages the year before, and the other half in
graft, which, for the fake of an experiment, had lain in that
ftate for three years. The foil was in every other refpecT:
the fame. The whole was dug over in the month of April,
fome loofe mould having been (hovelled up on the top of
that part which had been in grafs, merely to cover the
grafTy part of the fod. It was all planted with the fame
kind of potatoe on the fame day, and managed in every
refpecr. alike. None of it got any dung. The crop was
in both places very good, and nearly equal in quantity ;
but it was remarked, as a fmgular peculiarity, that the
potatoes which grew upon the part that had been in grafs
were remarkably meally, whereas thofe that grew upon the
other divifion were of a very foft and watery kind. The
difference between them was fo perceptible, that no perfon
in the family but could have told at once if the fervant
by miftakc at any time brought the one kind infteadof
the other.

In this cafe, it is obvious, that the difference in quality
was produced entirely by fome peculiarity in the foil, and

could

[ io6 ]

could neither be occafioned by any defect in the kc6^ nor
peculiarity of weather; and on this occafion 1 imagined I
had difcovered a circumftance that had hitherto baffled all
my refearches : for I thought it next to certain that the
fuperior mealinefs of the one part of the potatoes in this
experiment, was occafioned by the ground on which they
were planted having* been broke up directly from grafs ;
and although I could affign no probable reafon why this
fhould be fo, yet as no other difference between them was
ohfervable, I refolved to repeat the experiment, to fee if the
fame phenomena regularly occurred. This produced the
following trial :

Experiment Fourteenth.

In the year 1777, I made choice of another patch of
ground, one half of which had been in culture many years,
and the other half was in grafs three years old. Both of
thefe were dug over in the month of April, exactly in the
fame manner as in the foregoing experiment, and were
planted as before, with one kind of potatoes on the fame
day. In every refpccT: thefe were treated, as nearly as pof-
fible, in the fame way with thofe in the laft experiment.
But when they were taken up at the proper feafon, to my
great mortification, I found that no fenfible difference could
be obferved in the friability of the potatoes obtained from
the one or the other divifion. The reader will alfo pleafe
to recollect, that experiments fecond and third were made
upon ground in like manner newly broke up from grafs ;
but neither were the potatoes that were produced upon it,
although it was a dry, fharp, thin foil, not at all remarkable
for their drynefs or mealinefs : they were even much infe-r
rior in this rcfpecT: to thofe which were obtained from both
the divifions of the prefent experiment j although the foil
was, in the lait cafe, of a deeper and damper kind.

t 107 ]

It is thus that knowledge frequently eludes the refearches
of the farmer, after he thinks he has with certainty attained
it; but if he be diligent and unremitting in his purfuit,
and never gives over, even when he feems to be thrown
out in the chace, he will at length lay firm hold of this
ever-changing Proteus, and force from him many impor-
tant fecrets exceedingly neceflary to be known for the
well-being of mankind.

CONCLUSION.

The reader cannot fail to have remarked, that
the foregoing experiments and obfervations only
tend to pave the way for an accurate fet of experi-
ments, to afcertain with fome reafonable degree of
precifion, the foil, manures, and culture, that are bed
calculated to produce the largeft and bed crops of
potatoes. Till the particulars above fpecified be
fully afcertained, any attempt to prefcribe the bed
and mod advantageous mode of cultivating this
valuable plant mud be vain and nugatory, as per-
petual contradictory facts would occur, which would
involve the fubject in the fame doubt and obfeurity
as at prefent. Fully convinced of thefe things, my
aim in this efTay has been folely to elucidate fome
important previous quedions. Little more indeed
has been done, than to point at what is wanted for
enabling us to go forward in a proper manner : and

thefc

[ io8 ]

thefc imperfect hints are fubmitted to the public,
in hopes of inducing others, who have better op-
portunities of making experiments than myfelf, to
exert themfelves in an effectual manner to afcertain
thofe points that ftill are doubtful. I fhall myfelf
endeavour, as far as circumftances permit, ftill to
go forward in this tract, and am not without hopes,
that in time I may be enabled to fpeak with fome
degree of firmnefs, concerning the modes of cul-
ture that are well adapted to infure great and profit-
able crops of this mod valuable plant. At pre fen t,
I rather chufe to decline entering on that branch of
the fubject.

N. B. As there is much diverfity in weights and meafures in dif-
ferent parts of this country, readers are often greatly embar raffed for
want of blowing the exacl amount of thofe that are mentioned in expe-
rimental ejpiys. To avoid that inconveniency on the prefent occafwn,
the reader is defired to take notice, that, unlefs where it is fpecially
mentioned to be other-wife, throughout the whole of the preceding ejfay,
an acre means an exatljlatute Englifh acre, of 4840 fqu are yards. A
pound means an avoirdupoife pound of 16 Dunces, and abufhel 56 of
thefe pounds » or half a hundred weight. Every reader, by the help of
this information, may eafily bring any weights or meafures mentioned (a
the famefandard that is ufed in his neighbourhood,

Thcgreatefl part of the ejfay was written in the year 1778 ; afe-w
abfervations having been fine e added, which are difinguijhedjrcm the
original ejfay by being included within crotchets [thus.]

Article

[ tw ]

Article II,

An EJfay on the moft fraRicable method of fixing an

equitable Commutation for Tithes in general through-
out the Kingdom.

TO THE PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENTS, AND MEM*
\ BERS OF THE BATH AGRICULTURE SOCIETY.

THE judicious propofal of the Bath Agricul-
ture Society, for an " Efiay on the moft
practicable method of fixing an equitable commu-
tation for tithes in general throughout the king-
dom," reflects great honour on the inftitution.

It is, I believe, univerfally acknowledged, that
tithes are a great difcouragement to agriculture.
They are inconvenient and vexatious to the huf-
bandman, and operate as an impolitic tax upon
induftry. The clergyman too frequently finds them
troublefome and precarious; his expences in col-
lecting are a confiderable drawback from their
value, and his juft rights are with difficulty fecured:
he is too often obliged to fubmit to impofition, or
be embroiled with his parifhioners in difputes and
litigations, no lefs irkfome to his feelings than pre-
judicial to his intereft, and tending to prevent thofe
good effe&s which his precepts fhould produce.

The

t »o ]

The writer of this effay has frequently been con-
futed about the value of tithes, and that of the land
out of which they iftue; as alfo on the comparative
value of one to the other. It is from obiervation,
and reflection, grounded on experience, that thefe
hints are fubmitted to the Society. Had the au-
thor fufficient leifure and abilities for entering at
large into the prefent eftablifhment for the mainte-
nance of the clergy, and for dating how peculiarly
hard it bears on the landholder, when compared
with the merchant, the manufacturer, and the arti-
fan ; fuch a difciifiion, however worthy the attention
of parliament, is not the object of this efTay.

In the practicable method to be pointed out, it
appears indifpenfable, that a fair, full, and perma-
nent equivalent fhould arife out of the fame pro-
perty, and be defrayed by the fame order of men,
as pay tithes at the prefent day: the more any pro-
pofed fcheme deviates from this principle, the lefs
practicable will it be found.
•
Land for Tithes,

A commutation of tithes for land has many ad-
vocates, and fome very able opponents. The Lord
Bifhop of Salifbury, in a late excellent charge to his
clergy, has amongft other important matters fhewn,

with

[ III ]

with great ftrength of argument, that fuch a com-
mutation is by no means eligible. The habits of
life in which the clergy are educated, and the im-
portant office they fill, are ill-fuited to the occupa-
tion of a farmer. The expence requifite to (lock a
farm would, to many, be a ferious objection. If
we confider the land fo taken only as property to be
let, the mod defirable cirCumftance would be for it
to lie compact, and as near the buildings as poflible.
In extenfive parilhes, where there are numerous
fmall eftates, this object is unattainable. Xhe equi-
valent in land muft in fuch cafes lie in very fmall
parcels, exceedingly difperfed, and be difficult to lee
to proper tenants at a fair value. A balance muft
be (truck upon each eftate, and fences be raifed at a
a great expence. Such parcels as would be eligible
for the rector to receive, the landholder cannot al-
ways give, without deranging the general ceconomy
of liis farm. Even in thofe parilhes where the pro-
perty may be given and received with conveniency,
and let to one tenant, he is liable to misfortunes,
and failures, which would render the clergyman's
fupport more precarious than on the prefent efta-
blilhment. The knowledge of foils and their ufes,
requifite for framing covenants for the prefervation
and proper management of landed property, will
frequently be wanting in the clergy. And the pro-
bability

bability that a fucceflbr will find the land neglected
or exhaufted, the fences deftroyed, and the build-
ings in ruins, will not be doubted by fuch land-
owners as have declined to renew with their life-
hold tenants, and fuffered their property to fall
into hand.

Whoever has taken an active part in carrying
inclofure bills into execution, where the land is ex-
onerated from tithes, mull have found it a nice and
difficult tafk to afcertain a proper equivalent. When
the proportion of land to be given is fixed by par-
liament, it is too often done without fufficient infor-
mation refpecting the circumflances of the property.
Hence may be afligned a principal caufe why the
real merits of inclofure bills are frequently depre-
ciated. The great diverfity of foils, their different
degrees of fertility, various ufes and products, and
the different expences of cultivation, all operate on
this proportion; and what may be deemed equi-
table on one eftate, is frequently injurious to the
rector, or to the landholder, on another.

A very able writer* ftrenuoufly oppofes a com-
mutation of land for tithes, and that chiefly as being
injurious to the landholder.

* See Obfervations, &c. refpe&ing Bills of Inclofure ; and calcu-
lations ftiewing the lofs fuftained wherever lands are given in lieu of
tithes.— Sand ford, Shrewsbury j and JBfiW, London.

"Let

[ »3 ]

" Let us fuppofe a farm of 150 acres, at 16s. per acre;
rent 120I. The leaft profit fuch a farm ought to produce,
in order to anfwer the various expences incident to it, is
300I. It mould be more; ftate it however at that fum,
and the account will ftand thus :

Rent, ------- 120

Tithes ------- 30

Remainder to anfwer every expence of parifh )
rates, wages, houfekeeping, wear, tear, &c. >

300

" Here the value of the tithes is equal to a fourth of the
rent ; and I take this to be the leaft proportion that the
tithes and rent can bear to each other in any cafe what-
focver, except in rich grazing farms managed at a flight
expence. Now that the rector may have a full equiva-
lent of landed rent for thefe tithes, an allotment muft be
made worth 30I. a year tithe free. But the tenant pays
150I. per annum in rent and tithes, or 20 (hillings per
acre ; confequently the allotment muft contain 30 acres,
leaving the remaining 120 in the occupation of the tenant,
who muft continue to pay his ufual rent; for otherwife
his landlord muft fuftain a lofs. The account will then
ftand thus :

Tenant. £.

Rent of 120 acres, - - 120

Refidue for general expences, - - 120

Produce, reckoning as before at the rate of 7
300I. upon 150 acres - - 3

240 -
Rtclir

[ »4 ]

Rettor. £.

Thirty acres let at 20 fhillings per acre, 30

" Thus, by a commutation neither benefiting" nor in-
juring landlord or re&or, the tenant is reduced from 150
to 120 pounds, to fupport nearly the fame family, and de-
fray within a trifle the fame expences. This is an actual
lofs to him of little lefs than 30I. per annum."

It muft be acknowledged, that the above writer
takes no notices of the expences of collecting tithes,
and converting them into money. Servants' wages,
horfes, carts, reparation of barns and other build-
ings, wafte, threfhing, marketing, &c. are confider-
able deductions. In dating a proportion in the
rule of three, the young arithmetician is directed to
reduce his firft and third terms to the fame deno-
mination. It is equally reafonable, if the expences
of the cultivator are reckoned, that thofe of the
tithe-gatherer mould not be forgotten — that the
letting value of land fhould be compared with the
letting value of tithes ; not the rent of the one with
the produce of the other.

Although this omiMion does not invalidate the
general principle -, it enhances the comparative
value of tithes to that of land. It is a very com-
mon omiflion in calculations of this fort, and may,
in a work of merit, tend to miflead \ on which

account

[ II* ]

account it is here taken notice of. The fame author
mathematically demonftrates, that land cannot be
given for tithes, in any cafe whatever, without in-
jury to one or both of the parties concerned— and
that the meafure of that injury muft be a fum nearly
equal to the profit which accrues to thofe who after-
wards occupy the tithe allotment. As this is a
queftion of confiderable confequence, it cannot be
too nicely and impartially examined. Admitting
the author's aflcrtion to be mathematically true, it is
alfo true that a given quantity of land, rented as part
of a very large farm, is generally lefs valuable to its
owner, and to the community, than when it forms
part of a farm of more moderate fize. If a com-
mutation of land for tithes were only to take place
on overgrown farms, neither the landlord nor the
public would, perhaps, have any caufe to objeft.
But the confequences of fuch a commutation would
be mod feverely felt by a fmall land-owner, who is
obliged to keep a certain number of horfes to till his
ground, whether he has a few acres more or lefs.
The profits arifing from his labour, even when in
full employment, are barely fufficient for a comfort-
able livelihood : take away a portion of his land,
and, like the manufacturer who is obliged to ftand
Hill for want of materials, he is in part deprived of
the means of maintaining his family.
Vol. IV. I Through

t tx6 1

Through a refined tafte, Gr a miftaken policy,
the induftrious occupiers of fmall property, thofe
mod ufeful fubjects to the ftate, have been already
too much opprefied, and are in many places nearly
extirpated. The good-natured reader will excufe
me, if I quit my iubject for a moment to deplore
the confequences.

The Norman Conqueror, in the "plenitude of his
power, depopulated thirty villages for his pleafure,
•which has left an indelible ftain on his character.
In the prefent enlightened age, the fame ruinous
policy is adopted, without remorfe or cenfure. If
the homely habitation of induftry grows cpld and
comfortlefs, avarice whifpers that the expence of
reparations may be faved, and the land be added to
a neighbouring farm. • If parks or pleafure grounds
are to be extended, whole villages are razed to the
ground. Hulhed are the cheerful " founds of popu-
lation/* and the bufy footftep is feen no more. The
once comfortable, but now dejected inhabitants, are
reduced to the hard necefiity of earning a fcanty
morfel in the evening of. life, by dint of labour be-
yond their dec! iing ftrength; and thus their grey
hairs go down with forrow to the grave: — their be-
loved children, the comfort of their age, ill-brooking
the idea of fervitude, where they have feen better
days, fcek employment in the capital; — difappoint-

-\ ment

[ M7 ]

ment and penury enfue: — the mounds of virtue are
now broken, and the ruddy bloom of health ex-
changed for difeafe and infamy: — our flreets become
crouded with ruined innocence; and our prifons
with wretched and defperate malefactors !

Where are the benefits to compenfate for this
mafs of evil? The property which maintained ten
or twenty families in comfort, is now converted into
a fingle farm. When a tenant is wanted, there are
but few competitors. If he fails, the lefs is a fe-
vere one. The landlord may confole, and perhaps
reimburfe himfelf by feizing on the farmer's flock ;
but his feelings are not to be envied; the reputa-
tion of his farm is thereby leflened, and the diffi-
culty of procuring a tenant increafed. The man
who can afford to flock fuch a farm, can probably
live on the interefl of his money. He will not
embark without a probability of large profit ; and
that without taking a laborious part. The labour
and attention of fervants and workmen are more
expenfive and lefs effectual than that of a fmall
. farmer, who eafily fuperintends his bufinefs, and,
with the afliftance of his children, tills his own
ground. The graduated fcale of property being
broken, and no medium left between the overgrown
farmer and neglected cottager, the finews of in-
I 2 duftry

duftry become languid. The poor man has no-
thing to look up to : — No motive for a laudable
pride — no incentive to fuperior induftry. The
parifh poor are his aflbciates ; and he obferves that,
when age or want overtakes them, the diffolute and
the worthlefs are indifcriminately, and equally, re-
li eevdwith the worthy and the induftrious. — He
therefore literally takes no thought for the morrow.
—The produce of his labour is fpent without re*
ferve; and his wretched family entailed on the
parifh: — the land becomes loaded with enormous
poor-rates, and its owner, after all his fchemes of
aggrandizement, wonders to find its value decreafed.
Such are the evils which prudence would have fore-
feen; and a humane attention to the rights and
interefts of mankind fhould have prevented. But

to return. On the moft mature confideration,

I am fully convinced of the impracticability of fix-
ing a general and equitable commutation of tithes for
land throughout the kingdom,

COMPOSITIONS.

The flu&uating value of money, and the very
fmall proportion which moduffes, or real compofi-
tions, made previous to the difabling ftatute 13
Elizabeth now bear to the value of tithes then
compounded for, are convincing proofs that no pe-
cuniary

r "9 i

cuniary payment can be fixed, without the greateft
probability of injuring pofterity. To remedy this
evil, provifion-rents have formerly been adopted.
But a moment's confideration will convince us that
a commutation of tithes for provifion-rents, or the
produce of the land in a marketable ftate, would
be liable to much trouble and abufe. It would not
be eligible even for the farmer; nor can it be ex-
pected that the tithe-owner would ever confent to it.

The worthy and learned Prelate before-men-
tioned, with equal judgment and philanthropy, re-
commends to his clergy to compound with their
parifhioners on moderate terms. Were this falutary
advice univerfally adopted, it would be for the be-
nefit both of the clergy and the laity. For it is
well known that befides the trouble of fetting out
tithes, and their numerous ill confequences to the
landholder and to fociety, they are in collefting
liable to wafte, injury, and additional expence : and
that there is a very confiderable lofs between the
re&or and the farmer, without benefit to the one or
the other. But, alas! plain as this truth mull appear
to every man of experience, the imperfe&ions of
human nature are fuch, that the parties concerned
rarely agree on an equitable compofition.

1 3 To

[ ™° ]

To prevent the effects of that partiality, which
want of judgment or of candour too often occafions,
the ingenious writer before quoted propofes, that
the fum which each perfon fhall pay in lieu of tithes
fhould be fixed by two indifferent and fkilful per-
fons, with liberty to any of the parties to order a
new valuation to be made once in every feven
years: the expences to be equally borne by the
rector and the parifh.

The expence attending a meafure of this fort,
often reiterated, would be one confiderable objec-
tion. Many improvements in husbandry are at-
tended with heavy expences, and the return is fre-
quently uncertain. A feptennial reckoning with
the tithe-owner may damp that fpirit of induftry,
v Inch an exoneration from tithes is meant to pro-
duce. A difagreeable anxiety would attend pro-
perty often fubmitted to arbitration. And when
we confider that men have been perverfe enough to
let their lands lie unfown, in order to deprive the
rector of his tithe, we may take it for granted that
there would not be wanting thofe, who, with an
unworthy policy, would take every poflible ftep to
warp the judgments of the arbitrators, by depreci-
ating the value of their tithes previous to fuch fep-
tennial, or any other regular valuation.

» COMPOSITION

[ 121 ]

COMPOSITION TO VARY WITH THB VALUE OF MONEY.

The mod unobjectionable commutation that oc-
curs to me, is that of a money payment, chargeable
on the occupiers of the land now titheable, but to
vary with the value of money, in fuch manner as for
the fame income to purchafe the fame quantity of
the neceflaries of life, in all times to come.

In order to accomplilh this end, it is propofed,
that a bill be brought into parliament, not to com-
pel every parifh to enter immediately on fuch a
meafure, but to enable all parties, who aredefirous,
to proceed on the bufinefs. A very fudden and
general change would neither be practicable, nor
eligible. It muft inevitably be a work of time; and
fhould be carried on rather from conviction than
compulfion. The following hints may probably be
of fome ufe in framing the principal claufes in a bill
for thatpurpofe.

MODE OF PROCEEDING.

That every thing may be tranfacled in as lhort a
manner, as openly, and at as little expence as pof-
fible, the Juftices at their general Quarter-Seffions
of the peace, held for the fame county, and at the
neareft diftance from the parifh where the tithes
are propofed to be commuted for, fhould be enabled

[ |W J

to authorife commiflioners to proceed on the bufi-
nefs. Whoever has attended the patting of private
bills through parliament, muft have obferved, that
although the allegations of a bill are proved before
a Committee, with due care and folemnity, yet the
real merits and moft material parts, are fometimes
but imperfectly underftood, or attended to. At a
general Quarter- Seflions, it is probable, that feveral
of the magiftrates may be well acquainted with the
merits and circumftances of the bufinefs, and the
expence of attendance will not debar the parties
from coming forward with the beft evidence that
can be obtained.

Two months previous to an application ^o the
Quarter-Seflions, a notice fhould be affixed on the
principal door of the parifti church, for three Sun-
days during divine fervice, fetting forth that applica-
tion will be made on the firft day of the next general

Quarter Seflions of the peace, held at .

And alfo an advertifement to the fame purport
fhould be inferted in fome country news-paper,
which circulates in that part of the county where
the lands are fituate, in order that the juftices and
non-relident parties may in proper time be apprifed
of the bufinefs. That fuch notices have been
given, fhould in the firft place be proved upon

oath.

[ **3 1

oath. Thf proportion of conferring parties flioul J
next be brought forward, and the reafons given by
thofe who withhold their affent fhould be parti-
cularly dated.

PROPORTION OF CONSENTS.

The parties interefted in the tithes, or thofe whofc
confent ought to be obtained, are, the Bifhop of the
diocefe, the Patron and Incumbent — appropriators
holding tithes, and impropriators, with their refpec-
tive leflees for long terms renewable or for lives.
Whatever be the denomination of the parties inte-
refted, a general confent fhould, if poflible, be ob-
tained. But as this is not always to be expected,
however meritorious the undertaking, it may, per-
haps be thought that one diflenting voice on the
part of the tithe-owners ought not to negative the
bufinefs. However, in all cafes where the patron
is alfo incumbent, or where the tithes are a lay im-
propriator's freehold, or wherever the pofTeflion and
reverfion center in one and the fame perfon, fuch
perfon's confent Ihould be indifpenfably neceflary.

On the part of the land-owners, the confent of
the proprietors of three-fourths of the property in
quantity or value fhould be obtained, previous to
fuch application to the Quarter-Sefiions. But no

perfon

t W* ]

pcrfon who contents or diffents as diocefan, patron,
incumbent, or tithe-owner, mould have any vote
as land-owner alfo. If any oppofition be made to
the meafure, the parties oppofing fhould be heard
by themfelves or counfel ; and, if the magiftrates
are not unanimous, in order that friendship or party
may have no influence, the queftion fhould be de-
termined by ballot.*

CHOICE OF COMMISSIONERS.

Three CommifTioners, who are men of judgment,
integrity, experienced, and difinterefled, will tranf.
act bufinefs much better than a larger number.
The act of any two of them fhould be binding. It
is reafonable that the parties mould have a good
opinion of the perfons in whom fo considerable a
truft is vefted. The Bifhop of the diocefe, the pa-
tron, incumbent, or other tithe-owners, or the major
part of them, fhould therefore name one Commif-
fioner, and a majority of the land-owners choofe

* If it fhall appear that a larger proportion of contents fhould be obtained,
either on the part of the tithe-owners, or that of the land-owners, the author
does not object to it. Convinced as he is that the great expence of parting
a bill through parliament for each parith fef>ara/i-Iy, and of procuring evidence
to attend from diitant parts of the kingdom, would in many cafes fruftrate
the benefits propofed ; he wifhes for theconfents to be fuch as would infure
its fuccefs if brought before parliament. He does not wifh for themagiftrates
, what fome may think, too great a power ; but that the parties mould
be enabled to proceed in the leaft expenfive manner, purfuant to a general
•cl, in the framing of which every proper precaution fhould be taken*

another*

another, whofe names mould be produced at the
quarter-fefiions, together with thofe of the confent-
ing parties. The magiftrates there aflembled
fhould choofe the third commiiTioner by ballot.
Partiality or friendfhip may, perhaps, have fome
influence on the choice of the parties. It is pre-
fumed the magiftrates would be particularly careful
to choofe a man of character, judgment, and expe-
rience. But no magiftrate fhould ballot for fuch
third commiiTioner, or upon the previous queftion,
if he is interefted in lands or tithes in the faid
parifh. A commillion or inftrument in writing,
fhould then be figned and fealed by the juftices
there prefent, empowering the commiflioners to
proceed upon the bufin efs, conformable to the ge-
neral ad for that purpofe : which commillion or
inftrument in writing fhould be depofited with the
Clerk of the peace, and an attefted copy of the
fame be delivered to the faid commiflioners.

THE DUTY AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS.

In the firft place the commiflioners fhould give
ten days notice at leaft, in fome country news-
paper which circulates in the neighbourhood, of
the time and place of their firil meeting, and
fhould alfo give like notice in the parifh church
immediately after divine fervice, on two Sundays

f n6 3

previous to fuch meeting; and require that all
perfons pofTefTed of, interefted in, or claiming any
tithes, or modufies, lands titheable or exempt, do
attend, and give in a particular account of the fame.
When the commiflioners and parties are met, be-
fore they proceed to bufinefs, each of the com-
mifiioners fhould take and fubferibe an oath to the
following effect :

I A. B. do fwear, that I will faithfully, impartially,
and honeftly, according to the beft of my (kill and
judgment, execute the powers and trufts repofed in
me as a commiffioner for afcertaining and fettling
an equitable money payment in lieu of tithes within

the parifh of •

So help me GOD !

If any modus is fet up or claimed by one party,
and denied by another, the commiflioners fhould in
this, as in all cafes brought before them, be em-
powered to examine witnefles upon oath. But as
the legality of a modus may be too nice a queftion
for them to determine, the attorney of each party
fhould, if required, attend ; — and if the matter in
difpute cannot be fettled, the cafe fhould be drawn
up, agreeable to the evidence, and figned by the
commiflioners. The parties fhould be required to
fix on fome eminent counfel to determine the fame.
If they neglect to do fo, the commiflioners may

requeft

[ "7 ]

requcft the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, or
the Judges at their next aflizes, to name one. In
default of compliance, the commiflioners to fubmit it
to fuch counfel as they think propers whofe deter-
mination fhould be final*

Art accurate furvey and plan of the lands will now
be wanted. If fuch is not already taken, a furveyor
fhould be employed for that purpofe. A plan of
the property will be of great ufe to the commif-
fioners in the conduct of the bufinefs, and fhould be
inrolled with their award. The boundaries and
names of lands, as well as the owners, are frequently
changed. Inprocefs of time, fences are grubbed
up and deftroyed; feveral inclofures made into one,
or one divided into feveral; and the ancient names
forgotten. Hence it is not uncommon to find that
an old terrier, without a plan, is unintelligible.
When the commiflioners have finifhed their valua-
tion, and calculated the refpe&ive fums to be paid
out of the feveral eftates, in lieu of tithes, I would
recommend to them to call the feveral proprietors
and tithe-owners together; read over the quality
and prices of the lands, and explain, to fuch as are
defirous of information, what principles they have
proceeded on. It is a matter of confiderable trufl
and confluence; nor is it neceflary that there
fliould be any myftery in the proceeding. Every

man,

[ 128 ]

man, whofe property is at flake, has an undoubted
right to give his opinion, and to produce evidence
relative to fuch matters as he conceives to be wrong.
However contrary this may be to general practice,
I have frequently on Inclofure acts experienced the
good effects of it. Men who have cultivated land
for many years, and obferved it at very different
feafons, will fometimes furnifh ufeful information.
And it does not follow, that this open conduct of
the commiffioners mould betray them into any con-
ceffion that their judgment difapproves. The fums
which the feveral eftates are respectively to pay in
lieu of tithes being determined on, a fchedule of the
fame mould be affixed againfl the door of the parifli
church where the tithes are commuted for. If no
objection is made, nor any appeal intended, the
commilTloners, award mould be drawn up, with a
plan and terrier, fetting forth the lands chargeable
and exempt, the money payments now fixed, and
the ancient moduffes allowed: thefe, together with
their commiffion, and the oath they have taken,
mould be inrolled with the clerk of the peace. A
copy of the fame mould alfo be lodged in a box or
chert, within the church or chapel of the parifh
where the lands and tithes are fituate. If any of the
eftates mould afterwards be divided, and alienated
in feparate parcels, the plan will always fliew the

lands

[ i*9 1

lands originally charged. And the quota for each
parcel, after fuch divifion, may be fixed by agrec^
mentof the parties, at the time of fuch alienation,
or by two afleflbrs, with as little difficulty as its
proportion of land-tax.

APPEAL,

If it fhall be thought proper, any of the parties
who conceive themfelves to be injured may have
liberty to appeal at fome general Quarter-Seftions,
within four months after the caufe of complaint
has arifen ; giving the commiflioners one month's
notice of the fame. Though it muft be confefled,
that appeals in fuch cafes are feldom attended with
any good effects. For it is fcarcely to be fuppofed,
that any ftronger evidence can be produced than
that of three difinterefted and experienced men,
whofe judgment and integrity have recommended
them i and who have, with great attention, unani-
moufly determined the matter upon oath. But if
any one of the commiflioners mould proteft againft
the proceedings of the other two, an appeal may-
lie with great propriety.

EXPENCES.

Although it is prefumed that the propofed com-
"mutation will be defireable both to the clergy and
the laity, yet as the inconveniency of tithes is very

great

C «3° ]

great to the latter, and as the intereft of the former
is but temporary, it is propofed that the clergy
fhould be exempt from all expence, except a fhare
of that which may arife on determining whether a
modus is or is not legal.

The general pay of commiflioners of inclofures,
is a guinea per day for time, and half-a-guinea for
expences. Whatever charges are incurred on the
bufinefs fhould be borne by the owners of the land,
in fuch equitable fhares and proportions as the com-
miflioners fhall direct. A power fhould be given,
as in inclofure bills, for tenants in tail, for life, or
for long terms, to borrow money, and charge it on
the lands, keeping down the intereft of the fame.
The commiflioners to direct the application of all
fuch money, and to account with the proprietors,
when called on for that purpofe.

FOR THE SECURITY OF THE CLERGY*

On the prefent eftablifhment, the clergyman has
a right to his tithes as foon as fevered and divided
into proportionate fhares. He is in no danger from
the failure of any tenants, except thofe of his own
choofing. It fhould therefore be provided, that
whenever a landlord fhall feize for rent, the tenant's
effects fhould be anfwerable for one year's compo-
fition to the tithe- owner j who fhould alfo, equally

with

[ W ]

with the land-owner, be entitled to his remedy by
diftrefs. But as this remedy is fuch a one as every
man of feeling, and particularly a clergyman, would
wifh to avoid, it would be proper for him to have
the privilege of calling on his parifhioners to nomi-
nate, at a veftry, two collectors, for whom they
lhould be refponfible. The clergyman to allow
them three-pence in the pound for collecting. If the
collectors of the land-tax were to be appointed for
that purpofe, it would be but little additional trouble,
and would make it well worth their attention.

METHOD OF VARYING THE PAYMENT.

As the value of money or of the neceffaries of
life rife or fall, on an average, fo lhould the pay-
ment for tithes rife or fall in like proportion. The
method of doing this fhould be as fimple, and cer-
tain, as little complicated, as general, and liable to
the lead trouble poflible. If we attempt to regifter
the various articles out of which tithes iflue ; — if
different commifnoners fix thcfe values for different
parifhes j — if each parifh is to be feparately confi-
dered, and regulated at the end of a certain number
of years from its firft payment; — if the fluctuating
values are from time to time to be determined by
particular markets, or by the prices on particular
days, it will lead pofterity into a labyrinth of trouble j

V-t„ IV. K it

[ 13* ]

it would be liable to great abufe, and be productive
of much difcontent and error. In fixing upon one
fingle ftandard, by which to eftimate the future
value of tithes, in proportion to the value of money,
or that of the land out of which they iflue, perhaps
there is no one more proper than that of a bufhel,
or a quarter of wheat. Wheat is not quickly of a
perifhable nature. Bread is emphatically called the
ftaff of life. And it generally happens, that when it
is dear or cheap, other provilions are dear or cheap
nearly in the fame proportion. Farmers remark
this in an ancient proverb — cc Down corn, down
horn ;" — meaning, that the price of horned cattle,
or butchers' meat, generally follows that of bread.
Some new productions in hufbandry will, often re-
peated, tire the ground and degenerate. We owe
it probably to the goodnefs of Providence, that the
foil once proper for wheat will, at regular periods,
with manure and culture, admit of a repetition
with the greateft probability of fuccefs. Add to
this, that its exportation in years of plenty, and
importation in years of fcarcity, contribute to keep
the price of wheat more nearly on a level than that
of mod other articles.

Suppofe the clerk of every principal market
throughout each county was, once a year, at the
court of general Quartcr-Seffions, held the firft

week

C *33 ]

week after the Epiphany, to give in upon oath the
average price of a bufhel or quarter of wheat, on
each market-day, in the feveral months of October,
November, and December. In thefe months farm-
ers generally threfh out great part of their grain,
particularly wheat : for as to oats and barley, they
generally contrive to threfh, fo as for the ftraw to
be given frefh to their cattle, when the grafs is
gone, and they live in the farm-yard. The feflions
being fo foon after, the jury, or any perfons who
attend the court, will have an opportunity of ob-
ferving, whilft the market-prices are frefh in their
memory, whether the average is a fair one. The
average price of each market-day in thofe months
being known, the whole may be added together,
and being divided by the number of market-days,
will give the average price of wheat the preceding
year, in each market refpectively.

Suppofe the markets for regulating the prices of
wheat, in Wiltfhire, are, Salifbury, Marlborough,
Devizes, and Warminfter; ancl that the average
price of wheat found as aforefaid is,

At Salifbury 052
A A Li r thorough 0 5 o

£. s. J.
At Devizes -054
At Warminfter 056

K 2 Thefc

[ '34 3

Thefe added together make one guinea, which
divided by 4, (the number of markets) gives 5s.
3d. which is to be entered with the Clerk of the
Peace as the average price of a bufhel of wheat in
the year , for the county of Wilts.*

If an act of parliament for this purpofe fhould
pafs, in or before the year 1790, the average price
of a bufhel of wheat for each year being proved,
and regiftered as aforefaid, until the year 18005
the whole mould then be added together j and an
average for that period be taken, and publifhed in
the court of Quarter-Seffions, and alfo in fuch
country news-papers as circulate through that
county. In the years 18 10, 1820, 1830, and at a
like decennial period ever after, the averages fhould
be collected. Thofe parifhes where a commuta-
tion takes place before the year 1800, may be
varied in the year 18103 and thofe commuted for
from the year 1800 to 18 10, may be varied in the
year 1820: thus,

* The only reafons for preferring the three months before- mentioned, aret
that it will be lefs trouble, and the prices will be more eafily remembered by
thofe w*ho attend the feffions, than the prices for a longer period. The
markets at this time of the year are generally full, and the period is fufficiently
long to prevent any collufion. Whether the exaft average of the year can
by thefe means be obtained, does not feem of fo much confequence as, whe-
ther the average of the firft ten years bears a due proportion to the average
collected, in like manner, during a period of any fubfequent ten years.
However, if fix months or the whole year be preferred, for collecting the
average of each year refpedively, it may be done without much trouble}
and the principle will remain the fame.

Suppofe

[ ns ]

Suppofe the value of a church living be fixed at
iool. per annum, within the decennial period end-
ing at the year 1800 ; and it then appears that the
average price of wheat collected as aforefaid, is for
that period at 5s. a bumelj the value of the church
living is equal to 400 bufhels, or 50 quarters of
wheat. In the next decennial period ending at 1 8 10,
we will fuppofe the average price of wheat to be 5s-
6d. a bulhel: 400 bufhels at 5s. 6d. is nol. per
annum $ at which fum the value of the tithes mould
l>e fixed for the period commencing at the year
1810, and ending 1820: and fo proceed in the
fame order. The whole fum which each parifh or
tithing fhall be advanced or lowered, will thus be
regularly obtained at a dated period without trouble;
and the proportionate fhare of every eftate can eafily
be calculated by any fchool-boy.

It will probably appear to fome, that it would
be better to procure or fix a ftandard or average
value for a period of ten years previous to the com-
mifiioners' valuation in the feveral parifhes refpec-
tively. This I have confidered with due attention.
Arguments may be adduced in its favour: but
upon the whole it will probably not be found pre-
ferable to the method before propofed.

K 3 CONCLUSION.

[ 13* ]

CONCLUSION.

The laudable fociety to which this is addrefied,
have doubtleis confidered the numerous inconve-
niencies attending tithes in kind; and I am not
without hopes that the hints herein contained will
point to a remedy equally defireable to the clergy
and the laity.

The clergyman will no longer depend on a trou-
blefome and precarious fubfiftence,. productive of
perpetual difcord between him and his parifhioners.
He will know the exact value of his living before
he accepts it. His juft dues will be fecured to
him without trouble, and without rifle -, and he will
no longer be charged with ingratitude to his patron,
or opprefllon to his parifhioners. The induftrious
hu/bandman now' fecure in the fruits of his labour,
a more vigorous cultivation willenfue: — the clergy-
man and his parifhioners may thus be united in one
bond of focial union, and every difgraceful animo-
fity be forgotten.

Imperfections are fometimes found in fubjects
lefs difficult and complex, even where the united
wifdom of the legiflature has been exerted. The
avocations of the writer of this efTay have pre-
vented him from extending his obfervations, or

being

[ *37 ]

being more regular in his remarks. Errors, he
fears, might have efcaped him, but not through
negligence. If he has any claim to merit, it is that
of having done his beft upon a fubjecl:, which has
hitherto ineffectually engaged the attention of men
of great rank and abilities -, and which is, con-
feflfedly, of importance to a very confiderable part
of the community.

B. PRYCE.
Salt/bury , Sept. 20, 1786.

Article III.

Strictures on the Hufbandry of Turnips, or an Attempt
to promote a fuccejsful Culture of that ufeful Root
with more certainty than hath been generally
praftifed.

BY JOSEPH WIMPEY.

[In a Letter addrefTed to the Secretary.]
Sir,

[N a collection of mifcellaneous papers, written
•** by many different perfons, it is to be expected,
that we find not only a variety of opinions, but
often fuch as are incompatible and irreconcileable.
To a reader who wifhes to be informed rather than

amufed,

[ *38 ]

amufed, tliis is an unpleafant circumftance, and
naturally begets embarraflment, diffidence, and dif-
truft. If, by garbling the papers, we could fepa-
rate truth from error, right from wrong, confirm
and eftablifh the former, and difcountenance the
latter, at leaft as being doubtful, if not groundlefs,
it would well reward our pains.

I chofe not turnips for my fubje£t, on account of
its importance altogether, but alfo becaufe the gen-
tlemen of the Committee did me the honour of afk-
ing my opinion of a letter refpecting the fubject.

Turnips have been generally confidered as an
article of precarious culture -, but this is not to be
taken in an abfolute fenfe; for every thing was
made perfect in its kind ; and there are few things
that vegetate more freely or more certainly than
the turnip in its proper feafon : but, like all other
vegetables, it is more or lefs precarious, as the cir->
cumftances attending its culture are more or lefs
favourable.

Nature has fet and appointed feafons for her fe-
veral operations. The fpring months are the pro-
per time for vegetation and the growth of plants j
the fummer months, for confolidating and maturing

their

[ '39 1

their growth ; and the autumn, for reaping, gather-
ing and harvefting the fame. The farmer, how-
ever, in the cultivation of turnips, is obliged to
depart from thofe eftablifhed laws of nature, to
accommodate the crop to his own convenience.
The great ufe of turnips as food for fheep and
cattle, is to fupply the deficiency of grafs and herb-
age at a feafon of the year when little of thefe are
to be got ; and that turnips may be in perfection
at a time they become moft ufeful, the farmer is
obliged to poftpone fowing them at lead three
months beyond the time that would be moft fea-
fonable, that is, moft favourable to their vegetation.
For inftance, were turnips to be fown in March
or April, as the feafon might prove moft favourable,
there would be, I conceive, as great a certainty of
a crop, as of any other vegetable ufually fown in
thofe months: but the farmer, for the reafon be-
fore given, being obliged to defer it till the hotteft
feafon of the year comes on, his fuccefs becomes
exceedingly precarious, unlefs he is Co fortunate as
to have a few rainy days, or cloudy weather and
frequent .mowers, foon after the feed is in the
ground. This I conceive is the true and only rea-
fon why the turnip is a more uncertain article than
thofe which are fown in due feafon.

[ HO ]

If thefe obfervations are juft, the provident far-
mer will embrace every favourable opportunity that
offers for fowing his feed. He fortunately is not
confined to a few days or even weeks. He has
from the end of May to the beginning ofAuguft,
to perform this work, and he had better defer it
even to the laft, rather than fow when the weather
is hot and dry j for in that cafe he may fow again
and again, and lofe both feed and labour. But
ihould the weather be ever fo favourable, that alone
will not infure him fuccefs : there are feveral other
things that are equally neceflary.

i/?. It is abfolutely neceflary that the land be
very well pulverized. The number of ploughings
and harrowings for this purpofe cannot be afcer-
tained ; that muft ever depend upon the nature
and condition of the foil. Twice in fome land
would be more effectual than four times in other ;
but be the labour whatever it may, it muft not be
omitted.

idly. It is equally neceffary that the foil be

either naturally rich and good, or made fo by a

proper quantity of manure. Turnips never arrive

to a good and profitable fize in poor land, without

good manure to promote their growth and pufh

them forward, 4

Zdly. It

[ Hi ]

$dly. It is of great confequence to have feed that
is both good in quality and of a good fpecies. I
prefer the large green -topped, as being the fweeteft
and moft juicy. Some prefer the red or purple-
topped as being hardier; but of which ever fort
you fow, if the feed be from the largeft and fined
tranfplanted turnips, it is greatly to be preferred,
even if it coft double or treble the price of the com-
mon fort. I have frequently bought of the feedfmea
in London, but it is generally of a mixed kind, and
often a great part not worth cultivating. I would
therefore recommend it to the farmer to buy the beft
fpecies he can get, let the price be what it may.*

4/£/y. As to the quantity of feed, I am pretty
much of opinion with another of your correfpon-
dents, who advifes to be fure to allow feed enough,
and to that end thinks the fafeft way is to allow
two pounds to an acre, though it is common with
many to fow but one. Suppofing the feed to be
good and the feafon favourable, a few ounces would
be fufficient to (lock the land ; but as the article is
fo very precarious, it is by far the fafeft way to
allow iced in plenty, and reduce them afterwards
by well harrowing the ground.

• Thi» remark of Mr. Wimpey's is of great confequence : and for the reafon*
he aifigns, the Secretary of the Ba,th Society makes a particular point of keeping
a fupply of the fincft turnip-feed for luch gentlemen and farmer* as apply to him.

Lqflly.

t 142 ]

Laftly. The greater your fuccefs in providing a
good plant, the greater will be the necefiity that
the crop be well and carefully hoed ; without this,
the great advantage to be derived from a good
crop of turnips, would in a great meafure be loft.
Twice hoeing is often fufficient for this purpofe,
efpecially if the land be pretty cleans but if it be
foul, three times is hardly enough. Hoeing in
many places is not well underftood, although it be
an operation of very little difficulty. Practice is
neceflary to give dexterity to every kind of work :
but a labourer, who has been ufed to work in a
garden, and knows the ufe of a hoe, would not
only perform it well himfelf with a few hours' in-
ftruction, but could teach all the labourers in a
parifh in a few days, which would greatly reduce
the price of that bufinefs, it having been exorbitant
hitherto in many places.

The bufinefs, however, might be made eafy, and
much expedited by well hoeing the turnips as foon
as they arrived at a proper ftage of their growth j
that is, when they have four leaves -, and where the
turnips are thick, they might be well harrowed a
fecond time, at the diftance of a fortnight or three
weeks. This would not only thin the crop, but
alfo greatly improve and encourage the growth of
the remainder. In this fituation the hoers would

readily -

[ '43 ]

readily diftinguifh all that were proper to be cut up
from thofe that are to remain, whereas, mould it be
deferred till they are over-run with charlock and
other noxious weeds, the labour and difficulty would
be more than doubled, and could never be per-
formed fo well. I have feen a field of turnips fo
entirely over-run with weeds, that the hoer worked
as it were in the dark, and chopped away at ran-
dom. Three weeks or a month fooner, the work
might have been done at half the expence, and to
more than three times the advantage.

As to the mode of planting, I am of opinion that
the broadcaft is the molt productive, if the hoeing
be properly performed and in good time. How-
ever I am much inclined to think, that the mode
of fowing turnips between beans planted in rows,
as recommended by feveral of your correfpondents,
is a much more certain means of infuring a crop.
It exactly correfponds with all my obfervations on
the fuccefsful vegetation of that root. A confider-
able degree of moifture is necefiary to the rapid
vegetation of that very juicy root, and nothing re-
tains moifture equal to fhadej and made can be
obtained and fecured by no means fo effectually on
a large fcale, as in the intervals of tall growing
plants, as beans or wheat planted in drills.

[ 144 ]

My experimental field, of about feven acres, is
now drilled with wheat on three-bout ridges, about
four feet and a half wide. It was horfe-hoed in
December, and I intend fhall be horfe-hoed again
in the fpring and fummer, as the feafons arrive ; in
that cafe the mould in the intervals will be in very
fine tilth for turnips, with which I intend to fow
them. Thefe may be hand-hoed whenever it be-
comes necellary, notwithstanding the wheat; and as
foon as that is harvefted, the ridges it flood on may
be ploughed, and the turnips horfe-hoed, and per-
haps repeated before winter. The crop I propofe
fhall be fed orf in January and February, time
enough to plant the intervals on which they grew
with beans the beginning of March; horfehoing the
intervals, as the growth of the beans will permit, tu
prepare them for potatoes to be planted between the
beans the latter end of April or beginning of May.

If this method lhould be attended with the fuc-
cefs I expect, the land may be continually planted
with a double crop, that is to fay, with wheat and
turnips one year, and with beans and potatoes an-
other, in alternate fucceffion. If this courfe of crop-
ping fhould be found to exhauft the land, more
than the horfe-hoeing could replenifh, which I do
not think very probable, a moderate dreffing of

dung

C »45 ]

dung might be given every fourth year as foon as
the turnips are off, to prepare the land for beans and
potatoes ; the extra expence of which, fhould it be
found neceiTary, would probably be amply repaid
by the increafe of quantity. Indeed the benefit
would not terminate here ; for as one of your cor-
refpondents has, I think, rightly obferved, it is far
better to manure for turnips the preceding year,
than immediately before fowing them; and I am
fure it is for wheat, efpecially if the manure be not
thoroughly digefled and become inoffenfive.

Whether plants from new or old feed are moft
fecure from the depredations of the fly, is, perhaps,
a queftion, which cannot be eafily determined even
by experiments -, for concomitant circumftances are
frequently fo much more operative and powerful
as to render the difference between them, if there
be any, imperceptible.

It is, however, in the knowledge of every prac-
tical man, that new feed fprouts or vegetates feveral
days before old, and I think more vigoroufly j and
it is equally well known, that the healthy and vi-
gorous plants efcape the fly, when the {tinted and
fickly feldom or never efcape them. It fhould
fcem then, that new feed, ceteris paribus, is more

lure from the fly than old, and for my own ufe

would always prefer it.

That

[ I4« ]

That old feeds are preferred to new in fome ar-
ticles by experienced gardeners is very true, and I
believe with good reafon; biit this furnifhes a rea-
fon againft giving a preference to old turnip feed,
contrary to what it is brought for. Old melon and
cucumber feed is preferred to new, becaufe the
plants from old feed are far lefs luxuriant and more
fruitful. In a former paper we obferved, that lux-
uriance and fructification are very different things ;
and in a few, perhaps in no genus of plants, are they
ftrictly compatible; but the roots of the turnip can
never be too luxuriant, and the more they are fo, the
more fecure they are from the ravages of the fly.

Many are the nofirums for the prevention or re-
medying the evils of this deftructive infect ; but like
a charm for the cu, re of the ague and the tooth-ache,
they are found to be equally fabulous and quackifh.
It is certainly very bad reafbning to conclude, that
becaufe certain things are difagreeable to our fmell
and tafte, they muft neceffarily be fo to creatures of
a different kind; — and yet from this fource their
recommendation feems to originate. From the
great encomiums beftowed on elder, I was in great
hopes a fpecifick remedy had been found; I there-
fore determined to give it a fair trial : — accordingly
I repeatedly drew elder branches, not only over beds

[ 147 ]

of young turnips, but a variety of other plants* 1
whipt the ground with them, and ftrewed the leaves,
tops, and tender fhoots over the beds; and finding
all this totally ineffectual, at length I made a very
ftrong decoction in boiling water, and, when it was
cold, watered the plants with it feveral times. All
this had juft as much effect, and no more, as walk-
ing round the beds in the fuperftitious garb of a ma-
gician, and chaunting Abracadabra at every turn.

I am quite of opinion that nothing has yet been
difcovered which is at all adequate to the purpole,
further than it may invigorate and promote the
growth of the plants. To this end allies, foot, or
a rich compoft of lime and dung, if ufed in fufficient
quantities, may be deemed fpecifick $ but the bed
means of ufing them is, either to fow them with
the feed, or rather by themfelves immediately be-
fore, and to well harrow them in, that they may be
completely incorporated with the foil. This for
the mod part would fo much invigorate and encou-
rage the growth of the plants, as to be an over-
match for the mod vigorous attack of the fly.

If I might be indulged in a wifh, I would make
it a mod earned one, that no writer in future would
advance any thing for a fact, which he himfelf hath

Vol. IV. L not

t 143 ]

not had full experience of the truth of. Nothing
can be more inimical to the laudable intentions of
the focieties eftablifhed for the promotion of ufeful
knowledge, nor can any thing reflect more difcredit
on their earnefl endeavours to promulgate the fame,
for the general information and benefit of mankind,
than promifcuoufly blending fable with truth, and
giving chimeras for difcoveries, which never ex-
ifted but in the imagination of the writer. The
elder noftrum above-mentioned has, I believe, dis-
graced almoft every repofitory of papers on thefe
fubjects, which hath been publifhed for many years.

To this I would add another wifh, which is, that
no writer in future would communicate any thing to
the fociety but original papers, without quoting the
author from whom fuch writing was copied or ex-
tracted. This would enable the Committee to judge
of the propriety of publifhing the fame, and often
prevent the very uncandid impofition, which is too
often pradtifed, of pafling extracts for originals,
and abfurdly and difhoneftly caufing the fame thing
to be publifhed many times, much to the difap-
pointment and lofs of the purchafer.

One offence of this kind I can point out in the
ad volume of your letters and papers, from a gen-
tleman

[ «49 3

tleman in Dcvonfhire, fjgned C. H. in Article
XXVIII. on the nature and effects of lime as a
manure, which he gives as the united effects of his
Own experiments and obfervations on the fubject ;
•whereas the whole was extracted from a book en-
tided " rural improvements," publifhed by my-
felf fome years before, as will clearly appear to any
one who will take the trouble of comparing the
chapter on Lime, page 20 1, in my book, with the
faid article.

He is not the only writer who hath purloined
from my book; for half a dozen, at leaft, which
have come to my knowledge, have played the fame
nefarious game. One author (Mr. Forbes) has
copied about thirty pages from the faid book, but
then he has very honeftly told the reader from
whence they were taken. There is fomething fo
very mean, uncandid, and difingenuous in plagi-
arifm, that it is much to be wifhed an indelible
fligma were to be fixed on every offender, to dis-
countenance and prevent a practice fo very dis-
honourable.

NoRTHBOCKHAMPTOK,

Feb. 8, 1787.

L 1 Article

E '5° 1

Article IV.

Of the Necefjity of adapting or fuiting the Crop to the
Nature, Condition, and Circumftances of the Land
to be planted j with an Account of an Experiment
to af certain the Quantity of Butter and Cheefe pro-
ducible from a given Quantity of Milk,

[By Joseph Wimpey.]

THE firft and principal object of every hufband-
man is, to obtain the moll profitable crops
from the land he occupies. In order to this, it is
abfolutely necefiary, that he fuit the articles he
plants to the nature of the foil. When art is made
to co-operate with nature, our hope is founded on
rational grounds. To a£t in repugnance thereto,
is to fail againft wind and tide, and there can be
little or no hope of making a fuccefsful voyage.
It is true, that amazing things may be effected by
unremitting perfeverance and unlimited expence :
but the hufbandman's province is not to enquire
after what is poflible, but what is profitable; not
what may amufe the curious, but what will reward
the diligent, for the benefit of the community of
which he is a member, as well as for his own.

Though

[ '5' 1

Though the lands of thefe kingdoms confift of a
very great variety, they may fitly enough be ranged
under two general heads.

Firft, all fuch as naturally produce little of any
value, either for man or beaft; but require the art,
labour and attention of the hufbandman, to bring
them into a ftate of cultivation, fo as to render them
ufeful and profitable. Here the plough becomes a
neceffary inftrument in breaking up, dividing, and
pulverifing the foil ; and hence fuch lands are de-
nominated— arable.

Under the fecond head may be placed, all thofe
lands which fpontaneoufly produce grafs and herb-
age proper for the feeding and fattening of cattle,
the production of milk, of butter, and of cheefe.
The occupier of the former is properly a corn-
farmer; of the latter, either a grazier or a dairyman;
and it fometimes happens, that all three functions
are exercifed in fome degree by the fame man, as
may beft fuit the different parts of his farm.

From hence it follows, that occupiers of land,
who purfue their bufinefs upon principles of reafon
and ceconomy, have no choice, whether they .will
be corn-farmers, graziers, or dairymen. The oc-
cupiers of the former are necejjfarily corn- farmers;
L 3 for

[ Hi ]

for. without the plough and its auxiliary instruments,
their fields would foon recur to their original wild
ftate, and be overrun with furze, briars, and bram-
bles, and fuch unprofitable productions as would be
of no ufe or value. The occupier of the latter, is as
much bound by his intereft to appropriate his lands
to feeding or to the pail, as the other is by necefiity
to plant corn ; for when nature has given herbage
proper for fuch purpofes, the land is of much more
value, and its profits to be acquired with far lefs
labour and rifque, than from arable land.

It is true, indeed, that fome have been fo infa-
tuated, as to plough up good meadow and paflure
land, and relinquifh a good and certain gain upon
a vifionary and abfurd expectation. And to fuch,
and fuch only, can the reproof of the ingenious
writer of Article IX. in the Third Volume of your
papers be applied. All fuch are juflly reprehen-
fible : but furely the occupiers of arable land, as
fuch, are by no means cenfurable. To expect they
fhould make butter and cheefe from land to which
nature has denied grafs and herbage, would be a
talk of more than Egyptian difficulty. As it is ne-
ceflary to have butter and cheefe to eat with our
bread, it is full as much fo to have bread to eat with
our butter and cheefe ; and the molt certain way of

obtaining

[ '53 I

obtaining plenty of each is, to appropriate the land
to the production of fuch crops as are mod fuitable
to its nature.

It is admitted, that fome land has been very im-
prudendy broken up and converted to arable, which
was of much more value to the occupier, while it
was in grafs j at the fame time it cannot be denied,
that fome are as injurioufly prejudiced againft the
plough, and will not confent to have unfertile pas-
tures broken up, although they might be greatly
improved thereby. I have now in my eye feveral
fields not far from Waminfter, which would be
worth double their prefent value to the occupier,
if the owner would confent to their being ploughed
and planted with corn at proper intervals.

Pafture fields, when become hide-bound and
mofly, bearing little elfe but a fine wiry grafs, al-
moft as void of fubftance as fuftenance, might
be expeditioufly and effectually improved by the
plough. Were fuch lands planted with wheat on
the fod, as practifed in the county of Norfolk, and
the winter after well manured, and planted with
beans the March following in rows with three feet
intervals, well horfe-hoed till June, and then fowed
with turnips to be eaten by fheep the following
winter; then in April to be well prepared and

fowed

[ 154 ]

fowed with barley, and grafs-feeds fuited to the foil;
there cannot be a doubt, but that the produce the
three years fucceeding the crop of barley, would be
much more confiderable than it would have been in
the fix years, had it continued the whole time in its
natural ftate. So that the net produce of the three
crops of corn would be fo -much clear gain to the
occupiers, and proportionally beneficial to the public.

Upon the whole, I think, it may be fairly con-
cluded, that for the lofs of every ton of herbage
that has been fuftained by means of the plough,
twenty, at leaft, have been gained by the well-
timed ufe of it. Moft, almoft the whole, of the
improvements made in hufbandry in the courfe of
the prefent century,- have been by the prudent ufe
of the plough. Turnips, clover, all the artificial
grafles, efculent roots, herbs, and plants, fo far as
refpecls field culture and the feeding and fattening
of cattle of every kind, have been obtained by its
ufe folely, as none of them can be cultivated exten-
fively without it. Therefore, true as it is, that
butter and cheefe, and fome other articles, have
advanced almoft double their price in the laft thirty
and forty years; and true as it may be, that graziers
and dairymen pay their rent more punctually than
little corn-farmers, or the occupiers of fmall arable

farms;

[ iSS ]

/arms; it can by no means be accounted for upon
the principles of an undue and imprudent attach-
ment to breaking up meadow and pafture land.
What are the proper and genuine caufes of thefc
effefts, we may endeavour to explain hereafter.

The writer of the article above-mentioned was
exceedingfy mifinformed, refpedting the compara-
tive value of cheefe made of milk, which had
been completely fkimm'd, and what had not been
fkimm'd at all. The difference in price is, at
lead, four times as much as the fum he mentions.
Skimm'd cheefe, I have been credibly informed,
hath been fold at Warminfter fair, within about
four years laft, for 1 2s. 6d. per hundred ; whereas
the bed rammill, fay raw milk cheefe, fold for from
38s. to 42s. per hundred in the fame fair, and prime
cheefe from the beft dairies for 46s. or 48s. The
medium prices of the three different kinds, that is
to fay, of fkimm'd, of half new and half fkimm'd,
and of milk not fkimm'd at all, have been 15s.
28s. 40s. per hundred.

As to the bed courfe of experiments refpe&ing
the comparative value of butter and cheefe, Mr.
Billingslev, in his very judicious remarks on the
faid article, has given the true, and therefore the
bed general anfwcr to the queftion propofed. For

both

[ 156 ]

both produce and prices are fo varied by local cir-
cumftances, that, as he obferves, " no fettled in-
variable rules for the management of the dairy can
with any propriety be eftablifhed." The quantity
of produce of each article fpecified, may be eafily
afcertained on any dairy, but the fuperior advan-
tage of any courfe can be determined only by the
demands which arife or are promoted by peculia-
rities of fituation.

It is afferted in the faid article, cc That a tenant
of 6ol. per annum, in a dairy farm, will get money,
while a corn-farm of the fame fize will ftarve its
occupier, (though perhaps the former gives 15s,
per acre for his land, and the other but 10s.) is
felf-evident." This is by no means a neceflary
truth arifing from caufes eftablifhed in the nature
of the thing, but has its foundation in artifice, as
will be fhewn hereafter. However, this is not the
interefting queftion. Is it felf-evident, or by any
means demonftrable, that a corn-farm of 10s. per
acre, which would ftarve its occupier, is by any
method convertible into a dairy-farm ; and that if
the plough fhould be abandoned, and fuch land
fuffered to recur to its original and natural pro-
duce, as in that cafe it muft do, would it not ftarve
the occupier, even if he gave but 5s. per acre for
fuch land? .

t '57 3

It Teems to have been totally forgotten, that the
lands of all corn -farms, be they little or great, were
originally pafture, and in that (late applicable only
to grazing or the dairy: and many hundred thou-
fand acres of fuch land, worth only in that ftate a
fhilling or two an acre, have been improved by
means of the plough, to ios. 155. 20s. per acre,
and fome much more. Relinquifh the plough,
and thofe very lands would, by rapid degrees, revert
to their original ftate of unproductivenefs, and con-
fequently would be of no more value. It is with
lands, as with the occupations of men : fome are in-
comparably more lucrative than others; but all men
cannot be of thofe occupations which are the moft
lucrative, nor have they talents for it. Ralph may
poffefs every qualification necefifary to conftitute an
excellent ploughman, but, probably, no education
upon earth could qualify him for a Prime Minifter,
or a Lord Chancellor. So, many fields by proper
culture would bear excellent crops of wheat, to
which nature has denied herbage proper to fatten a
rabbit. Individuals in certain fituations may fuffer
by ill-judged converfion of land proper for grazing
to arables but I am of opinion, the practice is nei-
ther of fuch extent or magnitude, as to advance the
price of butter and cheefe, even fo much as a far-
thing a pound in the general market. Admitting

then

then that the little corn-farmer of 50I. or 60I. per
annum, with great labour and afliduity finds it diffi-
cult to live ; while the dairy-farmer of the fame
rent, not only carrieth on his bufinefs with incom-
parably more eafe, but is getting money at the
fame time; alfothat butter and cheefeare advanced
at leafi a third of their prefent price within thefe 20
or 30 years; I fay, admitting thefe for facts, which
I believe cannot be denied, we will proceed as briefly
as we can to affign the true and genuine caufes of
the fame.

It is a maxim generally allowed, that unlefs a
farmer makes three rents he cannot live. A dairy-
farmer, then, 20 years ago, whofe rent was 60I. per
annum, by this rule made 180I. per annum; fo that
having paid his rent, he had 120I. left; labour,
expences, lofs of cattle, and incidental charges,
having been ufually reckoned another third, the
remaining 60I. was for the maintenance of him-
felf and family. But if the produce of dairy-farms
be advanced a full third of its prefent price, what
fold then for 60I. will now yield 90I. and confe-
quently the grofs amount, which was 180I. then,
will be 270I. now; from which 60I. being deducted
for rent leaves 21 ol. and from that fum another 60L.
as before for expences, &c. there remains then 1501,
fo that upon thefe principles the dairy-farmer has

a net

[ '59 ]

a net 90L per annum, for his maintenance and pro-
fit, more than he had 20 years ago. It can be no
wonder then, that he punctually pays his rent, and
faves money. But it may be faid, and indeed very
truly, that rents have been generally raifed, efpe-
cially on little farms, nearly in the fame proportion,
and on fome confiderably more, and that fo much
muft be deducted from the fum above-mentioned.
The remark is juft, and the account being rectified
accordingly, it will {land thus: inftead of 60L for
rent, we muft allow 90I. confequently the additional
30I. is to be deducted from 150I. which reduces his
net gain to 120L which is juft double what it was
20 years ago, and a very pretty income it is for a
man of fo fmall capital, and in fo little bufinefs.
Let us next enquire how, on the fame principles,
matters ftand with the corn-farmer, who is repre-
fented as being in a ftarving and ruinous condition.

The corn-farmer is fuppofed alfo to occupy a
farmof6ol. per annum; that he, like the former,
makes three rents, one for his landlord, one for ex-
pences of all kinds, and the other for his mainte-
nance, &c. But his expences will be far more con-
fiderable, as well as his labour and care, than the
dairy-farmer's, and the furplus of thefe expences
muft come out of his fhare. His farm has been
equally raifed with the former -, therefore he now

pays

[ «6o 1

pays 90I. inftead of 60I. he paid before ; the addi-
tional 30I. being deducted from 60I. his fhare,
leaves only 30I. to maintain his family, and make
good the extra expences of the fecond fliare. He
xhas no refource to an advance of price in the pro-
duce of his farm like the former, to enable him to
pay his advanced rent, which may be eafily feen,
by comparing the average prices of corn for the
lafl 20 years, with thofe of the 20 years imme-
diately preceding, which I fear will be found to
afford him little afllftance. If, then, it was with
difficulty enough he made both ends meet before
his rent was advanced, how is it pollible he lhould
live now upon an income reduced one half, fay
from 60I. to 30I. or more probably from 40I. to
20. ? What is to be done then ? To convert a farm
that is properly arable, to a dairy-farm, is imprac-
ticable ; and were it not, mould it be generally prac-
tifed, it would entirely defeat its own purpofe. The
remedy, and the only remedy, feems to confift in a
reduction of the rents of fuch farms, and the farmers
adopting the modern improved culture, recom-
mended by the very intelligent Mr. Billingsley,
of <c judicioufly blending arable and fajlure" but
I think feldom cc in the proportion of three of the
latter to one of the former." If the farmer could get
two good crops of artificial grafies, to two or three of

corn,

t «» ]

corn, which I think would be more fuitable to moft
lands, perhaps his crops of both would be more be-
neficial, than on any other divifion. But every
one's mode of pra&ice mud be governed by the
peculiar circumftances of his farm.

But it may be afked, if breaking up pafture lands,
and converting them to tillage, is not the caufe of
the advance of price of butter and cheefe, what is?
— I anfwer, what would raife the price of any com-
modity whatever; it is foreftalling, ingrofling, and
monopolizing. And perhaps there is no article in
the large circle of commerce, that is fo much the
fubject of thofe pernicious arts, as butter and cheefe.

The cheefemongers in London, many of them
at lead, are men of large capitals, who have cor-
refpondents, agents, and factors, in many, I believe
in moft, of the confiderable dairy counties in Eng-
land. The prices of butter in large dairies are
ufually fixed and agreed on at the beginning of the
feafon ; and whether the year proves plentiful or
otherwife, it makes no difference in the price.
What is bought dear, will always be fold dear,
where there is no oppofition or competitor in the
market. I was once at Axminfter, when no bread
and butter could be had with our tea; the reafon
being afked, the miftrefs of the inn afiured us it

frequently

[ ,6a ]

frequently happened that an ounce of butter was
not to be got in town, unlefs on a market-day $ for
all the great dairies were under contract with the
London dealers, for all they make, at a fixed price,
which made it both fcarce and dear. At the time
Ihe faid this, there were ioo tubs of butter piled up
in the gateway of the inn, in readinefs for the Lon-
don waggons. Upon enquiry I found, the current
price was 7s. 6d. per dozen wholefale, and that the
town and neighbourhood was fupplied by fuch little
dairies only as were thought below the notice of the
wholefale dealers.

A fimilar mode of practice is followed in regard
to cheefe. The great dealers in London long fince
instituted a club, and hold a weekly meeting to re-
gulate their affairs. They employ agents or factors
in Chefhire and Lancafhire, to buy up the cheefe
made in thofe counties, which is done by agreement
for whole dairies -, they have feveral lhips in their
employ, which perform almoft the whole carrying
bufinefs between Liverpool and the metropolis.
Not one of thefe fhips is permitted to carry fo
much as -a cheefe for any one but the company.
At their weekly meetings, they fettle the quantity
to be brought by each fhip, which they proportion
to the demand, being very careful that the town
fhallnotbe overftocked,,but kept rather hungry,

C '63 ]

as all the reft of the dealers are fupplied by them,
as indeed is almoft all England; for a good Che-
fhire cheefe is hardly to be got even in Chefhire, as
I have often heard from the mafters of thofe veflels,
who are frequently employed to buy Chefhire
cheefes in London, and carry them back again to
gentlemen in thofe counties, who can get none that
is good at home. From hence it is eafy to con-
ceive, how much the price muft be enhanced by
two commiflions, two freights, and the profit of at
leaft one commiflioner, but very commonly of two.

It may be faid, this refpecls a county or two only;
but it may as truly be faid, that a fimilar practice
obtains almoft through every dairy county in the
kingdom. Jobbers have eftablifhed themfelves
almoft every where, who either buy all they can
immediately from the dairies, or conftantly attend
the markets and fairs in the neighbourhood of the
dairies, and ingrofs large quantities, which infallibly
advances the price of the whole immoderately*
For inftance, in Wiltfhire, the jobbers, 20 miles
and upwards round Marlborough, conftantly at-
tend that market, where they buy up and contract
for very large quantities of cheefe for the enfuing
fairs; that is to fay, for Newbury, Andovcr, Wey-
hill, and Reading; from whence, if they are not

Vol. IV- M offered

t 164 ]

offered a price to their minds, it is fent by water
to London, which is a market that infallibly takes
off every thing. But here it is got to the end of
its journey, and muft be fold for whatever it will
yield ; and this is the reafon why not only cheefe,
but all forts of grain, &c. are ufually fold below the
aveiage price which generally obtains throughout
England; often indeed conliderably under what
they yield in the place where they grew, or were
manufactured.

Some 30 years fince, it was ufual for cheefe to be
fent immediately from the dairy to the fair in fur-
prifing quantities, and the price was then determined
by thepropoition the quantity bore to the demand.
The ble flings of propitious feafons were then en-
joyed in common, and the confumer came in for
his proportion ; but now this natural and regular
courfe is almoft totally perverted by the jobber, and
the price is no longer governed by the above pro-
portion, but by the price it cod the jobber, and the
profit he thinks fit to put upon it. He is not
obliged to comply with the current price, like the
dairy-man, who had no other refource -, the buyer
mult conform to his price, or he will try it again
and again at other fairs, till he fucceeds, or in cafe
of a difappointment, at laft it is fent to the never-
failing market — London.

Notwithstanding

[ «65 ]

Notwithstanding the prolixity of this paper, I
find myfelf under a ftrong temptation to add a few
lines in behalf of the little, and too often much
diftrefled farmer. If the occupations of men were
to be eftimated by the fervice they render the pub-
lick, and the pitiful recompence fome have in com-
parifon with others, I believe it would be extremely
difficult to find any clafs of men who are fo richly
entitled to favour and encouragement as the little
corn-farmer. His toil and anxiety are inceflant ;
his labour, from the rifing of the fun to the going
down of the fame, and often much longer ; his diet
the pooreft ; his clothing, lodging, and other ac-
commodations, as mean and comfordefs as can well
be conceived. Thefe are all the recompence he
has in general, for his indefatigable and unremitted
labour in providing the neceflaries of life for the
reft of the community; for to the little and middle
farmer, are we chiefly indebted for the well-timed
fupplies of thofe things, without which we could
not fubfift. It is the little and middle farmers,
who fupply the market from harveft to Chriftmas
and onwards. They muft raife money to pay fer-
vants' wages, tradefmen's bills, taxes, rent, &c. &c.
The " whim or caprice, or fuppofed advantages,"
which are afcribed to corn-farmers in general, are
applicable only to the great and opulent, who are
M 2 able

t 166 ]

able to monopolize, as well as cultivate: andfome,
through an avaricious fpirit, would withhold from
marker* till corn, &c. advanced to a price that
would ftarve the reft of the people. I therefore
repeat it, the little farmer, whether he be a corn or
a dairy farmer, provided he prudently appropriates
his land to the production of the mod beneficial
crops, cannot receive too much countenance and
encouragement from the publick, not only to whofe
convenience, but fubfiftence and well-being, he de-
votes a flavifh and moft laborious life.

I have already obferved, that the diftrefles of the
little corn-farmer are in part owing to the great ad-
vance of his rent; but whenever, in the viciffitude
of human affairs, the prices of grain fhajl fall to that
low price which a feries of fruitful years hath fome-
times produced, as for example, between 1730 and
1750, rents will tumble fail indeed, but unfortu-
nately the poor farmer muft tumble firfr. Corn
being once at the low price it fold at then, no de-
vice or artifice whatever could keep up rents to the
pitch they have attained at prefent. No routine of
crops yet propofed, though made with the greateft
judgment, would enable the little farmer to (land
his ground, and fatisfy his landlord.

But

[ «*7 ]

But though fo large an advance of rent is one, it
is not the only reafon of the little farmer's difficul-
ties. It is generally allowed, that to do well, a
farmer's capital muft at lead be equal to three times
his rent; but I am well fatisfied, if it were equal to
five rents, it would be vaftly better both for himfelf
and his landlord. What a miferable chance then
muft both run, when the farmer is fcarcely pofiefied
of (lock equal to a fingle year's rent, which I am
afraid is too frequently the cafe. The true judg-
ment of the landlord confifts then in letting his
farms to tenants, whofe capitals are fully adequate
to the rent they are to pay, and at fuch rents as
with good management they may be able to pay.
Such rents wpuld be real, and might be depended
upons but farms let at rents racked up to the
higheft pitch that tenants with little or no capital
will confent to give, are properly not real, but no-
minal rents, and fuch too commonly end in the
ruin of both the farmer and his farm. The fure
way, therefore, for a land-owner to have the rent
of his corn-farms paid as punctually as his dairy-
farms are faid to be, is to take care that his tenant's
capital be fully adequate, and his rent proportioned
as favourably to its improved produce, as the. dairy-
farmer's is to the natural produce of his,

[ i68 ]

As experiments to determine the comparative
value of butter and cheefe have been thought of
fome importance, I take the liberty of prefenting
one to the fociety. It is on a fmall fcale, but made
with great care and exactnefs. One hundred and
five gallons and a half of milk were properly dif-
pofed in pans for fkimming off the cream, It pro-
duced 36 pounds of butter, and 60 pounds of
fkimm'd cheefe. The low average of good butter,
in this neighbourhood, is 8 Id per pound. And the
fkimm'd cheefe was fold for 2d. per pound. I am
informed this fort of cheefe, three or at molt four
years fince, fold only for a penny farthing, or at
mod three half-pence per pound.

j61b. of butter at 8 id. -

6olb. {kimm'd cheefe at 2d.

Total - ^.1 15 6

Of a like quantity of milk, fay one hundred and
five gallons and half, were made i o61b. of raw-milk
cheefe, and 61b. of whey and butter. The cheefe at
two months old was worth at lead 3?d. perpound^
and the whey butter fold at yd. per pound.

io61b. raw-milk cheefe, at 3;d. £.1 10 1%

61b, whey butter for 7d. - -036

£. s.

1 5

0 10

Total - £.1 14 5
From

[ *f ]

From this experiment it appears, that when the
butter and cheefe, of each fort above-mentioned,
will fell for the above prices, a fmall advantage lies
on the fide of butter and fkimm'd cheefe. It
amounts to 13d. only in il. 15s, 6d. which is about
3 per cent.

Butter from half new milk and half whey would
be of a middle quality between the other two, and
the coft price of courfe muft be fo too ; and fo muft
cheefe from half-fkimm'd milk ; but each of thefe
may be varied in goodnefs according to the pro-
portion of milk and whey, and of the milk fkimm'd
and unfkimm'd ; fo that the price of the latter
may be varied from 20s. to 30s. per hundred. But
the advantage of following either courfe depends
upon local circumftances, as was obferved before 1
and the dairy-man, to acquire the greateft profit,
muft regulate his mode of practice according thereto,

NORTH-BOCKHAMPTON,

Pec. 6, 1786.

Article

[ *7© ]

Article V,

Practical Objervations on Jundry Letters in the Third
Volume, and on the Advantage of Friendly Societies,

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]

Sir, Stifted-Hall, EJfex, June ao, 1787,

I Beg leave to acknowledge the favour of the 3d
volume of the Papers of the Bath Society. At
the 53d Article, Mr. Lamport, from an obferva-
tion of a common hufbandman, enquires the reafon,
why old turnip-feed fhould efcape the ravages of the
fly more than the new ? — I take the liberty of in-
forming you, that on the fuppofition of its doing
fo, our beft farmers mix together for fowing half of
each, in the whole a quart for an acre broadcast ;
and find that the new feed vegetating firft, and pro-
bably poflefling fome greater fweetnefs, affords
occafionally fufficient food for the fly, till the whole
is grown, flrong enough to efcape. The mere
chance of this benefit, for a vegetable crop fo very
important, is a fufficient inducement for its prac-
tice ; they are here never hand-hoed lejs than twic$
at 8 s. an acre, beer included.

Sir Thomas Beevor's account of his trial, in the
fame mode of culture, of the turnip-rrooted cabbage, is

C W ]

of very great importance, and ought to be followed
by every winter-grazing farmer: fince zfmall por-
tion of this hardy and abiding plant, cultivated ex-
aRly as the common turnip, would remedy the great
inconvenience and expence that is commonly fuf-
fered in the beginning of fpring, when on all foils,
more efpecially the heavier ones, turnips muft be
gone ; and no material grafs-feed can in common,
or to any great degree, be had. From a few plants of
this turnip-rooted cabbage, which I raifed when it
was firft talked of, it feemed more fuitable to our
ftronger foils than the common turnip, and far more
capable of bearing froft -, when boiled, its root has
much of the cabbage flavour. An acre or two of
this, as a Jure refource> even if a fallow followed it*
would be valuable ; but to an Engli(h farmer, be-
fides buck-wheat, there are fo many feeds, roots,
and grafTes, for fummer-fowing, fo well known, that
$he fallow will probably be unneceiTary.

In a note on your 43d Article, it feems doubted
whether four horfes be equal to the due cultivation
of one hundred acres of arable j but it fhould be
recollected, that with us, no inconfiderable portion
of this ifc in rotation after corn, under artificial paf-
turagej and it is this plan of modern farming that
is the uncontradi&able fact in fupport of/ all in-
clofures, as it nearly infures an equal quantity of

every

[ *7* ]

every fort of cattle to be kept, and an equal quan-
tity of every fort of corn to be raifed, on half the
land, as was done before the inclofure on the whole;
whether it was then, for the former inftance, open
grazing common, or for the latter, open arable field.
How population can be injured, or rather, how it
fhould not thus be promoted, may be diftinguifhed
by the jaundiced eye of fome fpeculative politician/
but is not at all perceivable by any one of common
fenfe and experience, who can laugh at theory, (and
happily he has, to confole him in his want of know-
ledge, plentiful food for laughter) when he finds it
totally irreconcileable with reality.

I take the liberty of confirming my obfervations
in your 38th Article, on the Cow-Grafs Ley [2rf-
folium Pratpife.') I have the fineft plant of full-
eared wheat in this neighbourhood; my thick-fown
rye-grafs was fed (even in this fpring) in the middle
of April, a benefit which I endeavour to infure, by
always affording that field under the corn, of which
it is annually fo thickly fown, a coat of manure
ibon after the corn is harvefted. My acre of car-
rots, which in the fame article I mentioned as be-
ing from laft year's drought, together with my not
affording them, though fown on a wheat ftubble,
(fq the trial was fufficiently indelicate) but one

ploughing,

[ 173 ]

ploughing, produced (including a fmall patch, which
I tried advantageoufly with parfnips) two hundred
and thirteen bufhels ; the greater part of both were
taken up in March, and given to nay horfes* The
turnips, which I harrowed in over the carrots, were
for the year (a failing one) a fufficient plant for the
wants of the dairy, after about two acres of cab-
bages and borecole had been confumed; which
turning out, like the carrots, a very imperfect plant,
the vacancies were filled up by every Jpecies ofrefufe
plants of the cabbage kind that were ufelefs in the
kitchen-garden, and our ceconomy was rewarded,
by not only faving this various herbage for the
cattle, but by having our own table unexpectedly
treated, from this, whlmfical field mixture, with
plenty of very forward and fine green brocoli,

Such flovenly farming did not, it may be faid,
merit fuch plenty ; but it fuggefted to us, that,
with more becoming neatnefs, a field of about
three acres would, for the eflablifhment of any
country gentleman, be more advantageoufly culti-
vated in this than in any other mode of agriculture -,
fince by this gardening at the cheaper! expence,
under the plough, all the common winter and fpring
herbage, potatoes, carrots, parfnips, turnips, cab-
bages, borecole, and brocoli, might be annually

raifed

[ '74 ]

raifed in fufficient quantities for the houfe, and for
all the cattle ufually belonging to a little farm. By
changing thefe different fpecies, the one fuccefiively
after the other, into different parts of this kitchen-
field, and keeping it neatly hoed, it might, as any
other garden, always be cropped under this very
profitable as well as mod comfortable culture.

In order to contraft my conduct of laft fpring,
I had in the prefent (after coating it with a little
manure) half an acre dug, and fown with fix pounds
of carrot-feed^ the digging coft il. the feed 5s.
and three hand-hoeings juft compleated il. The
plant is one of the moft exact and promifing that
can be feen.

A neighbour of mine (who on one ploughing of
a grafs ley raifed laft year from fix to feven hundred
bufliels of carrots per acre, and very profitably fat-
tened oxen with them) took up in October 1400
bufhels, and after topping and drying them a little
in the field, flung them promifcuoufly into an out-
houfe with a flight covering of ftraw, where they
remained for occafional ufe, if fnow or froft pre-
vented the gathering thofe in the field, or as the
referve till thofe were confumed ; which was the
cafe, not being ufed till March, when they were fo
firmly found as to appear probably more nutritive

than

[ »7S ]

than any taken then frefh from the field. I never
faw, as far as I could conjecture, a more advantage-
ous piece of culture j nor where the land (as in the
two preceding years, from the crop of barley after
the carrots they had experience of) feemed from a
vegetable crop in fuch a pron/ifing ftate as this.
But I muft obferve on carrots and potatoes, it is not
the crop produced from a frelh foil, but that, where
like turnips they have been cultivated in a regular
rotation after corn, and for a feries of years, which
muft determine their fair value and ufe, both for
confumption, and preparatory to whatever corn
crop may fucceed them.

Turnips have had a long, and cabbages fome
trial, and, with carrots and potatoes, feem to pro-
mife a vegetable crop after a corn one, fuitable,
either one or the other, to almoft all the various
arable foils in this kingdom.

In Article 1 9th, on Mr. Anderdon's drill-culture
of beans and turnips, you juftly obferve the fame
foil cannot be fuitable to two crops of fuch an
oppofite nature. But the farmer, in the rotation of
bis crops, under the common husbandry, and from
the neceflkies of his (lock of cattle, muft frequently
hazard vegetable ones on foils little congenial to
them, and reft his chance of fuccefs on that of the

feafons $

[ i?6 ]

feafons; upon the whole, he probably, if cautious*
gains an advantage. It is on this plea the greater
part of turnips are cultivated here; where, from the
foil, a crop of beans after wheat feems much more
natural than a crop of turnips; and confequently
thefe fhould be proportioned on fuch a foil only to
the bare necefiity, and that neceflity not increafed
by too large a flock of winter cattle; which, by
extending the culture of turnips, or any winter ve-
getable over a larger fpace of ground, than for
which a fufficiency of manure, fo abfolutely effen-
tial to their produce, can be reasonably procured,
is fure to difappoint the very purpofe, (and that
frequently at a very great expence) which on a little
fcale muft very advantageoufly have been procured.
Where it can be afforded, cabbages, efpecially in
the drill culture, are certainly the propereft for the
intervals of beans; the fame foil fuitable to both.
The cabbages planted at the very period when the
beans begin to ceafe vegetating, and their own ve-
getation promoted at firfl by the fhelter that the
beans afford, and afterwards, as their leaf decays, by
gradually admitting on the young cabbage plants,
in proportion to their flrength, the fun and air.

It is with great fatisfaction I fee in Article 50th,
on the reprefentation of Mr, Anstie, a premium

offered

[ '77 ]

offered for the eftablifhment of Friendly Societies.
The advantages of thefe are fo ftriking; the ceco-
nomy on which they are founded fo reputable to
the loweft clafs, from whom they remove the ftigma
— that, fure of a legal fupport from the parifh, they
never will provide againft their own misfortunes;
and fo beneficial to their fuperiors, by whom this
legal fupport muft be raifed, and who confequently
fhare in every fhilling, that the eftablifhment of thefe
clubs enables the members to be too independent
to take; that I have been aftonifhed at not finding
gentlemen in general, and every part of their fa-
milies, (making it even a conditional agreement at
the hiring of fervants, that they fhould be members
of fuch focieties) contributing by fubfcription to
their fupport ; but I have been more than afto-
nifhed at not finding any parifh contributing out of
the rates a trifle quarterly to the fupport of the moft
obvious fcheme, by which the maintenance of the
poor, a burthen fo juftly every where complained
of, can be reftrained: even where many of thole
focieties, fo truly honourable, have been diffolved
by the fudden and large calls of fick members ex-
haufting that flock; and confequently throwing
them again on the ungrateful and improvident pa-
rifh, that had neither generofity enough to ferve
them, nor prudence enough to ferve itfelf.

The

[ '78 ]

The very parifh from which I write, in fpke tff
my reprefentation, is of this folly a cafe in point $
though in one inftance of fuch illnefs, it faved by
fuch a club nearly twenty pounds. What an univer-
fal fubfeription, from every perfon at a certain age
to thofe clubs, confide! ing how very large a portion
would from fituation draw no benefit from the col-
lection, would do, may be at lead conjectured from
a little pamphlet, publifhed fome time ago, by a
Mr. P ugh, of 'Wellingborough >, Northamptonfhire ;
who declares, that from the data afforded him in
that parifh, fuch a- general fubfeription would not
only anfwer the prefent poor-rates, but even pro-
bably afford an overplus for the afiiftance of poor
families burthened with children, too young to earn
any maintenance, and requiring all the care and
time of the mother who fhould contribute towards
it. Inftead therefore of ftatute upon flatute, of
perpetually devifing new laws and new fchemes, — a
very melancholy fign, — furely it would be but fair
to try firft whether the inefficacy complained of
does not chiefly originate, and is not certainly in-
creafed, by the old laws we poffefs (preventive of
every degree of vice, by reftraining every place en-
couraging it) being never firmly and generally ex-
ecuted ; nor to the good habits and cuftoms that
flight ftill be found openly and liberally fupported

and

t '79 3

and promoted; and confequently, whether fome
fecurity againft thefe evils be not chiefly, if not en-
tirely, within the hand that will not ufe it.

Yours, &c.

CHARLES ONLEY.

P.S. Ere& Bridewells on the plan of that of
Wymondbam> Norfolk; unite the poor into hundred-
houfes of induftry, like thofe in that county and
Suffolk ; ftri&ly execute the laws againft vagrancy,
every fort of immorality, profanenefs, licentioufnefs>
and negledt of the Lord's-day ; reduce the number
of ale-houfes to the bare neceflities of every parifh;
fupport Sunday or fimilar fchools on a cheap plan,
towards forming the children of the poor by habit to
fome little knowledge, ftrid decorum, and much in-
duftry; contribute by general fubfcription to the
fupport of the Friendly Societies, or poor men's
clubs for mutual afliftance, and the forming fuch in
every town and village in the kingdom ; — and then
complain of a want of police, and of preventive
juflice — of fecurity againft a profligate commonalty,
and an expenfive poor, if you can !

It becometh none but children, when they pof-
fcfs all they want, out of weaknefs or wantonnefs, or
both, to cry out for more. C. O.

Vol. IV. N Article

[ i3o ]

Article VL

On the Culture and Management of Rhubarb in 'Tar"
tary ; Method of ufing the recent Plant ; curing the
'Root, Nature of its felenitic Salt, £sfa

[By A. F. M. D. F. R. S.]

Gentlemen,

THE attention, which you have defervedly be-
flowed on the iubjecl of rhubarb, induces
me to believe that a few additional obfervations,
which have occurred to me fince my laft,* may not
be unacceptable, particularly to thofe who wifh to
improve the culture and management of the plant
in this country.

Mr. J. R. Foster, in his hiftory of cc Voyages
<f to the North," very lately publilhed, informs
us, from the mofl authentick accounts, that at
Suchur, a province fubject to the Great Khan of
Tartary, where the true plant flourimes in the
greater!: abundance, and from whence the merchants
carry it all over the world, the country is rocky
and mountainous, the foil red with a ftratum of
ftone under it, fometimes boggy, being every where
interfered with numerous rivulets.

* Inserted in the Society's Third Volume, Art. LVI.

t 181 ]

At Kathay, and fome of the more remote pro-
vinces, this root is held in no eftimation, except
for the difeafes of horfes, and for the purpofe of
common fuel. But at Suchur, where its value is
better underftood, its culture and management are
duly attended to, and their method feems worthy
of imitation in Great-Britain. The plant, in its
native foil, flourifhes luxuriantly, and the roots,
when arrived at their full growth, are of an enor-
mous fizej the larger ones often meafure three
quarters of a yard in length, and are of the thicknefs
of a man's body.

The roots are dug up in winter, before they put
forth leaves, becaufe they then contain the entire
juice and virtue of the plant j thofe that are taken
up in fummer being of a light fpungy texture, and
unfit for ufe. The root being thoroughly cleaned,
is cut tranverfely, and the pieces are placed on long
tables, and turned carefully three or four times a
day, that the yellow vifcid juice may incorporate
with the fubftance of the root. If the juice be fuf-
fered to run out, the roots become light and un-
ferviceablej and if the roots are not cut within five
or fix days after they are dug up, they become foft,
and decay very fpeedily.

Four or five days after they are cut, holes are

made through them, and they are hung up on

N a firings

[ 18a ]

firings cxpofed to the air and wind, but are jfhel-
tered from the fun-beams. Thus in about two
months, the roots are completely dried, and arrive
at their full perfection. The lofs of weight in dry-
ing is very remarkable, feven loads of green roots
yielding only one fmall horfe-load of perfectly dry
Rhubarb ! Concerning the age at which the roots
are dug up, our author is filent i nor does this point
feem yet to be clearly afcertained. Some contend,
that it arrives at its higheft perfection in fix or
eight years i while others allure us, it ought to con-
tinue in the ground till the ioth, or even I2th year,
before it acquires its full maturity. '•

Since the Rheum Palmatum has been cultivated
in England, we have not heard of any ufe having
been made of the recent plant. The Tartars, how-
ever, hold it in high eftimation. Mr. Thouin,
fuperintendant of the exotics at Verfailles, informs
us, that the recent ftem is converted into a marma-
lade, and is confidered as a mild and pleafant lax-
ative, and highly falubrious. They prepare it by
flripping off the bark, and boiling the pulp with an
equal quantity of honey or fugar. The leaves are
employed in their foups, to which they impart an
agreeable acidity, like that of forrel, which ranks in
the fame clafs with rhubarb. The feeds of the Eng-
lish plant contain the medicinal virtue of the root

[ i«3 ]

in an eminent degree, as I have already hinted in
my laft,* and feem worthy of further inquiry. The
felenitic fait, which I alfo there mentioned, has been
but very lately difcovered to be a condiment prin-
ciple in rhubarb, and other aftringent vegetables.
The ingenious Mr. Sheele pronounces it a com-
bination of the acid of wood-forrel with a calcari-
ous earth. Should this be found to obtain univer-
sally throughout that clafs of vegetables, it may
help to enlarge our views concerning the nature of
their aftringent principle.

I am, Gentlemen, your very humble fervant,
A. FOTHERGILL.

* See the Society's Third Volume, as above.

mtm

Article VII.

On a more fpeedy Method of. propagating Rhubarb.

By Mr, Hayes, Surgeon, at Hampftead.

[Communicated by Dr. Fothergill.]

gentlemen, Feb. 15^, 1787.

NOtwithftanding much has been written on the
means of cultivating a very valuable root,
the Rheum Palmatumj permit me to add my
N 3 mite

[ i84 ]

mite to the general (locks as I think, by the fol-
lowing method, the plants may be raifed in lefs
time, and with greater certainty.

Having found myfelf difappointed for many years
back, in raifing the rhubarb plants from feed, in
the open borders of my garden, I was induced to
try what fuccefs I fhould have by feparating fome
of the eyes or buds, which fhoot out on the upper
parts of the root, together with a fmall part of the
root itfelf, with fome of the fibres to it 5 many of
thefe may be feen, both in the fpring and autumn,
on plants of three or four years old. My fuccefs
was equal to my expectation ; and all the rhubarb
plants which I now grow, are raifed after the above-
mentioned method. I have juft feparated twenty
eyes or buds from a plant of four years' growth,
which plant was itfelf raifed the fame way. The
old plant is not at all injured, by taking the eyes
from it, but is fuffered to grow till it be feven or
eight years old, or fometimes longer, as the quality
of the rhubarb, as well as the fize of the root, will
be much increafed, if it lie in the ground till it be
ten or twelve years old.

By the above method, I fave a year in the growth
of the plant ; it is not in fuch danger of being eaten
by vermin as feed, nor fo uncertain of "its growing;

[ i85 ]

ic is not fo tender, neither does it need tranfplant-
ing, or any other care than keeping the ground
clear of weeds. I have not found any difference in
thefizeofthe roots thus raifcd, from thofe which
are raifed from feed. I think my friend Sir Wm,
Fordyce (whofe views to enlarge fcience in gene-
ral are unceafing) has remarked the uncertainty of
the feeds of rhubarb coming up ; and has pointed
out, in the papers publifhed by the Society of Arts,
&c, in London, fome means to render them more
certain. Perhaps the above method may be thought
preferable : if it fhould not, pleafe to accept the will
for the deed; and believe me, that to be ufefi
the only defign of, Gentlemen,

Your moll obedient humble fervant,

THOMAS HAYES.

Article VIII.

Account of a Plant of the Rheum- Palmatinn, grown at
Boreatton in the County of Salop.

[By a Gentleman of that County.]

THIS plant, the fixth year after it was fowed,
grew between the months of April (when the
ftalk hVft appeared out of the ground) and the

middle

[ i86 ]

middle of July (when it was at its greateft perfec-
tion) to the height of 1 1 feet 4 inches : when an
obfervation was made on its growth, it grew in one
day 3 inches, and in one night above 4 : many of
the leaves were above 5 feet long, the numerous
branches all covered with bloffom, and then with
feed; in the latter (late by much the moft beau-
tiful. In October the feed was quite ripe, and the
plant died down to the ground ; the root was then
taken up, and weighed 361b. when clean warned
and deprived of its fmall and ufelefs fibres. The
method I took to cure it was as follows : — I pared
off the outer rind, divided it with a fharp knife
into pieces of about an ounce weight, and then
bored them through, flrung them on packthread,
and hung them in the windows of an hot-houfe to
dry. Some few I dried quick in an oven mode-
rately heated, and did not find much difference;
thofe I attempted to dry in the made became
mouldy and ufelefs ; I fhould guefs the whole when
dried, reckoning the fuppofed weight of thofe
pieces I fpoiled by the laft method, would have
amounted to about 10 or 11 lbs. Of the refufe
pieces, fuch as fmall roots not thick enough to dry,
I made a ftrong infufion in white wine, which I
ufed with great fuccefs in the dyfenteries of cattle;
and fome given occafionally to poor people, when
I thought it proceeded from cold. ~

[ i87 ]

The Method of Culture.

Sow the feed in your early cucumber bed, when a little
of the firft heat is over. When the plants have got their
third leaves, expofe them to the air ; and when the feafon
advances, remove the frame, leaving them in the bed: —
in October or November take up the plants, the roots of
which will be about half an ounce weight, and bury them
under the mould prepared for the next year's hot-beds ; the
February following, plant them in an artichoke bed, which
ought to be of the deepeft black garden mould, at leaft
l\ feet deep; after which they are to be treatedin all rc-
fpe&s like artichokes, and about the fixth or feventh year
taken up for ufe : — you may cultivate them from off-fets,
when you take up a plant, but I think thofe raifed from
feed better. I have never been able to obtain any feed
from my plants fince that large one, the birds ever fince
having conftantly deftroyed it before it was ripe.

ffov. 2gtb9 1783. J. S.

Article IX.

Observations on the Growth of Jome Rhubarb, fext te
the Society by George Poole, Efq.

Gentlemen, Bicknoller, Somerjet.

March i6,HT^HE Rhubarb feeds were Town in

1779. -*- the natural ground, and the aoth

of March following the plants were removed from

the feed-bed, and planted in a piece of garden

ground

[ »88 ]

ground 44 feet long, and 22 feet wide, divided into
four beds of about 5 feet each bed ; holes 20 inches
deep were made for each plant, and two ranks of
plants in each bed, 3 feet afunder, (which I think
is too near by a foot.) The ground was kept very
clean from weeds, and every year in the month of
October was dunged, the fame as for afparagus, and
cleaned off again the fpring following.

Nov. 15, 1782, one of the borders of rhubarb
was taken up; and of the roots, after they were cut,
cleaned, and dried, there was left 54lbs. of good
rhubarb; 5clbs. of which were fold in May laft to
a druggift in London for £10.

In September 1783, the other three rhubarb
borders were taken up, and produced i661bs. of
rhubarb of equal quality with the rhubarb herewith
fent. The remainder of the rhubarb roots were
produced from fome plants that grew in an or-
chard of very poor land. The rhubarb roots loft
in drying about two-thirds. I am of opinion that
the rhubarb going to feed (which will be in four
or five years from fowing) lefifens the weight of the
roots, and tends much to its putrefaction ; there-
fore it would be advifeable to cut off the feed-ftalks
as ibon as they appear. The crowns of the plant,

when

[ i89 ]

when cut off and put into the ground again, will
produce tolerable good rhubarb in four or five years,
but not fo large and plentiful as from feed plants.

The purging quality of "his rhubarb is, I appre-
hend, not fo llrong as the foreign rhubarb -t 30
grains of this rhubarb powdered being equal to
about 20 grains of foreign rhubarb powdered.
$uere> — If rhubarb feed mixed with clover feed,
and fown with barley in deep rich lands, and per-
mitted to remain four or five years, would not turn
to much advantage, apprehending cattle of any fort
would not hurt or eat the leaves ? This is an expe-
riment I purpofe to make this fpring. G. P.

Article X.

On the Danger of ufing of Lead, Copper, and Brafs
Vejfels, in Dairies.

By Mr. Tho. Hayes, Surgeon, at Hampftead.

[Communicated by Dr. Fothergill.J
Gentlemen, Feb. i8/£, 1787.

MANY eminent phyficians have afiferted, that
butter is very unwholfomej while others
equally eminent have confidered it as not only in-
nocent, but as a good affiftant to digeftion* and

each

[ 1 9o ]

each have been faid to ground their opinions upon
experience. Perhaps both may be right; and
after all butter may be innocent or mifchievous,
according as it contains many or few adventitious
materials collected frorli vefTels, &c. ufed in the
procefs of making it.

I am led to thefe conjectures by obferving, that
in almoft all the great dairies, the milk is fuffered
to (land in lead, brafs, or copper velfels, to throw
up the cream. The clofenefs of the texture of
thefe metals, and their coldnefs and folidity, con-
tribute to feparate a greater quantity of cream from
the milk than would be done by wooden trundles*
or earthen pans, both of which are alfo fometimes
made ufe of.

As I wifh to eftablifh the poffibility of the fact,
that milk may corrode or diffolve particles of the
vefTels above-mentioned, and therefore be liable to
communicate pernicious qualities to the butter, I
beg leave to fubmit my reafons, from which I draw
this conclufionj and if my opinion mould appear
fatisfactory to you, I make no doubt but you will
do all in your power to difcountenance the farther
ufe of them ; efpecially as I fhall point out others,
which may be made, and will do as well for the
dairyman's purpofe.

Whoever

[ 19' 1

Whoever has been much in great dairies muft
have obferved a peculiarly four, frowfy fmcll in
them, although they be ever fo well attended to in
refpedt to cleanlinefs, &c. In fome, where the ma-
nagers are not very cleanly, it is extremely difagree-
able, owing moftly to the corrupted milk.* In
fome, too, from the utenfils being fcalded in the
dairy ; and in others, from a bad conftru&ion of the
building itfelf, the want of a fufficient circulation of
air, water, &c. j but in all, a great deal of the lighter
or more volatile parts of the milk fly off from the
furface of the pans, and furnifh a great quantity of
acid effluvia to the furrounding air and ceiling, and
which is again depofited on every thing beneath it,
and of courfe often on the veflels after they have
been put by clean, in the intervals of their being out
of ufe. This may be obferved to give a dull fort
of appearance to brafs and copper, as if you had
breathed upon them j for if you rub your finger
lightly over the veflels, you will have both the tafte
and fmell of the metal.

It alfo happens fometimes, that after the veflels
earw alhed, they are not carefully rinfed, nor per-
fectly dried by the fire; fo that fome of the milk,
&c. is left on the furface of them, which may

• Sec a very ingenious paper by Mr. Hazard, in the Third Vo-
lume of the Bath Society's Papers, on making butter.

difiblve

[ *9* 1

diflblve the metals, either by its animal, oily, or
acefcent qualities.

This is not the only way, nor the word, by which
the butter may become impregnated with mifchief.
The greater the quantity of cream that is thrown
tip from the milk, the larger profits accrue to the
dairyman -, therefore he keeps it in the veflfels as
long as he can, and it is frequently kept 'till it is
very four, and capable of acting upon them ; if they
are of lead, a calx or fugar of lead is produced ; if
of brafs or copper, verdigrife.

It is true, the quantity cannot be very great;
but this will depend upon the degree of fournefs,
and length of time which the milk ftands : — but in-
dependent of the acid, the animal oil in the cream
will diflblve brafs and copper.

That an acid floats in the atmofphere of a dairy,
may be proved by placing a bafon of fyrup of
violets for a little time, and it will be found to
turn red.

Then, gentlemen, if I am right in my conjec-
tures, as I am perfuaded I am, from the innumerable
experiments and obfervations which I have made
to fatisfy myfelf of the fact, and which would be

trifling

[ m ]

trifling with your time and patience to relate here,

may not the reputation of the wholfomenefs or

unwholfomenefs of butter, depend upon, or be ow-
ing to fome of the above caufes? And may not
many a cafual, nay, obftinate complaint originate
from the fame fource, which the phyfician may have
in vain laboured to account for ? Butter is found
very frequently to occafion much diforder to very
weakly, delicate, and irritable ftomachsj yet thefe

ftomachs will bear olive oil: this cannot be

therefore accounted for from the oleofe parts, but
may from the metallic impregnation.

I will not contend, that all the ill effects attri-
buted to butter are caufed by the mineral particles
which it gains by the means above ftated. I only
infill that it is poflible, and indeed very probable,
and that it may in confequence do frequent mif-
chief; and that when butter is free from thefe par-
ticles, it is not fo unwholfome as fome have af-
fertedj though when it does contain them, it is
found to diforder very tender perfons.

To enlarge upon the fubjecl, or attempt to ex-
plain the many ways and how a very fmall portion
of the above metals may prove injurious to the
human frame, in fome particular conftitutions,
will be only to repeat what has already been faid

[ 194 ]

by' abler writers.* Some will perhaps fay that my
ideas are very far fetched, and others that my
opinions are ill-founded; but I truft whoever has
read the induftrious refearches of the very learned
Sir George Baker, on the effects of lead, and the
melancholy cafe of a young lady having died from
eating pickle famphire very lightly impregnated
with copper, and which others ate without being
difeafed, as related by the ingenious Dr. Percival,
will receive my opinions with lefs objection. If
I have erred, I have done it in honourable company.

If you think with me, gentlemen, I hope you
will have fome influence over the dairymen, to in-
duce them to change their utenfils, as very com-
modious veffels may be made of caft-iron equally
well fitted for their purpofes, which will not prove
expenfive, and will be more innocent and cleanly.
But if they continue in the habit of ufing thofe
above-mentioned, after they are informed of the bad
tendency -of them, they mull be guilty of a great
breach of moral duty, and highly blameable, both
in a religious and political point of view,

* See Sir George Baker's papers on the effetts of lead, in the
Medical TranfacYions j — Dr. Percival's paper in the fame 3— and
Dr. Falconer alfo on copper veflels.

I beg

C '95 1

1 beg pardon for thus trefpaffing upon your time
and patience, but I truft you will excufe my errors,
and alfo my prolixity, fince it has for its object the
prefervation of the health and happinefs of my fel-
low creatures.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your mod obedient humble fervant,

Hampstead, THOs HAYES.

Dec. $th> 1786.

Article XI.
On the Culture of Rape or Cole Seed.

THE proper time to fow Rape, broad-caft, is
the month of June ; the land fhould, previ-
ous to the fowing, be twice ploughed and well pul-
verized ; when about two pounds of clean feed will
fuffice for every acre, which fhould be equally caft:
upon the ground with the two fore-fingers and the
thumb; for if it be caft: with all the fingers, it will
come up in patches, and be the means of wafting
feed. When the plants appear, if they come up too
thick, a pair of light harrows fhould be dia n,
length-ways and crofs-ways, over the landj this
will equally thin them, and when the plants (that
the harrows have pulled up) are withered, the
Vol. IV. O ground

[ '96 ]

ground (hould be rolled, and a few days after the
plants may be fet out with a hoe; 16 or 18 inches
is the diftance proper for each plant to flourifh in.

In the North of England, the farmers pare and
bum paft'ure lands, and fow them with rape after
one ploughing; which crop commonly (lands for
feed, and will fetch from 25I. to 30I. per lad,* for
the purpofe of making oil. Poor clay, or ftone-
brauVland, will frequently produce from 12 to 16
or 18 bufhels per acre, and almoft any frefh or
virgin earth will yield one plentiful crop. Many in
the Northern Counties, by cultivating rape, have
been raifed from poverty to the greateft affluence.
The feed of it is ripe in July or the beginning of
Auguft; and it is furprifing to fee with what avidity
people rlock to a rape threfhing (as it is called in
the North). It is an ablblute feaft; a violin is con-
ftantly played in the field, while the bufinefs is per-
forming; the beft of provifions are procured, and a
rural dance concludes the evening's diverfion: mirth
and good- humour mark the happy countenances of
all who affemble; and thofe who are or are not in-
vited, equally partake of the provifions and plea-
fures of the day.

1 he rape is cut by men with hooks or fickles,
and fprtad thinly on the ground to dry, and when

* A laft ii two loads=ten quarters=eighty bufhels.

[ *97 ]

it is found in order for threfliing, the neighbours are
invited, who endeavour to render themfelves ufeful.
A number of cloths are in readinefs, for the pur-
pofe of carrying the feed to the threfhers j who per-
form their bufinefs on a large cloth in the middle of
the field — and here the fidler difplays his (kill.

The feed is put into facks and conveyed home ;
and a field of 20 acres or more is completely har-
vefted and threflied in one day upon the fpot ; nor
will rape admit of being carried from the ground
in the pod, as it muft be perfectly ripe, and would
therefore (hed or fcatterj the draw the farmers
burn, and difpofe of the allies, which are allowed to
be as valuable as the beft pot-afhes.

Rape that is fuffered to (land for feed, will very
much impoverifti old arable land; but pafture
lands, that are previoufly pared and burned, will
bear two or three good crops of corn after, with-
out manure.

The price for paring and burning, varies in dif-
ferent counties ; in Yorkfhire, and dill further north,
it is performed for" from 10s. to 15s. per ftatute
acre, and in the fouth and weft parts of England,
the price is from 16s. to one guinea.

O 2 Rap*

[ '98 ]

Rape is an excellent food for fheep, and for this
purpofe it will anfwer well on arable land; but it
fhould be hoed and fet out as before directed, and
it will be the ftronger, and produce a much heavier
crop, if it be looked over a fecond time, and the
earth be drawn round the items; and mould there
appear any places where the crop has failed, it will
be right to draw plants where they are found too
thick, and plant them in the bare places; by which
means a more general and equal crop may be ex-
pected ; and that which is tranfplanted, will be fupe-
rior to any of that which has never been removed.

The writer has experienced the good effecls of
tranfplanting rape, and begs leave ftrongly to re-
commend it; he advifes a plot of ground of about
a rood, to be fown in the middle of June ; this will
produce plants enough for ten acres, which may be
planted upon land that has previoufly borne a crop
of wheat, provided the wheat is harveited by the
middle of Auguft: one ploughing will do for thefe
plants; the beft of which fhould firft be felected
from the feed plot, and be planted upon ridges at
leaf!: two feet afunder, and fixteen inches apart in
the rows ; they may afterwards be horfe or hand-
hoed, and the earth fhould be drawn round their
ftems ; and in the fpring of the year this crop may

[ *99 ]

be fed off with fheep, when very little other green
fodder is to be found, or the leaves might be ga-
thered and given to oxen or young beads; from
the fame Items frefh leaves would fprout again, and
thefe might be fed off by ewes and lambs, time
enough to plough the land for a crop of barley or
oats j but it muft not be forgot that planting rape
upon land the beginning or middle of July, would
be the moft advantageous as to the crop of rape, as
the leaves might be then fed off in the autumn
feafon, and they would dill produce other leaves
anew in the fpring; and this method of early plant-
ing might be adopted where peafe or beans had
been gathered green, and fent to a market, or where
any kind of pulfe or green fodder had been fed off
the preceding fpring.

The expence of planting rape varies according
to the price of labour in the different counties; but
the moft general price, where rape is planted on
ridges two feet afunder and fixteen inches apart in
the rows, is 2s. 6d. or 3s. per acre ; but where every
plant is to be equidiftant, or 16 inches every way
apart, on a flat furface, 3s. 6d, or 4s. per acre is
about a fair price, provided in either cafe the grower
finds a woman or boy to draw the plants from the
feed plot, and to drop them before the planter.
When they are thus planted, they may be hand-
O 3 hoed

[ 200 ]

hoed and earthed for 4s. 6d. per acre,* but where
rape is fown broadcaft, few will be found to hoe and
fet the plants out at equal diftances, and earth them
for 7s. per acre, nor will the plants ever flourifh
equal to thofe which are planted ; therefore it is
obvious which method is to be preferred.

The practice of fowing rape and turnips (if they
are afterwards fuffered to fland together) is by no
means commendable, as it is not poflible to hoe or
fet out both forts to advantage. If the rape flou-
rifhes beft, the turnips fhould be deftroyed, and vice
verfa; otherwife the crops would injure each other,
as the lateral fibres of the rape would be prevented
from expanding, if furrounded with turnips; and
in frofty weather the water or dews would drop
from the leaves of the rape on to the turnips, and
totally rot and deflroy them. It is a common
practice with farmers to feed fuch crops with fheep,
and afterwards to plough up the land for wheat; on
which account it appears unneceflary to them to
hoe or fet out either crop ; but let them confider,
if it be right to fow turnips and rape, it is equally
to their advantage to hoe them ; as the hoed crop
will produce a burden at lead five times larger than
the crop that is not hoed, this will amply defray the
expence, and it fhould be a conflant rule always to
ddlroy the weakeft crop. TJ ,-

C 201 ]

Thofe who look for an immediate profit, will
undoubtedly cultivate rape for feed, but it may
anfwer perhaps better in the end to feed it with
fheep; the fat ones might cull it over firft, and
afterwards the lean or (lore fheep might follow
them, and be folded thereon; if this be done in the
autumn feafon, the land will be in good heart to
carry a crop of wheat ; or where the rape is fed off
in the fpring, a crop of barley might follow; in
either cafe rape is valuable to the cultivator.; and
■when it is planted and well earthed round the (terns,
it will endure the fevered winter ; but the fame can-
not be advanced in favour of that which is fown
broadcaft.

I flatter myfelf the foregoing obfervations will
prove acceptable to the fociety, and ufeful to gen -
tlcmen farmers in general, who may wifh to culti-
vate rape either for feed or fodder.

I am, Gentlemen,
Your very humble fervant,

Stoney-Littkton. J. ,HAZARD.

Article

[ 202 ]

Article XII.

[The following Letter was drawn up for the more
immediate life of the " Odiham Agriculture
Society," who had done the Writer the Honour of
electing him an Honorary Member \ — but being
thought generally beneficial, its communication is
extended.]

ON THE MEANS OF PRESERVING APPLE BLOSSOM AND
ORCHARDS FROM INJURY.

Sir, Beer f err is y near Taviftock, Devon.

I Do not recoiled! that yours is a noted cyder
county, yet I take it for granted, fome gentle-
men have orchards, and the rarer the more valu-
able. This parifh, which is my fummer refidence,
abounds with orchards and cherry-gardens; the
orchards, by their bloflbming this fpring, promifed
a much larger quantity of apples than they will
actually produce ; not occafioned, however, as the
farmers here imagine, by the frofty nights of the
firft and fecond of laft month, but by the ravages
of an uncommon number of infefts, which have
been produced this feafon from a fpecies of black
flies in particular, which depofited their eggs in the
apple-bud, or bloflbm, at its firft opening; from
which eggs were generated th« maggot infects,

which

[ 203 ]

which by feeding on the heart of the bud or blof-
fom, foon occafioned it to drop, contract, and clofe
itfelf into the form of a cup, of a brown red colour,
refembling that of a dry dock-leaf, (unlefs this was
originally caufed by the bite of the fly, when fhe de-
pofited her egg there) fo as to afford a fafe nidus for
the young infect, and fufficient nourifhment to fup-
port it, until full grown in that (late, and needing
no longer protection there; when it decamps, and
the bloflbm being deftroyed, at laft falls off — where-
by a plentiful bloflbming is likely this year to pro-
duce (as is often the cafe) a fcanty bearing.

I have within a few weeks paft opened fome
fcores of thofe fhrivelled blofibms, and fcarce ever
failed of finding a maggot infect (fome much larger
than others) fafely inclofed within its natural neft ;
though in fome inftances I found it had decamped,
after having exhaufted its nutriment, and the de-
cayed bloflbm was ready to fall off with the flighted
touch.

Having thus given you a plain concife account
of the evil, permit me, Sir, to point out what I
conceive will be an effectual remedy, or rather pre-
ventive; and will likewife contribute to the fertility
of the foil, the profperity of the trees, the future
produce of apples, and the goodnefs of the pafture.

When

[ 204 ]

When the winged infect tribe firft begin to ap-
pear, (which fome conceive, and not improbably,
to be by an eaft wind bringing fome forts at lead of
them over from the continent) I would recommend
fome heaps to be made of the fward or fpind, in the
nature of denfhiring or burnbaiting, or heaps of long
dung, wet draw, weeds, or any other like matters,
at different intervals all around, i. e. on every fide,
and likewife fome in different parts of the orchard.
If an eaft wind blow, fet fire to fome of the heaps
on the eaft fide, and fome within the body of the
orchard; if a fouth wind, then on the fouthfide;
and fo occafionally on different (ides, as the wind
may happen to vary; but always on that fide from
whence the wind happens to blow, fo that the fmoke
from the fmothering of the heaps may blow through
and fumigate the orchard for fome weeks. The
expence attending which will comparatively be very
trifling, but its confequences and beneficial effects
very great, as it will effectually prevent the infect
fiy not only from depofiting its eggs, but even from
approaching, or at leaft continuing long in fuch a
noxious fituation, whereby the bloffoms and fruit
will be prefer ved from fuch ravages, and the heat
and afhes of the fmothering heaps will likewife con-
tribute to the fertility of the foil, the fweetnefs of
the pafture, and the growth and vigour of the trees

for

[ *°5 ]

for future bearings; thus deftroying mofs probably
better than by any other means, and counteracting
the effects in fome meafure of cold and blighting
winds, and fuch late frofty nights as thofe of the
firft and fecond of laft month*

I am, Sir, your's, &c.

June 3, 1786. C. GULLETT.

P. S. It feems fuperfluous to add, that the fame
procefs is applicable, and promifes to be equally
advantageous, to all other fruit trees, if fuitably
adapted in point of time and other circumftances.

Article XIII.
Succefs of an Experiment of fumigating an Orchard.

Sir, Nov. 23, 1786.

THE foregoing letter was drawn up on the day
it bears date, the 3d of June laft, and was
intended to have been communcated at that time,
but a diffidence of publilhing my theoretical ideas,
unaccompanied by facts, prevented; and accord-
ingly it hath lain by ever fince, and fo would have
continued but for die following information.

Since

[ 206 ]

Since this idea firft occurred to me fome years
ago, I have occafionally mentioned and recom-
mended it in ftrong terms, to very many gentlemen
farmers, cyder growers, and others, both in the eaft
and weft parts of Devonfhire, and in Cornwall;
but fo little are recommendations of any innovation
or improvement heeded, efpecially by the gene-
rality of farmers, that I have never heard, till very
lately, of any one having put it in pra&ice, and that
one inftance occafions my troubling you with it,
as the fuccefs of this farmer may induce others to
adopt it, until the fumigation of orchards, in blof-
foming feafon efpecially, becomes general; and a
moft precarious crop is thereby rendered as fure
and certain as a crop of corn.

I have been well informed then (at firft by a
gentleman farmer, with great glee and fatisfaction,
to whom I had fome years ago recommended it)
of a farmer in the eaftern part of Devonfhire, who
this fpring determined to giv e a fair trial to the fuc-
ceis of fumigating orchards; and in order thereto,
made choice of one orchard to be fumigated, leav-
ing another (fimila.lv fuuated and circumltanced)
unfumigated. The event o< which was, that the
fumigated orchard had a very large and plentiful
bearing of apj les, to I is no fmall emolument -,
which he am.butes, and 1 bclicv£, very juftly, to

this

[ *°7 ]

this fumigation alone; while the unf "umi gated or-
chard and neighbourhood had fcarce any apples
at all.

Your moft obedient fervant,

CHRIST. GULLETT.

Article XIV.
Means of injuring full Crop of Turnips.

Sir, Exeter, Nov. 24, 1786.

THHE very great failure of Turnip crops, fo ge-
•*■ nerally and almoft annually complained o£
in different parts of the kingdom, have occafioned
a variety of recipes to be publifhed, but which on
trial too frequently fail. The turnip feed itfelf
feldom fails to vegetate, (efpecially if fown juft be-
fore rain falls, and as fome fay, if left to itfelf,
neither harrowed nor rolled,, when fown dry and
rain foon follows) but the damage is occafioned in
its fubfequcnt (late of leafing, by the voracity of
infefts. To prevent this, feems the grand deftde-
ratum in turnip agriculture; and a moft defireable
one indeed it certainly is, as the lofs in turnip crops
this fummcr, in Devon/hire alone, is calculated at
upwards of ioo,oool. The ufe of deeps, &c. for
the feed, however, appears to me very little likely

[ 208 ]

to produce this effect. In lieu of all which, I beg
leave to recommend the adoption of the following
idea, which hath occurred to me, in the courfe of
writing my preceding letter dated yefterday; of
the certain and never-failing effects of which, in
the moft fatisfactory manner, I will not hefitate to
exprefs an abfolute confidence.

The damage in orchards is done by infects, fo it
is here, though of a different fpecies ; the former
effected by the infect in its maggot ftate, the latter
by the fly : but as the fly is the original caufe in
both, fo the fame means are applicable in both
cafes; and therefore let the farmer make himfelf
mafler of the method I have recommended for the
fecurity of apple bloffom, and very little more need
be added here.

If the turnip ground be fpaded and burnt, or the
weeds, &c. burnt without fpading, the fumigation
thereby may fuffice to chafe fuch of the infect
winged tribe from thence as are then there -, but in
all cafes, when the field is ploughed and ready for
fowing, let heaps be made at different places and
intervals round by the hedges and boundaries of the
turnip ground, and fome few fcattered through the
field, in the fame manner as directed for the or-
chards. Then, as foon as the feed is fown, let the

heaps

[ 209 1

heaps on the windward fide, and the fcattered ones,
be lighted and kept fmothering during the conti-
nuance of the wind in that quarter; the lefs the fire
and the more the fmoke, the better. Should the
wind happen to fhift, thofe heaps on the quarter it
fliifts to muft then be lighted, and kept fmothering
in like manner; fo that during the growth of the
tender turnip leaf, and until it becomes rough and
out of danger, this fumigation and fmoke over and
acrofs the field muft be continued from one quarter
to the other; which^ I venture to afifert, will effec-
tually deter and prevent any winged infect tribe
from approaching the turnip ground; nay more, if
there already, it would mod compleatly drive them
from thence, as fuch delicately formed infects (which
can only feed upon the mod tender leaf) would be
ill able to continue long in fuch a fmother of fire
and fmoke. The confequence is obvious and cer-
tain, that if the fly be kept from approaching the
field, the turnip crop isjafe — and few, I believe, will
difagree with me, that prevention is better than remedy.

I am induced to be the more fanguine of the
fuccefs of this method, from the great fuccefs,
which on many trials attended a fimilar idea of
mine, for the prefer vation of cabbage plants from
caterpillars by means of elder bufhes, which was

infertcd

[ *i3 ]

inferted in the Sixty-fecond Volume of Philoso-
phical Transactions/' about the year 1773$
from whence it was copied into the Annual Regifter,
magazines, and periodical and other publications.

In order, however, to be fure not to fail of ob-
taining the full effect and utmoft fafety, (though it
feems a work of fupererogation) let me, in addi-
tion to the above fumigation, recommend it to the
farmer, who harrows or brufhes in his turnip feed,
to add to his harrow or thorn-bufh, a bufh of {link-
ing elder, [sambacus] the dragging which over the
field will leave fuch a difagreeable fmell and effluvia
behind it, as might, and would, I think, befufficient
alone, without fumigation, (as was the cafe with
butterflies and of the caterpillars above alluded to)
but when united with fumigation, no farmer who
adopts this recommendation, I will venture to pro-
mife him, need be at all uneafy in future about the
fuccefs of his turnip or any other vegetable crop;
and fuch as know it, and refufe to adopt fo cheap a
remedy, deferve little pity, if their crop is devoured
by the infects.

I could proceed to apply a fimilar remedy for
wheat crops from being damaged by the yellows
and other infecls j of which I have difcovered up-
wards of forty living ones, inclofed within the hulk

[ 2" ]

of a Tingle grain of wheat, as dated in the above
caterpillar hiftory, to which I refer ; but that mud
be the fubject of a future Jetter.

If it fhould be afked, — "What would become of
thofe mod numerous tribes of prolific infects, if
this method fhould become general ? I mod feri-
oufly anfwer, that I firmly believe not a thoufandth
part of them would trouble us in a few years
hence. And in a philofopbical light, I cannot but
confider that fuch very general fires and fumiga-
tions throughout the kingdom, would tend very
materially to the rarefaction, purifying, and im-
provement of the date of the atmofphere, and pro-
curing healthy feafons.

As I confider this an object of confequence, I
lofe no time in conveying thefe my fentiments to
you for the good of the publick, which is the object
of your laudable inditution, as well as of my amule*
ment at leifure hours.

Your mod obedient fervant,

CHRIST. GULLET* T.

Vol. IV. P Acticls

[ 2I2 ]

Article XV.

On the Culture of Mufard; — Remarks on the Trifo~
Hum Alpejire-, — on the NeceJJity of Change of Arti-
ficial Grafs Crop, &c. &c.

SIR, Stified-Hall, Efex, Dec. 14, 1786.

FN order to anfwer, as fatisfactorily as I could,
**" your enquiry about the cultivation of muftard,
I fent for one of the feed-cultivators, of which there
are feveral in this neighbourhood -, efpecially about
Coggejhall and Kelvedon. Thcfe men hire, at very
advanced rents, a few choice acres bf the farmers j
cultivate them, merely for the feeds of various
fpecies of pulfe, roots, herbs, and even fome flowers,
with the utmoft gardening neatnefs ; and fpeculate
upon the chance of produce, fale, and price, in
which they have fome little portion of the acute-
nefs of an alley-broker, — like him fluctuate from
very great profits to fome lofTes : but if they can
Hand out contingencies, fucceed upon- the whole
amply enough.

The white muftard requires rather an heavy foil,
which muft by tillage be brought into a nice mould i
muft be fown in March at one bufhel an acre; be
always twice, and frequently three times, hoed, and

fet

[ *!3 ]

fet out at about ten inches plant Yrom plant. The
crop is reaped in Auguft, and leaves the land in
fufficient tilth for any crop of other grain or corn
that may be chofen to follow it: the medium pro-
duce three quarters per acre, and the medium price
i os. per bulhel. Muftard never follows muftard;
but may be fown on the fame land again in the third
year. The firft hoeing is worth 4s. the fecond and
third 3s. per acre.

I never faw the marle-grafs you mention ; but
obferve, you affix the fame Latin name to it as you
did in my letter [Article xxxiv.] inferted in your
lafl volume — trifolium alpeftre, to what I there
called cow-grafs ; and which is, trifolium purpu-
reum pratenfe; and from the trial I there men-
tioned to you, appears to me a mod valuable fpe-
cies. The trifolium alpeftre is, I apprehend, the
real cow-grafs ; though the other is, at the fecd-
fhops, fold under that name. Your fociety there-
fore, if they have acquired any quantity of the feed
of the real alpeftre, which has been thought to be
particularly rare, will bring a very great acquisition
to agriculture in one of its mod effential points.

Here common clover frequently, through the
accident of feafons, rather than quicknefs in crop-
ping with it, will fail. In Norfolk, where it has
P 2 ufually*

C "4 ]

ufually come over again at every fourth crop, this
failure, from the land being furfeited with it, has
been in many inftances fo great, that a very confi-
derable farmer there lately informed me, that he
and many of his neighbours had lately under their
barley fown rye-grafs and trefoil; and in only the
next rotation of barley fown the common clover;
and fo on alternately: for not lefs in artificial grafs
than corn, change and variety, under the common
hufbandry> is eflential to the produce.

The very barley in Norfolk, probably from the
fame caufe, has of late years, it is faid, degenerated
in finenefs, befides varying more in the rotation
of crops.

Our farmers defend the mode of the whole year's
fallow y on the principle of its guarding againft fuch
furfeit; and thus by the delicacy of the fowing tilth
it neceflarily produces, making the proper bed for
minute grafs-feeds, and giving them the bed fecu-
rity againft the failure of their clover. They fre-
quently mow it for hay, and then feed it, or for the
chance of the latter, (a very dubious, though fome-
times a moft profitable one) feed it off firft early;
but very feldom let it remain a fecond year. I
conjeRure, that where it muft neceflarily come in
quick rotation, it mould never ftand but one year,

and

[ 2i5 ]

and in that be conftantly fed-, it may then alone be
regarded as a meliorating crop, but otherwife as a
wearing one; and a diftindtion of it is thus made in
fome of our leafes. In the one inftance the land is
probably forfeited, by pufhing forth into full bloom
fuch a ftrong crop, and continued too perhaps to a
fecond year; in the other, it is cherifhed by its paf-
turage, and improved by its being early turned in.
When intended for merely one year's feed, any of
the other artificial grafles may, to fecure a plant, be
fown with it.

My prefent wheat is on the rye-grafs ley, men-
tioned in your third volume, [Article xxxix.] and
appears as perfect as on one of clover. My field
for early feed of next fpring is alfo rye-grafs thickly
/own, and, as a little trial, I have fown with it, in
one portion, fome trefoil ; in another, the perennial
white ; and in the third, perennial red clover, com-
monly termed xow-grajs.

However congenial to the foil of a farm any
peculiar fpecies of corn, pulfe, or vegetable, may
appear; the chance of a fecure crop from them, in
a large fcale, under, as I faid before, the common
hujbandry, will in general be in a proportion to their
not being fown too often : — the variablenefs of our
climate corrects fo frequently, or brings to fuch a
P3 fort

I a,6 ]

fort of equality, the variety of one foil, that in pro-
portion to the necefllties of his ufual flock, the
conveniency of culture, and the benefits of rota-
tion, as corn, pulfe, or artificial winter herbage, and
fpring grafs,may, though not in equal, yet in fome
proportion, be advantageoufly raifed on foils, in
appearance improper for one or the other of them,
by every attentive farmer ; and his profit in a long
leafe, on this broad bafis of rough agriculture, be at
the end more fecure, though occafionally it cannot
be fo great. I am, refpectfully your's,

CHARLES ONLEY.

Article XVI.

Account of the Cultivation and Produce of a Crop of
Buck-Wheat.

[By a Gentleman Farmer, to the Secretary.]

SIR,

AGREEABLE to your requeft, I fend you the
following account of the cultivation of \\\
acres of Buck-wheat.

The inclofure No. I, containing feven acres, was
a deep, friable, fandy loam ; its afpect a gentle dope
towards the fouth. In 1784, it produced a very

poor

[ *>7 ]

poor crop of wheat, being fmutty and very full oT
weeds. The wheat-ftubble was ploughed up in
November following, and a good coat of dung
fpread over it. In this flate it remained till the
middle of laft May, by which time it became full-
of couch and other noxious weeds.

The floven of a tenant then giving up his leafe, I
had the furrows turned back, then cut acrofs, well
dragged and cleaned with a couch-harrow — an ex-
cellent implement for difpatch — a horfe, man and
boy, doing in a day as much work as a dozen people
with rakes. Next I gave a deep ploughing length-
ways, harrowed and couched again; which brought
the land in fine tilth, and exceeding clean. I fi-
nifhed fowing about the id of June, and harrowed
and rolled afterwards. The buck- wheat came up
about two inches high, regular and even, when the
long drought commencing checked its growth, and
caft a fickly yellow hue over the whole, particularly
under the hedges, where it lay as flat as if cutoff,
a confiderable quantity being burnt almoft to a coal.
In this condition it continued languifhing for about
fix weeks, when a fine fhower produced an amazing
alteration ; it immediately reared its drooping head,
and tillered out into branches fix or eight in ge-
neral on a (talk.

The

[ 218 ]

The appearance was now agreeably changed, the
whole field being covered with a mod beautiful
white carpet; and an innumerable multitude of bees
buzzing in every part, prefented a fcene truly ro-
mantick. From this time through the fummer, it
continued matting together, growing and bloffom-
ing till full a yard in height, promifing a fine crop.
To appearance the feed kerned remarkably well,
feveral people who went to view it, concluding there
would at lead be a load upon an acre. The fecond
week in September, began mowing, and turned
about two acres ; but perceiving, as the haulm was
fo long and ftalky, that in turning a vaft quantity
would be fhed out, I ordered a couple of men to go
to two fwarths, aud take gently up a fmall quantity,
and place each parcel againft its fellow, between the
fwarths, the feed uppermoft: — by this means the
fun and air circulated freely through the haulm,
drying it falter than turning would have done.
Once fetting up fufiiced, befides the advantage of
preferving the feed. Before it was dry enough to
harveft, the wet weather commenced, which obliged
us to keep it frequently moved to get it in order,
as. well as to prevent the feed growing; of confe-
quence this occafioned the lofs of a confiderable
quantity, and delayed houfing it till the beginning
of October.

The

[ 2i9 ]

The buckwheat left this piece in exceeding fine
condition for wheat, not a weed or fcarce even a
blade of grafs was to be feen throughout the whole.
Obferve: — An acre of this piece was fown with
turnip-rooted cabbage, for an experiments which
failed, though the plants came up thick enough;
yet after hoeing and weeding, they made fuch little
progrefs, that the weeds got the afcendency and
choaked them. Deduct likewife about forty lug of
grubbed hedge-rows, and a road running up the
middle, which is included in the feven acres.

The fields No. II. and III. contained, the one four,
the other two acres, fomewhat ftronger land than
No. I. j theexpofure a gentle defcent towards the eaft,
except about an acre lying hollow, which is fubjecT:
to be overflown after heavy rains. Thefe pieces
were oats in 1784. As foon as No. I. was fown, I
gave them one earth j the weather being likely to
continue dry, I harrowed and fowed directly. A
little of the feed came up between the ridges, where
the ground was fomewhat moid ; the reft remained
as dry as when fowed till July, when the rain that
occafioned No. I. to flourifh fo much, caufed this
to make its appearance ; but it was very irregular,
draggling and weak. It foon came into bloom,
tillered but little, and growed (lowly, fcarce attain-
ing above a foot or 18 inches in height, and fore-
boding

[ 220 ]

boding but a lamentable crop. However, it was
fome amends to have a fine feafon for harvelling,
which was finifhed by the 8th of October. The
land was in tolerable order for the enfuing wheat
crop, though nothing to compare with No. I. it not
ploughing fo free and mellow ; befides the couch
was got up, particularly in No. III. which is the
wetted of the two pieces.

The expences of cultivation have been very
heavy, as you may judge from the neglect of the
late occupier, and its being at a diftance from
home, on which account I have been obliged to hire
for every thing. However, I have endeavoured to
ftate accurately every expence which ought to be
charged, as follows: —

Inclosure No. I. Debtor. £. s. d.

To ploughing 5! acres in Nov. 1784, at 7s.
Four horfes and 2 men, dunging 2 days, at 9s.
To ploughing 3 times in May 1785, at 6s. -
Dragging, 4 horfes and a man, 1 ilav -
Couching and carting off with 2 horfes and 2

men, 2 days -

Nine buftiels of buckwheat, at 5s.
Sowing and rolling -
Rent - - - -
Tithe compounded for
Poor-rates - * -
Two men 3 days mowing, at 2s.

£.19 6 9

[ M! ]

Brought up - - 19 6 9
Two men at intervals turning, carting, &c. a

fortnight each, at is. 4d. - - - 1 12 o
Two children 5 days each, turning at 3d. - 026
Threfhing 21 facks, and 1 bufh. buckwheat - 103

£.22 I 6

Per Contra. Creditor.

By 21 facks and 1 bufhel buckwheat, at 16s. 17 o o

Value of haulm for litter, &c. - - -300

Lofs to balance - 2 I 6

£.22 1 6

Inclosures No. II. and III.
In June ploughing 6 acres, at 7s. - -220
Dragging and couching with 2 horfes and 2 men

one day -
Two days 1 man raking, at is. 2d.
Nine bufliels buckwheat, at 5s.

0 9
0 2
2 5

4
0

Sowing and rolling -

Rent ------

Tithe

0 4
6 0

1 1

0
0
0

Poor-rates - - - - -

0 10

Mowing 6 acres, at is. 2d.
Three children turning 6 days each, at 3d.
Carting, with 2 horfes and 2 men, 1 day
Threfhing 12 facks, at is.

0 7
0 4
0 6
0 12

6
0
0

Per Contra. Creditor.

.14 2

By 12 facks buckwheat, at 16s.

Value of haulm -

9 12
2 0

0
0

Lofs to balance

2 10

£.14 i 10

[ 222 ]

According to the above computation, I think
the cultivation of buckwheat to be of great confe-
quence to the community as a fubilitute for a fal-
low, as no fallow can exceed, or hardly equal, the
piece No. I. for condition j though as a crop it has
fallen greatly fhort of my expectation, yet as it
(lands, I think having a fallow of twelve acres of
ground for about 5I. expence, very reafonable.

I finimed fowing with wheat on one earth the
6th of November, the expence' of putting in as
under-mentioned :

£-

To ploughing 12 acres, at 6s. - 3

Five days a* narrow, at 5s. - 1

Nine bags feed-wheat, at ill. 15s. per load - 10

Sowing - - - - p

Two liays linking furrows - 0

£-*(> 3 6

N. B. I have fold about two quarters of buck-
wheat for fatting pigs, at 4s. per bufhel, for which
reafon I made that the average charge. An ac-
quaintance of mine has (own one field alternately
wheat and buckwheat for three or four years pad;
rolling down the buckwheat, and then ploughing
it in. He informed me that his lad crop of wheat
yielded four quarters per acre after the buckwheat.

N.B. The

[ "3 ]

N. B. The above account of cultivating buck-
wheat appearing very extraordinary and unnecef-
farily expenfive, we (hall fubjoin the remarks made
on it by a very ingenious gentleman farmer from
Suffolk, who has long cultivated this grain in a very
different and much more profitable manner.

" To the Committee.
<c Gentlemen,
€t The letter on the cultivation of Buckwheat,
on which you defire my fentiments, appears to have
been written by a gentleman totally unacquainted
with the management of that particular grain, and
not fufficiently verfed in the true principles of
agriculture.

Cf His foil was of the bed quality, and advan-

tageoufly fituated j but what rational, practical

farmer would, after one earth in November, imme-
diately fpread a large coat of dung on a foul wheat-
ftubble, allowing it to remain until the middle of
May following, that the fun might exhale the faline,
oleaginous, and every other nutritive quality from
it, which could enrich and fertilize the foil ? It
might well, as the writer obferves, be full of couch-
grafs and other noxious weeds. He then, after
ufing the couch-harrow, (which probably is an ex-
cellent initrument) gave this land a deep earth, and
/ fowed

[ 224 ]

fowed his buckwheat upon its by which deep plough-
ing) he muft have buried and treafured up thoufands
of feed-weeds, which could not have vegetated for
want of fufficient tillage. Had he given the wheat-
ftubble three fhailow ploughings, with good har-
rowings, allowing all the feed-weeds to vegetate
between each flirring of the earth, he might then
with propriety have given it a deep ploughing^ fpread
his dung, and after turning it in, fown his feed with
an almoft certain profpedt of fecuring a good and
profitable crop.

cc The expences are doubtlefs charged as paid by
your correfpondent ; and he accounts in fome mea-
fure for their magnitude, by faying he was obliged td
hire for every thing. But to one who refides in a
county where agriculture is perfectly well underflood
and pradtifed, and buckwheat ufually cultivated,
they appear too great to remain unnoticed. I fhall
therefore contrail his expences for Inclofure No. I.
with what the fame work would coll in Suffolk,
fuppofing every thing put out by the day, viz.

£■ s- d.

To ploughing 51 acres, at 4s. per acre 130
Fourhorfes and 2 men at dung cart,") 0

2 days J

To ploughing 3 times in May, at 4s. 3 90
Dragging, a man and 4 horfes a day o & o

Correrpondent's
Expences.

I-* o 3

o 18 o

5 3 6

080

£.5 180 £.8 99

t "5 ]

Brought up

Couching and carting off -

Six bufhels feed fully fufficient, 5s.

Sowing and rolling

Rent ....

Tithe ...

Poor-rates -

Mowing at is. per acre

Turning, &c. by men and children, 1
not only quite unnecefiary, but >o
detrimental - - J

Threfhing 21 facks and ibufhel,?
at 7d. per fack - J

s. d.
18 o
10 o
10 0

4 o
15 o

1 0
10 o

5 9

o o

12 4*

£.16 6 11

s. d.

99
10 o

5 o

4 o

15 o

1 o

10 o

12 O

i 14 6

£.22 6 6

OBSERVATIONS.

Buckwheat is efteemed in Suffolk, Norfolk, and
EfTex, as adapted to lands of about 5s. value per
acre j or from 3s. to ios.j but can never anfwer on
deep friable loam worth il. is. per acre; for on
the latter there will always be too much draw, even
without manure; and the former will yield on an
average from three to four quarters per acre. It
prevents the growth of weeds, but will not deftroy
couch-grafs. It is ufually fown in Suffolk with
grafs-feeds for laying down land, and for that
purpofe it is preferred to mod other kinds of
fpring corn.

Article

[ 226 ]

Article XVII.
Description of the Confiruclion and Ufe of a new Im-
plement in Husbandry, for Transplanting Turnip.

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]
SIR, IJIe of Wight, Nov. 18, 1784.

HAVING made a tour lately into Norfolk,
among their many improvements in agri-
culture and its implements, fhewn me, I was par-
ticularly pleafed with their Turnip Tranfplanter. As
a member of your fociety, and being willing to
contribute what little afliftance may be in my
power towards general improvement in agriculture,
I have taken the liberty of fending you one, made
under my directions in this place.*

From the fimplicity and cheapnefs of the inftru-
ment, and the very eafy manner of ufing it, (two
great recommendations in all implements in hus-
bandry) I cannot but think it may become gene-
rally ufeful. As it frequently happens in turnip
fields, that large fpots fail, it is ufed for filling up
thofe fpots, from the adjoining parts of the fame
field. It may alfo be very ufeful in gardens, for
tranfplanting plants of different kinds.

• A figure of it is given in the annexed Plate, No. I.

The

[ "7 ]

The method of ufing it is, to hold the long
handle with the left hand, and the fhort handle
with the right drawn up -, put the inftrument over
the plant that is to be taken up, and with your foot
force it into the ground; then give it a twift
round, and by drawing it gently up, the earth will
adhere to the roots of the plant in a iblid body ;
then with another inftrument of the fame fize, take
the earth out where the plant is to be put, and
bringing the inftrument with the plant in it, put it
into the hole which has been made by the other;
then keep your right hand fteady, and draw up
your left, and the earth and plant will be left in the
hole with the roots undifturbed.*

When turnips are to be tranfplantcd in a field,
there are two men employed with each an inftru-
ment, one man taking up a plant, while the other
fills his inftrument with earth only, thereby making
room for depofiting the plant; fo that the hole
which is made by taking up the plant, is filled with
the earth taken out where the plant is to be put ;
which having depofited, he takes up a plant, and
returns to the place he firft let out from, the firft

• This inftrument, which may be had at the ibciety's rooms, is
well adapted for garden ufes, and particularly for gentlemen who
would like the amufement of tranfplanting (hull roots of any kind,
by an eafy, clean, and expeditious method.

Vol. IV. Q^ man

[ 11% ]

man at the fame time returning with earth only *
fo that each man is alternately the planter, and
each being employed both ways, the work goes
on brifkly.

This inflxument was invented by Mr. Cubitt
Gray, of Southrepps in Norfolk, a perfon who has
given a great deal of attention to husbandry, and
particularly to the cultivation of turnips, for which
crop he prepares his land in a different manner
from moft of his neighbours ; they harrowing their
land immediately after each ploughing, and then
rolling it, in order (as they fay) to keep in the
moifture j on the contrary, he never rolls his land,
nor harrows it till he is going to plough it again*
but leaves it as open as poflible, in order to warm it,
as he thinks land can never be too warm or dry for
turnips ; and he has always had the bed crops, even
when the feafon has been dry when fown. This
method he has followed 16 years,. and never once
failed of a crop of turnips— though his neighbours
frequently have* He has fold turnips at five guineas
and half per acre, to be fed off on his land: he al-
ways hand-hoes twice, as indeed do all the farmers
in that country ; his land is a fandy loam, a very
free working foil.

I am, your's, &c.

JOSEPH KIRKPATRIC&,

[ **9 ]

[N. B. The Society return their thanks to Mr. Kirk-
Patrick, both for his letter, and for the inftrument he Co
accurately defcribes the ufe of. If he would favour them
with an account of the mode of hufbandry praclifed by the
bed farmers in the Ifle of Wight, it would ba efteemcd an
additional obligation.]

Article XVIII.
On the Cultivation of Broad Clover.

SIR, Co/fieM, near Leith, Dec. 9, 1786.

f AM duly favoured with your obliging letter of
•* the 5th inft. and fhall be glad if the little that
I have been able as yet to do, refpe&ing the cul-
ture of potatoes, fhould prove the means of ftimu-
lating others, who have better opportunities, and
greater abilities than myfelf, to attend, in a more
particular manner than has yet been done, to the
culture of this truly valuable plant.

It would give me a particular pleafure, if I could
communicate to your fociety any thing that fhould
deferve attention, refpe&ing the difeafe you take
notice of, affecting Broad Clover. But as nothing
mw on the fubject has occurred in this part of the
world, I cannot pretend to offer any conjectures as
to the caufe, or hints for the remedy of that dif-
0^2 order.

[ *3o ]

order. I have cultivated broad clover as a crop
for more than thirty years pad, and cannot fay that
I have here had occafion to remark any thing of
late that is in the lead particular.

During all my practice I have ever found, that
although broad clover fometimes affords as good a
crop the fecondyear as the firft, (obferve, I call the
firft year of clover, that in which it firft yields a
crop, not that in which it is fown) and on fome
occafions even a better; yet I have ever found that
that was in fome meafure cafual, and that no one
could fafely rely on it for a full crop the fecond
year. This is the cafe at prefent, as it ever has
been in this part of the world.

There is no doubt, however, that broad clover is
much lefs apt to fail in fome foils than others. It
is a plant that thrives bed on a firm weighty foil. It
therefore does very well in clays of a certain kind;
(you will obferve I make a diftinction between thri-
ving well, and long life) but on all clayey foils, and
more particularly on foft fpungy foils that have
lately been brought into culture from moor, it is
extremely liable to be thrown out by the feverities
of the winter weather, and generally more fo than
on fome others : — a firm hazel loam, or even a very
weighty, or what we here call zfloarp, rich friable

mould*

[ ft3* ]

mould, tending to a Tandy nature, is that on which
I have ever found it lead liable to the accident of
which you complain. I cannot tell if you have any
of the foil of the kind I here defcribe, never having
been in Gloucefterfhire ; and I am yet more doubt-
ful if the terms I make ufe of, will be intelligible to
you j — but I have no other means of communica-
ting my ideas on this fu eject.

The procefs by which broad clover is thus de-
ftroyed, is very eafily obferyable on fpungy moory
foils, in which water is retained in a (late more
nearly approaching to fluidity than in others. In
rich clayey loams, where the fame procefs takes
place in an inferior degree, the progrefs is far lefs
perceptible. In fuch fpungy foils I have often re-
marked the following phenomena : —

After a night of bare froft, in thofe places where
the earth is not covered with a clofe fward of grafs,
the furface feems to be divided into a great number
of broad kind of points, divided from each other
by a great variety of fifllires, fomething like what
takes place in a clayey pool, when the water has
been fuddenly evaporated, and the mud haflily in-
durated. On taking up one of thefe detached
pieces, and examining it, we difcover that itconfifts
ulmoft entirely of frozen water, with a thin cruft of
Qj earth

[ *J2 ]

earth on its top. The ice in this cafe afiumes a
beautiful and lingular form, confifting of a flack of
needle-like columns, (landing in a vertical pofition,
all of one height; a rude fketch of which is given in
the annexed plate A.* The vertical column confifls
of tranfparent fpiculse, fometimes with a little earth
intermixed with them, but ufually pretty free from
it. They have always a little earth at top j and
when they are taken up, a little earth alfo adheres
to their bottom; and below that the froft has not
penetrated. Thefe columns are longer or fhorter
according to circumilances, from near two inches,
as I have feen them, to lefs than a quarter of an
inch. If the froft continues more than one night,
thefe icy pillars admit of a greater elongation by an
additional range of columns mooting up below
them, and forcing the former to rife to a greater
height. This fecond feries of columns is always
fhorter than the firfl, and is divided from it by a
thin ftratum of earth, as at B.* Should the froft
continue longer, another row of fhorter columns ftill
is formed beneath the former, divided from it alfo
by its ftratum of earth : and fo it goes on, each
night's froft producing a new fet of columns, which
become gradually fhorter, till at laft the different
ftrata of earth which feparate them become fo near
to each other, as that the watery columns cannot be

* See plate No. I. diftiflguifhed j

[ *33 ]

diftinguifhed ; fo that the bafe appears to be only a
lump of frozen earth, to which thefe (lacks of co-
lumns (CD.) firmly adhere.

I (hould not have taken the trouble to defcribe
fo minutely as I have done this procefs of nature,
had I ever obferved it defcribed elfewhere j and be-
caufe it is very neceffary to be adverted to, feeing
it is ufually in confequence of that procefs that our
broad clover fields are fo frequently cut off by the
feverities of our winter, which will be eafily under-
stood by attending to the following remarks.

When any vegetable is growing on the foil thus
affected, the top of thefe columns of ice naturally
lay hold of it as it were, and adhere to it fo clofely
as to force it up along with them with a very ftrong
power. If the root penetrates the ground perpen-
dicularly, either the main root mud be broken off
by this force, applied as at E, or the lateral fibres
muft be all torn off from the principal root, fo as to
leave it entirely naked, and thus expofed to the in-
juries of the weather altogether defencelefs. When
a thaw comes, the columns of ice are melted away,
and the earth fubfides to its former bulk, fo that
the poor naked root (lands up as at F, and mull
infallibly perifh. Every attentive farmer muft have
remarked his broad clover drawn at times out of
the ground in this manner though he has not

perhaps

[ 234 ]

perhaps adverted to the procefs above defcribed, by
which it was effected. I have fometimes feen it
thus forced out of the ground, on foils of the nature
above defcribed, full fix inches j but in mellow cul-
tivated fields, it feldom exceeds one or two inches.

Spungy foils, of the nature above defcribed, are
therefore unfit for producing broad clover; and the
nearer they approach to the nature of thefe, the
more precarious will that crop be upon them : but
nothing of this fort happens, when the froft is ac-
companied by fnow to a fufficient depth.

In foils of the nature here defcribed, it is obferv-
able, that if the furface be covered with fibrous-
rooted graffes, they are not thus thrown out ; for as
thefe roots are generally numerous, and clofely in-
terwoven v/ith each other, they form fuch a clofe
furface, that the tops of the icy columns do not
appear divided $ but the whole furface is lifted up
with a confiderable ftratum of earth, fo that when
the thaw comes, the whole furface fubfides together,
and the roots quickly ftrike into the foil below; fo
that though the furface might be eafily peeled off
immediately after the thaw, in flakes, nearly as if it
had been pared off by a fpade, yet in a fhort time
the roots (hike into the loofe earth below, and it
becomes adhefive to the bottom as ufual. This

phenomenon,

[ ns ]

phenomenon, however, is never obfervable on any
other foils but thofe that are uncommonly fpungy,
particularly mofly foils; for the clofe furface of
grafs prevents the froft from penetrating it in others:
nor does the froft ever produce fuch devaftation on
any foil, when well covered with a coat of matt-
rooted grafies, as otherwife.

This being obvioufly the cafe, if ever reliance be
to be had on broad clover for a Jecond year's crop,
it is advifeable to fow with the clover a proportion
of rye-grafs. This is a very profitable practice, as it
much augments the weight of the firft cutting, and
makes it come fome weeks earlier than otherwife it
would have been. It alfo effectually prevents the
white gowans from appearing, which fo often render
a crop of red clover fown alone worth very little.
And as the clover afterward advances much more
quickly than the rye-grafs, the fucceeding cuttings
are as good as if no rye-grafs had been fown.

To guard the clover too, if reliance be to be had
upon it for the Jecond year y it mould never be cut
very late in the feafon, for this makes the furface
ib bare as to leave the roots very much expofed to
danger; but if it be cut pretty early in autumn, the
rye-grafs advances again in the end of the feafon,
after the clover has become ftationary, fo as to afford
a clofe covering that defends the roots pretty well.

[ 236 ]

By thefe precautions, I have been feldom difap*
pointed in my fecond year's crop of clover, though
it mllfometimes difappear almoft entirely: nor do I
think it polTible in our climate ever to guard againft
this accident with certainty *, where broad clover alone
is fown; fo that I fhould think it imprudent in any
one, in almoft any circumftances, to rely on that
fecond year's crop j I have therefore ever held it as a
tnaxim, that if a man is to depend on red clover
alone, he never fhould think of taking above onp
year's crop of it j but if he does refolve to have two
year's crops of grafs, he may always eafily infure
that, and frequently have them of red clover, though
not with certainty, if alone.

The rule I have ever followed to guard againft
every accident of this fort, is, to fow along with the
red clover a confiderable proportion of the white
or Dutch clover, and fome grafs. If the broad
clover flourifhes, thefe do not retard its growth, and
only tend to thicken it; and if it fhould fail, which
it fometimes will do in fpite of every precaution,
thefe plants fill the ground, and produce an abun-
dant crop of herbage, which affords a greater
weight and finer hay, than broad clover alone:
though they do not anfwer quite fo well for cutting
for green forage.

White

[ *37 ]

White clover fpreads its fibrous roots upon the
furface of the ground, and is not fo apt to be thrown
out as red clover ; nor is it ever deftroyed by any
accident, if the earth is rich and firm \ frequent
rolling makes it flourifh' abundantly, evert on light
foils i but without that, on fuch foils it inevitably
will perifh ; (by the term tight, I do not mean
fandy, as fometimes is fo exprefTed, but ground that
is not weighty ; we here call it deaf.)

If thefc hafty obfervations can be of any ufe to
the members of your fociety, they are much at
their fervrce.

Some years ago, I publifhed two volumes of
t€ Essays on Agriculture ;" in which I threw out
■ feveral obfervations on grafles, but the above are
not among them. There are few plants more va-
luable for certain purpofes than broad clover. But
there are many which injome rejpecls exceed it. I
muft not however longer trefpafs on your patience,
than to aflTure you that I fhall be ever happy to
contribute my mite to the advancement of fcience.

I am, your mod humble fervant,

JAMES ANDERSON.

N. B. The

[ *3« 1

N. B. The drawings [in Plate I.] are intended to give
fome idea of the progrefs of the icy columns. A. reprefents
three (lacks of one night old ; B. ditto, of two nights'
growth; C. ditto, of three j and D. a greater number, as
they appear after the froft has continued many days. On
all occafions there are numerous columns (hooting up by
the fide of one another, fo that the general furface of thp
ground is nearly as even as before the froft; though that
furface is by means ofthefe columns lifted a. good deal
higher than its natural level. D. reprefents a few fibrous-
rooted grafles on the furface of the ground. At E. is re-
prefented a (talk of broad -clover, with its root forced up
by the furrounding columns of ice, and broken off. F is
the fame root after a thaw, the columns of ice being
melted, the earth fubfided, and the plant falling down faded.
A feclion of the earth is here fuppofed to be made to (hew
the portion of the roots.

Article XIX.
Bijhop of Killalue's Method of cultivating Potatoes.

. [Given by him to Mr. Woodbine.]

WHEN your land is left in fuch an exfiaufted
condition, that it will not anfwer to plough
it again for a crop, the method of bringing it again
into Jieart by Potatoes is as follows ; —

Spread your manure fn lines (of about five or fix
feet broad) upon the ground, about twelve or four-
teen

[ *39 3

teen waggon-loads to an acre, leaving an interval of
about two feet and a half between every row of
manure. The intervals to be broader or narrower,
according to the depth of foil on the land $ where
the vegetable mould is fhalloweft, the intervals to
be broadeft. Then cut your potatoes into pieces,
leaving one eye (from whence a fmall fibre of the
root feems to grow) upon every piece : every one of
thefe eyes will produce a new plant. Then fpread
the pieces on the ground, at a foot or a foot and a
half diftance. Then fend in your diggers, and let
them dig out of the intervals as much earth as will
cover the pieces of potatoes about two inches.

As foon as the new plants all appear above
ground, fend in the diggers again, and cover the
plants completely. When they appear above ground
a fecond time, cover them again with earth dug out
of the intervals, taking care not to go much deeper
than the remaining vegetable mould ; though you
may venture to go a little into the thill or clay, as it
will tend rather to improve the land than otherwife ;
for lying at the top, it will not injure the vegeta-
tion ; and being expofed to the fun and dews, it
will be converted into fertile earth, in a feafon or
two, as well as the reft.

When

[ Ho ]

When the weeds have appeared and are fit to pull,
the crop mull be carefully weeded, and in the courfe
of the fummer, muft be weeded a fecond time.

If the potatoes are planted in the latter end of
March or even the beginning of April, they will be
come to their full growth before Michaelmas. They
muft then be dug out, and the land will be left in
condition to bear a good crop of wheat to be fown
at that feafon with a flight ploughing, at which
time the brows of the ridges fhould be partly
ploughed into the trenches, that the ground may be
in order for future crops, and then the whole of the
field properly covered with the crop. After this
hufbandry, the ground will be fit for a crop of barley
to fucceed the wheat, and then a crop of oats with
clover, &c.

N. B. By this courfe of hufbandry, the arable land of the
farm will never be fallow for a year, as the potatoe crop
fucceeds thelaft crop of oats, and will be well worth 2ol.
per acre; and the land by the digging will be left in finer
tilth than fourploughings will produce.

I twice tried an experiment, which anfwered be-
yond my expectations. Inftead of firft digging out
my potatoes, 1 cut the haulm with a fcythe, and
threw it into the trenches. I then fent the fower
to fow the land with wheat; then I had the potatoes

dug

C *4« ]

dug otit> and let the wheat take its chance of being
properly covered in the digging, and then gave it a
flight harrowing; and by this method I had a crop
of ten barrels to the acre j which I afcrlbed to the
feed being better covered by being dug in, than it
would have been by the harrow in the ufual way*
I do not, however, recommend this to be done the
firft time this husbandry is tried, though the expe-
riment may be made in one ridge only, and accord-
ing as that fucceeds, it may be purfued or not
hereafter.

July, 1786. THO. KILLALUE.

Article XX.
Observations on the Dijeafe called the Wind in Sheep.

[By Mr. J. Webb, Apothecary.]
CENtlEMEtf, Doynton^ GlouceJIerJhire.

NUMEROUS as the difeafes of the brute cre-
ation are, I believe they fuffer but little lefs
from them than from the abfurd means that fre-
quently are adminiftered for their relief arifing
from the generality of farmers being very ignorant
both of the/eat and caufe of the complaint. This

I attri-

t 242 ]

I attribute partly to the terms ufed for difeafes not
conveying any juft and proper ideas of them.

I have feenfeveral fheep, immediately after being
fhorn, appear to be in violent pain ; their fides are
fomewhat extended, and their breathing very fhort ;
the head is hung drooping, and they have a great
averfion to moving or walking, and generally lie
down. Thefe fymptoms continue increafing till the
fheep dies in a few hours, unlefs a violent purging
come on, which generally gives immediate relief.
On enquiring for the name given to this complaint,
I found it was called the Wind; but where the feat
of it lay, few could tell. Some thought it was in
the head, others in the lungs or lights, &c.; and
the remedies they applied were as various as their
opinions of the difeafe; fome giving gin, others
black pepper, or both thefe mixed together. Daffy's
elixir, and elder-berry fyrup, are fometimes ad-
miniftered.

Not fatisfied with thefe accounts, I endeavoured
(by infpedting the carcafes of fheep that died of the
difeafe) to difcover the caufe and feat of the com-
plaint. On opening four fheep that died of the
difeafe, I found all the inteftines rather diftended
with flatus,* but not in any great degree. Their

• From whence I fuppofe the term wind for this diforder originated.

blood-

[ *43 ]

blood-vefiels were very turgid and of a deep red,
particularly thofe of the large intcftinesy excepting
the rectum, (or what is commonly called the- tew-
gHt) which had a healthy appearance, as Jikewife
had the (tomach, milt, caul, liver, heart, hfngs or
lights, 6cC; and in fhort all the vifcera contained in
the cavity of the trunk. From thefe appearances I
will venture to fay, that the difeafe in queftion is a
violent inflammation of the inteftines; perhaps in
lb me meakue arifing from bruifes in (hearing, but
more fo from lofing a warm clothing, and being
iuddenly expofed to cold air and cold feeding.

I beg leave therefore to recommend to farmers,
that on the full appearance of the complaint, they
put the fheep into a liable or other warm place,
and immediately bleed it very freely. Bruife a
quarter of an ounce of Tome earn e feed, fuch

as carraway, anife, cummin, or fennel, and mix
thefe with two ounces of Glauber' purging falts in
a pint of water ; place it on nd make it boil

for a few minutes, then drain it off: thcnV

til TF

quarter of an ounce of powdered jalap, and while
lukewarm give the (beep a quarter of a pint of this
liquor (rh'ft well (haken together) eve: .our

It ihould have no food or cold water
till ■ but a little warm -water rhigHt be of

Vol. IV. R This

[ 244 ]

This remedy, I imagine, might be of fervice to
oxen, when blafted from putting them into frefh
clover •> but they being much larger and ftronger
animals, will require a dofe larger in proportion.
With the fame regulation I would recommend it
for the fret in horfes, as a better remedy than the
drenches commonly given.

I am, Gentlemen, your's &c.
08. 10, 1786. J. WEBB.

P. S. Perhaps it may appear ftrangc to recommend
glitters for horfes; but I am well afTured that one (cora-
pofed of fome tobacco boiled in a pint of water a few mi-
nutes, then ftrained off, and with the addition of a little
fweec oil or hog's lard) given as fuch, would greatly aflitf
the drench before recommended.

Article XXI.
On the Cultivation of Apple-Trees.

SIR,

T Have ever efteemed Apples as the moll: ufeful
-■* fruit cultivated in this kingdom. They are
placed on the tables of the great, and are within the
power of the cottager to enjoy; at whofe homely
board, when drefled in puddings or pyes, they may
be confidered as. a luxury.

Thefe

[ 245 ]

Thefe confiderations make me view with concern
the prefent neglect of orchards, where the old trees
are decaying without proper provifion being made
for the fucceeding age: for if a farmer plants frefh
trees, (which does not frequently happen) there
is feldom any care taken to propagate the better
forts, as his grafts are ulually taken promifcuoufly
from any ordinary kind, mod eafily procured in
his neighbourhood.* Hence arife the numberlefs
apple-trees, wich may almoft be faid to incumber
the ground, and occupy the room which a valuable
tree might poflefs.

I have heard it frequently remarked, that a good
apple is hardly ever to be procured but near large
towns; and in general I have found the obfervation
juft, owing, I conceive, principally to the inatten-
tion of the farmer, and fometimes to the difficulty
he finds in obtaining the bed forts.

* We hope For the credit of common fenfe, this is not literally the
cafe j few people would take the trouble of grafting without a view
to fome improvement j and in country places, the belt apple-trees
of the neighbourhood are fufficiently noted ; but if the f'pirit of im-
provement prevailed as it ought in this article, the owners of or-
chards would not only propagate the belt forts occasionally, but con-
itantly reduce their young apple-trees which were found to bear
ordinary fruit, to grafting ftocks for the moft valuable forts. By
fach a practice, git..: • >n would be made.

R 2 Could

[ 246 ]

Could thefe difficulties be obviated, I conceive
we ihould in a few years rind good apples at every
cottage, and greater choice at our country markets.

This being, in my opinion, an object of fome
utility, give me leave to fugged fome hints, which
you may pofiibly improve and render really ufeful.

After making a catalogue of the bed apples for
eating, baking, keeping, &c. fuppofe your fociety
were to procure grafts of each kind from the coun-
ties mod celebrated for the refpective forts : which,
I imagine, may be done by a fociety at a moderate
expence, as many gentlemen would be proud to
furnifh them; fo that the carnage would be the
only cod: fome might be purchafed tlnd given
away, without any great expence to the fociety.

I fear offering a premium for the; cultivation of

apple-trees, would be inadequate to the intent; as
fmall rewards, which mud neceflarily be difficult
and flow in their operation, would not raife a Tpirit
in farmers in general to puriue the object.

• I therefore think that the Bath Society (if they

m the fubjecr. worthy notice) might advertile

that they were collecting a quantity of grafts from

opple-tiees of fnperior kinds, which they meant to

diflribute

[ 247 ]

diitribute gratis to farmers and cottagers who ap-
plied'and engaged to cultivate them ; and that the
application muft be made either verbally or in
writing by a certain day, fpecifying the number the
party wifhes to have. And when the grafts are
ready, a fecond advertifement might give notice for
each perfon who has applied to call or fend for the
proportion allotted to him.

If the fociety alfo recommended to their corre-
fpondents and other gentlemen, a fimilar difpofal of
good grafts, round their rcfpe&ive neighbourhoods,
I fbould not doubt but in a very few years every
county would be plentifully fupplied with the bed

apples.

I am, Sir, your's, &c,

RICHARD SAMUEL.

[N. B. The fubftancc of this letter Is of great importance
to the nation -t for it muft be univerfally acknowleged
that the apple is the firft of fruits, as an article of family
conftimption, if not ns a luxury. In its different applica-
tions for cyder, for drefling as food, and for eating in its
natural flate, its flavour is of great c'onfcquencc to our
.lure, and perhaps of forjte to our health. For it is not
cafily fuppofablc, that a rough acrid cyder is equally whole-
ami plcafant fort, to a' s j —
■ni.l, and .
will pple-trees, t the
th publick attention to promote the
of the fineft fortf, as at once cheap, wliolcfome,
K j and

[ »4« 3

and grateful. It is a benrjolent object, likewife, when we
confidcr how eafily the palates of the middling and lower
clafles of our countrymen, who cannot afford the luxury of
more expenfive fruit, may be gratified by improving the
quality of this common and excellent fpecies.

From thefe confederations, it is hereby requefted, as a
fir ft ftep towards general improvement, that thofe gentle*
men, who have been particularly curious in the improve-
ment of their orchards, or in remarking the diftinctions
and excellencies of different forts of apples and pears,
would be fo obliging as to communicate their obfervations
on the fubje£t. by letter to the fecretary, as foon as they
conveniently can after reading this article. They are ear-
neftly requefted alfo to mention particularly the flavour and
properties of the forts they approve beft, for fummer ufe
and for long keeping ; likewife with what number of fcions
they could conveniently furnifh the fecretary for diftribu-
tion ; firft among the members of the fociety, and fe-
condly to others who may wifti to concur in the general
plan of improvement.]

Article XXII.
On the Degeneracy of Apples.
fin a Letter to the Secretary.}

SIR, Kcnfmgton^ Dec. 16, 1786.

>HpHE fubjecl: of the decay of the different forts
-*• of Apples, I have maturely conftdered, and
compared my ideas with thofe of men in long prac-
tice with myfelf, and find it is the general opinion,

that

[ 249 ]

that it is not a real decline in the quality of the fruit,
but in the tree, owing either to want of health, the
feafon, the foil, the mode of planting, or to the
(lock which they are grafted on, being too often
raifed from the feed of apples in the fame place or
county : it appears from the ablefl men in my pnp-
fefiion, that they never found a real decline in any
one kind of fruit, but from the above caufes.

To make a fair experiment, I mould be much
obliged to any gentleman that will take the trouble
to fend me a few cuttings, from thofe very trees, the
fruit of which is fuppofed to be degenerated from
the original goodnefs. I would graft them on the
real crab-flock, and fome alfo on the (lock raifed
from the apple-pips in this county ; then fend the
trees to the place where the cuttings came from j —
by which means (though the procefs is tedious) we
mall be able to afcertain, whether the change of (lock
will not reftore the fruit to its original goodnefs.

I have not a doubt in my own mind, but that the
trees which are grafted on the (locks raifed from the
apple-pips, are more tender than thofe grafted on
the real crab-dock; and the feafons in this country
have for many years pad been unfavourable for
fruits, which add much to the fuppofed degeneracy
of the apple. It is my opinion, that if planters of

orchards

[ *5o ]

orchards would procure the trees grafted on real
crab-Hocks from a diftant county, they would find
• account in fo doing much over-balance the
cxpence of charge and carriage.

My reafon for recommending the true crab-ftock
is, that I believe the crab to be a native of this
country ; but whether it is or not, we are fure it is
much hardier than the (locks raifed from apple-
pips, and there cannot be a doubt but the apple
was originally an exotic. The crab-flock will fuc-
ceed in many different foils, particularly in fliff,
cold, moifl ground, where the apple-flock will
canker and die. I recommend the crab-flock for
this reafon, as alfo that it is not fo early in vegeta-
ting as the apple; by which a few days may pre-
favc the flower from the cold blafls, and be the
means of faving a fine crop of fruit.

Your moll obedient fervant,

DAN. GRIMWOOD.

Article XXIII.
On the Culture of Parjnips.

TO cultivate this root fo as to make it prove
advantageous to the farmer, it will be right
to fow the feed in the autumn, immediately after it

[ *S1 3

is ripe, or come to perfection j by which means the
plants will appear early the following fpring, and
will get ftrong before the weeds can grow to injure
them. Frofts never affect the feed, nor do the
young plants ever materially fufTer through the fc-
writy of the feafons. Not only on this account, but
for many other reafons, the autumn is preferable to
the fpring fowing, as the weeds at this time will
keep pace with the parfnips; and often when they
are hoed or cleaned, great part of the crop is pulled
up, cut out, or otherwife deftroyed, as they are
(when fown in the fpring) fo fmall when they firft
appear, as not eafily to be diftinguimed from the
weeds j and if no rains fall at that feafbn, fome of
the feed will not vegetate till late in the fummer $
and the few plants that do appear, will fcarce pay
the expence of cleaning them; befides, they will
never grow to any fize, but be dicky or cankered,
and confequently will be dcflitute of nutrimental
juice ; while on the contrary, thofe that are fowu
in the autumn will be large, free from the defects of
the others, and fully anfwer the expectation of the
cultivator.

The bed foil for parfnips is, a rich deep loam;
next to this is fand, or they will thrive well in a
black gritty foil ; but will never pay for cultivating
in ftone-brafh, gravel, or clay foils; and they alw

are

[ 252 ]

are the largeft where the earth is the deepeft. Dry-
light Jand is pleafing to them, but wet, ftiff, or hide-
bound land is deftructive. If the foil be proper,
they do not require much manure. The writer hath
obtained a very good crop for three fuccefllve years,
from the fame land, without ufing any ; but when
he laid at the rate of about forty cart-loads of fand
per acre upon a very ftiff loam, and ploughed it in,
he found it anfwered very well, from which he con-
cludes that a mixture of foils may be proper for
this root.

It is moft advifeable to fow the feed in drills at
about 1 8 inches diflant from each other, that the
plants may be the more conveniently hand or horfc-
hoed; and they will be more luxuriant if they un-
dergo a fecond hoeing, and are carefully earthed fo
as not to cover the leaves.

Thofe who have not ground to fpare, or cannot
get it in proper condition to receive the feed in the
autumn, may at that time fow a plot in their garden,
or the corner of fome field, and may tranfplantfrom
thence the latter end of the month of April, or early
in the May following. The plants .muft be care-
fully drawn from the feed plot, and the land that is
to receive them fhould be well pulverized by har-
rowing and rollings and when it is thus ordered, a

furrow

[ 253 ]

furrow flioukl be opened with the plough about fix
or eight inches deep, in which the plants fhould be
regularly laid at abqut the diftance of ten inches
from each other, taking care not to let the root be
bent, but for the plant to ftand perpendicular after
the earth is clofed about it, which fhould be im-
mediately done by means of perfons who fhould for
this purpofe follow the planter with a hoe ; and he
muft not forget that the plants will be injured if the
leaves are covered. Another furrow muft be
opened about 1 8 inches from the lad, in the fame
direction, and planted as before -, and fo in like
manner till all the plants are depofited, or the field
is completely cropped; and when the weeds appear,
hoeing will be necefTary, and it will be right after-
wards to earth them.

There is no doubt but many may difapprove of
the method of transplanting parfnips, yet fome may
be induced to try the experiment, when they con-
sider that they may perform it at a time when there
is little befide to be done in a farm, and that their
crop will be more certain; for if they are planted
after rain, they will not be checked by the removal,
nor will they be injured by weeds, or the ground
fuffer fo much by being thus planted, as otherwife it
would do, if the feed wer$ fown in the autumn.

[ *54 J

It is wrong to plant parihips by means of dib-
bling, as the ground thereby becomes fo bound as
feldom to admit the fmall lateral fibres (with which
thefe plants abound) to fix or work in the earth, on
which account they are prevented from expanding
thernfelves, and never attain their proper fize.

If people would in general be attentive to the
foil, the feafon for fowing, the cleaning and earth-
ing the plants, and raifing their feed from the largeft
and. beft parfnips, (which fhould be felecled and
tranfplanted for this purpofe) there is no doubt but
fuch a crop would anfwer much better than a crop
pf carrots i they are equal if not iliperior for fatting
pigs, as they make their flefh whiter, and they eat
them with more fatisfaction. When they are clean
warned and diced among bran, horfes eat them
greedily and thrive therewith • nor do they heat
them, or like corn fill them with diforders.

It is reported, that cows and oxen are fond of
parihips ; if fo, they are certainly well worth a far-
mer's attention, efpecially in countries where there
is a fcarcity of fodder. The writer therefore flat-
- s himfelf, the foregoing directions may prove
ferviceable to gentlemen or farmers, who are fo cir-
cumfianced; and begs to affure :hc Society he fhall

t a55 1

imes be happy to : communicate to them the
little knowledge he poileflcs or may acquire.

Lhtk!c J. HAZARD.

o — i Hum —

;
Article XXIV.

unt of the Culture, Expcnces> and Produce o/JPo-
s, per acrcy about llford, and the adjacent
Parijhes, fix miles Eaft of London.

THE foil on which the bed crops are raifed,
is a ftrongifh loam, not quite approaching to
clay. The manure ujfed is rotten dung, which is
laid on juft before planting, in the proportion of
from 15 to 20 loads per acre.

Twenty-four bufbels, cut into lets of one or two
good eyes each, are planted per acre, at 15 inches
nee, and kept clean by hoeing, in which tile
earth is drawn up round the plants as they advanrfc
in height. The produce on ah average, ten tons
per acre — 1 261bs. to the hundred weight.

They take them up with a broad three-tin'd fork,
at three guineas per acre. The average expence

per

[ 256 ]

per acre, every charge included, is about ten pounds.
Their value for feeding hogs, 25s. per ton; at
which valuation they are worth only 12K 10s. which
leaves a profit of only 2I. 10s. But the growers
generally make double that price at the London
market, which brings the profit to 15I. per acre. —
They feldom fow potatoes more than two years on
the fame land, without an intervening crop.

The Aylefbury i^hite is moftly planted for the
table i but the Ox-noble is mod productive for cattle.

W. BRAINES.

Article XXV.
On the Depravation of sfypk-Trees.

[From Mr. Gillingwater, of HarleJlon> addrcfTed to
Mr. John Wagstaffe, Norwich*]

IObferved in the Ipfwich Journal of Saturday
lad, that circular letters were lent from the Se-
cretary of the Bath Agriculture Society, relative to
a reprefentation made to that Society, viz. cc That
in mod of the counties, and particularly in that of
Worcefter, the old and belt kinds of apples are
nearly loft 3 and that by perfons converiant in fruit-
trees

t *S7 1

crees it is apprehended, they will in a few years be
entirely gone." I mud acknowledge, that I wa9
(truck with the reprefentationj and it immediately
occurred to me, the converfation which we lately
had at Harlefton, when I obferved to you the dan-
ger which orchards of apple-trees, when planted too
near each other, were expofed to, from the mixture
of various farina : and this, I apprehend, is the caufe
of the degeneracy of all the old and bed kind of
apple-trees in the great cyder counties of this king-
dom, which is here complained of; and which the
Society fo earneftly requefts its members to extend
their enquiries concerning.

This conjecture appears to me extremely reafon-
able -, for if the great variety of apples, and alfo
other fruits, be produced by the cafual intermixture
of different farina, the fruit alfo itfelf mull be af-
fected. The old and bed kinds of apple-tree*, I
apprehend, are not loft at all, but are only corrupted
from being planted too near bad neighbours: — re-
move them to a fituation where they are not ex-
pofed to this inconvenience, and they will imme-
diately recover their original excellency.

The Society informs us, that their trees of the
beft kind are nearly loft, but not altogether fo. The
reafon I conceive for this diftinction is, that fome

few,

£ *S» ]

few, having the advantage of being fituated where
they are not injured by the farina^of other trees of
inferior kind, retain their primitive qualities ; whilfc
others, which are planted indifcriminately in large
quantities in orchards, are alnioft ; totally fpoiled,
from the farina of other furrounding trees, which
intermixes with them.

Your's, &c.

Uarlefion, EDM. pj^^^^tER^

July 10, 1786.

■

An Advertence to the foregoing.

THE remarks of my friend refpecting the pro-
bable alteration in the diftinguiming quality and
flavour of fruits, by an indifcriminate planting of
various fpecies of apple-trees together, are unquef-
tionably well founded \ but whether the entire de-
pravity can be conquered, and a perfect. regenera-
tion of the original fpecihxk quality of the fruit "be
recovered, is a matter of queflion. For we may
confider the circulation of the lap in trees as fome-
what analogous to that of the fluids in animated*
bodies; and that the latter imbibes falubrity and
contagion from the approximation of different fub-
jecb; whereby a conibtutional change is fometimes
effected.

Now

[ *59 1

Now the degeneracy of the bed fpecies of apples
from the aforementioned caufc being allowed; and
as there is an acknowledged flow of the elementary
fluid to the blofibm, and to its fruit, and in refluent
fucceffion from both, what thefe receive or imbibe
may, by a repeated circulation, alter the habit of the
tree. This fpeculation might have been too much
refined, had not it been experienced, that a fcion in-
grafted hath not always produced that fpecifkk fruit
from whence it was prefumed to be taken -, and that
the mere infertion of the bud in inoculation hath,
without fenlible vegetation, altered the habit of the
plant in which it was inferted.

The fir ft inftance has been attefted by fome prac-
tical obfervers; the latter is founded on an experi-
ment related by Bradley, under his " particular
proofs of the fap's circulation in plants;" where he
mentions the " inoculation of fome of the paflion-
tree, whofe leaves were fpotted with yellow, into one
of that fort of paffion-tree which bears the long
fruit. Now though the buds did not take, yet in a
fortnight's time the yellow fpots began to (hew
thcmfelves above the inoculation, and in a fhort
time after appeared on a (hoot which came out of
the ground from another part of the plant."

Vol. IV. S Never-

[ c6o ]

Neverthelefs, the difcriminate planting propofed
by my friend will generally apply to the preferva-
tion of the original difti action of the fruit; for whe-
ther the farina be wafted by the breeze, or winnowed
by the wings of infects, it muft be in a contiguity
of trees that the alteration mud: arife.

It is true, that bees, wild and domefticated, with
many other infects, infert their bodies within the
neftarium of the bloflbm, and that there is a fre-
quent adhefion to their downy fides of the impreg-
nating dull ; which is not unfrequently conveyed to
a various fpecies of bloffom, from that whence
it was received. — Still, were it not for the conti-
guity of the various trees, no fenfible change would
be effected. by the infect becoming an auxiliary to
thz/urer impregnation of thofe trees of the genus
wifhed to be preferved from depravity. This pre-
caution will equally apply to a valuable fpecies ob-
tained from feed, or an undegenerated old fpecies
to be extended; as the planting either ■, fomewhat
remote from other apple-trees, will be certainly out
of the flight of the farina, or the probable conveyance
of it by infects; which rarely quit a vicinity that
fupplies their nutriment, but to depofit their extract
in the common repofitory.

It is a piece of juftice to advert to fome fubfe-
quent remarks from my friend, that "no dege-
neracy

[ *6i ]

neracy v., to be apprehended from the proximity of
other fruit-trees; as the admirable difpofition of the
receptacle to its farina, denies every urigenerical
impregnation."

Norwich, JOHN WAGSTAFFE.

Nov. 9, 1787.

Article XXVI.
On the Cultivation of Flax and Hemp.

SIR, JFifiub.Julyii, 17S4.

fN anfwer to your letter, I have applied to a
A friend of mine who has had many years' expe-
rience in cultivating both Flax and Hemp j and he
informs me as follows, viz.

ift. The ufual price of flax- feed is 2I. 2s. per
coomb j the quantity fown is two bufhels per acre.

idly. As to manure, there is none laid upon land
where you intend to fow flax j but it mull be ci

or fward land.

•

3dly. If the land be fward land, or what we call
grafs land, it mult be ploughed but once, and har-
rowed fine. As to mf rich land, it will bring tur-
nips, wheat, or clover, &c. after the flax is off.

S 2 4thly. The

[ *6a ]

^ihly. The crop, managings and getting into the
barn, cofts fomewhat about 3I. per acre. The pro-
duce is from 20 to 50 (tone per acre, according to
the land. As to the fcore, I have fold at 5I. 61.
and 7I. per fcore.

$tbly. It does not impoverifh the land, but rather
improves it.

P. S. You mould have an experienced man to
fow it, as there are but few who underftand that
bufinefs. And likewife when it is fit to pull, one
who knows when to put it into the dike, and when
to take it out, as there is a great deal of difficulty in
managing that point, without fpoiling the flax.

I am, your humble fervant,

JAMES ELLERKER.

Article XXVII.
Defcription of a Comb-Pot, to be ufed with Pit Coal,

Invented by John Ashman, of Abbey-Milton> Dorfet. [

■
Sir, Sarum, Ofl. 24, 1786.

THE fketch of a comb -pot I here fend you,
was invented by John Ashman, who has
been in our fervice about fix months. He worked

( V -ay / Pol /br fin rnt\ f
Common Comt

PI. /

7^ Transpta»lrr

lev Columns

»<E

fftl

•'YKv

[ 263 ]

it two years and a half at Abbey -Milt on > and three
years and a half at Blandford-, and is very anxious to
prefent it for the approbation of the Bath Society.

Your obedient fervant,

DAN. & THO. DYKE.

Plate I. Fig. i. The furnace for water, which con-
tains a fmaller one, keeping the fuds of the fecond warning
the wool, for to be ufed with the next quantity of wool the
firft way.

Fig. 2. A tin chimney for conveying the fmoke, (and
carried higher in any direction made of tin) the lower part
of which is made almoft globular, for the better conveniency
of taking away the four fmaller ones from the top of the
furnace, [fig. 3. 3. 3. 3.] to clean the fame tubes continued
through the furnace, clofe to the fide at equal diitences,
and directly over each fire-place.

Fig. 4. 4. (with two more on the other fide) The fire-
place doors.

Fig. 5. 5. Cocks for drawing off the water and fuds.

Fig. 6. 6. Covers to the furnaces.

Fig. 7. 7. (with two more on the other fide) Spaces be-
tween each fire-place, for receiving the combs to heat on
a caft-iron plate.

Fig. 8. 8. (and two more) Large wires on iron-prates,
projecting a diftance fufficient to prevent the wool from
linging in the combs while heating; each place heating
one pair of combs.

S3 /tf.9.9.

[ ^4 ]

Fig. 9. 9. Ail iron plate, for making the fire on, with
holes to let the afhcs through.

Fig. 10. A front to receive the afhes on ; and at four
equal diftances bricks to fupport the upper part.

Fig. n.^A place for the pit-coal, fupporting in like
manner the afhes. Plate, &c. as the lad defcribed.

Fig. 12. 12. Handles for taking off the furnace.

The above pot is made of a circular form, lefFened in the
middle for receiving the handles of the combs while heating*

Article XXVIII.

On the Diforder called the Blaft in Sheep ;

Sir, Wiley ) Wilts, May 7, 1787.

F N our county we breed many fheep, and manure
. the fallows, &c. with them. After having penn'd
them all night, when they are driven into frefh grals,
or young clover, they are frequently taken with
what we call the Blast ; that is, they over-gorge
themfelves, foam at the mouth, (well exceedingly,
breathe very quick and fhort, then jump up, t and
fall down dead inftantly. This is fo frequent a dif-
order, and.fo great a lofs, that a neighbour of mine
had 17 die in one morning — indeed within half an
hour ; for they are often taken with it many at a
time. We have no remedy, ever known as yet,

but

[ *6j ]

but driving them into a bare place like a road, and
keeping them in motion j — but it is (o fudden, there
is not time for that in general. It is a diforder not
unfrequent in cattle j and having a cow taken in
manner, I had heard that, by dabbing her.in
the maw, I flood a chance of faving her life — I did
thiss the matter flew out, gave inftant relief to the
cow, (he did well, artd has had two calves fince. I
therefore refolved to try the fame with my fheep,
and have fucceeded to my wifh. The way I per-
form it is as follows : —

The fheep will fwell confiderably on the left fide
(or what you would call the nigh fide of a horfe)
near the kidneys, behind the ribs, which is near the
flank j the fwelling is very protuberant, and there
is mark enough, (about three inches) where if you
dart your knife in, you mud at this time go inftantly
into the maw; the food or matter immediately flies
out, gives relief, and with only Common applica-
tions of a horfe-doclor's mixture of bees-wax, rofin,
greafe, &c. the fheep is fure to do well. All my
neighbours were furprifed at my fuccefs, as it was
quite new to them and to all the fhepherds around.

I am, Sir, your humble fervant,

Wm. potticary.

(

Article

[ 266 ]

Article XXIX.

A Continuation of Experiments in the Drill Hujbandry.

[By Sir John Anstruther, Bart.]

Experiment of Drilled Barley — Crop, 1786.

IN 1785, 3 A. 2 R. 20 P. of Englifh

■*• meafure were drilled with fome Lincolnfhire
barley. Part of this was one acre, upon which the
experiment of tranfplanted wheat, and dibbled wheat
and barley, was made laft year. The remainder
was after carrots and cabbages, and as it was not
manured for thefe, it had a top-drcfling of dung.
Upon that were drilled 4^ bufhels of Winchefter
meafure -, thefe were drilled after the plough, by a
man following the plough, and dropping the feed
by hand -, a fecond plough followed and covered
this ; and the third furrow was fown and covered in
the fame manner : by this plan the rows were at 1 8
inches diuance; thefe were hand-hoed once at the
expence of 10s. The produce was 147 bufhels,
which is nearly 32 for one, and is 401 bufhels per
Englifh acre.

The reft of the field was fown broadcaft at the
fame time, with the fame grain; the fame quantity
of this was meafured, viz. 3 A. 2 R. 20 P. and the

proportion

[ 267 ]

proportion of feed to this meafure was i6* bufhels,
or about 4-' per acre. This was after turnips, for
which the kind was previoufly manured. The pro-
duce was 1 14 bufhels, which is nearly 7 after one,
and 31I bufhels per Englifh acre.

Produce of the drilled

ere - - 401

Deduct the feed - ij

Broadcaft produce 311
Deduct the f«ed - 4^/ g

> a

Clear produce 27J

Clear produce 39!
Produce of the drilled fuperior 12} bufhels.

In the account of the experiment of the drilled
barley lad year, it was omitted to mention the
quantity of ground drilled, and of the broadcaft.
The quantity was 2 A. 20 P.; and the fame quan-
tity was meafured of the field which was in broad-
caft:— it was drilled as above defcribed, and fown
under furrow.

Experiments 1786.

Half an acre was drilled with wheat, and horfe-
hoed. This was once ploughed after a crop of
barley, drilled at 18 inches. It was defigned to
have been ploughed in ridges 4 feet #\ inches,
which Ihould have made 21 ridges, as the breadth
was 33 yards j but by the ploughman's want of
experience in ploughing ftraight ridges, they were
unequally broad, and there were only 17 ridges.

[ 268 ]

It was drilled the 21ft of October 1785, with
two rows of wheat upon each ridge, with partitions
of 14 inches; two intervals three feet four inches.
It was fowed with a peck and a half; was four
times horfe-hoed; twice from, and twice to, the
rows; and three times hand-hoed in the partitions
and rows.

October 21ft, upon a ridge 74 yards long, and
four broad, which is the 16th part of an acre, were
tranfplanted ten rows of wheat plants, at nine
inches diftance every way, from feed fown in a
garden the end of Auguft, and two rows from feed
fown in May.

Nov. 1 2th, another ridge of the fame dimenfions
was planted with plants (from feed fown in Auguft)
at the fame diftance. At the fame time one ridge
was dibbled of the fame dimenfions with wheat, at
nine inches, and the wheat dropped in the holes,
and from one grain to 1 5 per hole, and two rows
of each.

March 31ft, two ridges of the fame dimenfions
(viz. the eighth of an acre) were planted with
plants, at the- fame diftance, from feed fown in
Auguft.

[ 269 ]

In July and Auguft, viewed the experiments,
and found a high wind fome days before had broken
down a great deal of the drilled wheat ; and that,
in the horfe-hoed, the earth had not been properly
ploughed up to the rows, and as the earth was fine
and loofe, it had fo fallen down from the roots that
the plants had little fupport from the earth on one
fide, and the weight of ears with the high winds
had made them fall over, by reafon of that want of
fupport. The earth was hoed up to the rows,
which I found fupported the (terns from falling
over. The very dry feafon, of the froft in winter,
or fome other caufe, had deftroyed a great deal of
the drilled wheat, as well as the dibbled and trans-
planted. In many places there was from one to
two feet deftroyed : thefe had been filled up by
tranfplanting the 21 ft of April, but many of them
died ; or were fmall plants and fmall ears, and not
above three or four ears to a plant.

There appeared at this time no difference be-
tween what was tranfplanted in October and No-
vember, or between thole from the ked in May
and Auguft, But the two ridges tranfplanted the
31ft of March was the worit crop, and much
greener than that tranfplanted before winter, ha-
ving but nine ortenftems on the beft plants ; but

many

[ *7° ]

many of the other had 16. The ridges dibbled
with grain in November, appeared at this time a
better crop, and the ears larger than the tranf-
planted. On counting the ears, it did not appear
there were more from the holes where there were
12 and 15 grains, than where there were fewer
grains planted.

The tranfplanted and dibbled were much lels
layed over by the wind than the drilled; which
appeared to be from the items fupporting each
other, and "the earth about the roots being firmer
than the drilled, which had lefs fupport on one fide,
from the earth not being properly layed to the
flems. Thefe were reaped the 2 2d of September.
That tranfplanted in March was not quite fo ripe
as the other.

The drilled half acre produced five bufhels and
two pecks; which is at the rate of 11 bufhels per
acre: — had there been 21 ridges, it would have
been in proportion 13 upon 21 ridges. The nume-
rous gaps or blanks, and ears broke down and loft
by the wind, made this a bad crop.

To fee what the produce might have been if it
had been equally good, the ears and giains of fome
yards were counted of the drilled rows, and, where

equally

[ 27I ]

Equally good, fome yards of a fingle row produced
124 ears, fume 102; and the average of thefe
counted, was 113 ears per yard of a fingle row.
Some ears produced 80 grains per ear; the lowed
was 50, and the average 61 ; and the number of
grains per ounce was 880. The ears multiplied by
the grains, and divided by &80, is 7J- ounces per
yard, of fingle rows; there being 14 ridges of the
above breadth in an acre, this made 5992 yards of
fingle rows, exclufivc of head ridges ; this would
be at the rate of 49 bufhels per acre, had it been all
equally good, and 28 rows in the breadth of the acre.

The produce of the two ridges tranfplanted in-}2?. P.
October and November, being the eighth of J- 2 2
an acre J

That of the two tranfplanted the 31ft of March -10
The one ridge dibbled with wheat in different 7
quantities, being the 16th of an acre - -J

At this rate the proportions would be per acre,

That tranfplanted before winter - - - 20 o
That planted with grain - - - - 16 o
That tranfplauted the 31ft of March - -80

The produce of thefe experiments is but fmall;
but could they have been compared with the broad-
caft this year, they would have made a better

appearance

[ 27* ]

appearance than by comparing them with good
crops of other years, as the broad- caft crops of
wheat in general were very thin and bad this year5.
One thing was to the difad vantage of thefe experi-
ments:— they were made upon a part of that which
was in drilled barley laft crop; and fome of the
barley had been fhaked out, which fprung up early,
and made it necefTary to hoe it early to deftroy it.
Of the tranfplanted, a great many of the plants had
1 6 ears ; and if a crop were equally good, the pro-
duce would be very great, even allowing each to"
produce on an average eight ears, as each plant has
a fpace of nine inches fquare, this is 77440 plants,
and at the above average of the drilled at 6 1 grains
per ear, and 880 grains per ounce, the produce
would be 44 bufhelsj therefore it appears the ears
were not above four per plant.

The fmall produce of the tranfplanted, it may be
fuppofed, might have been occafioned by being
badly planted 5 but the dibbled was worfe, that was
not liable to that accident. And we do not find
the planted wheat, where practifed, produced fo
great crops as might be expected.

Whether thefe methods are more liable to ac-
cidents than the broadcaft, experience and more
extenfive practice may difcover.

Thefe

[ *73 ]

Thefe fmall unfuccefsful experiments by no means
prove the method bad, but the bad execution or un-
favourable kafon; and from thefe we fee what great
produce they may yield when properly executed in
more favourable feafons ; as in a former experiment
the drilled was much more fuccefsful, although this
is fo bad. And it is to be hoped, as many of the
intelligent correfpondents of the Society have prac-
tifed the drilled hufbandry, that their experience
will fhew it to be as profitable as many former
practifers of it have fhewn.

J. ANSTRUTHER.

Article XXX.

An Account of a Series of Experiments made hyMfa
Nehemiah Bartley, on his Farm near BriflvL

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]
Sir, Brifiol, Nov, i, 1787.

I" Take the liberty of communicating to the So-

ciety, fuch of my experiments in agriculture as

I thought might merit notice, made within thefe

ten years paft — die term afilgned by the Society in

their Premium-book 1786.

Nothing

[ *74 ]

Nothing fhort of an inflitution, like that of the
Bath Society, would be in any degree adequate to
the due regiftry of experiments in agriculture, and
to their tranfmiflion for the advantage of pofterity.
Since the eftablifhment of that Society, the ma-
nagement of my farm hath been greatly directed to
promote its general defign: and yet I am almoft
afhamed to confidcr how barren I find myfelf of
ufeful experiments.

The endeavours of an individual are very limited,
frequently interrupted, and fometimes wholly de-
feated, from a variety of occurrences -} befides that
an experiment, conducted perhaps fuccefsfully for
months, or even for years, is probably loft, in the
lofs of only a few hours.

The cultivation of the land, as it is an employ-
ment the moft innocent in its nature, fo is it the
mod neceffary and ufeful. It is the foundation and
fupport of all others. Trade could not fubfiil
without it, and perhaps it is the only employment
of which it may be faid, that the whole community
flourifhes in proportion to the profperity of the in-
dividual engaged in it.

No. I. Experiment on deep Ploughing.
From the experiments and reafoning of MonsT
Chateauvieux, Du Hamel, and others, I was

determined

[ *75 ]

determined to try the effects of deep ploughing;
for this purpofe I provided myfelf with a very (tout
plough, and began with a piece of land about 5 acres
on Briflington Common, to which my experiments
have been moftly confined. The foil a rich loamy
fand, the colour that of a hazel-nut when fully ripe:
the upper ftratum of a pretty uniform quality, to
the depth of from 2\ to 4 feet. In the firft place,
I had to contend with the prejudice of the plough-
man, who, for what reafon he knew not, very
ftrongly objected to deep ploughing; however, I
foon brought him to fubmiflion, and not without
much labour he performed the bufmefs to my en-
tire fatisfacYion: — the general depth was about
nine inches.

During the operation, the ground was vifited by
moll of the farmers in the neighbourhood, and the
method univerfally exploded. By fome it was faid
I fhould not plough for them, though I would do
it for nothing; by others, that the land would not
recover for feven years; and again, that it would be
quite ruined. From all this I was not difcouraged,
and after giving the land two other ploughings,
which were performed with eafe and pleafure to
the ploughman, it was cropped with Lammas wheat,
and the produce was eftimated, by fome of thefe
very farmers, at 40 bufhels per acre. The next

Vol. IV. T year

t *76 ]

year it was manured with about 20 putt-loads of a
compofition, confiding of half hog dung, and half
virgin earth, part of the fame field, and planted
with potatoes. This crop was kept free from
weeds, well hoed and earthed up, the produce not
lefs than 140 facks, or 560 Winchefter bufhels per
acre. Next it was fown with flax-feed, and pro-
duced two packs per acre, the pack 2401b. After
this two fucceeding crops of hoar- wheat, both good,
fay about 30 bufhels each crop per acre.

The laft feafon it was fown with black oats, and
layed down widi clover and ray-grafs feed. The
oats I eitimate at 64 bufhels per acre, which will
appear moderate in comparifon of an experiment
upon that grain, which I lhall note in the fequel.

I attribute greatly to deep and frequent plough-
ing, the fuccefs of thefe crops, and I perfift in the
fame method. It is probable, however, that fome
degree of caution may be neceffary on particu-
lar foils.

No. II. Experiment on Turnips — 1782.

Four acres of ground were divided into two equal
parts -, one half manured with four putt-loads of
foapers wafte afhes, and the other remained with-
out any manure. Turnip feed was fown on both

C 277 1

at the fame time. The manured part proved an
excellent crop, the other quite deftroyed by the fly.

No. 1 1 1 . On the Culture of Flax.

The foil a rich loamy fand, five acres, as per ex*
periment No. I.

expences. £. si d.

Rent of 5 acres, at 40s. - * - - 10 o o

Two ploughings, at 5s. each - - 2100

Sowing and harrowing, at is. - - 050

Fifteen bufhels feed, at 7s. - - - 5 5°

Pulling the flax, at 8s. per acre - - 200

Watering and preparing, about 10s. per ditto 2 10 o
Swingling or dreflirig, &c. 203 dozen, at is. 8d.

per dozen - - - - - 16 18 4

Ripling the feed, at 8s. per acre - - 200

Contingencies, at 5s. per acre - - 150

£•42 13 4
N.B. It is to be obferved, that I have not
charged any of thefe experiments with tithe; the
common being as yet exempt from tithe.

PRODUCE.

Ten packs of flax, at 5I. 5s. -
Thirty-five bufhels of feed, at 5s. -

£. s. d.

52 10 0

8 15 0

Deduct expences -

61 5 0
42 13 4

Profit -
or 3I. 14s. 4d. per acre.

T 2

18 11 8

The

t m ]

The management of flax is tedious and difficult
in thefe parts, by reaibn of the fcarcity of proper
workmen. Thofe we have are emigrants from the
Weft, and take every opportunity of irhpofing on
the inexperience of young farmers. Befides it
appears to me that flax-growers ought to -make it
their ftaple article, and to confider the other parts
of their farm as in fubferviency. to it. For the pie-
fent, therefore, I have difcontinued this culture. If
I miftake not, there is a parliamentary bounty of
13s. 4d. per pack to the growers.
1

No. IV. On Jerufalem Artichokes.

At a confiderable expence and trouble, I pro-
cured of thefe roots fufficierit to plant half an acre
of ground, but I have them now in great plenty.
I find the produce to be about 480 Winchefter
bufhels per acre* and I think they are about equal
in value to potatoes for feeding Ilore-pigs, fuch as
are not lefs than five or fix months old. For fat-
ting hogs, I do not find they are near fo valuable as
potatoes. But their chief recommendations are, the
certainty of the crop, that they flourifh in almoft
any foil, and do not require any manure, at leaft for
fuch a produce as I have ftated. They are proof
againft the fevereft froft, and may be taken out of
the ground as occafion may ferve. Whereas po-
tatoes are foon affected with froft, and mult there-
fore

[ 279 ]

fore be fecured before the winter feafon fets in. I
generally plant three or four acres in a feafon.

Expences per acre— drills 31 feet afunder, fets
nine inches — time, beginning of March.

Rent ....

Two ploughings, at 5s.
Four facks of fets, at 2s.
Flat hoeing

Earthing up twice, at 2s. 6d,
figging 120 facks, at 3d.

PRODUCE,

£•

One hundred and twenty facks, at 2s.

Deduct expences -

Profit - £.7 14 6

No. V. On Woad.

Having been in converfation with fame growers
of woad, who refide at Keynfham, a place famous
for the manufacture of this valuable dye-ftuff, it was
aflerted by them, that the growth of woad was pe-
culiar to their foil and fituation, and that the foil
of BriGington would by no means fuit it; and in-
deed there is a very confiderable difference in thefe;
that of Keynfham, where the woad is raifed, being
T 3 a blackifh

[ *8o ]

a blackifh heavy mould, with a good proportion of
clay, but* works freely j whereas the foil ofBrifling-
ton is moftly fuch as I have defcribed it. I know
of none fimilar to that of Keynfham j yet I refolved
to prove how far their aiTertion was well founded j
and obtaining fome feed from one of the needy fort,
J fowed half an acre on the common, an exceeding
fine tilth, and a better crop I never faw in Keynfham.
I could not prevail on any of the Keynfham growers
to purchafe it, although but about two miles diftantj
and not having either apparatus or judgment to
manufacture, I fuffered it to run to feed, gaining;
only from the experiment, that it is of a very eafy
culture, and might be made general, and that the
only difficulty is in, the preparing it for market.

No. VI. On Coriander Setd.

March 22d, 1783, fowed ten perch with cori-
ander-feed, the foil a good fandy lpamt

EXPENCES.

£. ii d.

Three ploughings -

016

Sowing and harrowing

001

Four pounds of feed, at 3d.

010

HarvefHng -

003

Ripling -

016

Rent z

020

£-o 5 10

Produce,

[ *8> ]

Produce. £. t. d.

87 pounds of coriander feed, at 3d. - 119

Deduct expences - 0510

Profit £.0 15 11
or 15I. 1 8s. 4d. per acre.

I have fincc made feveral larger experiments in
this article, but none has proved fo good a crop as
the preceding; yet all of them fuch as to afford a
good profit. There is a ready fale for it with the
diftillers, druggifts, and confectioners. The former
purchafe very large quantities — the price varies
from 1 6s. to 42s.

No. VII. On Brining Seed-Wheat.

At my outfet in farming, I had frequently fmutty
wheat, until, about feven years ago, I adopted the
brining method, which, excepting in one instance,
I have invariably purfued, and faving that inftance
my crops have been invariably free from fmut. The
method is this : —

Mix fait with common water till it is capable of
bearing an egg floating on its furface; introduce
the feed wheat, well ftirring it about, fo that the
light imperfect grains and other refuie rwatter may
fwim at the top j this muft be carefully fkimm'd

off

[ 282 ]

off from time to time till none arife -, let it remain
the fpace of 12 to 16 hours; after which drawing
off the brine at a fpigot or cock below, placed
there for that purpofe, take away the feed grain,
and after fuffering the remaining moifture to drain
off a little, fprinkle it with fine powdered lime, or
wobd-afhes, it will then immediately be in a proper
condition for fowing. Although I remember that
fome years paft, a fudden and fevere froft inter-
rupting our fowing, fome feed thus prepared re-
mained fo a full month, was afterwards fown, and
vegetated as perfectly as if it had been fown imme-
diately. The fame brine will anfwer equally for
any operations, and even for years, only fupplying
the lofs abforbed by the grain.

No. VIII. On Spring Wheat.

, April 9th, 1784, fowed 11 acre of fpring wheat,
the ..produce was \o\ facks or 45 { Winchefter
bufhels. It being an unufual feafon for fowing
wheat, brining was forgotten, and the crop proved
remarkably fmutty.

As to the practice of fowing wheat in the fpring,
I am no advocate for it, only in cafes wherein
the land cannot be got in order at the proper
feafon.

No. IX. A

[ «83 ]

Np, JX. A Compari/on between Brining and not
Brining.
Of the fmutty wheat in the lad experiment, I
caufed a bufhel to be fown unbrined, on half an
acre of ground, and a bufhel brined on another half
acre; the crop of the brined was free from frnut,
the unbrined very fmutty.

No. X. On recovering Smutty Wheat.
I took a fample of the fmutty wheat [Experi-
ment No. vin.] to my baker, which he was very
unwilling to purchafe at any rate; at length, how-
ever, he offered me 16s. per fack, 36 gallons: this
was fo much under the current price of found wheat,
that I could not think of accepting his offer.

Some days afterwards it came into my mind to
wafli and dry itj accordingly I provided myfelf
with a tub conveniently (hallow, that would well
cleanfe about two bufhels at each operation, re-
ferving a fui table fpace above the grain for the
water, placing this'under a pump; whilfl one man
was pumping, another kept continually ftirring 1%
about with a broom, the fmutty water, together
with the light grain, overflowing the fides of the
veffel, till the bulk of grain was thoroughly clean
and bright. Thus in a few hours we compleated
that part of the bufinefs. Next it was committed

[ *84 ]

to a malt-kiln for drying; and as I thought a much
greater degree of heat ought not to be communi-
cated to it than that of a hot fummer, I never
fufFered it to exceed the 85th degree on Farenheit's
thermometer, which I was well enabled to regulate
by the application of that inftrument. In the fpace
of about 18 hours the drying was finifhed, and
the whole performed gready to my fatisfaction ; —
not the leaft veftige of fmut in fmell or appear-
ance. I then took a fample from the kiln to the
fame baker, acquainting him with all the circum-
ftances; he was furprifed at the metamorphofis,
and, after examining the bulk on the kiln, pur-
chafed it at 27s. per bag, confefllng it was nothing
inferior to any wheat of equal weight, the top of
the market being then a8s. per bag; the lofs in
meafure attending the experiment was fomething
lefs than half a bufhel.

State of the Experiment, viz.
Ten bags of wheat, as per baker's firft offer, £. s. d.
at 16s. - - - - - - 800

Ten bags fold after the wheat was cleaned,

at 27s. - - - - - -13100

Deduct 2 men's wages, 2 days £.0 6 o

Xx>fs in meafure half a bufhel - o 1 8|

Fuel and rent, fuppofe - -050 — o 12 8|

12 17 3i
800

Saved by the experiment - £4 J7 2i

[ **5 ]

No. XL On Canary Seed.

March 1783, fowed one peck of canary feed on
half an acre of land, the foil a mixture of loam and
flay — produce 8* buihels.

EXPENCES.

I-

U i.

Three ploughings, at 2s. 6d.

7 6

Sowing and harrowing -

1 6

Weeding - - w

4 0

A peck of feed f

2 0

Cutting and harvefting

»•

2 0

Threfhirjg, 9d. per bufhel

6 4!

Rent »

0 0

i»t» r\T\n rv

•x«

3 *4

I'KUUULt.

gi bulhels canary feed, at 10s.

- £4.

5 0

Deduct expences

3 i°i

Profit

- £-*

1 if

or 4I. 2s. 3d. per acre.

I have made feveral other experiments in this
culture, but never exceeded the above in produce;
although it is faidthat in the Ifle of Thanet, where
this crop is not unfrequent, they ufually obtain up-
wards of 20 bufhels per acre,

No. XII, On Anije.

I have tried feveral experiments in the culture
of anife, but was never fortunate enough to get a

crop,

[ a.86 ]

crop, it appearing that this climate is not in general
fufficiently warm to mature and perfect the feed;
the diftilled plant however, ufing it when in blof-
fom, affords a more fweet and grateful tincture than
either the ripe feed or efiential oil.

No. XIII. On Potatoes.

The quantity of land 6 f acres, a mellow, deep,
fandy loam, on Briflington Common — diftance,
drills three feet afunder, fets eight inches.

Three ploughings, at 5s.

Thirty-five facks of feed potatoes, at

5s. 8

Planting, at 3s. 6d. per acre

104 putt loads of manure 3 compofition,

2-thirds natural mould, and j -third

hog-

dung, at 2s. -

Talcing out of the ground

- 13

33ringing to market

- 13

Three hoeings, at 1 2s. per acre

Rent

- 13

Produce.

Potatoes fold

£138

Ten facks ufed in the family, at 5s.

Sixty facks refer ved for planting, at 5s. 15

155

Deduct expences

- 68

Profit - £.87 13 9
or 13I. 10s. per acre nearly.

[ *«7 1

Befides, the whole expcnce of manuring ought
not to be charged to this experiment, the fucceed.
ing crops clearly evincing the great advantage they
received from it* for it is. worthy remark, that this
piece of land never received but the Tingle drefling
mentioned above to this time, arid yet has pro-
ducediftout crops of wheat, and potatoes alternately,
until lad fpring it was laid down with grafs feeds,

and fown with oats.

No. XIV, On Black Oats— 1787.

The fame land as in the laft experiment. The
preceding year it had carried potatoes, and received
one ploughing for a winter fallow.

In February laft, another ploughing was given,
and on the 27 th and 28 th of the fame month four
WiHitetdt bufhete per acre of black oats were
fown ; this was earlier by about a month than oats
are generally fown in our parifh, and I did it with
a view to afcertain the effects of early fowing.
When the oats were ripe, I caufed exactly half an
acre to be cut with the fickle, arid flieavedj thefe
were threftiedouc, the proJuce was 49^ Winchefter
bufrreds— a quantity moil amazing in thefe parts.
The fucctfs of the crop I impute partly to early fow-
ing, and partly to good deep tillage; and I believe
the half acre was a feir.average of the whole piece.

EXPEN'CES

[ 488 J

EXPENCES of an ACRE. £. s. A

2 O O

Rent

Two plougnings, at 5s. . - - o 10 o

Cutting i - * - - 030

Harvefting - . - - - 050

Four bufhels of feed, at 2s. 6d. * o 10 o
Sowing and harrowing

£•3 0 o

Produce.

981 bufhels of oats, at 2s. - - £.9 16 6

Deduct expences - 3 1 1 o

Profit - £.6 5 6

The ftraw may be valued in lieu of threfhing,
conveying to market, &c. but is worth abundantly
more than what would defray thofe expences.

I am, Sir, your obedient fervant,

NEHEMIAH BARTLEY.

Article XXXI.
On the Black-Ruft in Wheat.
[In a Letter to the Secretary.]
sir, Bradley-Houfe, July 27, 1 785*

THE bearer hereof, Rich. Winsor, of Berry-
Pomeroyy near Totnes in the county of Devon,
yeoman, has found out a method of curing the

Black-

[ **9 1

Black-Ruft in wheat, which he has tried feveral
feafons, and found it to be of great utility ; and
others, who have taken his advice in trying the ex-
periment, have likewife reaped a confiderable ad-
vantage by it.

The method he has found out for curing it, is to
let fuch rufty wheat ftand uncut, three weeks or
m#re after the ufual time at which people in general
cut fuch wheat.

He attributes the infection to fmall infects, fall-
ing upon the flalk in foggy or mifty weather ; in-
fects of a poifonous nature, that caufe the ftalk to
fwell, and the knots of the ftalk to clofe ; by which
means the fap, which fhould go to nourifh the
grain, is prevented ; and that by letting it ftand as
aforefaid, the fun and air will deftroy thefe infects ;
the knots will then open, and as they open, the fap
pafles up and feeds the grain; which, by letting it
ftand a proper time, will recover and become much
more full, and will be near as good in quality, as
though no ruft had happened to it.

Mr. Winsor acquainted the Society in London
of this matter fometime ago, not knowing of a
Society at Bath, till I informed him of it; and I
have recommended him to apply to you as their

Secretary,

[ 29o ]

Secretary, defiring you to lay it before the Society,
who, he doubts not, will reward merit according to
its defert. I am, Sir, with all due refpecl,

your humble fervant,

RICHARD BAKER.

%* The foregoing fhort account, dated as a matter of
fa£t founded on experiment, we give to our readers for
their confideration ; and as further experiments cannot be
attended with any probable difadvantage, we conclude the
method will have a fair trial among thofe farmers and gen-
tlemen to whom the hint may be new.

Article XXXI.

Recipe for making Rennet for Cheeje.

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]

Sir, Frome, Ofi. 5, 1787.

AMONG the various fubje&s which engage the
attention of the members and correfpondents
of the Bath Agriculture Society, it appears fome-
what ftrange, that the two grand articles within the
province of the Dairy- woman (Cheefe and Butter)
have not been more attended to.

The Agriculturift has been repeatedly informed
of the proper management, the beft manures, and

the

[ *9* 3

the likelieft crops, which may be applied to each
refpe&ive foil : but the good houfewife, the fedulous
dairy-woman, who daily furnifhes us with two of
the chief fuppor'ts and luxuries of life, has been left
to grope out her way, through this age of improve-
ment, with the little flock of knowledge which, in
early life, Hie imbibed from her mother. I wifh,
therefore, that the members of your Society would
now and then bellow a little of their attention on
thefe good women, who fo much want and fo highly
deferve it.

It is not within the compafs of a letter, that in-
ftrucYions can be fully given for making cheefe and
butter ; yet, as detached obfervations on thofe fub-
jedts may fometimes have their ufe, I fend you a
recipe for making rennet for curdling cheefe.

Take the abomafa, commonly called the veils or
pokes of calves, killed before they have fed on ve-
getables, and wafh them in clean water, fait them
well, and lay them in fait for two months; then,
with the fait about them, hang them up in a coarfe
bag in the chimney (not too near the fire) for ten
months. In the fpring following, when the cow-
flip is in full bloom, gather a quantity thereof, and
pick the petals from the calixes, and boil them in a
fufrlcient quantity of water for a quarter of an hour,

Vol. IV. U with

[ *92 3

with the proportion of a pound of fait, and an ounce
of allum to every twelve pints of water. Let this
brine (land to cool until the next day, when it may
be drained off from the cowflips. To every gal-
lon of this brine, put in two pokes, and let them
remain four days, at which time you may bottle it
off, putting two or three cloves and as many grains
of allfpice into each bottle. Let the bottles be
corked tight, and the rennet will keep good a year
or more. Two large fpoonfuls of rennet, thus
prepared, will coagulate a hogfhead of milk.

After the pokes have been thus ufed, let them
drain dry, and fait them afrefh for a fortnight, and
they will ferve again, nearly as well as before.

Should this paper be found worthy of admiffion,
in the fourth volume of the Society's felecl papers,
I may be induced, at a future opportunity, to give
you fome further thoughts on cheefe-making.

I am, with reipeft, yours, &c.

A. CROCKER.

Article

[ *93 J

Article XXXIIL
On the Benefit of Cultivating Par/nips and Burnet.

Gentlemen,

I Have with much pleafure and much inftru&ion
perufed your felection of papers communicated
to the public ; and am of opinion, that there is a
plant, I mean the Parfnip, which has not been yet
tried by any of your correfpondents ; but which is
jn France, and in our adjoining iflands, held in high
efteem as a food, particularly for cattle and fwine.
In Brittany, efpecially, they mention it as little in-
ferior in value to wheat. Milch cows fed with it
in winter, fay they, give as good milk, which yields
as well-flavoured butter, as milk in May or June,
and in as great abundance. It is much commended
for fwine, which rear young pigs. It alio proves
very ufeful in fattening fvvine.

For a complete account of its ufes, confult a
volume of Memoirs publifhed by a Society at
Rennes, inftituted for fimilar purpofes as your's.
I think there is a tranflation of the Memoirs in
Mills's hufbandry.

Some judgment may be formed of the compa-
rative value of plants as food, from the proportion

U 2 Of

[ 294 ]

of mucilage they contain, or yield in decoction; for
this purpofe, fuppofe a pound weight, for inftance,
of parfnips, carrots, potatoes, &c. were boiled fe-
parately in a quart of water, the decoction drained,
and, when cold, compared. The decoctions of the
parfnips will, I believe, be found the mod muci-
laginous, or the mod thickened. Be this as it
may, the culture and trial of the plant feems an ob-
ject: worthy the attention of your Society.

Farmers are apt to judge of the merits of plants
by the weight of their productions, without attend-
ing properly to their different qualities. Thus
Burnet is, I find, by your correfpondents made little
account of. Upon trial it will be found that it
goes much farther in feeding fheep, for inftance,
than any other plant. Thus, fuppofe that fome
fheep are fed on an acre of it, and an equal number
on an acre of any other plant ; I have fome autho-
rity to fay, that fheep will be longer well fed on
burnet, than on any other plant I know. The
mutton of fheep fed on it will be better coloured,
more juicy, and better flavoured, than the mutton
fed on any other food. It ftands the winter better,
and fhoots as early in fpring as any plant. It has
been found to be a perfect cure of the rot in fheep ;
and cows, fheep, or goats, fed on it, give more
milk, and more nourifhing milk, than on any other

pafturej

[ *9$ ]

pafture; and the butter obtained from their milk is
not inferior to any.

I have mentioned (heep particularly, becaufe
burnet feems to be more peculiarly beneficial to
them than to cattle.

The great excellence of the Turnip-rooted Cab-
bage is, its being a certain and early food in fpring,
when it is generally mod wanted.

Wifhing your Society the fucccfs they fo well
deferve,

I am, with much refpecl, Sir,

Your obedient fervant.

A Lover of Georgical Purfuits.

N. B. We agree perfectly with our correfpondent, in
a high opinion of the value of parfnips, as a food for cattle;
and have been induced to infert his letter as a frefh call of
the public attention to the fubjeft, though by no means as
to a new, or wholly neglected matter. His encomium on
burnet may be confidered alfo as much anticipated by for-
mer writer?. But if it (hall be proved, that this well-
known plant is either generally, or under particular cir-
pumftances, a perfect cure for the rot in Jheep^ much benefit
will be found to refult from the fact.

U 3 Article

[ *9* ]

Article XXXIV.

On the IJe and Value of Turnip-rooted Cabbage.

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]

Sir, Hethel, June 21, 1787.

I Have been for a long time fo much occupied by
other matters, that little leifure has been afforded
me for experiment or obfervation on agricultural
affairs. The following one, whereby the ufe and
value of the Turnip -rooted Cabbage may be in
fome degree afcertained, I uanfmit for the infpec-
tion of the Gentlemen of the Society, andfubmitto
their confideration, how far, from this account, the
cultivation of that root appears to merit their future
encouragement.

The following is an account of the cattle or
beads fed from five acres of turnip-rooted cab-
bages -} four acres of which were eaten upon the
land as they were growing, (but parted off by fold-
hurdles into portions of about an acre each) and
one acre pulled up and carried to the flables and
ox-houfes. Theie turnips were fown and culti-
vated as other turnips ; the beafts were put to them
on the 13th of April, and continued feeding upon
them till the 12th of May following.

Twelve

[ 297 ]

£. s. d.

Twelve Scotch bullocks, weight 40ft. each

4 weeks, at 2s. per head per week - - 4 16 o
Eight homebrcds, 2 years old, at is. ditto - 1 12 o
Fifteen cows full-fizeJ, at 2s. per v/cek -600

Forty fheep, at 3d. ditto - - - -200

Eighteen horfes, fed in the (tables with an al-
lowance of hay, at is. ditto - - - 3 12 o

£.18 o o

Bcfulcs 40 ftore hogs and pigs, which lived upon the
broken pieces and offal, without any other allowance
for the whole 4 weeks.

When it is confidered, how very nourifhing a
food the turnip-rooted cabbage is, the price I have
fixed to the keeping each bead per week will not,
I conceive, be deemed too high. I am fure the
farmers here will always, at that particular feafon
of the year, be willing to give it, and more; becaufe
it enables them to fpare the young (hooting grafs
(which is fo frequently and greatly injured by the
tread of the cattle in the frofty nights) until it gets
to iuch a length and thicknefs as to be afterwards
but little affected by the drought of the fummer.
They have befides other great advantages to re-
commend them to a more common ufe ; they are
never affected by the mod intenfe frofts } if bitten
by fheep, hares, rabbits, or the wood-pigeons,
(which in this place abound to the great deftruc-

tion

[ *9* ]

tion of turnips near any woods) they hardly ever rot.
The tops or leaves are in the fpring much more
abundant, and much better food than thofe of the
common turnip, and they continue in full perfection
after all other turnips are rotten or worthlefs.

With thefe circumftances to recommend them, it
muft however be owned, that they have inconve-
niences attending them. They require a great deal
of time and pains to get them out of the ground,
if pulled up to be carried elfewhere: — and if fed as
they grow, they are fo deeply rooted in the ground,
that it requires the fame labour to get the pieces
out of the ground, and they rife with abundance of
earth entangled in the fangs of the roots. They
are likewife fo firm and folid, that the whole ones,
when pulled up, require to be cut in halves, that
the cattle may be enabled to eat them.

To obviate fome of thefe objections, it will be
proper to fow them on rich and very light land j
and as they are longer after being fown in coming
to the hoe, than the common turnips, I have found
it neceflary to fow them earlier, fo early as the be^
ginning of June.

I have grown them a great number of years ;
from the experience I have had of their utility I

continue

[ 299 ]

continue to cultivate them ; and I think no gentle-
man, who keeps them to confurne for the laft fort-
night or three weeks before he turns his cattle to
grafs, will have reafon to grudge the expence or
trouble attending them.

If id any enquiry or other bufinefs here I can be
of the lead ufe, you may freely command me, and
I fhall be proud on every occafion to fhew that

I am, Sir,

your mod obedient fervant,

THOMAS BEEVOR,

Article XXXV,
On the Mangel-JVurzel) or Scarcity Root.

[By the same.]
Sir, Hethely Ofl. 12, 1787.

[ Feel myfelf highly flattered by the favourable
A opinion the Gentlemen of the Society are dif-
pofed to entertain of thofe accounts in hufbandry,
which it has been in my power to fend them; and
give me leave to fay, that I have particular reafon
to be pleafed with the polite and friendly manner
in which you have exprefifed their and your appro-
bation of them.

I wifli

[ 3oo ]

I wifh I could by any frefh communication con*
vince them, that I was deferving of their commen-
dation ; but from the many and various avocations
I have lately had, I have been rendered lefs able
than I could wifh, to attend to any experiments
worth relating.

I this fummer received from a friend who came
from Paris, fome feeds of the plant called in Ger-
many Mangel-Wurzel\ by M. de Commerell, Ra-
cine de Dijette \ and in Englifh, the Scar city -Root.
The account of the plant, and its time and method
of propagation, are fo fully given by M. l* Abbe
d.e Commerell above-mentioned, in the Memoire
publifhed by him, and which I fuppofe you have
feen, that I ftiall wholly omit the mention of them,
and only relate what little I have yet obferved of it.

My feeds were fent me very late, two months
nearly after the mod proper time of fowing them;
however I ventured to commit them to the ground
on the 1 2th day of June laft ; and in a few days had
the fatisfaction to find them all rife well, and in a
vigorous ftate of growth. I have fince gathered
their leaves twice, and find their roots of fuch
fize as to promife a considerable and profitable pro-
duction. The meafure of fome of them is now 15
inches round j the length (of a few I pulled up on

this

[ joi ]

this occafion) Is 13 inches, and the weight of them
on an average 4.1bs. The feed and plants are not, I
think, to be diftinguiftied, at their firft growth,
from fome beets ; but in order to afcertain the dif-
ference, (if fuch there was) I fowed on the fame
bed of mould, on the fame day and hour, fome
feeds of the real beets j and find that, under the fame
management, the roots of the icarcity plant are
four times as big, and the leaves of it much larger
than thofe of the real beets. I have offered a few
of the leaves of the fcarcity plant to the cows whilft
going in exceeding good pafture in my park, which
they readily ate -, I did the fame to fome horfes
which were (landing in a waggon in the haired
field, who as readily ate the broad tender part of
the leaves, but rejected the thick parts of the (talks.
I have alfo had dreffed the leaves of each of the
above-mentioned plants, and brought boiled to my
table j and think, as did fome other gentlemen who
ate of them, that there is a manifest difference in
their tafte; thofe of the fcarcity plant being fo like
fpinage, as hardly to be diftinguiflied from it ; whilft
thofe of the beet were both harder and drier.

What further obfervations I (hall be able to
make upon the growth and application of this
plant, in the courfe of the winter, I will tranfmit to

you,

[ 302 ]

you, as it certainly promifes to be of the firft im-
portance in the article of food for cattle. In the
mean while let me not omit to inform you, that I
faw a few weeks ago at Lord Orford's place at
Erifwell, near Barton-Mills in Suffolk, fome of the
plants, which were nearly twice as big as mine: —
and I have been told, that at Mr. Dash wood's, of
Cley, in Norfolk, there are fome which meafure two
feet in circumference ; but the two laft- mentioned
parcels were, I am informed, fown at lead fix weeks
fooner than mine were.

I have had lent me this week an account of a
moft wonderful production of vetches: upon two
plants fown in the garden of John Berney Petre,
efq; of Weftwick, in Norfolk, there were found
(after feveral had been accidentally plucked off) no
lefs than 994 pods, containing on an average fix
feeds in each pod; in all 5964 feeds,

Mr. Petre, who fent me the account, did not
know the name of the plants ; but from a branch
of it which he fent me, with the account, I have
great reafon to believe it to be the broad-leaved
many-flowered vetch of Crete; for it had upon it
fome deep purple flowers, and is a perennial plant,
as he affured me ; however, not having any bota-
nical

[ 3°3 ]

nical book by me at prefent, I cannot be at all cer-
tain of the truth of my conjecture.

P. S. In riding yefterday about (even miles from this
place, I fuw at Icaft two-thirds of the wheat for next year's
crop was dibbled, and fct by hand. I am inclined to be-
lieve it will foon be generally fo here.

Article XXXVI.

Experiments on various Sorts of Potatoes.

[By the same.]

Sir, Hcthel^Dec. i, 1787.

T Venture to fend you an account of a trial made
A by me, of a few forts of Potatoes planted laft
fpringj and as there is not, perhaps, in the wide
field of agriculture, any plant which more deferves
attention and general cultivation than the potatoes
fo I hope every information which leads to the dif-
covery of the bed and mod productive kinds, will
be received in good part, and neither deemed tri-
fling nor ufelefs by any of thofe who are real well-
wifhers to the intereft of fociety.

I fhall content myfelf with this apology for the
contents of my letter j and after premifing that all
the underwritten potatoes were planted on the cd
day of April, in a garden, the foil of which is a rich

hazelly

[ 304 ]

hazelly coloured loam, neither too wet nor too dry ;
that they were all well dunged, for that the four
firft forts (rood on a border where a row of apple-
trees had grown, which were taken up about a
month only before the fets were planted j that the
three laft forts were planted on ground which had
been cropped as gardens ufually are, and that the
pieces planted were cut from large potatoes, with
two or three eyes on each piece; I will proceed to
ihew the refult of the experiment.

No.

Names.

Weight of

Quantity of
Ground.

Weight of

feed.

produce.

lb. oz.

ft. oz.

Incomparable, a 7
iecdling, 5

4 9

6-iothsof a rod

13 o

Denne's Hill, dit.

3 "

8-joths

16 io

Bayley'sfeedling,

3 i

5-ioths

8 6

Manlev White

4 iz

3-ioths

6 4

Kentifti feedling,

s IO

4-ioths

16 ii

Champion,

3 6

5-ioths

ii i

Ox-Noble,

3 M

4-ioths

24 0

Bufli. per
acre.

69a
668

670
1342

708
1140

The above roots were all taken up on the 29th
day of October laft, and the Hems of each, except
thofe of the Manley and Champion, which were
entirely dead, were green and frefh at the time of
taking them up.

No. 1, large white, meally, ill-tafted.

No. 2, very large, white, meally, and good.

No. 3, middle-fized, white, meally, and exceeding well
flavoured.

No. 4, large, white, meally, and good-tafted.

No. 5, very large, white, not yet tried upon the table.

No. 6,

[ 30S 3

No. 6, mid Jle-fized, white, meally, and exceeding good
to eat.
No. 7, large, white, and ill-flavoured.

The bulhels above-mentioned are heaped bufhels,
weighing on an average 7olb. per bufhel.

Article XXXVII.
On Planting of Wafte Lands.

gentlemen, Norwich, Feb. 20, I "J 88.

THOUGH planting wafte land be not imme-
diately within the province of agriculture,
yet the publick advantage, of which you are the
promoters, may be more effectually ferved by the
ftudy of certain modes of planting it, than from
annual crops -, and efpecially as planting becomes
eventually a ufeful auxiliary to cultivation. I there-
fore wifh to prefent to your notice, as a poflible
example to other parts of the nation, the practice
and fuccefs of a neighbouring gentleman (Sir Wm.
Jerningham) on the mod unpromifing ground,
perhaps, that any fuccefsful planter has hitherto
attempted j notwithftanding there is a certainty
from experience to believe, that the flubborn foil
may be meliorated, and the apparent fterile be made
productive ; and by properly timing the period for

fpecifick

[ 306 ]

fpecifick productions, what would in the natural
flate of the land have been impofiible, by an adap-
tion of fit circumftances, a production may be ex-
cited, foreign and uncongenial to the foil ; while,
without thefe circumftances, no more fuccefs would
have followed than to him who fows without cul-
ture, or plants without trenching the ground.

Thefe reflections arofe from a frequent and late
obfervation, made on the extenfive and thriving
plantations of the abovementioned gentleman ; who
has, without hyperbole, changed the barren heath
to a fruitful field, the dreary wafte to a delightful
foreft, by an adaption of circumftances to fituation
and foil; and, by an application of what would
chcrifh and defend, has extended a plantation of
beech-trees uncommon to this diftrict; nor I be-
lieve do they fpontaneoufly grow in any county
through the eaftern divifion of the kingdom.

The mode Sir William purfued, was the plant-
ing of the beech-trees from the nurfery, while fmall,
amongft Scotch firs. Many heaths befide his have
been broken up and planted with firs, to much pub-
lick and private benefit. But I have not obferved,
unlefs recently, the regular intermixture of the
beech at due diftance. Thefe trees, in a foil per-
haps without clay or loam, with the heathy fod,

trenched

E 307 ]

trenched into its broken ftrata of fand or gravel,
under the protection of the firs, have laid hold,
though (lowly, of the foil, and, accelerated by the
fuperior growth of the firs, have proportionally
rilcn, until they wanted an enlargement of fpace for
growth, when the firs were cut down.

It is fcarcely necefTary r.o obferve, that when this
refinous tree is felled, the roots decay in the ground,
and furnifh by that decay a new fupport to the foil
on which the beeches grow ; by which contingency,
they receive an added vigour, as well as the favour-
able concomitants of an enlarged fpace in earth and
air; and by being now difincumbered from their
former fupporters, their growth becomes more and
more obvious ; they are ornamental to the country,
promife in time to be ufeful timber, and probably
may difleminate their fpecies where they would not
have been expected to fiouriJli, but under the fhade
and encouragement of the firs. And thefe firs hav-
ing met with no obftacle from the infant timbers
they encouraged, their boles are now converted to
pods, rails, and various other ufes, and their brandies
have been bound into thoufands of bavins, thac
have heated the ovens, or have been burnt on the
hearths of the farmers and cottagers around.

JOHN YVAGSTAFFE.

Vol. IV. X Article

t 308 ]

Article XXXVIII.

Defer iption of a Model of a Machine for communicating
Motion at a Dijlance.

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]
SIR, Brijiol, Nov. 21, 1786.

A Commodious method of communicating mo-
tion at a diftance, has long flood among the
defiderata of mechanics, and no method that I know
of has been attempted, that at the fame time will
free the machine from weight and incumbrance.
Hollow fhafts of caft-iron bid faireft to anfwer this
end, but they are expenfive; and though I fuppofe
it may be cheapen:, all things confidered, it will be
difficult to make them general.

The method introduced to you by the model ac-
companying this letter, was tried and approved of
at a mill in the neighbourhood of this city, on two
fhafts, one 15 feet long and 15 inches thick, and
the other 1 2 feet long and 1 2 inches thick -, the latter
of which was fo weak as to twift near a tenth of its
circumference j which, when the refinance became
in any wife unequal, fubjected the whole machine
to the greater!: danger and diforder.

Jt was propofed and intended to take it out and
fubftitute a larger, which would have been attended

with

[ 3^9 1

with great expence and inconvenience, as the whole
manufacture mud have been interrupted for fome
time, and part of the mill-houfe mud have been
taken down. Being apprized of this intention, I
advifed the method here recommended. Accord-
ingly two flat bars were procured from a fcrap
forge, of zi inches by full 3-8ths of an inch, and
their ends furnifhed wirh icrew-pins of I' inch,
with fquare threads: the bars were then hollowed
on the under fide with a large fwage, in order to
make the edges lie clofe to the (haft. This done,
they were annealed and put to a large vice, and
twitted with a hand-hook, iuch as the anvil-fmiths
ufe; fo that one end had made a little more than a
revolution, after which a few blows of the hammer
(and which requires not fo much (kill as may be
imagined) formed them into a fpiral, fitted to a
cylinder of 12 inches diameter. They were then
carried to the mill at the diftance of five mibs,
and after the blocks were fitted to receive their
ends, were put on with the greateft facility.

It may be neccflary to obferve, that the diflant
gearing of the mill was trigged, while the water-
wheel was turned back in order to twift the (haft
the reverfe way of its going; by which means the
fpir.ils bound clofer than could poflibly be by fcrew-
ing only, I (hould add, alfo, that fome blows of a
X 2 hammer,

[ 3^0 ] .

hammer, of about 1 2lb. were laid on in order to
dole them to the fides of the (haft; which being an
octagon, and not a cylinder, could not be effected
by any other means.

- This was the method practifed in (lengthening
thofe (hafts already in gearing; but if it (hould be
thought expedient to ufe them in conftruction, they
may be applied to more advantage ; for inftead of
one revolution of the fpiral, it may have two; in
which cafe the advantage will be double : add, that
in both cafes there may be as many fpirals as there
are arms in the wheel.

I am, Sir, your obedient fervant,

J. C. HORNBLOWER.

N. B. It has not been thought advifeable to attempt any
representation on a plate, of the model accompanying this
letter; but our mechanical readers, who have any curio-
fity to fee it, may be gratified, by applying at the Rooms of
the Society.

Article XXXIX.
Sir, Wejl-Moncktoti) March 6, 1788.

BEING (truck very forcibly with the importance
of the fubjecl:, I fometime ago committed the
inclofed thoughts to writing, not at that time with

any

[ 3" ]

any defign that they ftiould appear in publick 5 but
I happened to fhew them lately to a gentleman of
the neighbourhood, who defired I would fend them
to your Society. I have, therefore, taken the li-
berty to follow his advice; and if you find any thing
worthy the notice of the Society, or yourfelf, it will
afford pleafure to, Sir,

Your obedient humble fervant,

T. PAVIER.

" Were the foreft of Dean duly improved, it were
" an imperial defign: and 1 do pronounce it
" more worthy of a prince, who truly confults
" his glory in the higheft intereft of his fub-
" jects, than that of gaining battles, or fubdu~
" ing a province : for he not only fecurcs the
" ftrength and glory of the nation, in prefer-
cc ving an abundant fupply of timber for fhip-
fC ping ; but alfo adds greatly to the number
cl of people, by the many new farms for corn
lc and grafs, erected where the land turns at
Cf prefent to little account for timber, which is
" univerfally neglecled -t and lefs for men, be-
" ing uninhabited."

The above is a quotation from Mr. Evelyn's

Svlva, which a late furvey of the land therein

X 3 mentioned,

[ 8*S ]

mentioned, and the imall quantity of- timber re-
ported to be now growing thereon, have brought
afrefh to my memory. Such an improvement as is
above recommended, would undoubtedly be of the
greateft importance to this kingdom, in future ge-
nerations; and would redound highly to the honour
and glory of a Britim government that mould carry
it into execution, at the fame time that it would be
attended with but an inconfiderable expence.

To illuftrate this alTertion, let us fuppofe that
infiead of difpofing of all the wafte lands belonging
to the crown, fome particular places, where the
foil and fituation feem adapted for producing good
oak timber, were referved to be improved for that
purpofe; the expence of inclofing is then the firft
thing that comes under confiderationi and this
expence will always vary in proportion to the form
and magnitude of the land to be inclofed ; as a field
of a hundred acres may fometimes be fenced in for
the trifling fum of about ios. per acre, whilft an-
other of but ten acres fhall coil by the acre three
times as much.

It may happen that the ground for fuch in*
tended improvement may adjoin to lands already
inclofed, which will greatly lefifen the expence j but
in order to make fome kind of calculation, I will

fuppofe

[ 3*3 ]

fuppofe it to be fenced quite round on every fide,
and to cod on an average aos. per acre.

The next Hep will be to prepare the ground for
the reception of the acorns, which will undoubtedly
be bell: effected by frequent ploughings ; I would
therefore propofe to keep it in conftant tillage for
two or three years, till the earth is brought to a fine,
mellow (late of tilth, and then to fow or plant the
acorns in the autumn : the profit of the crops taken
from off the premifes will (no doubt) abundantly
overpay all the expence of inclofing, as well as tho
collecting and fowing the acorns.

Thefe crops could not impoverifh the ground fo
as to occafion any injury to the intended plantation,
becaufe the young trees will derive their nouriiri-
ment and fupport from that part of the foil which
lies beneath the action of the plough, or the exten-
fion of the roots of any kind of corn.

From hence it appears, that an improvement of
this nature would be attended with very little, or
perhaps no expence, but what would be amply re-
paid by the profits arifing from the fame ; and I
am perfuaded, that no further trouble or expence
would be necefiary for feveral years, but to take
care that no kind of cattle whatever be admitted
into the inclofure.

When

[ 314 ]

When the plants are about eight or ten years old,
it may be neceffary to cut down the greater part,
leaving a fufrkient number of the moft promifing
ones, the fuperfluous branches of which fhould then
be taken off, which ought to be the only time they
fhould ever be pruned ; as it would be better for
the young trees, that fuch branches fhould be ftrip-
ped off by hand every time the underwood may be
cut, as long as they can be eafily bent down for that
purpofe, or if convenient, every year.

At every time of cutting the underwood, the
young trees mould be thinned with great difcretion;
the thicker they ftand in reafon whilft young, the
better lengths will they arrive at: but I apprehend
that each tree fhould at the lafl be allowed a hun-
dred fquare yards for the expanfion of its limbs.

Allowing this to be a proper diflance, an inclo-
fure of fifty acres would produce 2420 trees, which
I fuppofe woutd come to perfection in about 100
years, and that they would be worth (on an average)
five pounds each; the value of the timber on the
fifty acres would then be 12,100 pounds.

Mr. Evelyn computes the profit of a thoufand
acres, in a hundred and fifty years, to amount to
upwards of 670,000!. How he made fuch a calcu-
lation,

[ 3iS J

lation, I cannot guefs, but think the profit is charged
much too high.

Oak timber, let up in the manner above defcribed,
would arrive to great lengths; and having never
been pruned or tranfplanted, there could be no
danger of their falling unfound 5 confequently the
charge I have made of <1. a tree for their value on
an average, will, I fuppofe, be thought very rea-
fonable, efpecially as the bark and wood are both
included.

The quotation from Mr. Evelyn, with refpect
to the foreft of Dean, is mod undoubtedly appli-
cable to many others of the wafte lands belonging
to the crown, and in particular to the New-Foreft
in Hampfhire, which would produce an immenfe
quantity of fine timber without any expence, if a
method could be devifed to prevent the deer and
other cattle from cropping the young trees in their
infancy: the truth of this appears from anobferva-
tion I made fome years ago, that there was fcarce a
young oak to be feen but what had found its way
up through a thick bufh of thorns or brambles, and
confequently owed its prefervation thereto: from
this obfervation alfo, I am of opinion, that there
can be no ncceflity for any confiderable expence in
weeding a young plantation of oak.

Complaints

[ 3i6 1

Complaints of the fcarcity of oak-timber fit for
fhip-building, are at prefent very frequent; and from
the imall quantities that are coming up in molt
parts of the kingdom, it feems to me very appa-
rent, that fuch fcarcity will be feverely felt in an-
other century; confequently the prefent opportunity
for making fome fuch improvements for the benefit
of futurity, is highly deferving the notice and confe-
deration of thofe in power.

If the foregoing confiderations are juft and rea-
fonable, what vaft advantages might future genera-
tions derive from judicious and provident improve-
ments of this kind! And I am pcrfuaded, that fuch
undertakings would be recorded in hiftory in terms
that would oblige pofterity to look back with grati-
tude and applaufe to the period that produced them.

The foregoing reflections, however brief on a copious
and national fubjec~t, are equally feafonable, and fraught
with importance. The improvement of any country in
thofe articles of produce, which are of greateft confequence
%o its fafety and accommodation, is among the firft obje&s
of its provident care. In determining what thofe articles
of produce are, regard muft be had to natural circum-
ftances of foil, climate, and fituation, with refpe& to fur*
rounding countries.

According

[ 317 ]

According to the (rate of Europe, and the infular fitua-
tion of this country, much of its fafety and importance
have been politically determined to arife from a plentiful
growth of oak timber, ht for building fhips of defence, and
for merchandife. Nor is the cultivation of a tree fo con-
genial to our foil, and fo ornamental to our forefts and
fields, an object unconnected with domeftick ufes, in the
conthuction of various kinds of machinery, and the moil
firm and comfortable habitations.

We agree with Mr. Pavier, that the cultivation of
Oak-timber, with a view to the benefit of pofterity, feems
to have been of late years too much neglected in thefe
.kingdoms. And while every friend of human felicity muft
condemn the mif^uiiled ambition of a tyrannical prince,
who could deftroy whole villages to plant a foreft, he will
feel due folicitwle for thofe general advantages which
muft refult from better maxims of cultivation.

It may not be deemed fo fully within the province of
this Society, to call on Government for its attention to
the management of Royal Forefts and Wafte Lands, as
to point out the benefits of a general improvement on the
eftates of individuals. Such a fpecies of improvement will
at leaft be liftened to, as a worthy and proper object of
rural ceconomy; and every exertion that may be excited
by fuch means, will have fome favourable influence in a
nation emulous of greatnefs and of fame.

From this motive, we (hall not hefitate to fuggeft the
cafy and manifold advantages that would refult from in-
king plantations of oak-trees, on particular parts of
numerous eftates, from the lordly park, down to the fmall
cultivated farm. On the former, the growth of the oak

[ 3'8 ]

is truly deemed eftential, both to the elegance and grandeur
of the inclofure. But while this idea prevails in theory,
and neither grandeur nor elegance can be realized with-
out it, there is too much reafon to fear that planting has
not kept due pace with the confumption of this valuable
fpecies of timber. On the latter, it is much to be quef-
tioned, whether a view to immediate profits from the foil,
has not too generally obtained to the cxclufion of timber
plantations.

Why this error fhould obtain, it may be difficult to de-
termine in a way favourable to the wifdom and forefight
of a multitude of land-owners. For on many inclofed
farms, and efpecially on farms which have a bleak nor-
thern expofure, it would frequently be found that a judi-
cious plantation of young timber trees would gradually
increafe the value of the lands, by the fhelter they would
afford to cattle, the ftrength they would give to fences in
which they might be planted, and the breaking of un-
friendly North and North-eaft winds.

But admitting the fituation of inclofures to be fuch, as
fometimes not to ftand in any great need of the fhelter of
trees, it frequently happens, that on farms of confiderable
iize, and variety of foil and expofure, fmall parts, of no
great value for pafture or cultivation, might be appropri-
ated, without any material lefTening of the annual income
of the farm, for entire plantations, even of oak. But if it
fhould be thought that an entire oak plantation would be
too great a facrince of the ground, a plantation of various
other fpecies of trees of a quicker growth, to be periodi-
cally cut as underwood, might be made, and the produce
come in aid of the fuppofed difadvantage ; while the prin-
cipal object above contended for, would be fecured.

[ 3*9 ]

To thefe confiderations may be added, -the fource of
fencing, hurdling, draining, and firing, (that would be cre-
ated on many farms where thofe conveniences arc much
limited, to the no (mall inconvenience of the farmer) and
the ; , that fuch plantations, generally

adopted, would give to the face of a country.

Article XL.

On the llealthinejs of managing Silk-Worms,

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]

Sir, Bridge- North, Cann- Hall, Dec. 15, 1787.

THE life and changes of a Silk- Worm may
juftly be clafTed among the mod wonderful
phenomena of nature : and never have my ideas of
the great Creator of all been raifed to a higher pitch
of enthufiaflic adoration, than whilft contemplating
this induftrious little animal, excluded from light,
from air, and fuftenance — and yet weaving, with
madiematical exactneis, the web which mall clothe
the higheft order of the world's inhabitants.

The incongruity of believing that Almighty
Goodnefs could make that creature pernicious to
man, for whofe fervice and delight he is evidently
created, will be fufficiently obvious to you; — but
vulgar prejudices mud be combated with other
proofs.

C 320 ]

If the facT: were really fo, what would become of
the inhabitants of Italy, of China, and more efpe-
cially of the iflands in the Archipelago; where,
from the immenfe numbers which are reared, the
whole atmofphere muft be impregnated with their
deleterious effects? I have been allured, by an in-
telligent friend, who fpent fome time in Italy, that
whenever they had epidemick complaints, the chil-
dren who had the care of the filk-manufactories in-
variably efcaped the contagion ; and this I have
reconciled on the principles of Dr. Priestley, who
afTerts, that the air in rooms is rendered doubly
falubrious, by the introduction of opening vege-
tables, or frefli-gathered leaves.

The filk-worm in itfelf is totally inoffenfive; but
if dead ones are fuffered to remain among them,
they certainly become putrefcent, as other animal
fubftances, and of courle unwholfome.

In the fummer in which I fed upwards of 30,000
in one room, nobody was the worfe for attending
them; and yet I frequently fpent whole days- with
them, as did many of thofe friends who were kindly
attentive to afiift me in the care of them.

I know a lady who had a good many filk- worms;
fhe cleaned and fed them herfelf, and was feized

with

[ 32i ]

with a bad fir* eft All this might be: — but without
allowing for the coincidence of events, flie boldly
affcrts her fever to have been occafioned by the
filk -worms, and as loudly proclaims them un-
whollbme. It is, I iiippofe, from fuch circum-
ftances as thcle, that the belief has gained ground;
but I am decidedly of opinion that it is without
other foundation.

The experiments you wifti me to make, I cer-
tainly will attempt : — but I mud confefs the afcer-
taining how much food will fnpport a given number
of worms, has difficulties, fince they eat much more
voracioufly at one time than another, and the let-
tuces vary materially in fize.

There is a matter which appears to me of much
greater magnitude, than the offering premiums for
the planting of mulberry-trees ; and that is, the
holding forth a reward to thofe who fhall difcover
the bell method to propagate them. All the gar-
deners with whom I have converfed on the fubjecl:
are ignorant of the practice of any other way, than
by tranfplanting the fuckers which fpring from the
roots of the old tree; and thefe are fo few in num-
ber, that the expence of the purchafe muft effectu-
ally deter any one from making a large plantation,
whilft the ufe and profits of it are fo precarious.

Let

[ 3« ]

Let it once be known how they can be raifed
with eafe, and in abundance, and the plan will be-
come practicable, which it is not at prefent.

I am, Sir, your obliged friend,

HENRIETTA RHODES.

Article XLL

The Bejcripion and UJe ef 'Mr. Winter's New -in-
vented Patent -Brill Machine.

THIS Machine (fays Mr. W.) is univerfally acknow-
ledged to be fuperior to any hitherto invented ; it is
foftrong that nothing but the greateft violence can injure
it; and is conftru&ed on fuch plain mathematical princi-
ples, as to be worked by any perfon of the loweft capacity.
It depofits Grain, Pulfe, Turnip, Carrot, or any other Seed,
with the greateft accuracy, at any required depth in the
earth, from the furface to fix inches, at any required dif-
tance from 6, 7, 8, 9, to 40 inches between the rows, and
may be inftantaneoufly regulated fo as to increafe or de-
creafe the quantity fown, which is immediately covered.
One man, a boy, and two horfes, can drill ten acres of
light, and eight acres of {tiff land in one day j and from one
bufhel of feed wheat, and one bufhel and a half of barley^
will produce a crop of from 6 to 20 bufhels per acre, (ac-
cording to the richnefs of the foil) more than whenfowed
by the common mode of huibandry.

////// h 'JA/m^^^^cJ^imey.

[ 3*3 ]

The machine may be fecn at the Exchange, or at Mr.
Hancock's, wheelwright, Old-market, Briftol. Orders
to be directed to Mr. G. Winter, Briftol. — The price
Sixteen Guineas.*

Figure I.

Rcprefents a front view of the machine when at work,
with fix coulters fattened on, depofiting grain at the depth
of two inches, in drills at feven inches diftancc.

A. The fore flap turned up, and the back board taken off, for
the purpofc only of reprefenting the infide work, which when dril-
ling in the field is all inclofed : — It then appears as a box between
two wheels, and all the infide work is perfectly fecurcd from the
effects of the mod tempeiluous weather.

B. The frame.

C. Iron plates, in which the gudgeons of the fore wheels are
placed, and may be removed to any required depth.

D. D. The two hind wheels with fpikes, which are for the
purpofc of preventing the wheels from Aiding over rough ground
or clods, and by the fpikes penetrating into the earth, the wheels
are forced round, by which the grain is delivered ; for when the
wheels flop, or Aide, no grain is difcharged.

E. E. Iron rings fattened to the fore-ftandards, to which the
chains are fixed, for drawing the machine.

F. Coulter-bars with grooves, through which the coulters are
placed at any required diitance, from 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, to 36 inches
or more.

• The fating of the feed and extra produce (more than can be obtained by the
common mode of (owing) off ten acres of good land, drilled at the diftance of fereft
inches, with wheat at 5?. per bufliel, will in one feafon pay for the machine.

Vol. IV. Y 1,2,3,4.

[ 3H ]

1,2, 3> 4. Six Coulters numbered between the bolt-holes, with
figures for fetting the coulters fo as to depofit the grain at any re-
quired depth; for inftance, when the bolts are placed over No. 2,
the grain is depofited at two inches deep; when over No. 3, at
three inches deep ; and fo on.

G. Six cylinders, which occafionally Aide off and on the axis,
fo that the whole, or any number of them, may be fixed at any
required diftance.

H. Boxes which contain the feed.

I. Conductors, into which the feed is delivered out of the cy-
linders, and conveyed into the grooves, in the back part of the
coulters.

K. The axis, which pafTes through the cylinders and large
wheels.

Figure II.
Reprefents a fide view of the machine when at work.

a. Iron ring with a hook and chain fixed to it.

b. A fliding-board that c overs an opening in the boXi through
which the axis and cylinders are taken out.

c . The cafe or box inclofing the works.

d. Handles for lifting up, and turning the machine at the
headlands.

e . A marker for difcovering the track of the machine, on land
not ridged.

/. A harrow, for more effectually covering the feed and level-
ling the ground.

g. Owe of the three coulters on the fore coulter-bar.

b. One c4>he three coulters on the hind coulter-bar.

1. The guard ♦which protects the conductors from being in-
jured by ftones, dirt, or weeds.

h The

t 32s ]

k. The pipe of the conductor, which enters into the cavity in
the back part of the coulter.

There are two ftrong iron wheels which are placed in the back
part of the frame, letter e, for the purpofe of travelling from one
place to another ; which wheels elevate the coulters about fix
inches above the furface of the ground, and are immediately re-
moved when fet to work. There are alfo regulators for increafing
and decreafing the quantity of grain to be fown, which with the
wheels cannot be difcovered in either of the views.

Figure Ill.f

Reprefents a running hoe for cutting the weeds between
the drills, and adding earth to the rows of vegetables $ the
two points collect the weeds, which are in a manner in-
clofed, and more effectually deftroyed than when the blade
is fquare, or angular.

G.W.

• Is not the invention of, but altered by Mr. Winter.

Article XLIL

No* 73) Oxford-ftreet, London,
Sir, March 20, 1778.

AS it is but too common for individuals to
fpeak roundly on fubje&s in which they arc
particularly intereftedj and as fuch afiertions are
generally viewed with a jealous eye by the public,
I am induced to content myfelf with referring the
public to individuals who have made experiments in
Y 2' drilling,

t l*« 1

drilling, thereby putting myfelf out of the queftion,
and only obferve, That from the rapid progrefs,
which the drill fyftem has lately made, there is rea-
fon to apprehend that it will foon become general.

Your obedient humble fervant,

JAMES COOKE.

Afcertainments of Crops of Corn^ reaped in the Tear 1786;
the Seed of which was J own by the Rev, James Cooke 's
Patent Drill-Machine.

Lord Vifcount Bateman, Shobdon, Herefordshire. Wheat by
the machine, 40 bufhels per acre. Barley, felf-evidently fuperior
to that fown by hand, but omitted to be particularly afcertained.

Marquis of Stafford, Trentham, Staffordfhire. Wheat by the
machine, 33 bufhels per acre. Barley 24s. 6d. per acre more than
broadcaft.

Rev. H. J. Clofe, Hill-Houfe, Ipfwich. Barley by the machine
from 9 bufhels of feed, 400 bufhels of excellent grain. Alfo a par-
ticular experiment upon one quarter of an acre of poor land, and
out of condition: by the machine 33 bufhels per acre; broadcaft
19 bufhels. Oats, the produce in the fame proportion.

Mr. Yeld, Milton, near Leominfler. Wheat by the machine
30 bufhels per acre; broadcaft 25.

Mr. Boote, Atherftone-upon-Stower, near Stratford-upon-Avon,
the feven following accurate experiments, including in the whole
368 acres drilled, viz.— Wheat on loamy land, 47 bufhels per acre.
On cold clay, 44 bufhels 5 gallons 2 quarts per acre. Wheat on

cold

[ 327 ]

cold clay, 25 bufhels 1 gallon 3 quarts. Broadcafl on adjoining
land, 9 bufhels 4 gallons 2 quarts. Peafe on light Tandy land, 50
bufhels 2 gallons per acre. Barley on light land 72 bufhels 4 gal-
lons per acre. Beans on light land, 36 bufhels 2 gallons 2 quarts
per acre.

Mr. Morley, Wood-hall, near Downham, Norfolk. Wheat
by the machine, 44 bufhels per acre.

Mr. John Lees, near Circncefler, Glouceflerfhire. Wheat by
the machine, 53 bufhels 4 gallons per acre. Broadcafl, 39 bufhels.

Mofes Harper, efq; Aflley, near Stourport. Barley by the ma-
chine, 56 bufhels per acre. Broadcafl 54 bufhels.

N. B. The land of the hand fown crop allowed to be in better
condition, than that upon which the machine was ufed.

Mr. Dunmore, Stanton-Wyvil, near Market-Harborough, Lei-
eeflerfhire. Wheat by the machine, 45 bufhels per acre. Barley
72 bufhels 4 gallons.

Mr. Glover, Burlaughton, near Shiffnal, Salop. Barley by the
machine, from very light fandy land, 44 bufhels per acre. Broad-
cafl 37 bufhels 4 gallons.

Mr. Hett, Bawtry, Yorkfhire. Barley by the machine, 64
bufhels per acre. Ditto broadcafl, 48 bufhels.

H. Cecil, efq; M. P. Hanbury-Hall, Worceflerfhire. Wheat
by the machine, 5 bufhels per acre more than broadcafl, from two
years' experiment.

Mr. R. Crabb, Moulton-park, near Northampton, Barley by
the machine, 6 bufhels per acre more than broadcafl.

Colonel Wilfon, Dedlington, near Stoke, Norfolk. Wheat by
the machine, exa&ly half as much more as broadcafl.

N. B. The drilled flubble, very clean by hoeing, the broadcafl
(lubble a bed of poppies.

Sampfon Barber, efq; Peterborough. Wheat by. the machine,
27 quarters 6 bufhels, from 5 acres 3 perches.

Y3 Mr«

[ 3^8 ]

Mr. Wm. Wright, Warboys, near Huntingdon, an extraordi-
nary crop of barley by the machine from fen land, allowed to be
much fupei ior to broadcaft.

Mr. Holland, near Louth, Lincolnfhire. Barley by the ma-
chine, 8 bufhels per acre more than broadcaft.

Ascertainments of Crops in 1787.

Sir Wm. Jones, bart. Ramfbury-Manor, Wilts. Wheat by the
machine on a flinty loam, clover lay, one earth, 25 bufhels 1 gal-
lon per acre. Ditto broadcaft 20 bufhels 3 gallons. Wheat by the
machine on a two-year clover lay, 27 bufhels 2 gallons per acre,
Broadcaft 25 bufhels. Barley by the machine after wheat, 27
bufhels per acre. Broadcaft 22 bufhels.

Francis Skyrme, efq; Lauhaden, near Haverfordweft. Wheat
by the machine, 57 bufhels 1 gallon per acre. Broadcaft 48 bufhels

2 gallons. Barley by the machine, 67 bufhels 2 gallons per acre.
Broadcaft 48 bufhels 2 gallons. Oats by the machine 70 bufhels
per acre : broadcaft 49 bufhels.

Mr. John Boote, Atherftone npon-Stower, near Stratford-upon-
Avon. The eleven following afcertainments, in all 450 acres, viz.
—Beans drilled upon loamy land after oats, 50 bufhels per acre.
Wheat drilled upon marl and mixed foil after beans, 36 bufhels per
acre. Wheat drilled upon loamy fand after beans, 50 bufhels 6
gallons. Barley drilled upon loamy fand after turnips, 75 bufhels
5 gallons. Barley drilled upon fandy land after turnips, 58 bufhels
4 gallons. Peafe drilled upon loamy land after clover, 51 bufhels

4 gallons. Wheat drilled upon loaimy land after beans, 45 bufhels

5 gallons. Oats drilled upon fandy land after barley, 57 bufhels

3 gallons. Oats drilled upon loamy land after barley, 76 bufhels

6 gallons. Wheat drilled upon poor cold clay after clover, 25
bufhels 4 gallons. Wheat fown broadcaft upon poor cold clay after
clover, on adjoining ground, 13 bufhels 7 gallons.

Mr. Bcote has announced a clear profit of 70©!. over and above
his ufual profits, by drilling 450 acres in the year 1787. Alfo a
clear profit of 500I. by drilling 368 acres in 1786.

Rev.

[ 3*9 ]

Rev. H. J. Clofe, Dorking, Surry, fo perfectly fatisfied with
his fuccefs in drilling, as to decline fowing any more broadcaft.
His eftate in Surry, confifting of 700 acres, being now under the
drill fyftem.

Mr. Grcenway Afcot, nerr Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick-
fhire. Barley by the machine, 16s. per acre more than broadcaft.

Thomas Knight, efq; Godmerfham-Park, Kent. Wheat by the
machine, 4 bufliels per acre more than broadcaft.

Colonel Wilfon, Didlington, Norfolk. Barley and oats by the
drill, fuperior to any he ever had before.

Rev. J. S. Lufhington, Bottiftiam, near Cambridge. Barley by
the drill, 10 (hocks per acre upon the field, more than broadcafl.

M. Harper, jun. efq; Aftley, near Stourport, Worcefterftiire.
So perfectly fatisfied with his fuccefs in drilling, as to decline fow-
ing any more broadcaft.

W. B. Earle, efq; Clofe, Salifbury. Eight acres of wheat by
the drill, adjoining to 8 acres broadcaft ; the former fuperior to the

latter, in the proportion of 8 to 7. N. B. The 8 acres drilled

with fomething more than 8 buftiels of feed ; the 8 acres fown
broadcaft, with 28 buftiels.

Mr. John Auften, Old-Park, near Canterbury. Wheat and
rye by the machine, infinitely fuperior to the broadcaft upon ad-
joining land.

Mr. Taylor, Treafey-Farm, near Enftone, Oxfordfhire. So
farfatisfied with his experiments by the machine, as to perfevere
in the practice.

Mr. Glover, Burlaughton, near Shifnal, Salop. The fineft crop
of pcafe by the drill he ever faw.

Mr. Quiharapton, Repton, near Aftiford, Kent. Wheat 4
buftiels 7 gallons per acre more than broadcaft.

Mr. John Stuart, and Mr. Jamett, Afhford, Kent. Wheat 20s.
per acre in favour of the machine, compared with broadcaft.

Nine

[ 33° ]

Nine other gentlemen, near Aftiford, exprefs themfelves per-
fectly fatisfied with a fuperiority in favour of the machine, without
afcertaining their crops.

Mr. Hall, Elmftone, near Afh, Kent. A comparative experi-
ment in wheat, between Mr. Cooke's drill machine, and Mr.
Ducket's fyftem of opening furrows in the land, and fowing the
feed broadcaft. The refult of the experiment was in favour of the
drill-machine, which determined a wager often guineas in favour
of Mr. Quihampton, of Repton.

To the above profits by drilling, may be added the average pro-
fit of 7s. or 8s, per acre of feed faved.

Article XLIII.
Defer iption cf a new Harrow and Drag.

[Illuftrated with an Engraving.]

Gentlemen,

ITake the liberty of fending you a rough draft
of a Harrow I lately invented, together with the
motives which induced me to conftrucl one diffe-
rent from thofe commonly in ufe; which when
you have examined, compared, and proved, I
doubt not but you will be induced to recommend
to the publick.

At the time of fowing barley laft feafon, I conii-
dered that our common harrows did not anfwer
the end defigned fo well as could be wiflied, and

' having

JL^S,,

PI. 2

iif ill Ml 1 1 li \ y

1 I I

[ 33* ]

having feen various kinds in different counties and
places, I did not recollect to have feen any that
anfvvcred better than my own. The faults I efpied
in all thofe I had feen were, the tines or fpikes
were placed too near .together in the middle of
the harrows, which prevented them from finking
down into the ploughed land fo deep as necelfary ;
and when the ground on the top became fine, that
they were apt to draw the couch, Sec. together in
heaps, and at the fame time litde or no fervice was
done for a foot or more within each fide corner;
in confequence whereof we were obliged to double
over that ground again, by which means I thought
we loft at lead one day's work in a week, which is
no trifling matter.

After reflecting a little further on thefe things, I
applied pencil to paper, and produced a plan, from
which I had a harrow conftructed, which in feveral
refpects far exceeded my expectations; the fides,
or ends, do not only operate as well as the middle,
fo as not to need doubling over again, but the tines
or fpikes fink down fo much deeper than the com-
mon harrows, (on account of their being regularly
placed at 15 inches diftance in each bar, whereby
alfo the clods, &c. have a free pafiage, and are not
drawn together in heaps) but that no part is left
untouched more than three inches, when the har-
row

[ 332 ]

row is drawn only once over the land ; from all
which conveniences, I find more execution is done
by drawing this harrow once over the land, than
any other I ever faw will do by being twice drawn
over the fame fpot.

It equally excels as a drag, or firft harrow, for
rough land commonly ploughed ; and alfo for fuch
as is turned one half on the other, which we call
fkirring or thwarting, as well as for finilhing and
fmoothing the furface.

I imagined at firft more ftrength would be re-
quired to draw it, but find two of our little country
horfes from 14 to 141 hands high, draw it with eafe.

My harrow is feven feet one inch long, and the
pods twelve inches from center to center. The
bolts mould be forelock'd on top, and have a fmall
flat head under \ The pods are 3 by %\ inches, the
ledges or bars are three inches by 3-qrs. of an inch,
which was intended for a finilhing or laft harrow,
not a drag.

THE DRAG,

As to the drag, I obferved the common one to
fcratch over the furface of the land without entering
fo deep as it ought, partly from the caufe I before

remarked

[ 333 1

remarked in the common harrows, and partly from
the tines being fixed ftraight downward; but thefe
being bent, and pointing forward, and alfo fixed at
1 8 inches diftance, draw into the earth as deep as
the ploughing, rending the ground in an extraor-
dinary manner, and leave the hard clods to pafs
freely through ; yet no ground remains untouched
more than three inches from the point of one tine
to the point of another. The hinder poft or rail is
twice as heavy as either of the others, to keep down
that part as deep as is necefiary, which otherwife
would not be the cafe. My land is in general to-
lerably free, fo that four large, or fix common oxen
draw it well ; but I prefer four of our little horfes
to either.

I do not expect, that either the harrow or drag
are fo perfect as to admit of no improvement ; but
if they are inducements, only for fome abler perfbns
to exercife their genius for the benefit of the public,
I (hall be amply rewarded for the thought, trouble,
and expence, I have been at.

I am, with much refpect, &c.

R. TREFFRY.

Beer-Barton, near Plymouth,
July 1787.

Articli

[ 334 ]

Article XL1V.

On the Advantage of River Weeds as a Manure.

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]

Sir, Norwich, Feb. 29, 1 788.

TN your Third Volume, is an infertion commu-
-** nicated by me, refpecting River Weeds as a
manure, when cut in their vegetating Hate, laid in
the furrow, and ploughed in.

Permit me now to relate a mode of more expe-
rienced advantage, which is, by extracting them
with their roots, and the furface of the foil on
which they grow 3 leaving them awhile to the
action of the fun and air, for a requifite fermenta-
tion; more particularly a certain fpecies hereafter
to be mentioned.

About the middle of June, in a broad part of a
ftream, where from a leffened current a muddy fe-
diment refted, and on which, in fpaces, various
weeds grew, but whofe furface was generally c6-
vered by the river Conferva,* whofe extended deep
green filaments fcarce left any of the other fpecies
perceptible. To draw thefe out, I employed two
men, accuftomed to the cutting of weeds in rivers,

* Conferva rivularis of Linnajus.

who,

[ 335 ]

-who, with paring and dragging inftruments, drew
out many loads in the courfe of the day. Thefe,
laid on a ridge, about fifty yards on the bank of the
ftream, were continued there about three weeks;
when I had two cart-loads of this aquatic fubftance
laid on two different parts of an inclofed piece of
land preparing for turnips, in an equal proportion
with ftye and (table manure, fpread at the fame
time over the remainder of the field: with another
load I filled up a hollow that had been lately exca-
vated, on which I planted turnip-rooted and favoy
cabbages ; and at the fame time planted fome of
both in a common garden foil, and likewife in fome
unmixed mud, where no weeds grew, drawn from
the river for that purpofe.

The virtue of the weed-compoft is obvious in
each experiment; in the laft-mentioned, the favoys
exceeded in cabbage, and the turnip-rooted in leaf
and bulb, others of the fame fpecies fet in garden
mould; while thofe fet on the mere mud have
fcarcely made a progrefs; decifively evincing, I
conceive, that the principle of increafe, and progrefs
of vegetation, are more peculiarly derived from the
weeds, than from the matrice on which they grew.

In refpedt to the turnips, though no partiality

was (hewn in fpreading more in quantity, in equal

. ( (paces,

[ 33& ]

fpaces, than of the other manures, nor were thofe
fpaces in any eftimated preference as to native foil •,
yet are thofe fpots diftinguifhed by a more vigorous
vegetation, and a deeper green ; nor can there be
found on the reft of the field (7-8ths of the whole)
any roots fo large as many in thefe fmall tracks.

I have carried this experiment farther, but from
thence no decifion can be formed, being on land
newly dibbled with wheat 5 the probable fuccefs- of
which, and the more afTured probability* of an im-
provement on a barley crop, intended in fucceflion
to the turnips, I purpofe, if in health, to commu-
nicate when time lhall give the refult ; and am, in
the interim,

Your very refpe&ful friend,

JOHN WAGSTAFFE.

* To explain the apparent prefumption of more affured probabi-
lity», it may be noticed, that of the river Conferva, many unbroken
parts remained after the fecond hoeing of the turnips, owing to the
interwoven ftate of its fibres, which are more immenfe than its ex-
tended leaves or filaments j and which, in the compound, before it
was fpread on the land, emitted a fcent almoft as ftrong as ftye
manure.

Artscli

[ 337 ]

Article XLV.

An Account of a new Drill- Machine, invented by a

Somcrfetfhire Farmer, and of a Crop /own by it.

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]
Sir, Near Mells> Somerfet, 'March 31, 1788.

IT is with pleafure I comply with your requeft, in
giving you fome account of the fuccefs of my
endeavours to complete a Drilling-Machine, which
may unite the feveral obje&s of fimplicity, general
ufefulnefs, and cheapnefs. After confiderable pains,
I am of opinion, that I have fucceeded fo far as to
infure general fatisfaction. And my own fuccefs in
the ufe of it, among my neighbours as well as on
my own farm, confirms me very fully in the prefe-
rence of the drill husbandry before the broadcaft, in
all crops where the hoe is ufually introduced.

In the conftru&ion of this machine, the peculi-
arities of which are entirely of my own invention, I
have had regard to equal convenience for fowing
all forts of grain, and on foils and furfaces heretofore
confidered as the mod unfavourable' to drilling, I
am about to procure a patent for the exclufive right
of making this machine for fale ; for which reafon,
fcs well as that I have not procured an engraving of

it*

C 33* ]

it, I omit attempting a particular defcription for
the prefent. Whenever it fhall be fully before the
public, I flatter myfelf it will be found to pofiefs, at
the price of Ten Guineas, at lead more than all the
valuable properties contained in other machines of
a much higher price.

As I have now completed a new machine, inclu-
ding all the improvements fuggefted by confiderable
pra&ice with my firft ; and as my wifh is to extend
public utility, I fhall be happy to fhew it to any gen-
tleman defirous of infpecling it. Moreover, as foon
as I can get fufficient leifure, I intend making a mo-
del, and fending it to the Society's Rooms at Bath.

It may not be unimportant to fay, that this ma-
chine is conftructed to be drawn eafily by one horfe,
fave on very rough and hilly ground. Having ma-
turely confidered and proved the ufefulnefs of the
different parts, I think myfelf warranted on the
foundation of experience, and not of theory, in
offering to fupply any perfon with this machine $
having brought my workmen to fuch neatnefs of ex-
ecution, as to bear a comparifon with moft others.

I intended fending you for the Fourth Volume of
the Society's papers, an account of the quantity of
acres fown lafl year with the machine, for myfelf

and

[ 339 ]

and neighbours, together with a ftatcment of the
feed and crops ; but find I fhall not have time to
do it correctly. I will, however, annex an account
of a crop of peafe fown with my machine in its lefs
perfect ftate, and hoed with a large breaft-hoe of
my own invention.

In the beginning of April 1787, I drilled a field
of 17 acres, of poor fandy ground, on one earth,
after barley, with eight facks and one bufhel of
peafe.* The rows were twice hoed, and earthed
up with my breaft-hoe before- mentioned, at the
expence of lefs than 2s. 6d. per acre. My crop
from the harveft field was 63 or 64 full-fized wag-
gon loads j and though (not having completed my
threfhing) I cannot exactly afcertain the whole
quantity of peafe, I can do it fufficientlv near to
afifert, that I have above ten facks per acre, after
deducting the feed, befides the advantage of very
clean draw, and having my land*in excellent order
for my wheat crop.

With my breaft-hoe, I found that one man could
with eafe hoe an acre per day, the firft time of hoe-
ing. A^d to (hew the difference between this and
the common hoe, I introduced three men with the

• This quantity, though but half what is ufually fown broadcait,
js greater than was neccflary, and greater than I fow this year.

Vol. IV. Z latter

[ 340 ]

latter to work in a field againft two with the former.
At night it appeared that the three had not more
than finifhed an acre, while the two with the breaft-
hoe had completed; in a much better manner, two
acres. A ftronger proof need not be brought to
evince the fuperiority of any inftrument.

Brief Statement of the Advantage arifmgfrom my Ma-
nagement of the Pea Field above-mentioned,

DRILLED. £. s. d.

Produce 170 facks, fuppofe at 16s. per

fack ----- 136 o 0
Seed 8i facks, at 1 8s. - ^-7 8 6
Hoeing, twice, fay at 2S. 6d.

per acre - - - 226
Extra expence on account of

the fuperior quantity to be

brought to market, - 50 0 — 14 11 o

Grofs profit - j£.i2i 9 o

BROADCAST.

Suppofe the fame 17 acres had been fown
broadcaft, the produce on the foil in
qucftion would have been deemed good
at 5 facks per acre, which at 16s. as
above, would be ;f»68 O O

Seed, 17 lacks, at 18s. per fack - - 15 6 o

Grofs profit on the broadcaft 52 14 0

Difference of grofs profit on the 17 acres

in favour of drilling - - • 68 15 0
or 4I. os. iod, per acre.

[ 34i ] s

It will be allowed, that my ftatement of £.5 for
extra expences of bringing the drilled crop to mar-
ket is fully iufHcient, if not an unnecefTary abate-
ment, when the quantity and cleannefs of my draw,
and the fuperior condition of my land, from twice
hoeing, for a wheat crop, are taken into the general
account.

I hope to give you fome further account of my
fuccefs in fimilar attempts ; and though I employ
the hand of a friend to methodize my communi-
cations, I defire you and the public to confider my
veracity as pledged for matters of fact, and to be
allured that I fhall at any time have pleafure in
giving my opinion, and advancing the interefts of
hufbandry. Your's very refpectfully,

GEORGE BARNES.

Article XLVI.

/in Account of a Crop of Cabbages, for which a Premium

of the Bath Society was awarded to the Writer*

[In a Letter to the Secretary.]
Sir, Chilcomptorty Dec. 3, 1 7 8 7 .

AGREEABLE to your requeft, I fend you fome
account of my cabbage crop, of 12 acres,
which the Committee has thought deferving the
premium offered by our Society. As you defired,
Z 2 I have

[ 34* ]

I have weighed the produce of one perch, on each
fide of the road; there being, as you remember,
fome confiderable difference in the appearance of
the two pieces. The perch on that part which
appeared lighted:, weighed five hundred and one
quarter; and fixty times that weight, I believe,

makes forty- two tons per acre, The perch on

the other fide weighed eight hundred and a half,

which is fixty-eight tons per acre. The former,

as you juftly obferved, when they fhall have attained
their full growth, may be nearly equal to the latter.
This difference I account for from the firft having
been fown iri the beginning of March, and therefore
had not fo good a chance for growth as the others,
which were fown in the autumn, and planted out in
May. The fpring-fown ones were not planted out
till near Midfummer, and then in fo dry a time that
they were almoft fcorched up. Therefore I fhall
in future join in opinion with my neighbour Mr,
Billingslev, and always fow for autumn plants.
For which purpofe, the beft time to fow the feed is
about the middle of Auguft, and tranfplant them
off into fome warm garden, or other place in which
they may be flickered from very fevere froft,

In the next place I fhall reply to your enquiry
about the quality and general value of the arable
land in this parifh. It is of a light, ihelly, ftone-.

brafh.

[ 343 ]

brafh nature, — a foil in fome people's opinion un-
favourable to cabbage. They will tell you it ought
to be a ftiff clay, or heavy loam; my fuccefs, how-
ever, in the growth of cabbages, proves that more is
to be expected from manure and management than
the difputers about foils feem aware of. This re-
mark, indeed, will apply to mofl crops, but you
will pardon my making it.

The value of our arable land per acre, is about
30s. on the average; which is in my opinion too
high a price to allow giving a direct fummer fal-
low. But if the land were as low as half that price,
I mould endeavour to raife turnips, cabbages, &c.
as a fallow crop : fuch a crop is worth more or lefs
according to the price of hay, fometimes 5L 61. 7L
or more, per acre, which is certainly at any rate an
object, both to the farmer and the community at
large; and far more eligible in mod filiations than
letting the land lie for a bare fallow. For after the
cabbage is fed off, (which I always endeavour to
do, and fow the land to wheat by Old Candlemas)
I find, by more than ten years' experience, an addi-
tional advantage in the goodnefs of the following
crop. Such wheat with me is ever fuperior to that
AhichI fow at or before Michaelmas. The fort
of wheat I generally fow after fuch green 'crops, is

Z 3 the

[ 344 ]

the white-eared, fo called at Warminfter and De-
vizes -, in the Weft, brafil.

I think you further wifhed to know the manure
I made ufe of for my cabbage. It was a compoft
of lime, weeds, and earth, that lay under the hedges
round the field, and a layer of dung, all mixed and
turned together. I fpread about 25 cart-loads on
an acre, with the ufual ploughing given to a com-
mon fummer fallow. This is not to be reckoned
with expences attending a cabbage crop ; for admit-
ting fuch crop to exhaufl the manure in fome de-
gree by its growth, an ample refloration will be
made by its refufe ploughed in, and by the ftirring

and cleaning the ground. 1 will give you, as

nearly as I can, a full account of the expences of
the crop of cabbages per acre.

& \ d.

The feed fufficient for an acre, is |lb. at 3s. o o 9
Sowing and tranfplanting - - -050
Ridging up two furrows, and leaving two,

with the Norfolk plough - -.026

Two men and two boys, for drawing and

fetting plants - - - o 3 4

Earthing up on the two furrows left, done

when the plants are well rooted - 026

Hoeing and earthing up the faid plants* 026

The plants ought to ftand a yard apart every way.

[ 345 ]

£. ,. i.

o 16 7
The carrying of the cabbages of the land to
the cattle, as they are wanted, I will fup-
pofe,'on fuch a fcale of fc( Jing as mine,
to require a man, 2 horfes, and a cart,
half the day, which per week for one acre,
is about - - - - -0176

Total expence. per acre • ^,1 14 1

The aforefaid man in my farm carries the cab-
bage to 45 oxen, and upwards of 60 fheepj and
throws them out of the cart over the fields without
cutting them. My 1 1 acres of cabbage will feed the
above number of flock for three months, and I am
very well aflured that they prove as faft as they do
in the prime months of the feafon, May, June, and
July. I am, and would wifh to be, the practical
farmer ; at the fame time I am open to informa-
tion, or the candid opinion of any manj remain-
ing, dear Sir,

Your much obliged friend and fervant,

HENRY VAGG.

.[The communication of experiments conducted with
care, and on fo jefpe&able a fcale as Mr. Vagg's, above
related, muft be ever acceptable to this Society, as well as
intcrcfting to the publiclc. We would, however, beg leave
to recommend to Mr. Vagg fome future attention to the
poflible advantage of cutting the cabbages before they are

eaten ;

[ 346 ]

eaten ; on which plan it may become prudent to contrive
fome mode of giving them to the cattle different from that
of flrewing them on the ground. We are of opinion, that
method and cleanlinefs in the fattening of every fort of
cattle, will ever be found of fome importance, both in pro-
moting their growth, and in the faving of their food.

Mr. Vagg has omitted to mention, and the prefs can-
not now wait for the enquiry, what quantity of hay was
eaten by his cattle, while "feeding on the cabbage j but fuch
information, though a proper part of an experimental ac-
count, is not very important, as the quantity necefTary to
others may vary according to accidental circumftances.]

ON THE

PRESERVATION of the HEALTH

O F

Perfons employed in Agriculture,

AND ON THE

CURE of the DISEASES

INCIDENT TO THAT WAY OF LIFE.

WILLIAM FALCONER, M.D. F.R.S.
And Phyfician to the Bath Hofpital,

hm$

INTRODUCTION.

n^HE Prefervation cf the Health cf per/ons employed
in Agriculture, is, abftr aft ed from moral and reli-
gious confederations, of greater national importance than
any improvement either in the theory or p' aft ice of the
art can lay claim to.

Without Artificers, it is obvious, that there can be no
mctnufafture of any kind-, and if the workmen are infe-
rior in number to the proportion required, the bufenefs
mufi languifh, or be contracted in its extent. An attempt,
therefore, to correft the errors, or to referain the impru-
dence, with refpeft to Juch matters as concern Health,
of thoje employed in this branch, can need no apology.

I wijh I could fay, that the execution of the work
were equal to the importance of thefubjeft-, but however
inferior it may be, it contains, I truft, fome ujeful cau-
tions, and, I hope, fome hints that may lead to farther
improvement.

I have judged it eligible, to addrejs the prejent work
to thofe who employ the perfons for whoje immediate ufe
the cautions are principally intended, rather than to at-
tempt to infer uft the people themf elves. Few of the latter
have much time for reading, and little capacity for in-
fer uilion in matters ofreafonmg. I have, therefore, ven-
tured

[ 350 ]

turedto diretl my f elf to thofe from whom information of
this kind would be likely to come with greateft authority,
on account of their immediate connexion and influence.

The Reverend Clergy will, I truft, excufe my offering
a hint to them on this occafion. They are almoft uni-
versally perfons of liberal education, and more general
knowledge, than falls to the lot ofmoft of their neighbours.
Would it not be an agreeable as well as an ufeful method
of employing thefe advantages, to turn their thoughts to-
wards the praclical part of Medicine? The Natural
Hi/lory of the Human Body affords a more ufeful fubjetl
cf inveftigation, than is done by ftones,Jpiders, orjhells;
and though medicine, taken at large, is an arduous and
deep ftudy, yet it is practicable enough to gain fuffcient
knowledge of it to be of great fervice in many cafes, efpe-
cially fuch as occur moft frequently among perfons of the
defer ipt ion here alluded to. The disorders incident to
fuch are in general fimple in their nature, and Jeldom
exhibit at the fame time fuch apparently contrary, and
of courfe perplexing indications, as thofe which are the
offspring of luxury and refinement.

All the dijorders indeed that occur among fuch perfons
are not equally fimple, but goodfenfe and moderate infor-
mation willjaggeft the propriety of ajking, in fuch cafes,
the advice of perfons whofe prof effional education and at-
tention has led them to a deeper knowledge of the fubjetl.

ON THE

PRESERVATION OF THE HEALTH OF PERSONS
EMPLOYED IN AGRICULTURE.

ADVANTAGES WHICH PERSONS EMPLOYED IN AGRI-
CULTURE POSSESS IN POINT OF HEALTH.

THE way of life of perfons engaged in agri-
cultural bufinefs, exempts them from many
of the diforders to which other occupations are
liable. Many of the employments by which great
numbers of people are fupported, are injurious to
health, by being either too fedentary, or too labo-
riops ; by which the powers of nature are either
fuffcrcd to languifh for want of exertion, or worn
out prematurely by over-fatigue. But the bufinefs
of hufbandry is not necefifarily connected with either
of thefe extremes. The labour is indeed conftant,
but not in general fo violent as either to exhauft the
ftrength by ovcr-ftraining, or to excixe any weak-
ening degree of difcharge by perfpiration. The
variety likewife of the neceflary bufinefs is a favour-
able circumftance for thofe who are employed in

it,

[ 3$* ]

it, as thereby the different mufcles of the body are
exercifed, and various poftures ufed, which contri-
bute to ftrengthen the body more generally, and
alfo relieve the mind by a diverfity of attentions.

A farther advantage attending the nature of la-
bour in husbandry is, that it is performed in the
open air, which in general muft be pure and whol-
fome, as being free from fmoke and other vapours
arifing from inflamed bodies, and alfo from putrid
exhalations both of the animal and vegetable kind,
which are well known to taint the air in large ci-
ties, and in manufactories of every kind, where
great numbers of people are afTembled in a fmall
compafs.

The furface or ftaple of the foil, which is the fub-
ject of thefe operations, does not give out any noxi-
ous odours, like many of the mineral or metalline
fubftances employed in feveral manufactories, but
is at lead perfectly innocent, and has even been
thought to produce effluvia rather favourable than
injurious to health. The number of vegetables,
likewife, with which perf6ns concerned in fuch em-
ployments are generally furrounded, contribute to
render the air which is refpired pure and falubrious,
by abforbing the putrid and phlogiftic fubftances
that float m the atmofphere.

The

[ 353. I

The diet of perfons who live in the country is, I
think, in general more wholfome than that of thofc
who inhabit towns. A large portion of it confiiis
of frefh vegetables and milk, which, though not ex-
cluded from the food of thofe who live in towns,
are enjoyed in much greater plenty and higher per-
fection in rural fituations. Thefe correct the pu-
trefactive difpofition of animal food, and tend to
keep up the proper fecretions and evacuations, and
to maintain that balance in the animal fyftem, upon
which health fo much depends.

The regular hours necefTary to be obferved by
thofe who follow country bufinefs, are perhaps of
more confequence than any of the other articles,
however important thofe may be.

It is an old and a common opinion, that the ex-
ternal air is much lefs falubrious during the night
than the day ; and this opinion, which probably was
at firft drawn from obfervation, feems to be con-
firmed by chemical experiments, which tend to
fhew that the air exhaled by vegetables, whilfl the
fun is above the horizon, is much more pure and
fit for refpiration than that which iflues from them
in the abfence of the fun. The ill effects of the
latter are probably bell avoided, by the human
body being in a ftace of repofe and infenfibility,

which

[ 3*4 ]

which render it lcfs liable to be affected by fuch
impreflions. The morning air, on the contrary, fo
celebrated both by poets and philofophers for its
benign and cheering effects upon the mind, and-
body, is enjoyed in high perfection by perfons in this:
way of life : and the advantages they derive from
thence in point of health are probably very great.

I have been informed from the beft authority,
that a perfon in high flation lbme years ago, who
was very defirous to protract his exiflence in , this
world as long as he was able, made every poflible
enquiry concerning the regimen and manner of life
of thofe perfons who had arrived at a great age, but
found no circumftance common to them all, fave
that they all had obferved great regularity in point;
of hours; both rifing early, and going early to reft.

Freedom from care and anxiety of mind is a
blefflng, which I apprehend fuch people enjoy iq
higher perfection than mod others, and is of the
utmoft confequence. Mental agitations and eating
cares are more injurious to health, and deftructive
of life, than is commonly imagined ; and could their
effects be collected, would make no inconfiderable
figure in the bills of mortality.

The fimplicity and uniformity of rural occupa-
tions, and their inceffant practice, preclude many

anxieties

[ 355 ]

anxieties and agitations of hope and fear, to which
employments of a more precarious and cafual na-
ture are fubject. Nor is it the lead advantage to
health, accruing from fuch a way of life, that it
expofes thofe who follow it to fewer temptations to
vice than perfons who live in crouded fociety. The
accumulation of numbers always augments in fome
meafure moral corruption, and the confequences
to health of the various vices incident thereto, are
well known.

Diforders to which Agricultural Perfons are Jubjecl
from the Nature of their Employment.

THE life of hufbandmen and farmers, though
in general healthy, has, like other fituations, fome
circumitances attending it which produce diforders.
Thefe may be confidered in feveral points of view,
according to their caufes.

Firft, then, the nature of their employment often
expofes fuch perfons to the viciflltudes of weather,
Thefe, perhaps, may be of many very different
kinds, when confidered with regard to the changes
n the nature of the atmofphere > but this is an en-
quiry too deep and obfcure for a popular treatife,
ike the prefent, and I (hall only take notice of
fuch as are obvious and certain. Thefe are three
Vol. IV. A a ia

[ 356 ]

in number, cold, heat, and moifture\ to which may
be added, a combination of the laft of thefe with
either of the former.

Expofure to a great degree of cold may produce
inflammatory diforders of different forts, but prin-
cipally, though not altogether, of the topical kind.
Thus the inflammatory fore throat, rheumatic pains
in the teeth and face, inflammations of the eyes,
and coughs, with pain of the bread, attended with
fever, are all complaints liable to be produced by
cold air, either externally applied, or drawn in by
the breath. To thefe may be added, the rheu-
matifm, both of the acute and chronic kind, which,
though fometimes a local diforder, is often general,
and may be frequently traced to this cauie.

Cold, likewife, when great, and long continued,
is apt to produce diforders of an oppofite nature to
thufe juft mentioned. Paralytic affections are fre-
quently caufed by it, efpecially in the lower extre-
mities, which are generally the moft expofed to its
influence.

Heat'is another fource of difeafe to the hufband-
man, who often experiences its bad effects in time
of harveft. Inflammatory fevers are often the con-
fequence of heat and labour, and fometimes fuch

[ 357 ]

as are attended with local inflammation, as plcuri-
fies, peripncumonies, inflammations of the bowels,
&c. Sometimes the brain is primarily affected,
probably from the immediate effect of the fun's
rays upon the head. The eyes are alfo liable to be
inflamed from expofure to ftrong light. Moif-
ture, efpecially when combined with either of the
above extremes of temperature, is produ^ive of
feveral diforders.

People who work in the open air, and oftentimes
at a diftance from fhelter, muft neceffarily be ex-
pofed to cafual fhowers at every feafon of the year.
If thefe happen in cold weather, they aggravate the
bad effects of cold, by conveying it to a clofer con-
tact with the (kin, and alfo by the generation of
cold by evaporation. If rain fall fuddenly at a
warm feafon of the year, its effects are, I apprehend,
lefs dangerous than in cold weather to thofe who
are wet with it; neverthelefs it is not void of ha-
zard, efpecially if the perfons expofed to it have
been previoufly much heated, either by the weather,
or exercife.

The evaporation of the moifture generates a de-
gree of cold, which is greater as the evaporation is
quicker. This then is one reafon, why the danger
of wet clothes is greater, as the body is more heated.
A a 2 Whether

[ 358 ]

Whether moifture, (imply confidered, has any
other effect than as increafing the influence of cold,
is not clearly determined. But whatever doubts
we may entertain, concerning the moifture of the
atmofphere, there is no queftion that fome kinds
of moifture, to which perfons who labour in this
way are fometimes expofed, has fpecifically noxi-
ous qualities.

The draining of marfhy grounds, however it may
in its confequences benefit the health of thofe who
live in the neighbourhood, has been long obferved
to be but an unwholfome employment for thofe who
work at it. Yet this is frequently a neceffary piece
of bufinefs for the farmer, as well as the cleanfing
of ditches, which is in fome meafure of the fame
kind, though in general lefs apt to do mifchief.
The moifture to which people thus employed are
expofed, muft not be confidered as mere humidity ;
but as humidity, combined with putrefying fub-
ftances, and capable of diffufing the effects of fuch
over thofe who are within a certain diftance of it.

Marines are well known to produce diforders,
even over a considerable extent of country, and
muft of courfe be particularly liable to affect thofe
who break up any part of them. Putrid com-
plaints of various kinds may be produced by thefe

exhalations;

[ 359 ]

exhalations ; but I apprehend, the intermittent fe-
ver is the ufual confequence; the frequent appear-
ance of which, in moid and fenny countries, has
been univerfally obferved.

Such are the difeafes to which people employed
in hufbandry are occafionally liable from the nature
of their occupation. But they are fubject to a much
greater number from their own imprudence, of
which I fhall next fpeak.

Diforders to which Perfons employed in Agriculture are
liable from their own imprudence.

AND firft, Of their wanton expofure of them/elves
to the vicijfttudes of Heat and Cold. It is no uncom-
mon thing for people who work in harveft, when
violently heated by the weather and by labour, to
drink large draughts of fome cold thin liquor, as
water, milk, whey, butter-milk, and fuch like.
This, if taken in great quantity, has been fometimes
known to fupprefs the powers of life altogether, and
to produce an almofl inftant death.

This however, I believe, feldom happens; but

the bad effects of this practice appear in other ways

A a 3 fufficiently

[ 36o ]

fufficiently ferious to difcourage fuch hazardous ex-
periments. It is not uncommon for a violent fever
to be the confequence, which is frequently attended
with inflammation of the flomach or bowels ; both
which are diforders of the mod dangerous nature.
But mould they efcape incurring any acute com-
plaint, it is common for them to be affected with a
fenfe of weight and ficknefs at the ftomach, which
continues feveral weeks, and is at laft relieved by
vomiting; this, however, does not put a period to
the complaint, as it is, generally followed by an
itching eruption on the (kin in blotches, in various
parts of the body, which proves to be the leprofy —
a loathfome and filthy difeafe, and very difficult
of cure !

1 have had an opportunity of feeing at the Bath
Hofpital, a great number of people thus afflidted,
and am fatisfied that they all, without exception,
owed their difeafe to the application of cold, in fome
form or other, to the body when in a heated date.

Labouring perfons are very apt, when they leave
off any work in which they have been much heated,
to remain fome time at reft in the open air before
they put on their clothes. This is a very impru-
dent practice, and frequently produces bad effects,
efpecially in bringing on coughs, and other diforders

[ 36i ]

of the bread, which oftener owe their rife among the
common people to this than any other caufe.

Neglect of changing their clothes when wet, is
alfo a great fource of diforder among hufbandmen.
To remain in wet clothes when the body is at reft:,
fubjects the perfon who is fo imprudent as to fuffer
it, to the united bad effects of cold and moifture.
Much worfe confequences may however be ex-
pected, when they who are heated by labour lie
down to deep, as they often do, in their wet clothes.
The diminution of the force of the circulation and
other powers of life, which always takes place du-
ring fleep, caufes the bad effects of cold to operate
with much greater danger to health and life. This
hazard is much aggravated, if they add to this im-
prudence by flecping on the wet ground. This not
only communicates an additional moifture and cold,
but is perhaps ftill more prejudicial from the nature
of the exhalation. It is the opinion of a phyfician
of the greatcft eminence, that the vapour which
arifes from moid earth is the caufe of the moft dan-
gerous fevers. Thofe, therefore, who put them-
felves wantonly in the way of fuch danger, are guilty
of little lefs than fuicide.

ExcefSy or Irregularity in Diet, is another fource
of diforder to people in this way of life. This is

common

[ 362 ]

common indeed in fome meafurc to all ranks, but
in feveral refpects it is particularly applicable to thofe
who are employed in hufbandry. Air and exercife
are well known to fharpen the appetite; and as thefe
advantages are incident to this way of life, it may
be expected that fome excefs fhould now and then
take place. The diet of fuch perfons is indeed in
general too fpare and plain to offer any great incen-
tive to indulgence in point of quantity, but oppor-
tunities fometimes offer for a more plentiful allow-
ance of food, and more inviting to the palate. On
fuch occafions the lower ranks of people exert little
confideration or prudence. They have fcarcely any
view beyond the gratification of the prefent moment;
and if a full indulgence of appetite is not exercifed,
they deem it a lofs of an opportunity for the enjoy-
ment of fo much happinefs. '

It is needlefs to enumerate in this place all the
complaints that excefs in quantity of food may
bring on ; it is fufficient to fay, that it has often
produced fudden death, and where its violent effects
have not been fo immediate, has laid a foundation
for bad health during the remainder of life. — To
this head may be referred the brutal practice of
eating enormous quantities for a wager, or out of
bravado. It is needlefs to defcant upon fo odious
a fubject, farther than to fay, that fuch things fink

men

[ 363 ]

men below the level of beafts in groflhefs and folly,
not to mention the fcandalous immorality of fuch
actions.

The diet of people employed in hufbandry, does
not admit of much luxury refpecting its quality ;
there are however fome things which come within
the reach of thefe people, and which they regard as
gratifications, and of courfe are apt to take in too
great quantity. Of this kind are fome of the au-
tumnal fruits, which in fome years are produced fo
largely, as to be of fcarcely any pecuniary value.
Of thefe, plumbs, efpecially fuch as are of the
coarfer and more auftere forts, are the principal.
It is a common obfervation, that in years wherein
there is an abundance of fuch fruits, purgings, co-
licks, and mod other complaints of the ftomach
and bowels, are very common. It is proper here
to obferve, that the incautious manner in which
thefe fruits are devoured, efpecially at their firft
coming in, caufes many of the (tones to be fwal-
lowed i — a practice extremely hazardous. The hif-
tory of phyfick affords many examples of the worft
confequences arifing from fuch bodies lodging in
the ftomach and bowels. Sometimes, when the
accumulation of them has been confiderable, they
have obftructed the alimentary canal altogether,
and produced a miferable death in a fhort rime/ at

others,

[ 364 ]

others, they have made their way through different
parts of the body, and caufed either a long and
painful illnefs, or death, by the hectick fever attend-
ing internal fuppurations.

Pears, if eaten too freely, are apt, as well as the
flone-fruits, to diforder the ftomach and bowels j
but they are lefs dangerous, and not fo often fwal-
lowed in fuch quantities as to be materially preju-
dicial to life or health.

Nuts are perhaps, upon the whole, the moft dan-
gerous of any of the fruits that are likely to fall into
the way of this rank of people. When eaten in
large quantity, they have been often known to lodge
in the ftomach, and to be incapable of being re-
moved from thence by any medicine, and of con-
fequence have put a fpeedy end to life. When
taken in lefs quantity, they are found to opprefs the
breathing, and to produce vomiting and bowel

complaints. Hoffman obferves, that dyfenteric

complaints are always moft common in thofe years
in which the harveft of nuts is plentiful. Excefs in
diet, however, is more frequently committed in
liquids than in folids.

It is obferved of mankind in general, that they
have a natural fondnefs for fermented or fpirituous

liquors,

[ 36s ]

liquors, and a certain proportion appears to be al-
lowable and even neceflary for perfons who undergo
hard labour. But the healthy quantity is apt to be
exceeded when opportunity offers, and excefs of this
kind is more hurtful than a defect of fuch gratifi-
cations. I need not here enlarge on the confe-
quence of drunkennefs to health. Fevers, dropfies,
confumptions, apoplexies, and many other miferable
diforders, are well known to follow fuch a courfe.
The want of money among labouring people, in-
deed often prevents the bad effects of a habit of this
kind, but occafional opportunities occur which are
laid hold on with great avidity ; and it is far from
uncommon to find death the immediate follower of
fuch licentious indulgence.

Diet, however, is not the only article which fuch
perfons are liable to carry to excefs. It is common
to fee exertions of a more liberal kind purfued to
too great length. The caprice of emulation will
often produce inftances of labour, which duty, and
the urgency of circumftances, might in vain folicit.
The burfting offome of the blood-vefTels, particu-
larly thofe of the head, lungs, or ftomach, nephritic
complaints, and inteftinal ruptures, have all of them
followed fuch ill-judged and ollentatious difplay of
flrength and corporeal abilities.

Direftions

[ 366 ]

Ttireftions relative to the Prevention and Cure of Disor-
ders incident to Perfons employed in Agriculture.

AFTER the above enumeration of complaints to
which perfons thus employed are liable, it is proper
I mould offer fomething on the fubject of their cure
or relief. This I fhall confider in two views , the
firft as to what regards the prevention of diforders,
and the fecond as to what regards their cure.

Perfons that work in hufbandry are neceffarily
expofed to the weather in both its extremes of tem-
perature. The ill effects therefore of both, it be-
hoves us to counteract. Cold in this climate is
moft neceffary to be attended to, as its operation is
of longer duration; feveral months in the year often
requiring us to be on our guard againft cold, whilft
cxceffive heat fcarcely lafts more than a few days.
Warmth of clothing is the only method, exercife
excepted, by which thofe who fpend their life in
the open air can guard againft cold, and nothing is
more neceffary for fuch perfons as are the fubjects
of the prefent confideration, than a proper regard
to this article.

The woollen cloths of our own country are per-
fectly well adapted for thefe purpofes, being warm
without being too heavy, refilling moifture in a good

meafure,

t 367 ]

meafure, and even when wetted being lefs cold to
the touch than any other fubftance. It appears to me
that fome of the coarfer and loofer woven fabricks
are preferable, both in point of warmth and light-
nefs, to thofe of a more even furface, and alfo give
more refiftancc to the penetration of moiflure.

Every perfon who employs men under him in
bufinefs of this nature, ought to be careful, in point
of interefl as well as humanity, that his fervants
have clothing fufficient for the feafon of the year;
otherwife he may expect a proportionable diminu-
tion in the labour he expects to be performed, and
the lofs of many valuable opportunities, efpecialiy
in precarious weather and feafons.

The fame arguments are applicable to thofe who
have the care of the parilh poor, whom it would be
far more ceconomical as well as humane to preferve
in a good ftate of health, than to fuffer them to
become victims of difeafes which might be pre-
vented. This caution refers particularly to the
youth, who, by being neglected at that time of life,
often continue burdens on thofe perfons, whofe ex-
pences (had the children's health been duly attended
to) they might have contributed to diminifh.

uon, properly applied, might prove an ex-
cellent prefervative againft, and even a remedy for

many

[ 363 ]

many of the bad effects of cold. Would perfons
chilled with the feverity of the weather, rub their
bare limbs with woollen cloths for a confiderable
time after they return home, it would produce a
more equable and genial warmth, and contribute
more to fupport the powers of life, than any arti-
ficial heat whatfoever. The fame operation would
probably prevent many of thofe painful and refrac-
tory fores called chilblains, which are fo apt to affect
the extremities, efpecially in young people. Should
any perfons in extreme froft have their limbs or any
part of the body actually frozen, the utmoft caution
muft be had not to bring them near to any fire.
The fafeft method is faid to be, to rub the part
frozen firft with fnow, and to continue the friction
till fome degree of warmth begins to appear, but
not to fufFer the accefs of any heat from fire, till
the warmth from friction takes place. Even then,
the part frozen mould not be fuddenly expofed to
the heat of a fire, but rather be continued to be
rubbed till the natural fenfation and heat are per-
fectly reftored. If the part frozen be expofed to
the heat of a fire whilft in a frozen ftate, it will un-
doubtedly mortify.

It feldom happens, that the cold is fo intenfe in
this country, as to deflroy thofe expofed to its in-
fluence by its direct and immediate operation -, yet

[ 3*9 ]

as great degrees of it now and then take place, it
may be proper to caution thofe who may be in a
fituation that expofes them for any confiderable
time together to violent cold, to be cautious how
they fuffer any propenfity to fleep, or drowfinefs, to
(teal upon them. A tendency to fleep in a perfon
who is in fuch a (late, is a certain fign that the cold
begins to gain ground on the powers of life, and
mould therefore excite the ftrongeft efforts to refift
it. This may be a difficult tafk, but is neceflary,
as life entirely depends upon it.

Heat, though lefs frequently an object of our care
in this refpect than cold, neverthelefs demands our
attention. Though feldom of long duration, the
heat is fometimes exceflive. I have feen it in the
(hade, and in a fituation expofed to no reflected
heat, raife the thermometer to 87 degrees. Such
heats, and even confiderably lefs, are too great for
laborious work even in the (hade, and mud be dill
more injurious to thofe who are expofed to the fun's
rays, which is of neceflity the cafe with thofe who
work in the harveft.

In fuch extremities of temperature, it (hould not
be expected, or even permitted, that the unthinking
labourer, who has icarcely any views beyond the
prefent moment, (hould expofe himfelf to fuch ha-
zard*

[ 37° 1

zard. (Economy, as well as humanity, pleads
loudly in behalf of fuch indulgence.

Inferior, yet ft ill confiderable degrees of heat,
although they need not preclude work in the open
air, ftill have need of fome cautions refpecting
them. It is not uncommon to obferve a degree of
impatient anxiety which accompanies fome people
in every action of life. This prevails among the
lower as well as higher ranks of mankind, and often
proves a fource of fatigue and toil, without expe-
diting labour. Calmnefs and compofure are ne-
ceflary to the corporeal as well as the mental ope-
rations, and tend greatly to prevent the bad effects
of excefs of ftimulus of any kind.

As the head is the part principally expofed to the
action of the folar rays, it is particularly necelTary
to ufe fome defence for that part. Hats are ufed
for this purpofe, but the black colour of which they
are generally made, caufes them to abforb the heat,
and of confequence to accumulate it in the very
part on which we mould lead defire it to fall. Hats
for working people in hot weather fhould be made
of ftraw, or fome light fubftance of a white or pale
colour, and with brims fufficiently wide to fhelter
both the head and moulders from the fcorching
beams of the fun. Even a piece of white paper

covering

[ 37i ]

covering a hat, is no contemptible defence againft

folar heat. The eyes fhould likewife be confi-

dered, which expofure to ftrong light is fo apt to
injure. This ihould be guarded againft by the
brim of the hat being made of a fufficient breadth
to fhade the eyes, and the infide fhould alfo be
tinged of either a green or blue colour, but by no
means either black or a very light hue,

I have before mentioned the bad erTecls of cold
applied in any way to the body when violently
heated. This fhould ferve as a fufficient caution
againft fuch imprudencies. It may be ufefuj to
add, that as it may be neceftary to drink frequently,
It prevents much of the bad effects of cold liquor,
to eat fomething folid immediately before any liquid
be taken. A few morfels may be fufficient, and the
efficacy of the precaution is well known.

The mifchievous confequences of cold liquors,
drunk in fuch cafes, are much aggravated when
they are, as is too common, fwilled down in enor-
mous draughts. Would thirfty people but have a
little patience, and drink fmall quantities at a time,
with proper intervals, as of a few minutes, the un-
eafy fenfation would be more effectually removed,
and that without any danger to health.

Vol. IV. B b Another

[ 372 ]

AnotheV caution highly necefiary for fuch perfcns
is, to put on their clothes immediately on their
leaving off work, and to do this without any regard
to the warmth of the weather. Nothing can be
more hazardous than for a perfon who is heated
with labour, and in a ftronc: peripiration, to remain
expofed to the wind. The exhalation both from the
body and the wet linen, produces a fudden and con-
fiderable degree of cold, which is not merely tran-
fient, but continues as long as the moifture is fuf-
fered to exhale freely into the open air.

I have before remarked the hazard of labouring
perfons fleeping on the ground during the intervals
of their work. This is improper at all times, but
particularly dangerous if the ground be any wife
moilt. Indeed 1 am of opinion that fleep had better
be avoided altogcdier at fuch times; as fuch (lum-
bers produce but little refrefhment, and expofe the
health to unneceflary rifque. The body would be
fufficiently reded by the ceffation of labour, and
early hours in the evening would afford a fufficient
portion of time to be fpent in fleep.

Moifture is equally necefiary to be confidered in
this place, with refpe£t to its effects on the health,
as heat and cold. This, I have before obferved,
cannot be always avoided, but the bad effects it

fo me times

[ 373 ]

fometimes produces may generally be obviated. If
thofe who are Wet with fhowers, would be careful
to continue their motion and labour whilft they re-
main in the open air, and to change their clothes on
their return home, many of the bad confequences of
wet clothes would be prevented. Friction on fuch
occafions might be an excellent prefervative againft
the bad effects of cold and moifture : were the body
and extremities that have been fo expofed, rubbed
ftrongly for a quarter of an hour with a coarfe
woollen or linen cloth, immediately on the wet
clothes being ftripped off, it is probable few bad
confequences would follow from the accident.

It is indeed extraordinary this fhould not be
oftener practifed in fuch circumftances than it is.
Every labouring man knows the necejftty of rub-
bing horfes that have been wet and dirty, and this
not only for the purpofe of cleanfing away the filth,
but alfo for that of preferving a due perfpiration
and regular warmth on the furface of the body,.
Bathing the feet in warm weather would alfo be an
ufeful precaution on fuch occafions, efpecially to
thofe who are fubject to purging and other diforders
of the bowels.

Labouring men are fometimes expofed to moif-
ture of alefs innocent kind than fuch as falls from

8 b 2 the

[ 374 ]

the clouds. Draining marfhy ground is a neceflary
bufinefs, and, as I have before faid, expofes the
workmen to hazard from the nature of the moifture,
as well as from Ample humidity. The intermittent
fever is the principal, though not the only com-
plaint, work of this kind is liable to bring on, and
muft be particularly guarded againft. It therefore,
feems proper that fuch kind of work mould, if pof-
fible, be performed in the Spring, or early in the
fummer, in which feafons thefe diforders are not fo
likely to happen as when the autumn is advanced.
And thofe who work in this way fhould be fuffi-
ciently clothed, and be very cautious to avoid
fudden tranfitions from heat to cold.

Intemperance is particularly dangerous under fuch
circumftances. It is highly proper, and even ne-
ceflary, that thofe who perform fuch kind of labour
fhould have a fufficient, and even liberal allowance,
in point of diet; butexcefs of any kind, in fpiritu-
ous liquors efpecially, tends to weaken the ftomach,
and in confequence thereof, the whole vital fyftem,
and to render the body more liable to receive con-
tagion of every kind. This is not a caution founded
merely on theory or general principles, but a fact in

medicine eftabJifhed beyond all doubt. Another

caution very neceflary to be attended to is, that
none fhould go to fuch kind of labour in the morn-
ing

[ 375 ]

ing before they have taken fome kind of food.
Somewhat warm is mod proper, and if it can be
had, I ihould prefer animal food. It is difficult to
account for, but true as a fact, that warm victuals
are greatly more cordial and flrengthening to the
body, and of courfe more fit for the fupport of thole
who perform laborious work, than the fame food if
taken when cold,

Cleanlinefs is an effential article in fuch circum-
flances. Would thofe who work at fuch employ-
ments be careful to wafh their hands and feet at
their return from work, and to change their linen
and (lockings as often as their circumftances would
admit, it is probable that the hazard would be
greatly lefTened.

It is necefifary to remark, that the above cautions
apply at lead equally ftrong to thofe who fuper-
intcnd fuch operations, as to thofe who actually
perform them. It is probable that the labour of
body and attention of mind, which occupy thofe
who are at work, is no fmall prefervative againft
the accefs of contagion of every kind.

As there is reafon to believe, that intermittent

fevers may in fome cafes be fo far infectious as to

be communicated from one perfon to another, it

B b 3 would

[ 37* 3

would be proper that when any perfon fhould be
attacked therewith, fuch perfon fhould be provided
with a feparate bed during the continuance of his
diforder. Cautions of this kind would be the bell
ceconomy, as diforders might then be checked at
their firft appearance, and prevented from fpreading.

Excefs, or Irregularity in Diet, is the next fubjecl:
of thefe cautions. I have before mentioned fome
of the diforders likely to be produced hereby, but
mall now be more particular* Food may be confi-
dered with refpecx to its quantity and its quality. The
firft of thefe can only be meafured by a reafonable
attention to the appetite. What may no more than
fuffice for one man, may be great excefs in another ;
and in general what the appetite leads to, may be
confidered as the proper ftandard. But fome igno-
rant nifties are foolifh enough to imagine, that there
is a degree of credit annexed to the being able to
confume a larger quantity of victuals than is in the
power of other men ; and this beaftly prejudice,
which often produces fatal confequences, fhould be
as much as pofTible difcouraged, even by thofe who
practife hofpitality among the lower ranks of people.
It is certainly mean to offer to entertain any per-
fons, of whatfoever degree they may be, without
producing a fufficient quantity of wholfome pro-

vifionsj

[ 377 ]

vifions; but it is dill more inhofpitable to encou-
rage any to make fuch an ufc of what is provided
for them as to endanger health or life, not to men-
tion the fcandalous wade which muft be caufed by
it. Still more blameable is the practice of encou-
raging gluttony by wagers, or "offers of reward.
They who do this are in fact highly criminal, and
in no fmall degree guilty of the fatal confequences
which fo often follow fuch brutal difplays of ap-
petite. Moderation is not only neceffary in what
regards the quantity of food, but alio as it regards
the time in which it is confumed. It is neceflary
to the proper digeftion of our food, and of courfe
to the nouriftiment of the body, that it be taken in
gradually, and its texture broken down by chewing.
It would fcarcely be credited, were it not known
as a facl:, that the folly of gluttony has prompted
wagers not only on the quantity of food, but alfo on
the time in which it Ihouldbe fwallowed; by acce-
lerating which, all the bad effects of an enormous
quantity of victuals muft be greatly aggravated.
Meat, thus (wallowed, muft be of courfe in large
pieces, fcarcely acted on by the teeth, and of diffi-
cult digeftion. The fudden diftention of the fto-
mach, by the introduction of a large quantity of
meat (o nearly at the fame time, muft weaken its
tone, by overftretching its fibres; and this has fome-

times

[ 378 ]

times gone to fuch a length as to deprive the flo-
mach of all that power of expelling its contents,
which foon terminated in death. — To thefe dangers
mould be added, that of the meat flicking in the
paffage of the gullet, and remaining there without a
poflibility of removal, a thing which is not uncom-
mon amidft fuch excefles. Even the proper tempe-
rature of food is worthy attention. Ruftick folly has
produced wagers and premiums on the eating food
nearly boiling hot. It is difficult to preferve any
temper in the cenfure of fuch outrageous flupidity.

The quality of food is neceffary to be confidered,
as well as its quantity. The flomachs of labour-
ing men are undoubtedly flrong, and able to digefl
coarfe meat; but ill-judged ceconomy fhould not
prompt farmers to fet before their fervants decayed
or indigeflible food. Putrid meat is not merely
unwholfome in its remote confequences, but imme-
diately dangerous to life, as has been often expe-
rienced, and fhould be avoided as carefully as we
would any other poifonous fubflances,

I have before pointed out the bad confequences
that are apt to refult from the free ufe of fome indi-
geflible fruits, particularly plumbs and nuts. I think
it would be a proper caution for farmers not to plant
any of the former that are of the coarfe and auflere

kind;

[ 379 1

kind j for though thry generally bear plentifully,
their fruit is of little value, and likely on that account
to fall to the fhare of fuch people. Hazel plan-
tations are more necefTary ; but flill it would be of
fervice to place them as far from farm-houfes as
might be convenient, that they might afford lefs
temptation for the gathering of their fruit. It is
proper to notice here the danger thoughtlefs people
who fpend much time in the fields are expoled to,
from eating plants and berries with which they arc
unacquainted. Many plants, commonly met with,
are well known to be extremely poifonous, fuch as
the Henbane, Deadly-nightfhade, Water-hemlock,
fome fpecies of Drop-wort, fevera] kind of Murti-

rooms, and many others. It fhould be a ftrict

injunction to all who fpend their time in the fields,
never to tafte any plant, fruit, or berry, which they
do not know to be fafe, and indeed it would be more
prudent to difcourage altogether fuch ufelefs curi-
ofity. It is obvious that this caution is particularly
necefTary for children.

The danger of excefs in liquids is greater than in
folid food. Fermented liquors, taken in moderate
quantity, are both proper and necefTary for thofe
who perform laborious work j but this healthy pro-
portion is apt, when opportunity offers, to be ex-
ceeded by people whofe gratifications are few in

number,

[ 3«o ]

number, and of rare occurrence. As it is imprac-
ticable to prevent fuch excefTes altogether, I would
wifh to fuggeft, that, if they muft take place, malt
liquor is found by experience to be much lefs inju-
rious to the health and constitution than diftilled
fpirits, however diluted with water. I have been
informed that a principle of ceconomy has induced
many farmers to treat their fervants, and thofe with
whom they are connected, with fpirits and water,
inftead of malt liquor ; but fuch a practice is by all
means to be difcouraged, as fpirits are much more
inflammatory than malt drinks, and produce more
readily obfhuctions and inflammatory diforders,
efpecially of the liver and mefentery. The tempo-
rary delirium of intoxication that they produce, is
faid to be much more violent and outrageous, and
of courfe more dangerous, than what follows from
taking too large a quantity of malt liquor. The
deftructive effects of fpirituous liquors were fo ob-
fervable fome years ago, as to produce the mod
ferious apprehenfions in a national view, and to at-
tract the notice of the legiflature. — The baptifms
of London alone are faid to have been reduced
from twenty thoufand annually to fourteen thou-
fand, which was with reafon afcribed to the ufe of
this pernicious beverage: — This fact is equivalent

to a thoufand arguments ! On this fubject I

would

[ 38i ]

would wifh to fay a few words on the debauchery
that ufuaily attends county elections, efpecially fuch
as are contefted.

Much has been faid of late years on the fubject
of inftructing Members of Parliament. No con-
dition would be m6Ve juftifiable than to demand of
all the candidates a promife that they would not,
by encouraging dabauchery, ruin the health, de-
ftroy the induftry, and corrupt the morals, of thofe
people for whofe intereft they profefs fuch an anxi-
ous concern, and to whofe fervice they are fo pro-
foundly devoted. I believe it will not be thought
going too far to affirm, that very few indeed have it
in their power to repair, by any political conduct of
their own, the mifchief done by a contefted election.
No combination among the electors could be more
truly patriotic, than one which tended to refufe
fupport to every candidate that attempted to pro-
mote his intereft by fuch means.

In the former part of this elTay, I have mentioned
fome of the ill effects that follow violent exertions
of labour or exercife, which I truft are fufficient to
fhew the imprudence of fuch drained efforts. I
(hall only add here, that fuch trials fhould not be
encouraged by premiums or other means, either by
private perfons or public focieties. It would be far
preferable to encourage conftant and perfevering

induftry

t 332 ]

induftry and good execution of work, than excefEve

labour and fatiguing exertions of ftrength. 1

fhall conclude this chapter with forae pieces of ge-
neral advice.

Thofe who employ fervants in agriculture fliould
encourage them to be careful of their health, and to
make it a point of confideration. A proper prudence
in this refpect is perfectly confident with induftry,
and is indeed the mod neceffary circumftance to-
wards the execution of a great quantity of work. —
It is common with agricultural focieties to give pre-
miums for the greateft number of children ; but this
fhould always be conjoined with another condition,
that the children fliould be healthy, and this laft cir-
cumftance fhould preponderate againft the other.

The fituation of farm-houjes is a matter of great
conft-quence as it regards health. The greateft care
fhould be taken to place them in dry fituations with
a defcent from them every way, and upon a gravelly
fpot, or at leaft fuch a one as is free from fprings
that rife to, or near to, the furface of the earth.
Care alfo fliould be taken to place the repofitories
for dung and other manure at fome diftance from
the houfe, and this caution fhould alfo be extended
to the hog-ftyes and poultry-yards. The neceflary
attention to the feeding thefe animals does not allow

the

[ 3«3 ]

the diftance to be confiderable, but ftill does not re-
quire their being fo near as we generally lee them
placed. It is needlefs to expatiate on fuch a fubjecT:,
or to attempt to prove that air impregnated with
fuch filthy exhalations muft be injurious to health.

Even good plans for farm-houfes of different
fizes, according to the number of inhabitants, would
contribute in no fmall degree to general welfare.
The bed-chambers in farm-houfes are in general
too low and confined, and the whole building too
fmall ; this occafions too many people to be crouded
together, a circumftance always very unfavourable
to health, and the moft common fource of conta-
gious diforders. Good water is alfo a circumftance
of great moment. If this can be had from any
fpring that rifes to the furface of the earth, it is
commonly preferable to fuch as is drawn from a
confiderable depth; but fuch a choice is not always
in our power. If pond-water be ufed through ne-
ceflity, it mould be previoufly put into cifterns or
reiervoirs, covered at the top, and there fuffered to
fettle. Care mould be had that the water be taken
from a large pond, with a (tony or gravelly bottom,
and not fubject to become putrid. Thofe who
drink water of this kind fhould beware of fwallow-
ing the eggs or fpawn of animals, leeches particu-
larly, which fometimes have produced, it is faid,
difagreeablc fymptoms. 'omta*

[ 384 ]

Cleanlinefs of the perfon is of greater importance
to health than is generally imagined, and ought to
be particularly encouraged among the lower ranks*
of people, efpecially thofe employed in this way.
Nothing feems more likely to contribute to this fa-
lutary purpofe than a due obfervation of Sunday;
this precept is not only conducive to religion, mo-
rals, and civilization, but alfo to health. It is

well obferved by Mr. Addison, that Sunday clears
away the ruft of the whole week : — an expreffion
which may be underftood to extend to cleanlinefs
as well as other confederations, and indeed appears
to have been fo intended by the amiable author in
the paffage referred to.

On the Cure of the Diseases incident to an
Agricultural Life.

I now come to the laft part of this eflay, which
is to fpeak — Of the Cure of the Bifeafes to which
Agricultural Perfons are fubjecl from their way of Life:
and here I mud remind the reader, that the pre-
fent treatife is not meant to be a difcuflion of the
fubjecl: at large in a medical way, but only to con-
tain fome plain hints and directions of the practical
kind, which I believe to be juftifled by reafon and

experience.

Perfons

[ 3*5 1

Perfons employed in daily labour of a healthy
kind, and living on coarfe food, naturally become
robutt and athletic, of a firm fibre and denfe blood.
Hence inflammatory complaints are in fuch habits
more common than thofe of the putrid kind ; and
fuch as are attended with low ipirits and other
hypochondriacal fymptoms, are rarely met with.
Evacuations may of courfe be ufed with more fafety
among fuch people than among the effeminate in-
habitants of populous towns.

Bleeding in the fevers that occur among country
people, is for the mod part necelTary, efpecially in
fuch as are attended with local inflammation, as
pleurify, peripneumony, or inflammation of any of
the vifcera. In fuch cafes, twelve, fourteen, fix-
teen, or even twenty ounces of blood, may, and
often ought, to be drawn at one time. The quan-
tity, however, cannot be determined by any general
rule, but muft be regulated by the age, ftrength, fex,
and conftinution of the patient, but principally by
the urgency of the fymptoms. If the internal pain
be very acute, the fkin hot and dry, and the pulfe
exceed no beats in a minute, a large bleeding is
generally neceilary, efpecially if any other fymptom
of a fatiguing or dangerous kind, as a violent cough,
or fhortnefs of breath, be prefent.

[ 3*6 ]

It is proper here to remark, that as foon as the
nature of the complaint is fo far afcertained as to
prove bleeding to be indicated, it is of confequcnce
that fuch operation be performed as foon as poftible,
and that a fufficient quantity be drawn at one time.
One plentiful bleeding will fometimes fubdue a dif-
eafe at its firft appearance, when if half the quantity
only had been taken, it would have required per-
haps to be repeated feveral times. It often, how-
ever, and indeed generally happens, in fevers at-
tended with local inflammation, that one bleeding,
however judicioufly managed in refpect of quantity,
is not fufficient. In fuch cafes we muft be governed
nearly altogether by the urgency of the fymptoms,
and when thefe indicate a farther evacuation to be
necefTary, we muft proceed, not indeed without re-
gard to other circumftances, but neverthelefs as
confidering them as fubfervient only to the princi-
pal object. An attention to this circumftance is
efpecially proper, when the parts that are the feat
of the complaint are immediately neceffary to life,
as in inflammations of the brain, lungs, bowels, or
any of the vifcera j in fuch cafes there is no time
to be loft, and what many would think bold prac-
tice, is indeed the only means of efcape. It is

proper indeed to be careful, that the complaint
originally be of fuch a nature as to require bleeding

[ 3«7 ]

at all j and in this, it mud be confeflfed, even the
mod acute perfons of the profeffion have been de-
ceived. The intermittent fever fometimes comes

on with fuch violent fymptoms as to refemble very
ftrongly an inflammatory fever. But a little time
generally refolves the difficulty, and the fucceflive
and clear marked ftages of coldy heat, and fweat> are
for the molt part fufficient to determine the nature
of the diforder, even before any intermifllon takes
place, and any neceiTity of beginning to treat it as a
fever of a different kind. Even if it mould be mis-
taken, and fome blood drawn, this evacuation has
been often found ferviceable in the beginning of in-
termittents, when the fymptoms are violent, and is
recommended on fuch occafions by the mod judici-
ous practitioners. A careful examination of cir-
cumdances will, for the mod part, enable us to dif-
tinguifh this diforder at its firft appearance. — Moid
weather, and a feafon of the year about either the
vernal or autumnal equinoxes, the latter efpecially,
and the frequency of the diforder in the neighbour-
hood, afford drong preemptions in favour of a fever
being of the intermittent kind; — to which we may
add, fuch obfervations as may be drawn from the
nature of the foil and fituation, and the bufinefs or
work in which thofe attacked with the complaint
had been employed, previous to its firft coming on.

Vol. IV. C c It

[ 38S ]

It is an opinion generally received, that if bleed-
ing be omitted at the beginning of fevers, it is im-
proper in their advanced flate, and this is in fome
meafure true. Fevers that commenced with in-
flammatory fymptoms often become putrid as they
proceed, and bleeding is certainly improper in fuch
circumftances. But I would obferve, that this cau-
tion holds more ftrongly with regard to the enfee-
bled inhabitants of towns, than for robuft country
men. I apprehend that bleeding, though certainly
more likely to be of fervice if tried at the beginning
Qf the difeafe, is neverthelefs proper at every period
when inflammatory fymptoms are prefent. This
holds more ftrongly in cafes of fever attended with
local inflammation, as in pleurify, inflammations of
the vifccra, &c. in which the propriety of bleeding
at every ftage, provided the fymptoms are urgent, is
univerfally acknowledged. It fometimes happens in
robuft people, that the common inflammatory fever
preferves its original appearance nearly as long as
life continues, and its change of type is not to be re-
garded fo much as an indication that points out the
propriety of a different method of treatment, as a
fign that all our attempts are likely to be in vain.

Topical bleeding is often of great fervice in many
diforders as well as general bleeding, efpecially in
the removal of fome troublefome and diftrefllng

fymptoms.

[ 3h 1

fymptoms. The head -ache Is frequently an atten-
dant on fevers, and often continues when the heat,
quicknefs of pulfe, third, and other fymptoms, are
much abated ; and may be often thus relieved. —
One of the eafiefl and fafeft methods of partial or
topical bleeding is by the application of leeches.
H 3, 4> 5> or 6 of thefe, be applied to the temples,
in the cafes mentioned above, they will often pro-
cure almoft immediate eafe, and are perfectly fafe
in their application, as the quantity of blood each
of them draws is very fmall. Leeches may often
be applied with great fuccefs in many inflammatory
complaints that fhew themfelves externally, as rheu-
matic fwellings, particularly thofe of the face and
cheeks, inflammations of the eyes, inner parts of the
ear, &c. In every inftance they mould be applied
as near as poflible to the part affected. Bleeding,
however, though a powerful remedy, requires fome

judgment and caution in the application of it.

The fevers that appear among country people,
though often inflammatory, are not always fo. Pu-
trid fevers, though fcarcely natural (if fuch an ex-
preffion may be admitted) to a country life, are
neverthelefs capable of being communicated by
contagion, and in fuch cafes bleeding is generally
hurtful. In fome inflances the putrid and inflam-
matory fymptoms are fo combined, as to make it
C c 2 doubtful

[ 39° ]

doubtful to which clafs of fymptoms we ought
principally to attend, and in fuch cafes fome expe-
rienccd perfon fhould be confulted ; but in general
the hidden debility of body, and dejection of mind,
that ufually come on at the accefs of the fever, the
red watery eye, and the tendency to perfpiration or
other evacuations, fufficiently djftinguifh this com-
plaint from thofe of the inflammatory kind. The
nervous fever feems to be only an inferior degree
of the putrid or malignant. It is principally dif-
tinguifhed by the weaknefs and dejection of mind
that attend it.

The ulcerated fore-throat is another complaint
that may be found in every fituation, as it is capable
of being propagated by contagion. The difference
of this from the inflammatory fore-throat is now
well underftood and generally known -, but there is
another complaint that refembles it very much,
which requires a very different mode of treatment,
of which I mall fpeak hereafter. In both, however,

bleeding is improper. No cafe requires the ufe

of the lancet more than the common cold, if at-
tended with cough and pain of the bread or fide.
Thefe fymptoms, if neglected, frequently terminate
in confumptions, which might eafily have been pre-
vented by fome evacuation of this kind, joined to
common care, whilft the complaint was recent.

[ 391 1

An abfurd cuftom prevails among the common
people, of letting blood about the fpring and fall of
the year, whether they have any complaint that re-
quires fijeh evacuation or no; this practice, how-
, fo far from tending to prevent diforders, con-
tributes greatly to produce them. It caufes an
habitual plethora, impoverifhes the blood and juices,
and when done at the latter end of the year, is apt
to difpofe the body to intermittent fevers, and, if
often repeated, to dropfical complaints. Many other
bad effects of this abfurd practice might be enume-
rated, but they are, I think, unneceffary to mention.

Purging is a mode of evacuation, whofe confe-
quences in inflammatory complaints are often im-
portant, though lefs fo than bleeding, and I think lefs
hazardous, if mifapplied. Almoft every inflamma-
tory complaint requires fome operation of this kind;
it is however in general proper to be preceded by
bleeding, which is thought to make it more fafe and
effectual: but this rule admits of many exceptions,
and is not neceflfary to be adhered to, except the ten-*
dency to inflammation prevail pretty flrongly.

It was formerly thought, that purgative medi-
cines differ confiderably in the nature of the dif-
charge they produced; fome being calculated to
^ifcharge water, others bile, others phlegm, &c,
C C J but

[ 392 ]

but modern practice does not admit of much dif-
ference in this refpect. All purgatives evacuate
the bowels, and, if powerful and ftimulating, pro-
duce a watery difcharge by the abforption they oc-
cafion from the lymphatic fyftem. Notwithftand-
ing this fimilarity in the effects of purgative reme-
dies, they differ confiderably with refpect to the
circumftances that attend their operation. Some
purgatives are obferved to ftimulate the body and
accelerate the pulfe during their operation more
than others, and this is an important circumftance
to direct our choice of them, according to the pur-
pofes for which they are intended. Thofe that ope-
rate with lead irritation to the fyftem, efpecially to
the circulation, are preferable in acute complaints;
and nothing in fuch cafes is better than a fimple fb-
lution of the bitter purging fait in water. It is fel-
dom rejected by the ftomach, however unpleafant it
may be to the tafte, and its operation is effectual and
takes place quickly; — a circumftance of great im-
portance in fuch cafes. From one to two ounces
may be fafely taken, diffolved in a pint of warm
water, in all inflammatory complaints where purging
is proper. If it mould be neceffary to repeat it in
the advanced ftages, when the feverifh heat begins
to fubfide, it may be taken diffolved in the fame
quantity of infufion of flowers of chamomile, which

will

[ 393 ]

H conduce to fupport the tone of the ftomach

without obftrucling the evacuation. The fi

remedy is proper in fuch fevers as are attended with
local inflammation. If given early in fuch com-
plaints, it Will generally procure a pafTage, being
quick and effectual in its operation, and found by
experience to be lefs liable to be thrown up than
things much more pleafing to the tafte. The ule
of this medicine is not only advifeable in continued
fevers, but alfo in the beginning of intermittent^,
when the patient is ftrong enough to bear purging.
But of this I fhall fay more when I come to fpeak
of the ule of the Peruvian bark in that diforder.

In the advanced (late of all fevers, when the in-
flammatory difpofition begins to abate, and a ten-
dency to putrefaction to prevail, the faline purga-
tives in general are lefs proper than fuch as are of a
more warm and ftimulating nature. Rhubarb in
fuch cafes is more proper, as being warm and aro-
matic, at the fame time that it is purgative. If it
be required to be made warmer, one half or one
third part of nutmeg, or any other fpice, may be
added •, from 20 grains to 60 may be given for a
, but this muft vary according to circumstances.

It is a perplexing circumftance attending the giv-
ing purgative medicines internally, that w c cannot

determine

[ 394 ]

determine the degree of their operation by the pro-
portion or quantity that is taken. It generally hap-
pens that one half or two thirds of the ufual dofe
will have little or no effect; whereas had the full
quantity been taken, it would have produced a
larger difcharge than might be defired. In cafes,
therefore, where fome evacuation of the bowels is
neceffary, and at the fame time we might be appre-
henfive of any unpleafant effects from a large dif-
charge, it is proper to employ clyfters, which have
an additional advantage, that their effect takes place
in a much fhorter time than could be produced by
any purgative medicine internally taken. When
clyfters are adminiftered with this intent, there is
no great necefiity to be very particular, in their com-
pofition. A pint of warm gruel or broth, with
two fpoonfuls of fallad oil, or melted butter, a table-
fpoonful of common fait, and the fame quantity of
brown fugar, forms as efficacious and proper a
clyfter as the moft laboured compofition.

It is proper, while upon this fubject, to caution
againft the practice of giving purgative medicines
internally, efpeciaily fuch as are of the heating or fti-
mulati ng kind, commonly called warm purgatives,
to people who complain of pain in their ftomach or
bowels; particularly if this pain be attended with

heata

[ 395 ]

heat, third, or other fymptoms of fever. It is much
the fafer practice to inject a clyfter of the kind be-
forementioned, and to repeat it if neceffary, and to
ufe external fomentations, than to enter precipi-
tately on the ufe of purgative medicines, which,
if they do not take effect, often aggravate the mif-
chief, by producing or increafing a difpofition to
vomit, and fometimes totally inverting the periftaltic
motion of the inteflines. If fufficient ftools can be
procured by clyfters, the danger is generally over ;
but if that means of relief do not fucceed, it is fafer
to apply to fome of the profefiion, who may bed
determine what method may be purfued.

It is of the utmoft confequence to mention, that
when any complaint of violent pain in the ftomach
or bowels is made, efpecially if luch pain be not ac-
companied by ftools, we mould enquire firft about
the place in which it is chiefly felt, if that can be
pointed out; and next, if it came on rather fuddenly,
or foon after performing fome laborious work, efpe-
cially the lifting any great weight, or indeed any
confiderable exertion of ftrength. If this be found
to be the cafe, we. mould carefully examine the belly,
efpecially that part neareft to the feat of the pain ;
and if any fwelling, or lump, however fmall, be
found, even of the fize of a hazel-nut, we may be
almoft certain, that the caufe of the complaint ori-
ginates

[ 39* ]

gi nates from thence, and that if it be immediately
attended to, it may probably be relieved, at lead the
prefent danger obviated; but that if it be neglected,
the patient will almoft infallibly die. The only re-
medy on fuch occafion is, to reftore the portion of
the inteftine, which is thus protruded and com-
prefied between the mufcles of the abdomen, again
into the cavity of the belly; and if this be dont foon
after the accident, it produces no farther injury. But
this muft be underftood of fuch cafes only as have
a quick attention paid to them, fince if any delay is
made, the danger increafes very rapidly: even a
few hours may determine the interval between fafety

and death. If the patient be in the vigour of

age and (Irength, the confequences of neglect are
more to be apprehended, than if he were advanced
in years, as the probability of inflammation and
ftricture upon the interline is greater,

The apparent facility and celerity with which
this operation is often performed, and its great
fimplicity, may induce fome people to attempt the
performance of it, who have had no inftru&ion or
experience relative thereto; but it is proper to cau-
tion againft fuch attempts, as much nicety of touch,
and addrefs of management, are often requifite;
and if the part be rudely or injudicioufly handled,
the hazard of the diforder is much increafed. The

parts

[ 397 3

parts where fuch an accident is mod liable to hap-
pen, are the navel and the groin, but this rule is by
no means univerfal.

It is farther necefiary to remark, that women,
who in country bufinefs are often employed in lift-
ing confiderable weights, as of pails of milk, buckets
of water, and fuch like, are more liable to ruptures
than men; and on that account it is highly necef-
fary that whoever attends women labouring under
any acute pains of the abdomen, mould make a
Ariel: enquiry into the circumftances under which
fuch pains originated, and particularly if there be
any tumour in the groin, belly, or pudenda; and if
there be fuch, to be informed of what nature it is,
before he goes any farther, or lofes any more of
that time, which in fuch cafes is fo very precious.

To return now from this rather long, but I hope
not ufelefs, digreflion,

Emelks are another clafs of medicines oftheeva^
cuatory kind, that are often of the greateft import-
ance, and whofe ufe requires the particular attention
of thofe who give advice to fick perfons. It is not
meant here to give a general account of the caufes
or circumftances in which emetics may be admi-
niftered with propriety, but only to give a few

hints

[ 398 ]

hints relative to the cafes that are mod likely to
occur in fuch fituations, in which thofe remedies
may be ufeful.

Firft, then, emetics are indicated in cafes where
from imprudence or negligence any thing has been
fwallowed, that we have reafon to believe would be
fpecifically injurious by its continuance in the fto-
mach. Thus if any poifonous plant, root, or berry,
as of henbane, dropwort, nightiriade, or fuch like,
has been incautioufly or ignorantly taken, our prin-
cipal fecurity depends on fuch poifonous fubftance
being evacuated as foon as pofiible, and this can
only be done with fafety by means of emetics. A
fcruple or half a drachm of powder of ipecacuanha,
together with a grain of emetic tartar, may be fafely
given on fuch occafions to an adult perfon, and
worked off with a ftrong infufion of chamomile
flowers, or of root of horfe-radiih. This accident
is moft likely to happen to children, with whom
the fame remedy may be tried ; fome diminution
in the dofe may be proper; but in fuch dangerous
cafes it is better to give a full dofe, and the rather
as by the quicker and more effectual operation of a
larger quantity, the emetic fubftance itfelf is fooner
and more completely difcharged, and in general
with greater eafe to the patient, than if a fmall dofe
had been employed. The fame remedy may be

taken

t 399 ]

taken when the ftomach is overloaded by excefs of
food, or by any victuals that difagree.

With the fame intention emetics may be given
when by fome violent debauch the ftomach is de-
luged with ftrong liquors, and the infenfibility may
be Co great, that it may be apprehended life is en-
dangered. A quick and effectual evacuation of the
ftomach is fometimes of great confequence in fuch
cafes, and ferves to refcue fuch unwary perfons from
impending deftruction. When the ftupor prevails
fo far as to prevent fwallowing, a few grains of
emetic tartar conveyed to the back part of the
tongue will find its way into the ftomach, and in
mod cafes, where that organ retains any fenfibility,
produce vomiting. A few grains (three or four for
inftance) of blue vitriol may be ufed for thei fame
purpofe, and in defperate cafes is preferable, as pof-
fefling a ftronger emetic quality.

It muft however be obferved, that it is not al-
ways either advifeable or fafe to give vomits to re-
move fubftances that have got into the ftomach,
that we apprehend may do mifchief by means of
their mechanical ilimulus, as pieces of bone, pins, or
other fharp or pointed bodies, that may have been
fwallowed. The contraction of the ftomach that'
neceffarily attends vomiting may, if the fubftances

[ 400 ]

be not difcharged, aggravate their bad effects, and
caufe mifchief by preffing on fuch fubftances;
which might not have happened, had they been left
undifturbed.

But the ufe of emetics is not confined merely to
cafes where we defire to empty the ftomach, on
account of any foulnefs fuppofed to be lodged there.
They are often of the greatefl fervice when given
at the coming on of fever ifh complaints, whether
thefe be intermittent or continual fevers. In both
of thefe, it is ufual for fome degree of naufea, or
ficknefs of the ftomach, to accompany the cold fit,
which it is proper to encourage, fhould it not come
to an actual vomiting. An infufion of chamomile
is often fuhicient for this purpofe ; but if that fail to
excite a complete difcharge, a fcruple of ipecacu-
anha in powder will affift the difcharge fufficiently,
effectually, and fafely.

Emetics are often of fervice in the common ca-
tarrhous cold, when the glands of the throat and
fauces are deluged with mucous phlegm, which is
often very difficult to be fpit up. In thefe cafes,
an emetic often acts in the mod powerful manner
in unloading the glands, and promoting general
expectoration.

About

[ 401 ]

About ten years ago, a difeafe appeared in the
Midland counties, much "refembling the ulcerated
fore-throat, but differing from it in reality, and re-
quiring very different remedies. This was called
the fore-throat, attended with fcarlet fever, and
raged principally in the fummer and autumn, in
hoc and dry weather, and attacked principally ro-
buft and vigorous people. Vomiting in this dif-
order proved a very effectual remedy, and required
to be frequently repeated, during the heat of the
difeafe, even, in bad cafes, as far as twice in twenty-
four hours. Should the fame complaint again be-
come epidemic, the early admin iftration of emetics
will probably be of the utmoft confequence, and
ought to be carefully attended to. It was found
neceffary to ufe fuch as were of a powerful kind,
otherwife little benefit was received.

The above are far from being the only cafes
wherein emetics are ufeful, but fuch only as occur
to me wherein they may be adminiftered without
hazard of being injurious, and have a probability
of being of fervice. It will be proper here to offer
fome Cautions relative to the Dofe and Management
of Emetics.

Firft, then, I apprehend, that it is a miftaken
notion that gentle emetics, as they are called, are

milde*

[ 402 1

milder in their operation than the rnore powerful,
A imall quantity of ipecacuanha often caufes a moft
troublefome nanfea and retching, for a long time
together, owing to its not pofleffing a ftimulus fuf-
ficiently ftrong to caufe a compleat evacuation of
the ftomach. A ftrong emetic, on the other hand,
by clearing the ftomach in a few efforts, is itfelf dis-
charged, and of courfe gives no farther trouble. A
fcruple of ipecacuanha in general, operates with
much lefs pain and fatigue than five or ten grains,
and the operation is fooner over. It is proper to
add a portion of fome antimonial preparation to the
ipecacuanha : a grain or two of emetic tartar, or a
drachm or two drachms of antimonial wine, ferve
the purpofe equally well. They are of fervice in
clearing the ftomach more completely than ipecacu-
anha would do if given alone; and on the other
hand, the ipecacuanha caufes the antimonial medi-
cines to operate with greater certainty as emetics,
which would otherwife often go off by flool.

Another caution I would recommend is, to wait
patiently for the operation of the emetic, and not to
attempt by any mechanical means, as tickling the
throat with a feather, or with the finger, to caufe
retching before the ficknefs is Sufficiently ftrong to
excite vomiting freely. It is better even to reprefs

the

[ 403 ]

the firft motions to vomit, and wait till they be-
come fufficiently ftrong to be effectual.

It is fomewhat remarkable, that the addition of
antimony to ipecacuanha, though it certainly caufes
a more full evacuation of the ftomach, feems to re-
tard the operation in fome meafure. Ipecacuanha
given alone generally caufes ficknefs in the fpace of
fifteen or twenty minutes; whereas, if antimony be
added, that effect feldom takes place under half an
hour or forty minutes, and often longer.

Another caution is, for thofe who take emetics
not to load their ftomach with large quantities of
warm infipid liquor, under the notion of working
off the vomit j warm chamomile or horfe-radifh
tea, or a mixture of both, is preferable to gruel or
warm Water, as not relaxing the ftomach fo much
as thofe weak taftelefs liquors.

Laftly, it fhould be confidered by all, that the
habit of taking emetics is of itfelf very weakening
to the ftomach and powers of digeftion : occafion-
ally ufed, they are in mod cafes a fafe and powerful
remedy, but frequent repetition caufes them to be
lefs beneficial, and in time hurtful.

Medicines that caufe fweat, called in medicine

Diaphoretics, are next to be confidered. The ufe of

Vol. IV, D d thefe,

[ 404 ]

thefe, though not fo general as was formerly thought,
ftill forms an important indication. The common
catarrhous cold is more effectually relieved by pro-
moting this evacuation than by any other means, and
the fame was obferved of the influenza, when that
complaint was epidemic fome years ago. Rheu-
matic complaints are alfo benefited by it, and many
other flight febrile complaints. Nothing, however,
has been more miftaken, than- the moil effectual
means of producing this difcharge. External heat
is generally thought neceffaryj but it has been dis-
covered of late years, that the body may eafily be
made too hot to fweat, and that there is often no
method more powerful than by diminifhing the
heat of the body when too great, and that it is often
neceffary, in order to promote perfpiration, to take
off part of the bed-clothes, diminifh the heat of the
room by removing the fire and opening the win-
dows, and to give cool liquors to the patient.

Nothing fucceeds better with this view in the com-
mon catarrhous cold, which requires fome difcharge
by perfpiration as much as any complaint what-
ever, than to bathe the feet at night for a quarter of
an hour in water made about blood-warm, and to
take a moderate dofe of fpirits of hartfhorn in a pint
of warm whey, gruel, or infufion of fome garden
herbs, as balm, mint, &c. This is perhaps the

fafeft

[ 405 ]

Tafeft method of any; as whatever die nature of the
difeafe may turn out afterwards, no injury can arifr
from what has been done.

In rheumatic cafes, it maybe neceffary to employ
diaphoretics of a more powerful kind, and for this
purpofe Dover's Powder is frequently given, and
often with good effect. It is given from five to
fifteen grains, and may be continued every night or
every other night for ten days or a fortnight, if the
difcharge by the fkin be not too great, and the pain-
ful fymptoms continue.

It is proper here to fpeak a few words on the
fubject of that popular remedy, Dr. James's Fever
Powder. This is well known to be an antimonial
compofition, lefs flimulating to the ftomach and
bowek than emetic tartar, and on that account pre-
ferable where any permanent effect is defired. It
often acts as an emetic or a purgative, as well as a
diaphoretic] but the laft effect is, I think, more
common. In fevers of the inflammatory kind, and
fuch as are commonly found in country places, it is,
if given with any tolerable caution, an excellent re-
medy, taking off the feverifh fpafm, unloading the
ftomach and bowels, and as it were giving an op-
portunity for the exertions of nature. It is bed
given at the beginning of feverilh complaints, be-
D d 2 fore

[ 4o6 ]

fore they alter their tendency from an inflammatory
to one that is putrid. If the inflammatory fymp-
toms are violent, it is fafer to ufe fome previous
evacuations by bleeding, and a clyfterj after which
from five to twenty grains may be given, accord-
ing to the ftrength of the patient and urgency of
the fymptoms. It is given with mod advantage
in cafes wherein the patient is able to bear confi-
derable difcharge by (tool; but it is remarkable
that thefe feemingly diftrefiing operations are foon
recovered, and the patient appears in many cafes
the ftronger on their account. The ficknefs alfo
caufed by this medicine, however uneafy to bear
whilft it lafts, generally leaves the ftomach in a
ftate fit for the receiving of nourifhment; an incli-
nation for which is, in many inflances, one of the
firft marks of benefit received from the ufe of
this remedy.

It fometimes happens, that this medicine, though
given to its full quantity, produces no fenfible effect
of any kind. Whether this be owing to any defect
in the preparation, or to any infenfibility in the
nerves of the ftomach at fuch times, I cannot de-
termine. It is however in fuch circumftances ne-
ceffary to forward its effects, fince if it remain
inactive in refpect of producing fome evacuation or

other^

[ 407 ]

other, it feldom is of any fervice. If the ftomach
appears to be loaded, a fcruple of ipecacuanha may
be given, joined to a grain of emetic tartar, which
generally takes effect, and fometimes feems to ex-
cite the action of the powder. If we wifti to deter-
mine its action downward, an ounce or fix drachms
of the bitter purging fait may be taken, and a
clyfter of broth and common fait thrown up.

As to the mode of exhibiting this medicine, I
have before obferved, that it may be taken from
five to twenty grains at a dofe, and is mod conve-
niently given in fomething of a vifcid confidence,
as pulp of roafted apple, currant-jelly, or the like..
If put into any thin fluid, as tea, it is apt to fink to
the bottom, being of confiderable fpecifick gravity,
and indiffoluble in any watery fluid. It has been a
great injury to medicine, that this preparation fhould
have been kept fo long as an empyrical fecret. It
has been by that means extolled in complaints in
which it had no falutary efficacy, and was even
liable to prove injurious. It is impoffible that any
medicine can be fuited to every kind of fever.
Some require immediate and large evacuations; in
others, fuch a treatment tends infallibly to deftroy
the patient; and there is no doubt that the indis-
criminate recommendation of this remedy, which
D d 3 generally

[ 4o3 J

generally acts as a powerful evacuant, muft have
been the caufe of many lives being facrifked to
pecuniary intereft. Such a remedy, however fuited
to diforders where a quick and powerful evacuation
is required, is utterly improper in cafes where the
powers of life are much reduced, and where the ut-
moft attention to fupport the ftrength of the patient
is neceiTary. This is always the indication in fevers
of the low, nervous, and contagious kind, and is
frequently the cafe in the advanced (late of fevers
in general, whatever might be their tendency at
their firft appearance. Even in the rheumatifm,
which is of an inflammatory nature, though often
chronical in point of its duration, this medicine,
though often ferviceable at the beginning, muft not
be continued very long, as it is found, like the other
antimonial preparations, to injure by long ufe the
tone of the ftomach and powers of digeftion.

The high, and as it might juflly be called extra-
vagant price of this remedy, which bore fcarcely
any affignable proportion to its intrinfic value, has
caufed its ufe to be lefs general among the poor
than humanity would defire. That objection is
now, however, fuperfeded; the powder being now
fold at Apothecaries-hall, for lefs than one twentieth
part of its former price $ and this powder is found,
on the mod impartial examination, to be fully equal

[ 409 ]

in every refpecT: to that fold under the denomination
of James's Powder.

Diuretic Medicines form a clafs of remedies, whofe
effects would be very defirable, were they not fo
precarious. No diuretics that we know are much
to be depended upon for certainty of operation,
efpecially in fuch cafes as we mod defire to have it,
Thofe that are fafeft, and lead offenfive to the fto-
mach, are the fweet fpirit of nitre, and the fweet
fpirit of vitriol, which may be taken in the dofe of a
tea fpoonful in a glafs of water, or other cold liquor,
once or twice a day, and continued for two or three
weeks. Some of the vegetable infufions, as of
horfe-radtfh and muftard feed, will fometimes pro-
duce the fame effect, and may be continued, if fuc-
cefsful, a long time without injury to the conftitu-
tion or health in other refpedb. The infufion may
be made by pouring hot water on the muftard-feed
bruifed, and horfe-radifli frefli fcraped, and letting
them (land together a few minutes. An ounce of
each of the ingredients is enough for a quart of
water j and about a quarter of a pint of this infu-
fion may be taken twice a day. The above in-
fufion, or one fimilar to it, is often ufed with fuc-
cefs in the fwelling of the belly and legs, which
often fucceeds obftinate intermittent fevers, and is
generally attended with thick turbid urine, which

[ 4io ]

is fecreted in fmall quantity. This preparation,
though apparently fimple, is as likely to fucceed as
many others that are more compounded, and may
be fafely tried in all cafes where the urinary fecre-
tion is defective. It is proper, however, to cau-
tion againft the giving diuretic medicines of any
kind, when any pain, or heat of urine, accompanies
the diminution of its quantity. In fuch cafes, opiate
and emollient remedies are proper, joined with fuch
as abate inflammation.

Having thus fpoken of medicines that produce
evacuation, I fhall now fpeak of thofe which ftimu-
late, and call the powers of life into action.

Stimulant Medicines may be confidered in prac-
tice as of two kinds; one of which tends to give a
permanent fupport to the vital powers, the other
tends to excite their action in a more temporary
manner. Of the former ofthefe, wine, when good,
is perhaps the moil generally ufeful in cafes of
emergency. It is now found that, in low and putrid
fevers, wine may be given with great advantage in
larger quantity than was formerly thought practi-
cable with fafety, even to two or three bottles in
24 hours. Nay, larger quantities have been admi-
niftered, but it has been found that even a proper
remedy may be over-dofed, and that fuch quantities

[ 4ii ]

as I have above fpecified, fbould be cautioufly ven-
tured on, and not widiout attentively obferving the
effects of each dofe that is taken. The bed way of
giving it is, I think, in fmall quantities and fre-
quently, and as frefh from the cellar as poflible,
perfectly cool, and without any admixture.

In fevers, where the fkin is moid, with a fcalding
heat to the touch, the pulfe quick and low, the eyes
moid or watery, the (tools loofe and foetid, third
great, tongue foul, refpiration difficult, and fpirits
depreffed, there the ufe of wine is advifeable, and
is indeed the principal remedy o'n which we mud
depend. The indication for wine is dronger, if any
fpots of a blue or purple cad appear on the body, or
if a low muttering delirium come on, attended with
faintnefs. Life then depends on active and quick
exertions. Mod fevers that are contagious are of
this kind, particularly that called the Jail Fever-, and
the fame method of treatment is neceffary in fomc
meafure in mod acute fevers that lad beyond eight
or ten days, without fome evident figns of abate-
ment. The marks whereby we may judge wine
when adminidered to be of fervice are, a ceiTation
or diminution of the pain in the head, or delirium,
diminution of the heat and clammy fweat, and by
the patient being in better fpirits, and entertaining
hopes of his recovery. It often happens, that fevers

[ 41* ]

of this kind, when they begin to abate, aflume fome-
what of an inflammatory appearance, the fkin be-
coming hot and dry, and the pulfe full and quick.
Thefe fymptorns are not unfavourable, and generally
abate of their own accord. They indicate, however,
that wine fhould be more fparingly given, if not
totally laid afide, during their continuance.

If wine cannot be had, or not in perfection, or is
not relifhed by the palate, good malt-liquor may be
fubftituted in its room; and I have feen porter tried
with the bed effect in a cafe of this kind. The pa-
tient drank about three quarts a day for feveral days,
and it feemed to agree better than wine or any other
medicine, and was, after the fecond day, the only
remedy adminiftered. I have fome reafon to think,
ale, or flrong beer, might be ufed with fimilar
effect ; but have never had any perfonal experience
of their efficacy. The Peruvian bark is ufed with
the fame intention in the fame diforder, and with
good effect. But it is now thought that wine is
full as powerful, and much more eafily adminiftered,
as being more grateful to the palate: — a thing of
great importance where the frequent repetition of a
medicine is neceffary. The ufe of the bark is,
therefore, in a good meafure fuperfeded in putrid
fevers, except where the throat is ulcerated; in

which

C 413 ]

which complaint it has been found by experience
to be particularly ufeful.

The principal ufe of the Peruvian Bark is in the
intermittent fever, the returns of which it is well
known to be very efficacious in preventing. It is
bed given in fubftance, and moft conveniently in
form of an electuary made up with any fyrup, and
with the addition of fome fpice, as a little nutmeg,
or cinnamon, in powder, to each dofe. If the pa-
tient be ftrong, and the body coftive, a fmall quan-
tity (a drachm for inftance) of Glauber's falts, or
the bitter purging fait, may be added to the three
or four firft dofes of the bark, which generally opens
the body and promotes urine; but if the diforder be
advanced, or the patient weak or in years, fuch ad-
dition is lefs proper. If the bark purges, fuch ten-
dency muft be moderated, which a few drops (two
or three for inftance) of liquid laudanum in each
dofe generally does very effectually ; and when that
difpofition is conquered, the laudanum muft be
omitted. The bark muft be given in confiderable
quantity when employed to cure an intermittent.
It is to little purpofe to give to a grown-up perfon
lefs than an ounce in twenty-four hours, and often
double that quantity. It may be given in dofes
of two fcruples or a drachm each, or about the bulk
of a large nutmeg of the electuary every two hours

[ 4H ]

on the day of inter million, and repeated everyday
for feveral days, if the fever does not return. After
the intermifilon of three or four periods of the pa-
roxyfms, we may diminifh the quantity, and give it
only every four hours, taking care to give a dofe a
little before the time of day that the return of the
complaint may be molt probably expected. If the
complaint does not return, the quantity may be in
the fpace of a week or ten days ftill farther dimi-
riifhed, but it mud not be left off entirely for the
ipace of at lead fix weeks. If the diforder has had
feveral returns, if it be an autumnal feafon, and the
weather rainy, if the fits return every day, or with an
interval of two days, or if the patient be weak and
emaciated, more caution and attention to the regu-
lar adminiftration of the bark will be neceffary.

It would be a defireable circumftance, if that
kind of the Peruvian Bark, called the Red Bark,
were to be had genuine ; but at prefent there is rea-
fon to think, that it can fcarcely be procured. In
an obftinate cafe of an intermittent, that fell lately
under my care, I had an opportunity of trying the
effects of the calamus aromaticus, which given in
combination with the Peruvian bark, in the propor-
tion of one part to two of the bark, ftopt the pro-
grefs of an intermittent that had refitted the bark

taken

[ 415 ]

taken alone. It is proper during a courfe of the
bark to ufe a moderately liberal diet} but all excefs,
cither in meat or drinks, is carefully to be avoided.

It is an old prejudice that fubfifts even to the
prefent time, and among fome of the medical pro-
feflion, that intermittent fevers fhould not be too
foon ftopt, but fuffered to go on through feveral
paroxyfms, before the bark fhould be given. It was
thought that feveral diforders, particularly indura-
tions of the liver, jaundice, mefenteric obftru&ions,
and even rheumatic complaints, were produced in
confequence of the bark being, as it was thought,
prematurely given. But it now appears, that thefe
complaints were the confequences of the diforder,
being fuffered to continue too long, not of its being
too foon ftopt, and that the belt method of pre-
venting them is to interrupt the courfe of the fits as
early as poflible by a fteady and refolute ufe of the
proper remedy. This caution ought to be care-
fully attended to, and enforced by thofe who give
advice to people in country places, as the prejudices
in favour of the fits being fufrcred to continue, are
often very ftrong.

Bitter Medicinesy fuch as the flowers of chamo-
mile, roots of gentian, and centaury, are, in a good
meafure, fimilar in their effects to the Peruvian

bark.

C 416 ]

bark. They are, however, lefs effectual in the cure
of intermittents and diforders of a putrid tendency,
but bett:r fuited to a weak ftate of the ftomach and
organs of digeftion. A ftrong infufion of any of
the above-mentioned articles, with a little rind of
the Seville orange, makes a bitter preparation as
efficacious as any, and as pleafant as luch a medi-
cine can well be expected to be. A quarter of a pint
of this taken twice a day for a week, fortnight, or
three weeks, will often be of great fervice in difor-
ders of the ftomach unattended with fever. Infu-
fions of this kind are alfo convenient vehicles for the
adminiftration of fome other medicines. I have
before mentioned, that faline purgatives may be
given to advantage diflblved in an infufion of
flowers of chamomile, and the fame is true of fuch
diuretic medicines as are of fmall bulk. The dul-
cified fpirits of vitriol, and of nitre, may be given in
this way, as may fait of tartar when ufed as a diuretic.

There is likewife another clafs of ftimulant re-
medies, which feem to act more generally on the
fyftem, though they fometimes excite particular fe-
cretions. The infufion of muftard feed and horje*
radijhy before recommended as a diuretic, is of this
kind, and is often given with advantage in cafes
where the fecretions in general are languid and flow.

t 417 ]

It may be taken with confiderable advantage in
rheumatic cafes of Jong duration, where die pain is
rather tedious and troublefome than acute, and
attended widi little or no fever. This medicine
may be continued a confiderable time, feveral
months for inftance, with lefs injury to die health
and conftitution in general, than might be expe&ed
from the long ufe of fubftances, whofe fenfible qua-
lities are fo powerful.

Stimulant applications of the external kind are next
to be confidered. The principal of thefe are Blifters*
The proper ufe of thefe in many inftances is at-
tended with much nicety, and of courfe not a fub-
jedt of my prefent treatife, which is only to give
cautions, and to recommend the ufe of fuch reme-
dies as may be applied with fafety in fuch circum-
ftances as are obvious to common understandings,
independant of medical knowledge. — Neverthelefs,
there are, I think, many opportunities of their be-
ing employed with fafety and probability of advan-
tage, in circumftances that require no great medical
knowledge to difcover. Thus the ufe of blifters is
advifeable in all internal pains, whether of the bread,
fide, or belly, attended with fever. In fuch cafes,
after bleeding, a blifter, applied as near to the feat
of the pain as poflible, is a fafe, and in general, if
put on early after the commencement of the difeafe,

[ 4»8 ]

an efficacious remedy; which may, if necefTary, be

repeated with perfed fafety. In cafes, likewife,

where cough and pain of the bread, though unat-
tended with much fever, are fymptoms, I have feen
the bed effect from fmall bliders repeatedly applied
to the part where the pain was felt; and believe,

if they were oftener tried when thefe fymptoms are

but recent, might prevent many complaints of the
lungs, which a fhort neglect renders fatal. I have
found it the mod eafy, as well as effectual method
of ufing this remedy, to apply it at going to bed,
and, if it has rifen, to remove it in the morning,
and differ it to heal up, and if neceffary to repeat iu
This is lefs troublefome, and I think more effec-
tual, than a perpetual blider.

Bliders are ufeful in pains of the head accom-
panying fever, or where any tendency to vertigo or
delirium appears. If applied at the firft appear-
ance of thefe fymptoms, which are always alarm-
ing, they are often of the greated fervice, and fafe
in their application. They are mod ferviceable in
fuch cafes, if applied to the head when frefh fhavedj
but as that cannot always be done, efpecially with
women, they mud be put on between the moulders.
The fame remedy is often ufed in fome local in-
flammations, partly of the external kind. Thus in
the inflammation of the eye, or inner part of the

car,

t 419 1

ear, blifters behind the ears frequently bring, after
other evacuations have been ufed, great relief;
which is likewife the cafe in violent pains in the
cheek and face.

The ftrangury fometimes follows the application
of a blifter. This however, though troublefome, is
feldom of any ferious confideration, as it is moftly
relieved by drinking plentifully of any mild warm
diluting liquor, as milk and water, infufion of lin-
feed, folution of gum arabic in an infufion of the
root of marfh-mallows, and fuch like. It is thought
to conduce to the prevention of the flrangury, in
thofe fubjecl; to it, to cover the bliftering plaifter,
as far as the flies extend, with a piece of gauze or
muflin, and to fpread the margin with the gum
plaifter, to fecure its adhefion. By this manage-
ment, the whole of the flies are taken off when the
blifter is drefied, which contributes to prevent the
abforption of their acrimonious particles, which are
thought to be taken into the circulation by being
fuffered to remain on the raw part. This precau-
tion is of fervice, but not always quite effectual, and
fhould not be ufed when a quick operation is re-
quired, as it abates the activity of the cantharides.
It is cuftomary with fome to fuffer the bliftering
plaifter to remain on the part twenty-four hours,
but I think the time fhould be meafured by the

Vol. IV. E c effect

[ 420 ]

effects and if a blifter be raifed in a third part of
the time, as is often the cafe if the plaifter be good,
there is no occafion to trouble the patient with it
for a longer time, which often gives unneceflary
pain, and is much more likely to caufe flrangury,
than if it were removed earlier.

The drefling of blifters is worthy attention. —
The beft of any is a fimple plaifter of white wax
and olive oil, melted together by a very gentle heat,
and fpread thin on a rather fine linen cloth. This
keeps the part from the air, and does not ftick to
it, or caufe any irritation. It is proper, previous to
the application of a blifter, to examine the furface
qfthe plaifter, that it may be fufficiently moiftj
fince, if it be too dry, it will often produce no effect
whatfoever. If it feem dry and unpliable, it fhould
be gently warmed before the fire, and moiftened,
firft with a little fpirits of wine or brandy, and then
with a litde olive oil or frefh butter. We mull be
cautious in practice of applying blifters at all in cafes
of the putrid kind attended with fever, and where
inflammations of the urinary paflages are prefent.

Blifters, however, are not the only forms in which
external ftimulants may be employed with advan-
tage. Itfornethnes happens, that it may be con-
venient to employ a remedy of quicker operation,

[ 4*i ]

as in Violent pains of the head, delirium of fevers,
apoplectic or paralytic feizures, and the like. In
fuch didrefling circumdances, it has been frequently
found that ftimulant applications to the lower ex-
tremities have been of great fervice, and proved a
fafe as well as an effectual remedy. Muftard feed
bruifed, or in fine powder, as the flour of muftard,
is the bed application. If this be mixed with an
equal quantity of ftale bread grated down, and made
into a rather moift pafte with vinegar, it will form a
cataplafm of a proper confidence for the purpofe
here intended. If this be fpread about a quarter of
an inch thick on a piece of leather or linen cloth,
and applied to the foles of the feet, or in extremi-
ties to the whole of the feet, it almoft immediately
produces a violent burning fenfation, and fome-
times, though not always, an inflammation of the
part ; and now and then it raifes a blifter. The
time it fhould be differed to remain upon, the part,
mud be meafured principally by the effects it pro-
duces. It fhould not be removed immediately on
the fird abatement of the fymptoms, nor need it be
kept on till they have entirely ceafed, as the fenfa-
tion continues a confiderable time after the cata-
plafm is removed.

In lefs arduous cafes, as in fixed rheumatic pains

of the hip, fhoulder, or other parts, a plaifter of

Eel brine

[ 4*1 ]

brine has been applied with advantage, as being lefs
painful than muftard, and lefs apt to blifter than
cantharides. In the tooth-ache, and pains of the
face, a convenient temporary application may be
made by mixing a little black pepper ground into
powder, with as much brandy or other fpirits as will
make it into a foft pafte, which is to be fpread on
leather, and applied to the face. This produces a
confiderable fenfation of heat, but without any great
uneafinefs, and feldom blifters, tho' it is often very
efficacious in removing the pain of the part.

The foregoing application is very ufeful at the
firft coming on of a fore-throat, if laid upon the
outfide under the chin, and moiftened again with
fpirits as it becomes dry. I never knew it blifter,
though it is frequently of great fervice. A mixture
of fpirits of hartfhorn, with olive oil put upon flan-
nel, and laid to the throat, is often advifed; but L
think it not fo effectual as the former.

Medicines that eafe pain, and procure reft, are
the next to be confidered -, thefe are of feveral kinds,
but Opium, by its greater efficacy, and more con-
venient exhibition, has fuperfeded in a great rriea-

fure all the others. Did opiates produce no other

effects than thofe above afcribed to them, it would
be unneceflary to give any directions relative to

their

[ 4*3 ]

their ufe, farther than to determine the proper dofe*,
but the operation of this remedy is not (o fimple,
but requires attention to regulate, and, in fome in-
fiances, to counteract fome of its effects. Opium
may be fafely and properly adminiftered in mod
cafes of violent pain, attended with none, or but
little fever or inflammation. Thus it is the prin-
cipal, and indeed almoft the only remedy to be
depended on, in thofe dreadful fits of pain which
often attend the paflage of a (lone or gravel thro'
the urinary paflages. In fuch circumftances, opi-
ates may be given with confiderable freedom, in
proportion to the excefs of pain which is neceflary
to be alleviated, not only for the purpofe of procu-
ring eafe to the patient, but alfo to allow the ftone
to pafs, which feldom happens unlefs the pain and
confequent fpafm can be abated. Twenty, forty,
or fixty drops, or any intermediate quantity of the
tincture of opium, or of liquid laudanum, may be
taken in twenty-four hours, according to the ur-
gency of the fymptoms. Larger dofes have, been
given, but they are not without hazard, fince as the
pain is from the nature of the complaint liable,
and indeed often does ceafe fuddenly, from the
paflage of the irritating fubftance, the opium then
is left to exert its full effect, unchecked by the fti-
cnulus of the pain, and aided by the difpofition to
E e 3 fleep*

[ 4*4 ]

fleep, which naturally comes on after the ceflation
of great torment. This is faid, in fome inftances,
to have produced fatal effects, the fleep proving
mortal. On this account it will be prudent, after
giving as large a dofe of an opiate as can fafely be
done, to endeavour to allay the pain by other means,
as fomentations, warm baths, &c. until the effecl: of
the opiate be gone off a little, and a fecond dofe
may be given with fafety. If the complaint be at-
tended with vomiting, as thofe of the nephritic kind
frequently are, a larger dofe may be ventured on, if
we find that what has been before given has been
thrown up -, but we mufl not conclude, that the
effeft of opiates is quite loft, even though they
fhould be rejected from the ftomach. Their flay
is generally fufRcient for them to ihew fome figns
of tfyeir fpecific qualities. In cafes where opiates
are proper, and where there is any great naufea or
tendency to vomit, it is more convenient to exhibit
this medicine in a folid form; and it is found by
experience, that the fmaller the bulk of the remedy,
the greater is the probability of its being retained
upon the ftomach. A fmall pill, therefore, made
of a grain of unftrained opium, without any other
admixture, may be ufed in place of thirty drops of
tincture of opium, to which it is fully equivalent ;
and this may, if neceflary, be repeated once in

twenty-

[ 425 ]

twenty-four hours.' If the vomiting be fo violent
as to fuffer nothing, however fmall, to be retained
upon the ftomach, opium may be conveniently ad-
min irtered in a clyfter. Forty drops, or a moderate
tea-fpoonful, which is generally regarded as equal
to a drachm in meafure, may be mixed with about
half a pint or lefs, of broth, gruel, or warm milk,
and injected as a clyfter, and retained, if poflible,
feveral hours.

It is always proper, that the body be kept, if pof-
fible, in a rather lax ftate during the ufe of opiates.
If, therefore, any coftivenefs be prefent, it is advife-
able to inject a clyfter of a moderately opening kind,
previous to the giving of the opiate, which makes
the operation of the latter fafe, and lefs liable to
affect the nervous fyftem. If the ufe of opiates be
neceffary to be continued, it is proper to adminifter
occafionally fome internal medicines of a mildly
purgative kind, as opiates generally render the
body coftive. The precautions juft mentioned are
equally applicable to fuch bilious diforders as are
attended with great and often exquifite pain about
the pit of the ftomach, without fever, and generally
without any increafe of pulfe, and are produced
by the gall-ftones (ticking in the ducts which con-
vey the bile from the liver and the gall-bladder
into the inteftines. It fhould, however, be confi-

dered,

[ 426 J

dered, that opium, in both the above-mentioned
cafes, is only a temporary relief} and though it often
aflifts the paffage of the obftrufting body, yet is of
no fervice to prevent the return of the diforder, and
therefore fhould be taken only when great pain,
and other urgent and diftrefiing fymptoms, render
its ufe neceflary.

The ufe of opium is in no inflance more ftrongly
manifefted, than in the violent purging and vomit-
ing that often comes on towards the latter part of
the fummer, or during the autumn, and is called
the Cholera Morbus. It may not be proper to give
opiates immediately on the accefs of the diforder,
but after we may reafonably fuppofe the ftomach
and bowels to be cleared of their proper and na-
tural contents, and little but bile, water, or mucus,
pafTes, it is time to adminifter opiates, efpecially
if the retching to vomit, diftentionof the ftomach,
and griping pains, be violent. In fuch cafes there
is no time to be loft, and opiates are often the only
refource. They may be given either in a liquid or
folid form. The liquid opiate takes effect fooner,
but is more liable to be thrown up, on which ac-
count we fhould endeavour to make it as acceptable
to the ftomach as poflible. About a fpoonful of
warm fimple mint-water, or of peppermint, is as
likely to make it ftay on the ftomach as any thing

I know,

[ 4*7 ]

I know, and the fmallcr the quantity of fluid fw al-
lowed with it, provided it be fufficient to difguife
the tafte, the more proper.

Opium is likewife proper in the fimple diarrhoea
or purging, that often comes on towards the clofe
of fummer. This, though fometimes falutary when
moderate, often continues fo long as to exhauft the
ftrength and weaken the tone of the ftomach and
bowels. In fuch cafes it is often neceflary to com-
bine the opiate with fome cordial aftringent, among
which I think cinnamon the bed.. If an ounce of
cinnamon in powder be made into an electuary with
any fyrup, and the bulk of a fmall nutmeg taken
three times a day with four, five, or fix drops of
tincture of opium added to each dofe, it forms a
powerful and fafe remedy in autumnal fluxes.

Opiates, judicioufly adminiftered, might often
prevent many of the bad confequences that follow
violent colics, the iliac pafiion, and inflammation
of the bowels. If a fufficient dofe of tincture of
opium, ao or 30 drops for example, or, what might
perhaps be more proper, a grain of unftrained
opium in a pill, were to be given as foon as the pain
becomes violent, and before any vomiting has come
on, it might allay the pain, and make way for the
operation of clyfters; and would be preferable, in

• [ 428 ]

my opinion, to the exhibition of ftrong purgatives
taken by the mouth, which, if they fail of producing
an evacuation downwards, as they often do, caufe
vomiting, and aggravate all the other bad fymp-
toms. If, however, the pain be violent, and ac-
companied with heat or third, it will be necefTary
to let blood, which is perfectly compatible with the
operation of opium. This medicine is not only
ufeful on account of its own fpecific qualities, but
alfo as a corrector of thofe of other medicines.

It is not uncommon for the Peruvian bark to act
as a purgative, which, in fome of the mod arduous
circumftances in which it is given, as in intermit-
tents, and fevers x>f a putrid tendency, is apt to dif-
appoint its good effects. In fuch cafes a few drops
of tincture of opium, added to each dofe, generally
prevents the bark proving purgative, and of courfe
fuffers it to continue in the body long enough to be
ferviceable. This need not in general be continued
long, as after a few dofes the bark will ufually lofe
its purgative quality, and may be taken alone.

I fhall conclude this head with a caution relative
to the ufe of fuch remedies ; which is, that the ta-
king of them is very apt to infinuate itfelf, and to
become habitual, efpecially in thofe who are occa-
fionally fubject to painful diforders. If often ufed,

they

[ 4*9 3

they become almoft neceflary, as fleep cannot be
procured without them. Thofe, therefore, who are
obliged to take opiates occafionally, (hould make
it a point of confequence not to ufe them except
when they are obvioufly neceflary, and to leave
them off as foon as that neceflity no longer exifts.
It may be troublefome at firft, but fleep will return
in time fpontaneoufly, if the party have but refo-
lution to perfevere. The long continuance of opi-
ates requires an increafe of the dofe, which pro-
duces coftivenefs, indigeftion, general weaknefs, and
a tribe of nervous fymptoms, very flmilar to thofe
which are the confequences of dram-drinking, which
the taking of opiates in large quantities very much
refembles.

I have thus finiflied what I have to fay on the
ufe of the medicines, which are calculated to anfwer
the principal indications of cure. The reader will
perceive eafily that this extends only to difeafes of a
certain defcription, and refpects in them only thofe
remedies, the propriety of whofe ufe is obvious to
any perfon of fenfe and tolerable education, without
afliftance from profeflional ftudy or information.
I hope I have advanced nothing that is liable to
miflead, and I truft that what is advifed, will tend
to make what future medical operations may be
neceflary more fuccefsful. Phyficians often juftly

lament,

[ 430 ]

lament, and often when it is too late, the impru-
dent meafures that have been taken previous to
their being employed. To obviate this in fome
meafure, is the principal intention of the prefent
eilay, which I have put into the prefent form, as
being comprifed in fmaller compafs than if I had
treated of the difeafes feparately, and as I think
more eafy to be underftood.

Some general directions relative to the treat-
ment of Sick Perfons, which could not fo properly
be introduced under the feveral indications, are
here added.

Cleanlinejs is a matter of the greateft confequence
to the cure both of acute and chronical diforders.
Every perfon who is indifpofed ought to wafh the face
and hands, and feet occasionally, with at lead equal
regularity as in health. The eafe and comfort this
affords to fick perfons, thofe efpecially who labour
under acute diforders, can fcarcely be imagined,
except by thofe who have experienced it. — Change
of linen is a highly neceffary article. Every perfon
ill of a fever ought to have clean linen for the head
and body every day, and clean fheets every three
days, or oftener, if the perfpiration be large. Many

caufelefs

caufekfs fears formerly prevailed, and dill fubfift,
concerning the airing of linen. It is neccflary un-
doubtedly that this fhould be dry, but this is bed
mfured by its being expofed when perfectly clean to
a fire, and dried by that means only. Linen that
has been worn, or fheets that have been lain in,
with a view to airing them, are unfit for fick per-
fons, as they arc in reality fouled and damped by
fuch abfurd care. The room itfelf fhould be fwept,
daily, and every offcnfive thing removed as foon as
pofiible, and nothing fuffered to remain in the room
that is not immediately necellary to the patient.
Whatever food or drink he does not confume fhould
be removed immediately after as much as is necef-
fary be taken, and no perfon fuffered to take food

in the room except the fick perfon. It is necef-

fary that the utmoft care be taken that the vic-
tuals, and whatever befides be prepared for the fick,
be drefifed with the greateft regard to cleanlinefs.
The ftomach in fuch cafes is always delicate, and
it is of the greateft confequence to indulge it in
this rcfpcct.

Change of Air and Coolnefs are nearly connected
with Cleanlinefs, and equally neceflary to be at-
tended to. Every perfon confined to their bed with
any feverifh complaint, fhould have the door and
window of the room opened for a quarter of an

hour

[ 432 ]

hour twice at leaft in twenty-four hours. If the
weather be very fevere, the curtains may be drawn
fo as to prevent the current of air from blowing on
the lick perfon; but if the weather be mild or
warm, the door and windows mould be open thro*
the day and even the night. There cannot be the
leaft neceffity why the air mould be warmer for a
perfon ill of a fever than for a perfon in health, but
many reafons why we fhould wilh it cooler. To
keep a fick perfon's chamber well aired, (I mean
here not by fires, but by opening the doors and
windows) contributes not only to the benefit of the

fick perfon, but to the fafety of the attendants.-

Many fevers, which were at firft fimply inflamma-
tory, have become by heat, confinement of air, and
other improper treatment, putrid and contagious.
It is obvious that if the complaint originally be of
a putrid tendency, thefe cautions become doubly
necefTary.

The proportion of bed-clothes is a circumftance
of great moment. Thefe muft be meafured partly
by the age of the patient and nature of the com-
plaint, but principally by the feelings of the fick
perfon. I have often obferved, that much of the
reftlefihefs attending fevers, which is fo trouble-
fome and fatiguing a fymptom, and fo exhaufting
of the ftrength of the patient, is owing to the quan-
tity

[ 433 ]

tity of bed-clothes. Too much heat naturally pro-
duces a defire to change the heated place for one
that is cooler; but if the body were not uneafily
hot, no fuch impatience would take place*

Quiet is another important article. Officious cu-
riofity is apt to make many perfons intrude upon
fick people, who have very little real concern on
their account. This fhould by all means be difcou-
raged, and no more perfons admitted to the cham-
ber of the fick than are neceffary to attend him.
The admifiion of others tends only to foul the air,
increafe the heat, and prevent the reft of th fick.

The proper adminiftration of food is a matter of
the utmoft concern. At the beginning of inflam-
matory complaints, provided the patient be young
and robuft, fome abftinence may be proper; but in
the advanced ftate of all diforders both acute and
chronical, it is necefifary to pay great attention to
the article of food. As long as any confiderable de-
gree of fever remains, it is proper to ufe a vegetable
diet. Milk boiled with bread, bread and rice pud-
dings, roafted apples, and the like, are all proper ;
and for drink, toad and water, whey, or (if it be
good) fmall beer; but no ftronger liquor, and lead
of all diftilled fpirits. A moil abfurd and unhappy

notion

[ 434 1

notion (till prevails among many of the lower
people, that fick perfons are in want of fomething
cordial to fupport their ftrength, and keep up their
fpiritsj in confequence of which they often, in fpite
of any directions to the contrary from thofe who are
better qualified to judge, give them fome ftrong
fermented liquor, as ale or ftrong beer, and fome-
times rum, brandy, gin, and the like. It is a me-
lancholy reflection, that numbers fall victims to this
odious opinion, which, as well as many other in-
ftances of impertinent interference with the fick,
ought to be difcouraged as much as poffible.

The mode of giving food to a fick perfon is
worthy regard. It fhould always be in fmall quan-
tity, and no more mould be brought into the pa-
tient's fight than it may be expected he will be able
to take at a time. This fhould be done often in
the day, and even during the night, and without
waiting for its being afked for by the fick perfon,
who is often able to take food when he has not
fpirits to alk for it. It mud not however be prefTed
with any importunity, which is more likely to ex-
cite difguft than appetite.

The fupport of the fpirits of a perfon labouring
under difcafe, is as necefifary towards his cure as

the

[ 435 ]

the adminiftration of medicines. Every perfon that
is ill, fhould be comforted with hopes of recovery,
and cheerful profpe&s of life. To foretell a perfon's
death in his prefence, who is then ill of an acute
complaint, has no fmall influence in verifying the
prediction. Even thofe whofc profeflion leads them
to recommend religion to others, fhould be careful
of dwelling too much upon gloomy fubjects, and

giving people difpiriting ideas of their fituation.

Repentance and amendment of life are no doubt in
many inflances neceMary to be advifed, but great
care muft be taken to adminifter, together with ad-
vice, that greateft of all cordials — Hope*

I have before mentioned, that an opinion pre-
vailed among the lower ranks of people, that bleed-
ing at certain times of the year was a falutary prac-
tice, whether any immediate neceflity appeared to
make it proper or not. The fame abfurd notion
prevails with refpe<ft to the taking purgative medi-
cines. It is needlefs to fay more here, than that
fuch habits are extremely improper to be com-
menced, and fhould be by all means if poflible pre-
vented. If, however, they have been begun, we*
muft not precipitately direct: them to' be omitted,
but to diminifh the quantity of blood taken, and to
omit the purgative, and in time lay them both afide

Vol. IV. F f altogether.

[ 436 ]

altogether. I am inclined to think, that the alma-
nacks, in which fuch advice has been for many
ages prepofteroufly inferted, have been the principal
caufes of fuch abfurd notions being carried into
practice for fo long a courfe of years. I fee it has
been of late omitted in fome, and hope the others
will follow the example.

A prejudice fubfifts among many people of the
lower ranks, againft every remedy that does not
operate upon them in fome fenfible manner as an
evacuant. They do not meafure its good effects
by the change it produces upon the health, but by
its increafing their natural difcharges. This is an
unfortunate prepoffefiion, as feveral of the mod ef-
fectual remedies act for the moft part without any
fenfible alteration in the animal fyftem, fave the
ceflation of the diforder. This is the cafe in ge-
neral with the Peruvian bark, when given as a cure
for the intermittent fever, in which, if medicines of
the evacuatory kind were to be joined with the
bark, they would, unlefs very gentle in their opera-
tion, fruflrate the good effects of the principal re-
medy. It is proper on this account, whenever
medicines of this kind are given, to forewarn thofe
to whom they are adminiftered, that they are .not to
expect from them any other effect than an abate-
ment

[ 437 ]

ment of the diforder which they were intended to
remedy: a condition furely fufficient to fatisfy any
reafonable perfon.

The common people are too apt to eftimate the
efficacy of medicines, as they do that of other things,
by their pecuniary value and their fcarcity. They
have no idea that Providence has made the mod
ufeful things in medicine, as well as food, cheap and
common, and that expencc in fuch articles is oftener
neceflary to flatter and comply with effeminate de-
licacy, than to add to the real efficacy of a remedy.
The poor who are in hofpitals do not receive, in
proportion to their numbers, lefs relief than the rich
in their fplendid apartments; though in the former
cafe nothing be conceded to prejudice, fancy, and
caprice; and in the latter, it makes the mod im-
portant confederation. It is incumbent, therefore,
on all who take the charge of the lower people
when fick, to combat this miftaken opinion, and to
endeavour, if poflible, to convince them, that the
bed remedies are in many inftances the cheapeft.

Thofe who take the charge of fick perfons fhould
be cautious that the fame courfe of medicines be not
continued too long a time together. It fhould be
underftood, that medicines (at leaft the greateft

F 2 part

E 438 ]

part of them) are more calculated to reftore health
than to pKeferve it. We fhould therefore be careful
to recommend, to perfons in health, to be con-
tented with the happinefs they enjoy in that refpect,
and not to attempt to improve what cannot be
amended, but may eafily be impaired. Some ig-
norant people are prepoflefTed with a notion that it is
wholJomey as it is termed, to drink feveral infufions
of herbs, as of flowers of chamomile, of centaury,
and feveral others. But fuch trials are not only
unneceiTary, but likely to be injurious. The taking
of bitters in large quantities, for a long time toge-
ther, hurts the tone of the ftomach, inftead of mend-
ing it, as was found by fatal experience of thofe
who took the Portland Gout 1/owder, which de-
ftroyed nearly all who tried it. This powder was
nothing elfe than fuch bitter herbs as are commonly
drank in tea, or brewed with malt liquor in the
form of purl. What is here faid, is not meant to
infinuate that bitters 'properly and moderately ufed,
are not very ufeful remedies. It is the excefs only
that is cenfured.

Another reafon why we fhould be upon our guard
againft continuing the ufe of the fame medicines
for a long time is, that it is apt to introduce that
moft deftructive of all habits, Dram-drinking* Many

[ 439 ]

of the tinctures recommended in this way are litde
elfe than drams concealed under a medicinal dif-
guife, and as fuch fhoukt be with equal caution
avoided, as far as refpects their becoming habitual.
I have more than once feen a habit of this odious
kind introduced among women, particularly by
thefe means. It is not fo likely to happen to the
lower ranks, as to thofe who employ them, for
whom this caution is principally meant.

The laft piece of advice I (ball offer refpects

QuACKEREY.

Perhaps there is nothing difgraces the police of
this country, more than the numerous impofitions
of this kind that are daily advertifed. Scarcely any
one of them has not only a greater certainty of
fuccefs afcribed to it, but is alledged to be infallible
in a greater variety of diforders than are curable by
all the articles of the Materia Medica taken col-
lectively. Some of thefe boafted remedies are
merely frivolous and inert, but others are violent
and dangerous in their operation, and highly im-
proper to be traded to fuch perfons as thofe who
are thus rafhly encouraged to take them in an in-
difcriminate manner. A folution of i.rfenic is faid
to have been the bafis of a late fpecific foi ftveis

arid

[ 440 ]

and I am well informed has in feveral inftances de-
ftroyed the patient. Thefe inftances however, are
carefully concealed, whilft every efcape is carefully
recited as a cure, owing to the remedy fo given.

No piece of humanity would be greater than to
preferve the ignorant and uneducated of the lower
ranks from facrificing their health and money to
unfeeling fraud and interefted knavery.

[ 44i ]

POSTSCRIPT.

REPORT RESPECTING THE TRIALS OF PLOUGHS IN
MARCH 1788.

IN confequence of the premiums offered for af-
certaining the cheapeft and bed plough, for the
common practice of hufbandry in thefe parts of the
kingdom, a field of ftrong old ley ground, part of
Barracks Farm, near Bath, was feledted as proper

for the teft of experiments. The perfons who

declared themfelves candidates for this trial, were,

1. John Billingsley, efq; of Ajhwick-Grove^ with a
double coulter-plough, to be drawn by fix oxen, in yokes
and bows.

2. Mr. Henry Vac g, of Chikompton, with the Nor-
folk plough, having two wheels, and one handle, to be
drawn by two nodes abreaft, and guided by the ploughman
without a driver.

3. Mr. John Thomas, of Keynjhamy with a light fwing
plough of his own improvement, to be drawn by four fmall
Welch oxen, in yokes and bows.

4. Farmer Sully, of Midford, with a fingle plough of
this county, fomewhat lightened and improved, having a
fmall wheel under the beam, in a line with the coulter, and
to be drawn by three horfes lengthwife.

5. Mr. George Flower, of Aftdford, with a fingle
plough, commonly ufed in this county, and to be drawn
by three horfes lengthwife.

6. Lord

[ 442 ]

6. Lord Weymouth, with the common fingle Wilt-
fliire plough, to be drawn by three horfes,two abreaft,and
a fingle leader.

For thefe candidates, fix parallel pieces of ground
were marked out, near one acre each, and all the
ploughs were to begin at the fame time, and to
plough their refpective lots at pleafure; but as nearly
as pofiible four inches deep, and eight inches wide.
— On a previous trial of the foil, the Norfolk
plough, from having only one handle, and the man
not bei; g ufed to plough ftiff ley land, was found
unequal to the conteft, and Mr. Vagg declined it.
Mr. George Flower alfo on account of inferior
workmanfhip, occafioned by the ill- conftruclion of
his plough, declined. Thus the conteft began with
only the other four. Before a judgment could be
formed of the probable ifiue, Lord Weymouth's
plough was broken againft a point of a rock juft
beneath the furface, and confequently thrown out :
— the trial then was confined to three.

At the end of three hours and four minutes Mr.
Billingsley's plough had finifhed its lot. At the
end of five hours and five minutes Mr. Sully's had
finifhed: and Mr. Thomas's at the end of five
hours and a half. The latter ploughed about half
his lot with the four fmall oxen, and the remainder
with the addition of a fingle horfe, the foil being

found too ftifF for the ftrength of the oxen. The

committee of judges was compofed of five practical
farmers, three from Wilts, one out of Somerfet, and
one from the county of Glocefter.

[ 443 ]

On a full examination and comparifon of the
goodnefs of work, it was the opinion of the majority
of the committee, that the double -coulter plough
had the preference, for general purpofes of hufban-
dry, laying the furrow -more flat than the others,
and confequently expofing more new furface to the
influence of the elements, and preventing more
completely the growth of grafs and weeds between
the furrows. The want of a wheel to the fwing-
plough occafioned an unevennefs of furrow and
depth, which rendered the ploughing rather infe-
rior, on that foil, to the work of the horfe-plough;
though it appeared much inferior to what it might
probably have been, had the regularity of a wheel
aided the excellent turning up of the mould-board j
for which reafon the owner was requefted to purfue
his improvement of a plough, which in feveral re-
flects promifed confiderable utility as an ox- plough
on level foils 5 more efpecially as it was afferted by
Mr. Thomas, that on fuch a foil, in fummer fal-
low, his man had ploughed, with the fame plough
and oxen, an acre in three hours and forty minutes.

Finally, the premiums were awarded thus:—

1. The firft premium of fix guineas to John Bil-
lingsle v, cfq; with a gratuity of one guinea to his fervant.

2. The fecond premium of four guineas to Farmer
Sully, with a gratuity of half-a-guinea to his fervant.

3. The third premium of two guineas to Mr. John
Thomas, with a gratuity of a fmock-frock to his fervant.

Vol. IV. G g And

[ 444 ]

And fuch was the evident comparative fuperiority
of Mt.Billingsley's double coulter- plough, drawn
by fix oxen, that feveral gentlemen and farmers
from different parts have in confequence determined
to work oxen inftead of horfes; and have given
orders for the making of double ploughs to the
amount of fix or feven in number. One gentle-
man, who was an umpire on the occafion, and who
occupies feveral large farms, having been accuf-
tomed to keep on one of them fix horfes and two
ploughs, being convinced that a double-coultered
plough and fix oxen would completely do the work
of the farm, determined to make fuch a regulation
immediately. Thus the Society may have the fa-
tisfaclion of hoping, that from a continuation of
fimilar public trials, improvements will be made in
the leflening of expence in hufbandry,- from which,
among numerous other caufes, the propofed good
cbnfequences of their zealous endeavours will refult.

To the foregoing Statement of Faffs relative to this
Trial of Ploughs , we fubjoin the following Extra cl
of a Letter written by a fraclical Farmer 9 who was
frefent on the occafion.

Let us here paufe, and take a comparative

view of the expence of ploughing an acre of land
drawn from the preceding trials.

The average price of keeping oxen, (including
winter and fummer food) I take to be 3s. per week;

the

[ 445 1

the calculation then in refpedt to Mr. Billingsley'*

plough will (land thus :

£. s. d.
Six oxen, at 6d. each per day - - o 3 o
Ploughman and driver - - -018

Wear and tear of plough, yokes, &e. -004

Total £.0 5 o

Let us fuppofe that 1 \ acre ofley, or i\: acres of
ftubble, or fallow land, be ploughed each day, the
expence of the former will not then exceed 3s. 4d.
per acre, and of the latter 2s. per acre.-— Is not
this improvement worthy the attention of all far-
mers \ — And are not the thanks of the public due
to the pcrfon who has been initrumental in bring-
ing forward to view a reduction of expences in
ploughing, which cannot be eftimated at lefs than
2s. 6d. per acre ?

Farmer Sully's account may be thus ftated :

£. s.'d.
Three horfes, at o,d. per day each - - o 2 3
Ploughman and man driver* ----024
Wear and tear of plough, harnefs, fboeing,

&c. fay only ------.-005

£-0 5 o

But as a boy might have guided the horfes, I will
confider the expence at 4s. 6d. per day j and herein

* This is properly remarked, as from an ill-judged policy in the farmer, a
man-driver was employed, inflcad of a boy, that the herfes might be con-
ftantly kept to their greatcit fpecd.

I think

[ 446 ]

I think no partiality is fhewn to the ox-plough.—
If one acre of ley, or 1^ acre of ftubble, or fallow, be
ploughed in a day, fr{ie expence will then be 4s. 6d.
the former, and 3s. per acre the latter. — Superiority
of Mr, Billingsley's plan in both inftances is. per
acre. — And this fuperiority would be Hill greater in
a comparifon with Mr. Thomas's, were it not that
the unfkilfulnefs of his ploughman, and the fmallnefs
of the oxen, rather preclude a ftric"t comparifon.

Now farmers are in general quick-fighted enough
in many cafes wherein their intereft is concerned ;
furely, therefore, they cannot fhut their eyes in this
inftance, but mult adopt the ufe of a plough fo
vaftly fuperior to thofe in common ufe.

END OF VOL. IV.

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Letters and papers on agriculture and planting, etc"

See other formats