286

ON INCLOSING LAND

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taken to enrich the beds for the young hedges, so as to makeup for natural defects in the soil.

7. In removing excess of water, or land stones, with aview towards cultivation, it ought to be considered how farthese may be rendered useful auxiliaries, instead of enemiesto the farm. The former may often be rendered valuable forirrigation, or the supply of drinking pools, or for drivingthreshing-machines : the latter for assisting in the construc-tion of the intended fences, or for filling up covered drains.It very frequently happens, in constructing the fence ditchesof inclosures, and in clearing the soil from obstructions tocultivation, that very material advantages may be obtainedby keeping these objects in view.

8. In arranging the forms and lines of inclosures, an ac-curate plan of the grounds ought always to be in view ; be-sides which, the whole ought to be repeatedly and carefullygone over, and examined in every possible way, makingsketches of the proposed fences, which are to be altered andamended repeatedly, after due consideration, examining thetenants as to the utility of the general plan, and all it3 subor-dinate parts, and afterwards taking frequent views of thewhole on the grounds, and from different positions.

It is always of importance, to endeavour to combine utilitywith ornament. It may therefore be observed, that this mayin general be attained, by combining plantations with inclo-sures, if well contrived and arranged. Irregular and varyingforms answer best for plantations; but a more open and moreuniform arrangement suits better for arable lands. Planta-tions are most serviceable for shelter when placed on ridges,by protecting the lands and live-stock on either side. Whenthey occupy the summits of eminences, and are contrastedwith intermediate and opposite belts, clumps, or strips, tlictycontribute most effectually towards ornament.