364
Having but little experience of this implement in Scot-land , it would be improper to advance any decided opinionon this subject in the present work; but it„is probable thatone ploughing or even two, in working mellow turnip soil,or free fallow land, might be sufficiently well performed byits means, after the soil has become considerably advancedtowards fine tilth, by a diligent use of the'plough, harrow, androller. The saving, therefore, in point of expcncc, would bevery material; as much time, which is often of such infinite im-portance to the husbandman, would be gained. In an advan-ced stage of cultivation, 100 acres of land might be scuffledtwice over for the expence of L. 15 ; which would probablybe equal in efficacy to once and a half ploughing, whichwould cost with the Scotch draught from L.36 to L. 40. Theadvantage is much more obvious, when compared with thecumbrous ploughs and numerous teams so common in someparts of England, where an equal extent of ploughing wouldcost from L. 72 to L. 100. This circumstance has probablycontributed very materially to the invention and adoption ofthe scuffler or scarificator in England; and, though not soimportant, in comparison with the Scotch mode of ploughing,it is yet well worthy of being fairly tried. It may certainlybe of use in preserving the sap or moisture in land intendedfor turnip, while it loosens the soil. It does not expose anynew soil to the atmosphere, to promote a fresh vegetation ofannual weeds.