552 i
ON THE AH ABLE LAND
PART VI.
OF ARTICLES PRINCIPALLY CULTIVATED FORTHEIR ROOTS.
SECT. I.
§ 1. Introductory observations .—‘‘ The introduction of tur-nips into the husbandry of Britain, ” says an experienced a-gricultural writer who lias been frequently quoted *, “ occa-sioned one of those revolutions in the rural art which areconstantly occurring among husbandmen. Before the intro-duction of this root, it was impossible to cultivate light soilssuccessfully, or to devise suitable rotations for cropping themwith advantage. It was likewise a difficult task to supportlive-stock through the winter and spring months; and thepractice of feeding cattle and sheep for market, during theseinclement seasons, was hardly ever thought of or attempted,unless in a few instances, where a full stock of hay was pro-vided. The benefits, therefore, which arc derived from tur-nip husbandry, are manifold and of great magnitude. Lightsoils arc now cultivated with facility' and profit, by which a-bundance of* food is provided for man and beast; the earthis turned to the uses tor which it is physically calculated ; and,by being suitably cleaned and fertilized by this preparatorycrop, a bed is provided for grass-seeds, in which they prosper
* Brown’s Treatise on Rural Affairs.