A DISCOURSE

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and change its very nature also, so as too. hot a compost be no ingredientin it r .

Here I take notice, that husbandmen observe a too clean and accurategathering of stones from off those grounds which lie almost covered withthem, rather impoverishes than improves the land, especially where cornis sown, by exposing it to heat and cold. Certain it is, that where thestones are not too grofs and plentiful, a moderate interspersion of thesmaller gravel preserves the earth both warm and loose, and keeps itfrom too sudden exhalation ; whilst the over-fine grain, or too nice a sift-ing, makes it apt to constipate and grow stiff upon wetting, so as the ten-der seedlings can hardly ifsue through; and this is a document for igno-rant gardeners, who, when they have a fine flower, think they can nevermake the ground fine enough about it ■, yet the finer the plant or seed,the finer should the mould be which entertains it; though, when all isdone, trees thrive best where they have easier footing.

Chalky grounds come next to be considered, and they should be treatedlike gravel, sand, and stony, if harsh; but if of the melting kind, it isapt to mix with all the sorts of moulds ; and being of itself so husbandedcomposes a kind of natural soil fit for most uses sought for, and of adrmirable effect in dry grounds.

' Light sandy soils are best improved by mar), but as that most excellent earth cannotbe procured every where, some judicious .persons recommend clay, which, from varioustrials, is found to, answer very well upon, light lands. In proportion to the lightnefs of thesoil, the quantity of clay must be increased or diminished. The best and.most profitablemethod of applying clay to sand land, is thus described in the Georgical Efsays:—“ Where the land lias never been broken up, the clay may be carried and spread, and“ suffered to lie a whole year before it is ploughed in. The swarth will set the clay“ a-working; but, where there is no swarth, a coat of dung will be necefsary before the“ land is sown. Where the clay is short, and the soil light, 120 loads will be required for“ an acre; but where the clay is strong, and the land not so light, then 60 or 80 loads“ will be sufficient. It is better to lay on too little than too much; it will be sufficient if“ the land is made moderately cloddy. About a cubical yard of clay makes a load. Carry“ the clay at any convenient time of the year. If time permit, carry it after harvest, and“ lay it upon a wheat stubble; there let it remain spread all the winter. In March plough“it in; plough again in May; and twice in June; and sow turnips about Midsummer.“ In Norfolk , they formerly paid one guinea for filling and spreading 120 loads of clay,“ but now (1772 ) they are obliged to allow something more.” p. 42-1.