For remarks and additional
obſervations.
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Mode of plowwing.— The fen men are the moſt expert of any in the world at plowing, no ſuch thing as a driver being known, although they frequently plow with three mares, which are always abreaſt, and guided by a line; and it is incredible how faſt the bufineſs proceeds. The ſort of plouglr for paring, was originally introduced from Holland, and has only one handle; from the hinder part of which projects a kind of crutch, horizontally diſpoſed, and upon this the holder bears with his left hand, walking upright. From the ſame han« another crutch projects at right angles with the former, but confiderably lower down; and this the holder uſes occaſionally with his right hand, for the purpoſe either of keeping the plough ſteady, or aſfiſting to turn it at the lands-end. Inſtead of foot or wheel, to fupport the beam of the plough, they uſe what is called a ſcaife, which is a circular plate of iron, turning ng ka J0l) the edges of which are ſteeled, and together with the edge of the fhare, are Lern as ſharp as a penknife, by means of a file, which'“ the plow- man carries with him for that purpoſe. This er call the whole Dutch; they have likewiſe what they call the three quarter Dutch, and the half Dutch plough, differing from the former in the breadth and ſtrength of the fhare; and theſe two ſorts are uſed for the ſeed-furrow, as it is called, which means that plowing upon which the ſeed is brufhed in, if coleſeed, and harrowed in, if corn. The latter is uſed with a foot inſtead of a ſcaife, and is equally adapted for plowing ſtrong high land, on which it is frequently uſed upon the edges of the fens. A fen plow- man has been known to win a conſiderable wager, by plowing an acre of high land, without a fingle balk, keep- ing his mares always in a trot, even at the land's ends, thoſe being the two conditions of the bet; a proof, not only of his own expertneſs, but that his plough was con- ſtructed upon true principles of mechanicks. The common rate of plowing is about two' ſtatute acres with the paring plough, and about one acre and a half with the ſced plough
ber day.
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