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1. Stable Dung..

With regard to the firſt of theſe, viz. ſtable dung, when it is uſed upon ſandy or gravelly ſoils, it ſfhould be completely fermented; and if ac- curately laid into drills above the potatoes, will produce a good effect.

Dpon clays, however, or tills, what is called long or rank dung will be

much more beneficial; not that its nutritive qualities are greater when it is

in that ſtate(on the contrary, they are leſs) but it has one good effect in

clay-ſoils, viz. that of keeping the ground open, and thereby allowing room for the roots to ſpread and ſwell in every direction.

This idea is ſo far improved upon in ſome ſituations, that broom and furze, and even wheat-ſtraw, are put into the drills by way of manure. The uſe of them is certainly attended with conſiderable advantage; but their effect is completely miſunderſtood; for in place of ſuppoſing that their greateſt benefit depends upon their keeping the ſoil free and open, which is certainly the fact, it is ridiculoufly imagined that they act as manure. We by no means diſpute that furze or broom, when completely rotted, may be converted into manures, but we are perfectly convinced that their benefit in this caſe will be more completely experienced upon the crop that follows the potatoes; as by that time they will be decayed, and mixed with the ſoil. 4

2 and 3. Moſs and Turf.

Upon the ſame principle that long or rank dung is valuable as a manure for potatoes, moſs is equally ſo. Upon light ſoils it will produce good effects, both by enabling thé potatoes to reſiſt the drought, and by afford- ing them an excellent nouriſment. Upon ſtrong clays or tills, its effeds will be fimilar to rank dung; namely, that of keeping the ſoil open, and allowing the roots to ſpread and ſwell freæly.

The uſe of moſs in this caſe will be an advantage not only to the pre- ſent, but to the ſucceeding crops. Upon light thin toils it will be a con- fiderable addition to the ſtaple of the land; and if the fubſtratum is chalk or limeſtone, ſo much the better, as it will correct its alkaleſcent quality, and render it more retentive of moiſture; by which means it will bear drought better. Upon clay ſoils, again, it will break their coheſion, and afford a free paſſage to the water through them: by this means they will be mellowed down, will be much eaſier laboured, and will be brought in a gSreat meaſure into the condition ot loam. Turf is included in this article.

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