A STATE OF TRANSITION. The steam-plough would appear to be nearer a realization than many might suppose. The Salisbury failures are already forgotten, or satisfactorily explained. Mr. Smith, of Woolston, has now, it is said, upwards of thirty of his implements in use. Mr. Fowler still continues to work by contract; while Mr. Romaine is in better heart than ever as to the success of his scheme. The great test of such a process is becoming practicably susceptible of an application. There is to be economy in every possible way-a saving of money, labour, and time. The work, too, is to be better done, and the results proportionately greater. Mr. Smith, Mr. Mechi, or Mr. Fowler will either of them testify to a quarter more per acre, where steampower has superseded that of horses. The improvements of late have been, in fact, so striking, that we are told to look upon the experiment as accomplished. Mr. Smith has sold his cart horses, and talks not only of what he himself, but what his "brother farmers,' are doing. Mr. Fowler is yet more decisive in his dicta :-" as far as steam-ploughing was concerned, he considered his task done." In a matter of this kind we look more especially to "the latest intelligence;" and this certainly goes far to support Mr. Fowler in what he here asserts. His more recent trial at Stirling was unquestionably a very triumphant one, backed as it was by the full premium of the Highland Society. Mr. Smith, of Woolston, again, offers us proof of equally high character, although coming, perhaps fortunately, through less public channels. Gentlemen who have worked his plan, not for an hour or two on a show day, but on their own farms and with their own men, volunteer him testimonials of its practical efficiency. Even beyond this the two most famous of all our ploughmakers are directly concerned in this new branch of business. The Ransomes have Mr. Fowler's invention in their keeping; and the Howards are manufacturing Mr. Smith's implements. There must be something in this; and both landlord and tenant may look to it a little closer than they hitherto have done. Of course it would never do for a tenant to be engaging in every new speculation brought out for his benefit, or in trying every experiment for that of other people. We believe that, as far not only as regards useful, but even promising discoveries, the farmers have of late years quite done their share of the `good work. It is a serious matter, however, to ask a man to give four or five hundred pounds for a piece of machinery, or to lay out five-and-twenty or thirty pounds an acre in putting his land in order, before he is quite sure that either process may answer. This has been the case with our agriculturists. They have not treated the many plans for ploughing by steam with neglect or indifference, but have simply waited for something really practical and serviceable. It is only within the last few months that such a consummation has been arrived at. Indeed, we never remember to have seen the subject so boldly faced as it was at the recent meeting at the Society of Arts. With one notable exception, there was not a speaker but who looked on ploughing by steam as very near its realization. The occasion was the reading of a paper by Mr. Algernon Clarke, that we give in full elsewhere. Himself somewhat of an enthusiast in the cause, Mr. Clarke still scarcely appeared to the advantage he might have done. His essay, in short, was written and sent in a year since. His able summary or history of the different processes for applying steam to the cultivation of the soil had consequently been very much anticipated-amongst others, in our own columns. His suggestions for improving the most successful of these inventions shared much the same fate-as in the instance of Fowler's plough, they have already been acted on. Nevertheless the paper will always have a value, as the impartial summing up of one who unites something of the mechanic's taste and skill with the education and the habits of the farmer. Mr. Clarke concluded by submitting a plan of his own. However this may succeed, it shows the soundness of his deductions that the very amendments he would propose have been adopted. Mr. Clarke could scarcely have desired a higher compliment. The discussion that ensued should have been one of the most interesting of the season. The meeting embraced all the component parts for such a purpose. As we expected, from the time fixed there was scarcely a tenant-farmer present, although many far better prepared to speak to the point. There was Mr. Fowler to answer for his plough, and Mr. Smith for his. There was Mr. Romaine to tell what he was doing, and Mr. Halkett to declare what he wished to do. There was Mr. Boydell to offer his aid; Messrs. Ransome and Howard to keep the amateurs straight and fair; and Mr. Mechi to prove what cart-horses cost, and steam-ploughing had done. Unfortunately only three or four of these had a hearing. The discussion opened with the reading of a letter from Mr. Garrett, who "felt little improvement had been made in the art by any of the methods during the last two years," and who consequently still inclined to an undeveloped scheme of his own for a steam digger! Then Mr. Mechi dwelt on the marked superiority of ploughing by steam:-"There was a difference in the crop of wheat of at least a quarter per acre in its favour." The excellence of Fowler's work, the money (upwards of ten thousand pounds) spent in perfecting Romaine's machine, and the advantage of forkdigging, formed the chief features in the ex-sheriff's address. Mr. Ransome, also, bore testimony to the results of Fowler's method of ploughing; the superiority of the spade to the plough, and the damage done by the horses' feet. He was followed in turn by a Mr. Newton, who declared himself "not a practical agriculturist," and who did not appear to be a practical mechanic. He might well have left the discussion to those so much better qualified to carry it on. Mr. Fowler "ventured to say the system he had introduced was a step in the right direction. There could be no question that it was really a practical plan, inasmuch as it performed the ploughing at half the cost of horse-power, and the work was better done. Seven acres of sandy soil in the neighbourhood of Ipswich, ploughed by steam, had a yield of a quarter per acre more in crop." After admitting the superiority of hand spade cultivation over even steam ploughing, and bearing witness to what Mr. Boydell had done for steam traction, Mr. Fowler asked, "Who was to try all these experiments? Were the inventors to bear the whole brunt of that which was in fact a national benefit? The landlords hitherto had done little. The Royal Agricultural Society had given no help. He could only state that the trial of his system at Salisbury was appointed to take place on a steep hill, resembling T the roof of a house, and the decision arrived at was that the steam plough would not answer. Notwithstanding all this, he was prepared to prove that he could plough at half the cost of horse power. It was plain they would get no assistance from the public or from the landed proprietors, who would, after all, derive the greatest benefits in the improved rental of their estates. As far as steam ploughing was concerned, he considered his task was done; but it was for such men as Messrs. Romaine and Boydell to carry their experiments further in another direction, and he was strongly of opinion that the public at large ought to help them in their work." pardonable want of discretion he fairly talked his audience out of the room; and when he came to reading long letters in his own favour, the effect produced was precisely similar to that of reading the Riot Act-" the crowd at once dispersed." We regret this the more, as Mr. Boydell, Mr. Romaine, and Mr. Halkett should all have had the opportunity, and were all, we believe, prepared to say something. The Society, however, has a very excellent rule of closing the proceedings at ten o'clock; and at a few minutes past that hour Mr. Fairburn left the chair, with Mr. Smith still, of course, in possession. As the Chairman himself said, we are now clearly Mr. Smith, of Woolston, in answer to this, would" in a state of transition as regards the cultivation of receive no aid-neither from a society nor an individual -but stand or fall on his own merits. Mr. Smith's speech, which promised at first to be amusing enough, ended by becoming insufferably tedious. With an un-engine with either Fowler's or Smith's system. the soil;" while the result of this meeting would point to the more general introduction of steam power in this wise :-The union of the common portable farm ROYAL AGRICULTURAL A MONTHLY COUNCIL was held on Wednesday, the 3rd of February: present, Lord BERNERS, President, in the Chair; Lord Southampton, Lord Portman, Lord Feversham, Right Hon. the Speaker, Hon. William George Cavendish, M.P., Sir Watkin W. Wynn, Bart., M.P., Sir Archibald K. Macdonald, Bart., Sir John V. B. Johnstone, Bart., M. P., Mr. Dyke Acland, Mr. Raymond Barker, Mr. Barnett, Mr. Barthropp, Mr. Bramston, M.P., Mr. Brandreth, Mr. Caldwell, Colonel Challoner, Mr. Druce, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Hamond, Mr. Fisher Hobbs, Mr. James Howard, Mr. Hudson (Castleacre), Mr. Jonas, Mr. Lawes, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Milward, Mr. Pain, Mr. Pope, Mr. Sillifant, Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. Banks Stanhope, M.P., Mr. Thompson, Mr. Torr, Colonel Towneley, Mr. Turner (Barton), Professor Way, Mr. Jonas Webb, and Mr. Wilson (Stowlangtoft) The Rev. Henry John Ingilby, of Ripley Castle, Yorkshire; and the Rev. Archer Clive, of Whitfield, Herefordshire, were elected governors of the Society. The following new members were elected: Paxton, Robert, Marsh Farm, Lower Winchenden, Aylesby. Smith, Michael, Cefn, Isla, Usk, Monmouthshire. FINANCES.-Mr. Raymond Barker, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the report on the accounts of the Society, from which it appeared that the current cash-balance in the hands of the bankers was £454. He laid on the table the usual quarterly statement for the information of the members, and re SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. ported that the authorities of Chester had transmitted Exchequer Bonds to the amount of £1,800 (payable on the 8th May next), as their contribution towards the expenses of the Chester Meeting in July next. The Council ordered, agreeably with the recommendation of the committee, that a circular letter should be addressed to such members of the Society as were in arrear of their subscription. EDITORSHIP OF JOURNAL.-Mr. Thompson, Chairman of the Journal Committee, presented the following report, which was adopted by the Council: 1. That the Council be recommended to appoint a paid Editor, but that the Journal be published, as hitherto, under the general superintendence of the Journal Committee. 2. That the Journal Committee, or such other Committee as the Council may appoint, be requested to make such inquiry as shall enable them to report to the next monthly Council the name of some competent person or persons to undertake the duties of Editor; and also to report the amount of salary which they think adequate to the requirements of the office. On the motion of the Right Hon. the Speaker, seconded by Mr. Jonas, the very cordial and grateful thanks of the Council were voted to Mr. Thompson, Mr. Dyke Acland, and Mr. Wren Hoskyns, for the manner in which they had performed the laborious and responsible office of Joint-Editors of the Journal. CONSULTING CHEMIST.-Sir John V. B. Johnstone, Bart., M. P., Chairman of the Special Chemical Committee appointed at the previous Council, presented the following report, which was also adopted. 1. That the fixed salary of £300 per annum hitherto given to Professor Way be given without alteration to the person who shall be selected to fill the vacant post of Consulting Chemist to the Society, for which he will be expected to make analyses for members, on terms approved by the Chemical Committee; to give three lectures annually, if called upon so to do; and to attend the meetings of the Council whenever required. Also, that £200 per annum, allotted to specific subjects of investigation, be, as heretofore, offered in the first instance to the Consulting Chemist. 2. That Dr. Augustus Voelcker, Professor of Chemistry to the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, be recommended, to fill the vacant post of Consulting Chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. CHESTER MEETING-Lord Portman, Chairman of the General Chester Committee, made reports, and entered into detailed statements connected with the arrangements of the Society's ensuing Chester meeting, to be held in the week commencing Monday, the 19th of July next. Those details had reference chiefly to the requisite inquiries to be instituted, and reports to be made to the Monthly Council in March by the General Committee, in conference with the Local Committee, on the accommodation afforded at Chester for a dinner of the Society, and on the plan to be adopted for the showyard subsequently to the personal inspection and report of Mr. Manning. The Council adopted the recommendation of the committee, founded on Mr. Brandreth Gibbs's report, on the purchase of wheat and barley in the straw, for the trials of machinery, and the selection of land for the trial of the steam-cultivators. They also ordered that a clause should be introduced into the Prize-sheets, stating that all certificates received after the 1st May for implements, &c., and the 1st June for live stock, should not be accepted, but returned to their respective senders. The Secretary reported that the principal Railway Companies had signified their willingness to grant the same concessions in favour of the Society's Exhibition at the Chester Meeting, as on the occision of former country meetings. POULTRY-SHOW.-On the motion of Lord Portman, seconded by Mr. George Turner, the resolution was passed (of which Mr. Milward had given notice), that there should be no Show of Poultry at the Country Meetings of the Society after the current year. MEMBER OF COUNCIL.-On the motion of Mr. George Turner, seconded by Mr. Dyke Acland, Colonel the Hon. Alexander Nelson Hood, of Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, was elected one of the General Members of Council, to supply the vacancy created by the transfer of Viscount Eversley to the class of Vice-President. STANDING COMMITTEES.-The standing committees for the year were appointed. FRENCH SHOW OF HORSES AND CATTLE.-The Earl of Clarendon transmitted to the Council a copy of the note addressed to him by the French Ambassador, enclosing copies of a notice issued by the Emperor of the French, having reference to an intended meeting to be held at Alençon from the 17th to the 20th of May next, for the exhibition of horses and cattle, with the view to the improvement of their several breeds. This show will be confined to animals bred in the district, and the property, for three months previously, of the exhibitors. CARD OF MEETINGS.-Mr. Frere transmitted a form of card of meetings, which he suggested should be annually forwarded to every governor and member of the Society not in arrear of subscription. WEEKLY MEETINGS.-Mr. Morton transmitted, on the part of the proprietors of the Gardeners' Chronicle, an application for reporters to attend the weekly meetings. The consideration of these two communications was postponed. The Council adjourned to the 10th inst. A weekly Council was held on Wednesday, 10th of February: present, Colonel Challoner, trustee, in the chair; Hon. Colonel Hood, Mr. Alcock, M.P.. Mr. Raymond Barker, Mr. H. B. Raymond Barker, Dr. Camps, Mr. Dent, M.P., Mr. Gray, Mr. Fisher Hobbs, Mr. Tull, and Professor Way. Communications were received-1. From Professor Hartstein, of Bonn, enquiring the present state of public opinion in England respecting the application of liquid manure; 2. From Dr. Lyon Playfair, asking for information on the subject of wool; 3. From the Minister of Agriculture of France, a collection, on the part of the Government, of agricultural works published in his department since the former collection presented to the Society three years ago; 4. An applition from the Mexican Company for a collection of seeds, which the Council referred to Messrs. Thomas Gibbs & Co., the seedsmen to the Society; 5. From Mr. Bandel, of Baltimore, specimens of his Wyandotte Prolific Indian Corn, grown from seed obtained from the Wyandotte Indians in 1853; with a specimen of the stem raised from a single grain.-Mr. Alcock, M P., called the attention of the Council to the advan tages which he thought Mr. Halkett's system of landcultivation might probably be found to possess on further inquiry and experience of its capabilities. The Council adjourned over Ash-Wednesday to the 24th of February. BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURE, THE ARTS, MANUFACTURES, AND COMMERCE. A numerously-attended meeting of the Council of this Scciety was held at Waghora's Railway Hotel, Taunton, on Saturday last, the Right Hon. Lord Courtenay in the chair. THE CARDIFF MEETING, 1858.-Mr. JoHN WIDDI COMBE, the Director of the Show-Yard, reported that the necessary notices had been issued inviting tenders for enclosing the Show-Yard, and also for supplying the dinner and refreshments in connection with the forthcoming meeting at Cardiff. THE BARNSTAPLE MEETING, 1859. - A deputation from Barnstaple, consisting of Lord Viscount Ebrington, F. Maunder, Esq. (Mayor), and Messss. Avery, Harris, Gilbert, and Langdon, waited upon the Council, and represented that the local committee formed for inviting the Bath and West of England Society to that town next year had obtained subscriptions to the required amount (£800), and, in addition to that sum, the deputation were prepared to guarantee on the part of the inhabitants a large number of special prizes for local purposes out of the surplus funds. The deputation elicited from the Council information as to the nature and extent of the ground that would be required for the site of the show-yard and the trial fields; and the Council nominated a sub-committee to visit Barnstaple on Thursday, the 25th of February, to confer with the local committee on the amount of accommodation offered, and to inspect the sites. NEW MEMBERS.-Rev. W. Beaver, Cowbridge, Glamorgan; Messrs. R. T. Crawshay, Cyrilla Castle, Merthyr Tydvil; C. F. Williams, Treguilow, Cornwall; H. T. Smith, Devonport; F. Pitts, Alphington, Devon; G. Radmore, Thorverton, Devon; J. Beaviss, Dorchester; W. Partridge, Dulverton; W. Hobbs, Lechlade, Gloucester; E. Spender, Manor Mead, Plymouth; G. May, Modbury, Devon; T. Strong, Dunchideock; W. Farrant, Wellington; Fred Sharland, J. Collier, J. Knowlman, J. Broom, W. Steer, Culmstock; J. Doble, Buckland St. Mary; J. P. Matthew, Hemyock. CURE FOR COLIC IN SHEEP. SIR,-Will you allow me a small space in your columns, that I may communicate to your agricultural readers the following particulars ? I have a number of sheep feeding on Swede turnips with cut hay. An unusual number having been attacked with colic, and every case proving fatal, I determined to try the following remedy: "Ten drops of laudanum, ten drops of essence of peppermint, one tea-spoonful of the spirits of tur pentiue, and one table-spoonful of sweet oil." I have in no instance found this fail to produce a cure within a couple of hours, although the sheep have been perfectly paralyzed, and unable to stand. I shall be glad if this suggestion should prove of use to J. F. others, and I remain, your obedient servant, THE PRESENT PRICE OF CORN. The prices of agricultural produce vary more than those of any other description of natural productions. Price and value being two distinct results-the first having relation to the amount produced at marketthe second to the cost of production. The rapid decline in the prices of grain, meat, and farm produce of this country at the present moment are not dependent either upon our home production or consumption, or upon both conjointly; but rather upon large importations, and the checking the ordinary transactions of merchants, manufacturers, and traders at one and the same instant, by the derangement of our monetary system; and thus the effects operating upon the corn and meat markets of the metropolis are transmitted to every other local market of the kingdom. This centralization of the corn markets of Europe, as exhibited in Mark-lane, is transmitted instantly to all the other parts, and consequently value as defined by the cost of production, has no relation whatever to it in the result. So long as a large supply of foreign wheat and grain continues to reach our ports, prices will continue to fall, until the average minimum price of the whole of the imports is attained, and vice versâ, | if a diminished supply falls so low as to produce a scarcity-then and not till then will prices again advance-probably to an extent far beyond the value. These sudden fluctuations affect the farmer more than any other class of producers, his operations extending over a larger space of time than appertains to others will not allow him to expand or contract his operations accordingly; and it mostly happens that whenever the price of his productions fall to their lowest point, the cost of producing has been carried out at its highest rate-especially as regards rent. To the rent-charge and labour at least a moiety of the whole cost remains unaltered for a long time after prices have so declined—and more especially the tithe rent-charge, which from being based upon an average of the seven years last expired, rises to the maximum point as at present, and so for a time continues whilst grain is at its minimum price. Tithe rent-charge, by the present arrangement, entered upon for obtaining its averages, acts very injuriously to agriculture; and as it in reality produces no beneficial result to the receiver, there cannot be any reason adduced why an alteration should not be made in the mode of deducing the averages-and the merely reducing them from seven to three years would at once effect an object, so desirable and to be attended with equitable and beneficial results to both payer and receiver. When we review the principal causes of fluctuation in the marketable value of farm-produce, it becomes apparent that not only tithe rent-charge, but rent also ought to be subject to a like adjustment. But beneficial as such a change might be, little doubt exists that it would not only be objected to, but be absolutely refused by the majority of occupiers, so adverse are they to any change, however beneficial it might be to their future interests. Indeed, when we refer to fluctuations that have occurred in the last ten years, it is matter of astonishment that such prejudices should exist; the reason, probably, arises from the human mind invariably viewing past events as not likely again to occur. Hope leads everyone to expect a change for the better, and therefore the chances of an advance on prices, without having to make a corresponding advance on rent, far outweigh the probability of a decline in prices attended by a corresponding reduction in the quantum of rent. In the year 1846 we find that prices ran from a low range suddenly to a high one, the extremes being fully 100 per cent.; in the following year they again fell in like ratio, continuing with slight fluctuations until the war commenced with Russia, in 1854, and then gradually rising until the year 1857. Thus they remained until the autumn following, when they again fell to fully 50 per cent. The fluctuations during the present century have amounted to 400 per cent. and upwards. Wheat has reached £10 per imperial quarter, and has fallen below £2 per quarter, and other produce in nearly equal proportions. "What has happened since may happen again"-if not to the same extent, still sufficiently to require us to guard against the contingency. In commencing this article we adverted to the effects produced throughout the kingdom by the fluctuations in prices upon Mark-lane, and the influence they produce upon prices in local markets. It ought now to be borne in mind by all agriculturists that the supply of English grain will, during a time of peace, have but little influence upon prices. Mark-lane has now become the emporium of Europe for all descriptions of grain, and the average prices in that market will be governed by the average prices of the continental markets, subject to the addition of cost, freight and profit. But inasmuch as the supplies may far exceed the demand at certain periods, the losses attendant upon importation will be extended to the producers of this kingdom, and will so continue until a reaction is produced, and supply and demand have changed their relative positions. It, therefore, behoves the British cultivator to weigh these remarks as they deserve. It is now quite certain that the prices of agricultural produce must depend upon the quantity imported; and that the prices of English grain cannot, under the most favourable circumstances, in future far exceed those of the continent of Europe. Whilst, upon the other hand, a large influx of foreign wheat upon the market may cause them to descend far below their intrinsic value, even to such an extent as to prove most ruinous to our home producers. SWING versus WHEEL PLOUGHS. At It has been long acknowledged that in the multitude of agricultural implements to be met with on the south of the Tweed, there are many which, if not absolutely valueless, can, at the best, be only designated as expensive toys. the present moment, the writer has an instance before his mind, of a gentleman who is undoubtedly the leading agriculturist of the county in which he resides, and in whose lumber shed the array of cast off implements (many of them brought out by first-rate makers) would form no mean adjunct to the attractions of a moderately strong agricultural exhibition. A prejudice has hence arisen in the minds of many Scottish farmers against the use of any English manufactured implements. Now, there are amongst us thrashing machines, haymakers, drills, manure distributors, cultivators -nay, even ploughs, which, we hesitate not to say, would be a decided acquisition, if freely used by the go-ahead agriculturists who can afford to pay such long rents on the other side of the Border. It is with the last-named implement that we have at present to do. Often have we, in days bygone, when living at the foot of the Grampians, heard it sneeringly observed by Scotch ploughmen, with reference to their English brethren, that "they needed wheels to make their ploughs go staight." Now, there is a mistake here; practice shows that there is such-for actions speak louder than words. We have known Scotch ploughmen in several English counties; but we have ever seen that they speedily appreciated the value connected with the easy adjustment and guidance of a well-made Howard's, Ransome's, or Ball's wheel plough. We have known several cases of Scotch ploughs being imported to the midland and western counties, though we know not one of them now seeing actual service. In Warwickshire, the favourite plough is that manufactured by the eminent firm, Messrs. Howard, of Bedford. At the last county ploughing match, nineteen-twentieths of those entered were of this make; and we question whether, in the best districts of Scotland, under equal circumstances, better work could have been accomplished. In Class 3 were boys that in the north would not be regarded as fit to do more than rake after a couple of scythes in harvest, or feed the cows on a small farm in winter. These were ploughing, and ploughing well. Now, we do not here enter into the question as to whether it is desirable to employ such ploughmen or not. That would involve several considerations. We only ask whether such a turn-out could have been made with swing ploughs ? We think not. This then-for the work was well executedproves their ready and efficient adjustment. And is not an implement the better, and the more manageable for being readily and easily adjusted? In the matter of draught, we are unable to refer to any dynamometrical results, and have only personal judgment to go by. Our belief is, that in drawing a good wheel plough, well set, there is less labour expended than with the swing plough. Then there is the fine level bottom, or floor, obtained for the furrow-"a point in which many Scotch ploughs are sadly deficient." Also that most useful adjunct, a skim-coulter, to aid in burying clover, grasses, or other vegetable matter. Again, the excellent fastening to the coulter, so decidedly superior to the stone-and-wedge system. Likewise the case-hardened share, which, by having its upper surface softer than its under one, naturally continues sharp by the act of wearing, and thus Baves many a journey to the smithy. Any of the wearing parts of the plough are readily renewed by a common country blackamith, the fittings being obtained from the manufacturers. It will be observed that these remarks have chiefly referred to the Bedford ploughs, though they are not, assuredly, intended as derogatory towards others. We speak from no personal feelings; the Messrs. Howard we are unacquainted with, and we have only written as to what we know of their implements. Still, a false delicacy need not prevent us saying to Scottish farmers, "Give Howard's ploughs a trial-a fair and honest trial it will be, for the Scottish maxim is, A fair field, and no favour '—and we doubt not but the results will be satisfactory." In conclusion, we would quote the words of one who knows the subject well, and who says, "With many, particularly the Scotch, the wheels are a fatal objection; their plea is, that they are an unnecessary complication, and that the weight and Kenilworth, Jan. 14th, 1858. HOW TO FARM CLAY LANDS. SIR,-"Lucus a non lucendo" is, I believe, something like rying coals to Newcastle." a dark lantern, and is well represented in the phrase of " car I ventured last year to give some general advice to one o your correspondents, who was burdened with 500 acres of clay land; now, strange as it may appear, I, then an oracle, wait for a response on the very same subject. The question I now beg to propose for consideration is how to farm clay land of inferior quality at a profit, with wheat at a low price, and every probability of a still farther decline in its value. Many valued productions I have read, offering all sorts of profitable systems and suggestions for the cultivation of clay soils; and in many cases I have felt convinced that the writers on the subject know very little practically as to the capital needed to effect the utter change, both on the part of landlord and tenant, which their advice would require. First, I wish to explain the nature of the clay soils, for the profitable cultivation of which I should be glad to receive suggestions, based on practice, conveying a system which any soil I refer to, is met with in large tracts in the Midland counteuant farmer with fair average means may safely adopt. The ties amongst others, is about five inches deep, with a yellow subsoil, and rubble or clay stone below, generally full of water. Secondly, I must state that, as far as my experience goes, "circumstances over which there is no control" or "urgent private affairs" seem generally to be pleaded as excuse for that indispensable article in expensive cultivation of this description of land-viz., "capital.” A tenant with large capital will seldom engage in such an undertaking, except with a long lease and at a very low rent; and often a landlord's "burdens" prevent him indulging in the improvement of his property at the expense of his income. Hence, for a tenant with ordinary capital, say £10 per acre, farming this sort of land and drained in an effectual manner, with buildings and accommodations usually met with, advice is respectfully asked, from some of those who in the time of low prices, found they could work with a profit. For final particulars, broad clover, except with the interval of many years, cannot be grown with certainty; beans also have not depth of soil sufficient to insure a crop. There is one plant, however, always present to give a relish to the crust-the wid garlic or crow onion. If no kind friend comes forward to solve doubts and questions that are raised, I must fain hereafter trouble you with a few facts drawn from costly practice, and for proof substanti ating say "Experto crede." G. Yours obediently, |