Note 179 — CHAP. XII. Of St. Foin.

The first Winter is the Time to lay on Manure, after the Crop of Corn is off; such as Peat-Ashes, or the like; because, there being no natural Grass to partake of it, and the Plants being less, less will supply them; and because, when made strong in their Youth, they will come to greater Perfection: But I never used any Manure on my St. Foin, because mine generally had no Occasion for Manure before it was old; and Soot is seldom to be had of sufficient Quantity in the Country; and little Coal is burnt hereabouts, except by the Smiths, whose Ashes are not good. The Price and Carriage of Peat-Ash will be Ten Shillings for an Acre, which would yet be well bestowed in a Place where Hay is vendible; but, by reason of the great Quantity of watered Meadows, and Plenty of St. Foin, Clover, and Hay, raised of late Years by Farmers for their own Use, here are now few or no Buyers of Hay, especially these open Winters; so that laying out Money in that Manner would be in Effect to buy what I cannot sell. I think it better to let a little more Land lie still in St. Foin, than to be at the Expence of Manure; but yet shall not neglect to use it, when I shall find it likely to be profitable to me.