Note 220 — CHAP. XVI. Of Ridges.

But some of late are convinced, by observing that an Hill of mine has been made dry by this means for Fourteen Years past, which before was always more wet and spewy than any Field in the Neighbourhood; and from the time of inclosing it out of an Heath (or Common), and the converting it to arable, which was about Seventy Years ago, it had been reputed as little better than barren, on account of its Wetness; and that it has been the most profitable Field of my Farm ever since it has been under this new Management. I have also another Field, that lies about a Mile and an half from me: It doth not belong to the Farm where I live, but was thrown upon my Hands, no Tenant caring to rent it, because great Part of it was full of Springs, and barren: This also, having been kept in Lands plowed cross the Descent (which is but a small Declivity), is become dry: And now the most prejudiced Farmers agree, that keeping the Lands or Ridges of wet Ground always cross the Descent doth cure its Spewiness. Hereupon some have attempted to put this Method in Practice on their wet Land; and, after it has been well tilled up Hill and down, have plowed it the last time for sowing of Wheat in flat Lands cross the Descent; but by Mismanagement their Furrows are higher at each End than the Middle, so that none of the Water can run off either downwards or sideways, or any other Way.

Had the Furrows carried off the Water at both or either of their Ends, it might have been effectual, notwithstanding the broad Lands, because their Ground hath a much less Declivity, and is much less spewy, than my Hill was: They will doubtless find their Mistake, and amend it, having a Precedent before their Eyes; but if they had none within their own Inspection, I question whether this Mismanagement might not discourage them from prosecuting their Project any further.

[221]Remember, in making Ridges of all Sorts, and of whatsoever Figure the Piece is, that no Ridge ought to have any more Furrows at one End, than at the other End; for if there be, the Plough must be turned in the Middle of the Piece, which will cause the Land to be trodden by the Horses; but if each End have an equal Number of Furrows, the Horses in turning will tread only upon the Head lands, which may be plowed afterwards; or if design’d to be Horse-ho’d, the Head-lands should be narrow, and not plowed at all.