[Fig. 12.] is the Plank, which is [Fig. 3. in Plate VI.] The Improvement of it in this Figure is described in [p. 415], [416].

An Appendix to Chap. IX. of Wheat, p. 138. containing Memoranda for the Practisers of this Husbandry.

At the Second Hoeing the Plough goes in the Furrow of the First, making it deeper, and nearer to the Wheat. The Third Hoeing fills up this Furrow; and then, at the Fourth Hoeing, the Plough goes in the same Place as the Second, turning the Mould into the Interval. ’Tis remarkable that though the Furrows of the Second and Fourth Hoeings be deep, and near to the Rows, seeming to deprive the Wheat of the Mould which should nourish it, whereby one would imagine, that these Furrows lying long open should weaken or starve it; yet it is just the contrary; for it grows the more vigorous: And it is the Observation of my Ploughmen, that they cannot at these Hoeings go too near to the Rows, unless the Plough should tear out the Plants.

Plate 7.

P. 422

Invented & Designed by & Printed for Jethro Tull Esq Oct: the 25th 1738

If I may presume to assign the Cause of this surprising Effect, it is, in my Opinion, the following; viz. This open Furrow has a double Surface of Earth, which by the Nitre of the contiguous Atmosphere, is pulverized to a great Degree of Minuteness near the Row. The Roots that the Plough cuts off on the perpendicular Side of the Furrow, send out new Fibres to receive the Pabulum from this new-made Pasture; and also Part of this superfine Powder is continually falling down into the Bottom of the Furrow, and there gives a very quick Growth to those Roots that are next it, and a quick Passage through it into the Earth of the Interval, where they take likewise the Benefit of the other Side of this pulverized Furrow. When it is said, that Air kills Roots, it must not be understood, that it kills a Plant, unless all, or almost all, its Root is exposed to it, as it is not in this Case. Some think there are Roots that run horizontally below the Plough into the Interval; but of this I am not convinced.

’Tis not often that we hoe above Four times; and then the Furrow is turned towards the Row at the Third time only.