principal operation in the processes of agriculture.—Its importance indeed, is every day becoming more apparent, and new advantages are derived from its use both on arable and on grass lands.
Wheat should always be rolled in the Spring, after frosts, as it makes the soil adhere more closely to the roots of the plants, encourages vegetation and strengthens the stems, and renders the grain more perfect.—When any crop of grain is sown with artificial grasses, rolling is particularly necessary; to make an even surface, bruising all clods, and pressing down any stones it may not be thought necessary to carry off, to facilitate the future operation of the scythe. Oats in a light soil, may be rolled to advantage, immediately after the seed is sown, unless the ground be so wet as to cling to the roller. After turnips are sown in drills, they ought to be immediately rolled, to make the soil compact, and to promote their speedy germination.—Not only for turnips, but for all other crops, rolling, particularly during the night, is found to be an efficient means of destroying slugs, snails, the wire worm, and other vermin, so destructive to young plants. Flax ought to be rolled immediately after sowing; it makes the seed vegetate equally, and prevents after growth; the bad effects of which are visible in every step of the process for dressing flax.
The other advantages of rolling arable land are, that it renders a loose soil more compact and solid. This encourages the growth of plants, by pressing the soil to their roots. It likewise keeps in the moisture, and prevents drought from penetrating. When the soil is worked up lightly, moisture either filters through it too quickly, or is easily evaporated. In a dry season this may occasion a very material difference in the crop more especially in a light soil. Rolling is executed to most advantage across the direction of the ridges, because more adapted to ensure full benefit to
