(725)
more than an ordinary vigor by the winds passing through so long a Tract; without any check (which, when it has gone so far in triumph, makes its first assaults with the greater fury.) The other thing, that contributes to it, is, the extream Sandiness of the Soyl, the levity of which, I believe, gave occasion to that Landstory of the Actions that use to be brought in Norfolk for Grounds blown out of the Owners possession. But this County of Suffolk is more friendly in that particular, I having hitherto possessed great quanties of this Wandring land, without any scruple; which I should yet be glad to be ridd of without any thing for the keeping, if the Owners would but do me kindness to fetch it away.
As to our Georgicks, they are so little the care and study of any ingenious persons in these parts, that I am asham'd, I mull be so breef upon a Subject so much every bodie's concern. The greatest matters that have been done, hath been by Marling: For, 50 load of Marle to an acre of dry barren lingy Heath make (as they say) a very great improvement both for Corn, Turnips, Clover-grass, Nonsuch and Cole-feed, Of the 3 first, I suppose, I need to say nothing. But of the 2. last, (which are late Experiments) I have received a very good account from some Norfolk Gentle-men, one of whom the last year had of 7 acre of Non-such or Hopp-Clover 70 loads of Seed, besides a great crop of good Hay; which was twice as much worth as the best crop of Wheat in this Country. 'Tis sown (as the Common Clover) with Corn, and when it once takes, it will hold 4 times as long in the ground. About a bushel and an half soweth an Acre; and the Seed is now brought to 12 s. the Comb (or 4 bushels) which was lately at 40 s. The same Gentleman had the last year 10 Combs per acre of Colefeed upon a very dry heath (only improv'd by Marling) and was this year in expectation of a much greater crop, when I last saw him. I am, Sir, Your, &c.
Downham Arenarum, in Suffolk, July 6, 1668.
