duced at all seasons. hot, inclosures should be more numerous than in moderate temperatures-in order that in the former shelter, and in the latter shade, may be produced. In a severe climate, or one excessively 3rd. The form of inclosures. The best form, where it can be obtained, is that of a square, or parallelogram: when the latter, it should have the length from north to south. The nature of the soil, and the variations of the surface, are the best guides both as to the form and size of inclosures. 4th. The direction of the fences. In general, this should be up the sides and directly across the tops of eminences, which greatly increases their apparent height. Sometimes, however, it is preferable to carry them obliquely across, which is better calculated for the direction of the ridges, and for affording shelter and shade. In levels, or vallies, they have the best effect, and are most useful, when parallel to the rising grounds, when they intersect one another at right angles, and when each inclosure is nearly a right square. 5th. The kind of fence. In meadows, these should be of the unseen kind; either ha! ha's! open water-cuts, or light palings. In low fertile arable grounds, and all arable grounds in mild exposures, they should be low hedges or walls. In exposed and elevated grounds, the higher the fences so much the better, both for effect and utility. Almost every part of the country has some fences peculiar to it. By enquiring into these, and contrasting them with those in other parts of the country, the best and most economical may easily be discovered. 6th. Hedgerow timber. This is highly advantageous in certain soils and situations, and highly destructive, both of beauty and use, in others; as I shall have occasion to observe under PLANTING*. SHELTERING EXPOSED GROUNDS. In fixing on the proper places for marking out plantations of this sort, considerable reflection is requisite. It does not consist in fixing on the highest spots, and in a regular distribution of the masses, as some tell us; but in finding out where the current of wind strikes most violently, either when first obstructed by the hills, or after it has been reverberated; which often points out declivities, and lesser eminences, as proper places for planting upon; and directs us also to proportion the magnitude of the different plantations, in a manner corresponding with these effects. A knowledge of this may be obtained by examining the appear * See also, in confirmation of the same ideas, Mr. Kent's Hints on Landed Property. ances of such trees as are already there, by inspecting the grounds in times of deep snows, and by consulting the oldest native inhabitants, particularly shepherds, &c. In situations exposed to the sea, where the shore is bold or irregular, as at Colzean, Gossford, and Dunglass, similar caution is necessary; but where it is level, as at Tynningham, Southwick, and Mersehead, it is only necessary to plant along the margin of the shore. This has been done at Mersehead and Tynningham; at the latter place with the greatest success, and at the former with a `very promising appearance. At Linkhouse I have lately made considerable plantations on a low shore, which, though only planted two years, look as well as on any other situation. The trees, when put in, should either be very young, or else the fences should be of considerable height, so as to shelter them. In low shores, most species of trees will succeed except the larch. In such as are bold and irregular, the ash, sycamore, sorbus, elder, &c. are the best. For other particulars respecting the formation and management of such plantations, see PLANTING. CHAPTER II. OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE SITUATION. ROAD MAKING may be considered under the following heads: 1st, Direction; 2dly, Formation; and, 3dly, Management. 1. The direction of roads in level countries is easy. On such as are hilly it requires some attention, surveying, and levelling, so as to find the shortest and least fatiguing line. There are few or no countries, though ever so irregular, but will admit between their hills or mountains roads nearly level, or at least very gradual ascents and descents: were it otherwise, the vallies would be continually covered with water; whereas we always find some outlet or passage by means of which it easily runs off. The most difficult cases are, when a road comes directly in front of a compact ridge of low hills, such as the Cotswold in Gloucestershire, or those between Thirsk and Helmsley, called Whitestone Cliff, in Yorkshire*. In such cases, the only way is to make the road ascend in a zig-zag direction to the lowest part of the summit. There is no particular advantage in having the surface of a road exactly level during its whole * Hills of this kind seldom occur, except in level countries, such as England. length; but, on the contrary, some benefit results, to draught cattle at least, from having a variation of surface to pass over, as it varies the line of draught, and rests it alternately on different parts of the body. Something of this kind takes place in walking, as every one accustomed to use this exercise in any considerable degree must have experienced. The first requisite is to lay 2. The formation of roads. them dry, by open drains at each side, which must be of a depth and width proportionate to the road. When the latter is narrow, and the drains deep, the pressure of carriages is apt to cut the surface and derange the materials. The surface of the road in level countries is generally made somewhat convex, in order to throw off the rain; but in mountainous districts it is perfectly level; and in some places concave roads have been adopted with considerable advantages. 3. The management of roads refers to cleaning and repairing them. Excellent management does not consist so much in doing a great deal, as in a constant attendance and reparation of every little injury; by this means roads may be kept in proper order for a great length of time, and at a small expence. On CANAL MAKING I do not judge it necessary to advance any thing, as it is a branch of national improvement in which |