250 



have been stated, after careful observation, compared with the best stable manure, 

 in respect to the quality of the grain, as 7 to 5. In respect to the quantity, as 5 

 to 4. In respect to the durability of its efi'ects on the soil, as 3 to 2. Bone 

 manure is less beneficial when applied to clay lands than to lighter soils; and in 

 wet seasons than in dry. The ashes of wood and all vegetables may be used as 

 a manure. They have a marked and very beneficial eftect when applied as a top- 

 dressing, especially to grass lands. They also answer a most valuable purpose 

 when applied to Indian corn. The action of leached ashes is most powerful 

 upon moist lands and meadows, in which they not only facilitate the growth of 

 useful plants, but if constantly employed for several years, they will free the soil 

 from Aveeds. By the use of them, moist lands may be freed from rushes and 

 sorrel, and prepared for yielding clover and other plants. A large portion of 

 alkaline matter, it is said, must remain in all ashes after leaching, Avhich accounts 

 for the benefit they render to wet, sour soils, by neutralizing such acid, and 

 promoting the decomposition of vegetable matter, which in such earths always 

 proceed slowly, while at the same time they prevent adhesion in the soil, and 

 enable the roots of plants to seek their sustenance fi-eely. On light, sandy soils 

 they give consistency, and by the existing action of their still abundant salts, 

 effectually promote vegetation. 



Of all the mineral substances known to us, lime is that which performs the 

 most important part in improving the soil, and promoting the growth of vege- 

 tables. It is an error to suppose that lime in any state comprises fertilizing 

 properties within itself; and that without operating upon the soil, or upon the 

 substances which it contains, it is an enriching manure. It is said not to possess 

 any fertilizing principle in its own composition, being merely a calcareous earth 

 combined with fixed air, and holding a medium between sand and clay, and in 

 some measure remedies the defects of both. 



The application of lime calls into powerful action the nutrient principles of the 

 soil, and hence, if land be severely cropped after hme has been used, it is reduced 

 to a greater state of sterility than if the stimulant had not been applied. Lime, 

 therefore, calculated as it is to produce the best effects in fertilizing a soil, is fre- 

 quently made the means, in the hands of an injudicious farmer, to injure it. 



But although the stimulating properties of lime may be abused, it is an instru- 

 ment of pi-oduction of the highest importance in the hands of the skilful and 

 intelligent farmer. On lauds improved and cultivated for the first time, it exer- 

 cises a very powerful influence; and it is difficult to conceive how in many parts 

 such land could be improved at all without the assistance of this mineral. The 

 application of hme is the most effectual means of stimulating the productive 

 powers of the subsoil, when ploughed up and brought to the suiface. On a soil 

 of medium condition, the usual dressing is from forty to fifty bushels per acre. 



