210 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



formation of ammonia and nitrates. The shells contribute to this 

 effect long after their occupants have ceased to be animal matter. 

 Both these effects ought to be produced, as doubtless they are on 

 all soils, by muscle bed ; but they are not permanent like the de- 

 composition of clay. It is not alone that part of clay which is in 

 contact with shell which is acted on. The insoluble shell or car- 

 bonate of lime is changed to hi or soluble carbonate of lime, by the 

 abundance of carbonic acid arising from the decay of organic 

 matter of the shell or its fish, and from that eliminated by the roots 

 of growing plants. As bi carbonate of lime the shells are dissolved 

 by rain, and so penetrate deep into the clay, acting on it even 

 where it is subsoil only. 



It appears that the poorer grasses and white weed are killed 

 out by muscle bed, which feeds clover and red-top and Timothy. 

 Would not fresh muscle bed kill them ? It seems from Mr. Was- 

 son's account that muscle bed must be frozen before use, or it is 

 valueless. I do not understand this. If freezing is not intended 

 for disintegration, it may be necessary that muscle bed should un- 

 dergo a slacking, by which it parts with sulphureted hydrogen, like 

 gas-lime before it can be applied. At any rate, it is well settled 

 that the marine deposits about the shores of France, called " Tan- 

 gue," so much valued as manure, must be many months exposed 

 to air before application. It is very desirable that analysis should 

 determine how much carbonate of lime the "muds," mentioned 

 by Mr. Bailey, contain. The " tangues " contain thirty to forty 

 per cent. ; their constituents otherwise are like the "muds." 



Tangue swells and slacks like marl. Perhaps an experiment in 

 this way will settle the question. I have thus endeavored to lay 

 before you such thoughts as have occiirred to me on one of the 

 subjects presented in your note received some days ago. I trust 

 that the scientific survey of Maine will afford, by analj'ses of mus- 

 cle bed, results which may confirm the views above put forth. In 

 this case, as usual, practice has preceded science, which can only 

 hold up your State banner "Dirigo," explain, and point to new 

 explorations and applications. 



With great regard. 



Your friend and servant, 



SAMUEL L. DANA. 



