368 



SYLVA AMERICANA. 



cent, in comparison to that afforded by the natural produce of 

 the surface. The following variety of peat, which is not 

 uncommon, is to be carefully distinguished from the above. 



8th. Inert peat soil. 



Fine pure siliceous sand, 



Inert vegetable matter destructible by fire, . 



Alumina, ...... 



Oxide of iron, .- . 



Soluble vegetable extractive matter, sulphate of 



and sulphate of potash, 

 Sulphate of lime, ..... 



Loss and moisture, .... 



iron, 



29 



289 



14 



30 



11 

 12 

 15 



400 

 The outward characters or appearance of this soil is so similar 

 to those of the first mentioned variety of peat, that they are 

 scarcely to be distinguished by common observation. The above 

 soil, in its natural state, is absolutely sterile. Large applications 

 of caustic lime and of common salt, in a smaller proportion, had 

 the effect of improving the nature of this soil so much, as to 

 render it capable of vegetating turnip seed, and of bringing the 

 roots to the size of small turnips. It has not been proved, 

 however, what the results of planting forest trees might be on this 

 soil, improved in the manner now stated. 



400 



