880 [Assembly 



This organic matter is in a finely pulverulent state, and commu- 

 nicates to the soil a highly retentive and absorbent power. Its 

 quantity and state of decomposition imparts to the soil a dark 

 rich brown color, which makes it a fine absorber of solar heat. 

 It also contains a respectable quantity of all the inorganic bodies 

 which enter into the composition of plants. The amount of these 

 is sufficient, considering the fine state of division of the soil at 

 present, to give a good degree of fertility to the soil. A few crops, 

 however, so diminish those portions of the lime, magnesia, potas- 

 sa, soda, sulphuric and phosphoric acids and chlorine, which are 

 soluble, as to decrease perceptibly its fertility. It is, however, a 

 soil which can be easily kept in a high state of fertilit} , by simply 

 adding each year the small quantity of ingredients that are re- 

 moved by the crops. Essex county furnishes all the material re- 

 quisite for this purpose in her phospljate of lime, marl and peat 

 deposits, and common wood ashes." 



The earth represented by No. 39, is taken from premises in 

 Chesterfield. This soil, with every appearance of fertility, by a 

 casual inspection, is remarkable for an inertness, which manures 

 but slightly stimulate. By the analysis of Professor Salisbury, it 

 contains the following components : 



Organic matter, 2 . 78 



Silica, 84.70 



Oxide of iron, and aluminum, 1 . 78 



Lime, 0.38 



Magnesia, 0.16 



Soda, 0.26 



Potassa, 0.34 



Chlorine, 0.18 



Sulphuric acid, 0.12 



^ Phosphoric acid, . 02 



99.86 



The sample, No. 38, is an average exhibition of the elements 

 of the sandy soils of the county, in their uncultivated state. 

 One hundred parts deprived of water, gave of 



