Time of Entry on Farms. 331 



the soil. Lime does excellent service upon newly iDroken up 

 land, or mixed in compost with the surface-soil of woods, or 

 laid upon land in high condition. 



Lime mixed with manure will rob it of its virtue. The quaint 

 old Drurj knew that long ago, though the reason of it has been 

 left to modern chemists to explore. The manure, however, once 

 incorporated with the soil and its essence absorbed, if you then 

 use lime you will lime to advantage. Quick-Wme laid upon the 

 surface of drained land will produce a succession of fine grasses, 

 in lieu of the coarse bent and carnation grass that clothed it 

 before. Neioly slaked lime, at the rate of 2 tons an acre, har- 

 rowed in with the wheat, is found effectually to prevent the 

 attacks of grub and wire worm. 



Contrary to what might be expected, soils over limestone are 

 often especially benefited by a dressing of it, in a caustic state. 

 Mr. Nesbitt gives a simple rule for discovering whether any par- 

 ticular soil requires liming or not ; that is, to procure some of 

 the earth of different parts of the field, and drop some spirit of 

 salts upon it. If it effervesce slightly, there is a sufficiency of 

 lime present ; but if no effect be produced by the application, 

 then a dressing of lime will be advantageous to the soil. Had I 

 known this at an earlier period of my agricultural career I might 

 have been saved much thought and trouble. 



Much else might be given to the young in-coming tenant in the 

 way of suggestions. AVhat I have written I have drawn from 

 the recollection of my own difficulties on entering as a young 

 farmer ; and if there be anything in what I have penned that 

 shall encourage some youthful ardent spirit to explore the yet 

 undiscovered seams of a glorious science, which is still in its 

 infancy, my labour will have been amply repaid. 



C.VLEXDAE OF OPEEATIOXS, 



Being ixtended eatiieu to Remind thax to Ixsteuct. 



January. — The live stock, cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, will require 

 constant attention ; good shelter, comfortable sheds, and well venti- 

 lated warm stables. Supply plenty of straw, for the better their 

 lodging the less risk, and the greater profit will attend the manage- 

 ment of your stock. Scatter gypsum on the stable and cowhouse 

 floor : it fixes the amrnonia and removes all smell. Whatever first- 

 rate farmers say, we cannot believe that sheep and pigs can thrive 



