386 Imjjrovement of Grass-land on the 



and Cammock, though much weakened, were still visible here 

 and there. In 1863 a similar dressing of artificials was applied 

 in the same mannei", the crop was mown and fed ; some 25 cwt, of 

 hay per acre was the result, and a heavy after-feed. In the autumn 

 a dressing of 10 loads of the compost described above was applied. 

 The drainage was now completed, and the mowing and feeding 

 had tended to fine down the grasses. The change of colour, from 

 a dull brown to a lively green, was most remarkable. The live 

 stock looked healthy and thriving, and altogether the face of the 

 country was altered. 



In 1864 the same artificials were again used ; and it was 

 intended to feed, and not mow. The grass, however, grew with 

 such rapidity that it was found impossible to eat it down, there- 

 fore hay was made, and so excellent was the quality, that a cubic 

 yard weighed, when cut out of the stack, 340 lbs. 



In 1865, the last year included in our report, the same artifi- 

 cials were used, and more compost applied; the quality of the 

 produce is now thoroughly good, and the value of the land to 

 rent immensely increased. The improvement in the condition of 

 the herbage after the treatment was so marked, that we were 

 desirous of ascertaiziing whether the soil rendered more pro- 

 ductive by these means showed in its chemical composition any 

 difference from the original state. A sample of the surface-soil 

 of the improved portion was consequently submitted to analysis, 

 which yielded the following results in 100 parts, calculated dry : — 



Organic matter and Avater of combination .. .. 15'76 



Oxides of iron and alumina 10'84 



Lime "72 



Magnesia "oO 



Potash -61 



Soda -04 



Phosphoric acid '08 



Sulphuric acid '12 



Insoluble silicious matter 71'33 



100-00 



These results show in lime an increase from *40 to '12, indi- 

 cating the influence of the lime compost. In all other respects 

 the chemical examination gives no clear indication of superiority 

 in composition ; so that from a simple inspection of the figures 

 it would be hard, if not impossible, to decide which of the two 

 analyses represents the composition of the improved pasture-land. 

 We are anxious to direct attention to this fact, for there are 

 persons who entertain the mistaken idea that the addition of a 

 small quantity of guano, superphosphate, or similar concentrated 

 manures, which produce a marked change in the quantity and 

 quality of the herbage, can be detected by analysis. With bulky 

 matters, such as lime or marl, which are put on the land in 



