oie 
[ 219 J 
The earth is a bafis for fupporting the plant, and. 
for enabling it to aflume and preferve a proper pofi- 
tion. And it is the beft vehicle for equally diftri- 
buting to the fibrous roots that quantity of water 
which the plant requires for its growth; the abforp- 
tion, by means of the root, being the general mode 
whereby fuch growth is promoted. The earth alfo 
admits the folar rays, imbibes warmth, and confe- 
quently communicates that warmth to the root. It 
moreover allows the accefs of air to the root. 
3. Are there not different kinds of foil, which fuit 
different plants? 
Indifputably. 
4. Is there any kind of foil, in which fome of ful 
plant might not be produced? . 
I believe not; but it often happens, that the Gigs 
moft congenial to the foil may be comparatively of 
little ufe, and very different from the produétions 7 
defired. 
5: Are there any plants, which will grow perpetu- 
ally in the fame foil; and what are they? ; 
Timber and fruit-trees, the common herbage of 
paftures from time immemorial, the natural turf upon 
downs and fheep-walks. Ina few places wheat is 
faid to be perpetuated. Query. The peculiarities of 
the latter foil? 
Gardens fuffer but little change of foil, dotted 
motion and a fmall addition of manure ie eaptang 
every thing. ‘ 
6. What 
