74 Observations on Colonel Taylor’s Letter. 
bours. His slaves might here be taught, by selections ; 
and when taught, turned on his common farms, im- 
proved in themselves, and exemplary to others. But the 
southern gentlemen object to mixing slaves of different 
habits together. It has I believe, never been systema- 
tically tried. 
Yours very truly, 
Ricuarp PETERS. 
Dr. James MEAsSE. 
I think the magotty bay bean operates like Mr. Taylor’s 
bird-foot clover, in some respects. It fertilizes by cover, and 
rotting down its vegetation continually. It seeds plentifully ; 
and renews itself constantly. For light sandy soils it has been 
much used in Maryland; and elsewhere. But it is only fit 
to prepare for grain crops; which it wondertully assists. It. 
excludes clover and other grasses, by keeping the sole posses- 
sion of any ground it once fully occupies. Being a legume, 
it does not exhaust. We have tried it some years ago; but 
disliked it,.as being injurious to the clover system. Cattle 
and sheep feed on it: and it is good where nothing better is 
to be had. It grows on light and barren soils, where better 
products will not thrive. 
' R. P. 
