208 On the Vegetatwe Efficacy of Sulphur. 
grass.* Repeated experiments gave the same results. 
It was particularly remarkable, that its effect was the 
most prompt, when, after its application, a shower of 
rain fell: without doubt, because moisture aids and 
developes the sulphuric principles. Let the powder or 
the gyps be employed, the result is always the same. 
‘It appears, that we may conclude from this, that sui- 
phur, is one of the greatest stimulants to vegetation. 
Let this be admitted, and we perceive the numerous 
advantages of this discovery, to the agriculture of coun- 
tries wherein su/phur is common. We already have 
shewn the benefit of sulphur for artificial meadows. 
Many proofs have demonstrated, that it singularly pro- 
motes the vigor of the ohve tree. Perhaps the same ad- 
vantages may be derived to other fruit trees. It is 
known that countries abounding in sulphur produce 
the strongest wines. We may conclude from this,+ that 
by introducing the sulphur, in a convenient proportion, 
in the compost of dung, earth, and sand, which commonly 
furnishes the manure for vines ; and suffering the whole 
_* I have never derived any benefit from plaister on wheat 
and natural grass. Some have told me that they have pro- 
fitably applied it to wheat ; but I have never seen any instances 
ef it; save that plaister on moistened or steeped seed wheat 
(if it be not steeped in brine) has been useful, in giving the 
plant a vigorous shoot, in its early stages. 
R. P. 
} This agrees with my frequent practice of introducing 
plaster, instead of lime, into dung and compost heaps. See 
volume first, page 283. 
Bick. 
