278 On Liming Land. 
after a certain time, of manure as well as of crop; 
though either may be, after proper intervals and with 
suitable auxiliaries, again introduced with equal bene- 
fit. I do not know enough of facts, relating to lime-sick 
lands, to give an opinion : and this is one among other 
reasons, why I wish the society to promote inquiries. 
I believe it is generally known and agreed, that the 
poorer the land, either naturally or by wearing, the less 
lime it will bear. So that 25 bushels will benefit, where’ 
50 would injure. Lime, being in itself no manure, must 
find, in the earth, or in the air, something to act upon, 
or co-operate with. And, that it may have constant 
communication with the atmosphere, it should be kept 
near the surface ; both in its first application, and by 
deepening the ploughings to bring it up when it sinks. 
T have made much use of it, in every way, and in great 
quantities, for a long course of years. My soil is vari- 
ous; but generally a kindly loam, mixed with mca 
(isinglass) and in parts sand, as well as clay. The sur- 
face is of every description, as to exposure, hill and 
vale. It had been much worn in some parts; and I 
have cleared off, from time to time, a considerable por- 
tion of the timber. So that I have had all kinds of soil 
to operate upon. I have generally begun with 40 
bushels (sometimes 50, and often 30 and 35) to the acre. 
I prefer it to be laid in half bushel-heaps, and water- 
slaked.: But I frequently cover these little heaps with 
earth, and leave it thus to slake; closing the cracks 
carelully, as they appear. Sometimes I leave it through 
the winter, in large heaps of 40 or 50 bushels (accord- 
ingly as I determine the quantity per acre) well pro- 
tected by earth and sod. I choose, when practicable, 
