Letter from Robert Frazer, Esq. of West-Chester, con- 
taining an account of the use of Plaister of Paris, by 
Col. John Hannum, of Chester county. 
Sir, 
I have received no information from those into whose 
hands I put your queries in answer thereto, except 
from Col. John Hannum, to whom I delivered a copy 
afew days ago. Your anxiety to receive information on 
the subject, urges me to the most speedy transmission of 
such as I have obtained. Whether it will prove satisfac- 
tory or not, you will be best able to judge. 
Query 1. How long have you used plaister ? 
Answer. Twelve years. 
Query 2. What state or condition was your land in 
when you began the use of it ? 
Answer. I have used it on virgin soils, and upon old 
land; sometimes very poor; sometimes good strong 
land ; sometimes indifferent. 
Query 3. What quantity per acre have you general- 
ly used. 
Answer. From one to five bushels. 
Query 4. What soils are most proper for this manure? 
Answer. High ground and sandy soils. 
Query 5. Have you repeated the application of it with 
or without ploughing? at what intervals, and with 
what effect ? 
Answer. Frequently both, with and without plough- 
ing, and generally with very great effect. 
Query 6. In consequence do you find that it renders 
the earth sterile after its useful effects are gone ? 
