ae 
54. ————— On Plaister of Paris. 
Answer. Lhave generally found a good effect from 
it on grass ground, by applying it every third or fourth 
year without ploughing, and on Indian corn with 
ploughing. 
Query 6. Do you find that it renders the earth sterile 
after its useful effects are gone ? 
Answer. Not in the least degree that 1 could ever 
perceive. * 
Query 7. To what lecidlbts can it be best applied ?— 
grain and what kinds ?—erasses and what kinds ? 
Answer. Its effect is immediate upon grass of all 
kinds, and upon Indian corn; and upon all other kinds 
of grain the year following, when it is well mixed with 
the soil by ploughing, &c. 
Query 8. When is the best time to scatter it ? 
Answer. As clover is generally put in with barley or 
oats, I think the best time to apply the plaister is as soon 
as the barley or oat is taken off; as it gives a good growth 
to the clover before the winter sets in, which is apt to 
injure it when small. It may be put upon a sward at 
any time, and upon Indian corn as soon as it is up, and 
* Mr, Duffield’s son, and successor on the farm, does not 
continue of his opinion. There must be some peculiarity, or 
shiit of circumstances, of a local nature. All my inquiries, else- 
where, result in the elder Mr. Duffield’s opinion. Perhaps, 
like ime, plaister may be used too long. I never found it so. 
But dung, or other animal or vegetable substances, must be 
applied with the gypsum, as often as its operation is required: 
more especially after frequent repetitions. 
R. P. 
- September 1810. 
