4%. 
96 On Plaister of Paris. 
dressed with stable manure, or buckwheat ploughed in 
as a green dressing. I have sometimes ploughed in the 
last growth of the clover, of the second or third year, 
and harrowed in on the sod, after once ploughing, wheat 
or rye, on which I have sowed clover seed, and plaister- 
ed again. I have done well enough in this practice, 
though I do not think it neat or good husbandry. It 
should not be done if the ground be poached, or foul 
with weeds or blue grass, which require frequent 
ploughing to destroy them. 
I sow clover with spring grain generally, and scatter 
_ plaister on the clover and grain, but doubt its effects 
on the grain, as a top dressing. I often sow clover seed 
with plaister on buckwheat, and the plaister operates 
powerfully on both clover and buckwheat. Clover, seed 
sown on flax, answers well. The plaister has a great 
effect on both these plants. The pulling the flax does 
no injury to the clover. If the buckwheat seed be wet, 
and strewed over with a coating of plaister, the crop is 
much benefited. I sometimes mix the clover seed with 
the plaister, and sow them together. : 
There are various opinions as to the manner and time 
of plaistering Indian corn. If season and other circum- 
stances are favourable, the mode then used 1s naturally 
conceived to be the best. But there is no deciding 
from one or two fortunate seasons. Some put it on the 
hill soon after, or at the time of planting; some at the 
time of moulding; and others at a later stage. Some 
suppose, that if it be put on, and could be confined to, 
the plant (though this is impossible, for the earth will 
receive the greater part, either while it is strewing on 
the plant, or by the washing of rains) it is the most 
