162 On Gypsum. 



iprejudices are inflexible. Some of our Germans^ at this 

 day, believe the gypsum invites thunder and lightning % 

 and, on the approach of a thunder storm, turn out of 

 their bams and houses the vessels containing this sub- 

 stance. But generally their prejudices are gone, and 

 they use it abundantly, and profitably. f Their county 



* Thus we stile those descended from the original settlers 

 from Germany y though they are bom here. In the cities and 

 large towns, of this and other states, their habits and man- 

 ners change from those of their forefathers, in the greatest 

 degree, and assimilate with those of other citizens. Inso- 

 much that the service in their churches, is occasionally (and 

 by many desired to be alternately and regularly) performed in 

 the English tongue. But in the country, their originality, 

 both of language and manners, is most generally preserved. 

 In many parts of this state, in German settlements^ I have met 

 with adults of the third generation, who could not speak En- 

 glish. I could not succeed in enquiries of the most trivial nature, 

 in any language but Gcrmayi. 



1 1 have given too many, to me gratifying, proofs of my 

 regard for the people of Lancaster county whose industiy and 

 agricultural merits I have long admired, to admit a suppo- 

 sition that I mention these circumstances in derogation of 

 them. 



Knowing the efficacy of plaister applied to leguminous crops, 

 I many years ago suggested to some farmers in that county, 

 the covering their fallows previous to wheat, with the Jield 

 pea ; and procured seed for them. I was informed that it 

 had succeeded so as to be extensively profitable : insomuch 

 that one of them told me he had gained as much, in some 

 years, by his pease, as by his wheat. I have not lately enqui- 

 red about this culture ; or whether they continue to sow, oi 

 plaister their pease. 



