REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 157 



acid, and orf^anic matter, which remains in combination with tho soil; 

 'whilst, under ordinary conditions at least, neither nitrates, soda, lime, 

 magnesia, stdphiiric acid, nor chlorine are retained. The phosi)hatos 

 are probably retained in combin^itiou with alumina or peroxide of iron, 

 and the silica and organic matters enter into more or less insoluble com- 

 binations. 



The drainage waters from clay soils, especially if the soil is in a fine 

 state of division, are found to carry off the nitrates, sulphates, chlorides,- 

 and carbonates of soda, lime, and magnesia. 



THE rOWER OF RETAINING MOISTURE IN THE SOIL. 



The amount of moisture retained by a soil is generally in direct ratio 

 to its contents of organic matter and its state of division. A pro])er de- 

 gree of fineness in the particles of the soil is very important to obtain, 

 especially if it is subjected to drought. During dry weather plants re- 

 quire a soil that is both retentive and absorptive of atmospheric mois- 

 ture, and that soil which has this faculty will evidently raise a more 

 vigorous growth than one without it. The materials which are most in- 

 fluential in soils may be arranged in the following order, when this con- 

 dition of retaining moisture is considered : Organic matter, marls, clays, 

 loams, and sands. 



TIEE TEMPERATT7EE OP THE SOIL. 



The temperature of a soil depends very much upon its humidity, 

 dry lands absorbing more quickly and losing more slowly the heat 

 than wet lands. The temperature of drained lands is consequently 

 higher in summer than those which are undrained. The greatest dif- 

 ference occurs in the spring between the temperature of the atmosphere 

 and that of the soil, as owing to the moisture from the ■winter and 

 spring storms the soil, in consequence of the evaporation required to 

 dry it suiBciently but gradually, acquires the proper temperature de- 

 manded by the coming vegetation. After it is once thoroughly warmed 

 it retains a certain amount in reserve whiuh is of benefit to the late 

 ripening and gathering of certain crops. Dark-colored soils absorb 

 beat more rapidly than those of lighter color. 



FERTILITY OF THE SOIL DEFENDS ON CLIMATIC CONDITIONS. 



In this country the soils are fertile enough, for the most part, to raise 

 any crop desirecl, if the climatic conditions are favorable, and this is a 

 point that must not be lost sight of. As it is certain that the range of 

 the thermometer during the growing season of the year will affect the 

 productiveness of the ground, notwithstanding a favorable composi- 

 tion and texture of the soil and an adequate rainfall, and disregard of 

 such local conditions as temperature, rainfall, elevation above sea- 

 level, aspect, nearnets to water, &c., will lead to very erroneous oi)in- 

 ions of the soil. Thus, in the case of the IS^orthwest, for example, with 

 the severe winters and late springs and early falls, only such crops as 

 will mature early can be raised, notwithstanding the noted fertility of 

 its soil. 



The amount of rainfall and the season of its descent determines the 

 nature of the crops raised, and exercises a considerable influence on 

 the fertility of the soil. The action of the rain carries the soluble in- 

 gredients which the plants require to their roots and supplies them 



