380 ON WATER FROM PEAT AND SOIL. 



of ammonia, but he has not mentioned this excess 

 of ammonia. From this fact we learn two or three 

 things, and from the theory we are able to explain 

 them. 



Various opinions have been given of the value 

 of peat as a manure ; the peat water has also been 

 used as an irrigator, and objected to by some. 

 The distinction between alkaline and acid peat 

 water will help to explain it : our important plants 

 do not grow in acid soil. 



Lime has been used to peat : this is easily 

 explained, it sets the ammonia free, and the mat- 

 ters before insoluble dissolve in the excess of 

 ammonia. The use of lime generally is also 

 explained by it. Lime is used upon land which 

 has more than it can ever use for plants, and it is 

 used caustic, this sets ammonia free, and allows it 

 to dissolve food for plants. Soda or other alkalis 

 will serve the same purpose. 



This note is a portion of a paper on water, 

 which was read to the Society, but which will 

 appear better afterwards on making such addi- 

 tions as may be more generally interesting. 



