164 THE SOILS OF CALVERT COUNTY 



the fruit. The orchards can be maintained for a period of 25 to 35 

 years in this general region. 



The Windsor sand presents a t5rpe of soil suited to intensive rather 

 than to extensive farming and a further specialization of crops is advi- 

 sable and has promise of considerable success. 



The Norfolk sand is a finer-grained type of soil, which is very well 

 adapted to the production of the typical Maryland grade of tobacco. 

 It is a reddish sandy soil composed of medium sand and a small amount 

 of silt and clay. It produces a bright colory leaf well adapted to the 

 export trade. The value of this soil for tobacco production is recog- 

 nized locally by the common statement that " the red lands are the best 

 for tobacco." The N"orfolk sand is the most common red soil of the 

 region. In other localities along the Atlantic coast it is utilized as a 

 truck soil, and even when not so favorably located with regard to markets 

 as the Calvert County areas it has attained a considerable prominence 

 in producing such crops. The soil is easily worked and responds readily 

 to careful cultivation. Increasing transportation facilities will make it 

 more and more valuable for the production of truck. 



The Sassafras loam presents the features of a slightly sandy loam 

 soil, underlain by a heavier loam subsoil. Its texture fits it for the pro- 

 duction of grain crops while not excluding the production of some to- 

 bacco, though that crop can be raised to better advantage on other soils 

 already discussed. The Sassafras loam in other localities has proved 

 to be an excellent soil for general farming purposes, producing 18 to 25 

 bushels of wheat and 45 to 60 bushels of corn per acre in favorable seasons. 

 Experience has shown that peaches, pears, asparagus, tomatoes, and cab- 

 bage can be raised to advantage on this soil. No such specialization has 

 been brought about in Calvert County and in consequence the Sassafras 

 loam areas are not producing as great a variety of crops nor as large a 

 quantity of the ones cultivated as is possible. 



The Sassafras sandy loam is a brown sandy loam underlain by a 

 heavier loam subsoil. It is found onlv on low terraces bordering the 

 largest streams. This soil has been one of the most desired and best 

 cultivated types since the earliest settlement of the county. Its location 



