On the New Jersey Marls. 15 



Sometimes this species of soil is so ferruginous as to pre- 

 clude the vegetation of all the grasses. From its extreme 

 tenacity for water, it heaves up during the winter the ra- 

 dicles of plants. Indian corn planted in it, grows luxu- 

 riantly until the middle of July, when it is generally de° 

 stroyed by the action of intense heat on its moist metallic 

 surface. If the season should prove cool, or moderately 

 warm and humid, a very superior crop is the consequence, 

 Oats grow on such soils with astonishing rapidity, but 

 commonly perish about the time of filling. 



A certain portion of clay, or of the corbonate of lime, 

 has always been supposed essentially requisite for the 

 composition of a retentive soil. But from what has been 

 related, it appears that a soil, barren from excess of sandj 

 may be rendered highly retentive and productive by the 

 ferruginous marls, without the expense and labour of 

 blending it with play, 



G. HOLCOMBE. 



Dr^ Mease. 



