[77] 



Remarks on Mr, Johnsonh Paper, By J, R, Coates. 



May ISth, 1819. 

 Dear Sir, 



The communication of Robert G. Johnson, Esq, 

 respecting salt marshes is now returned to you. Many 

 of the observations are similar to those on the same sub- 

 ject in the 4th vol. of Memoirs, and therefore serve to 

 cr^rrob^rate farts and opinions. Many new opinions are 

 stated by vour correspondent tendinsj to inform the be- 

 ginner and improve the experienced. The remarks 

 beaded '* tide bank,'' ''sluice," "description of a sluice," 

 <' flfK)d-g;ate," ** creeks and dams," and " ditches,'' are 

 "Very instructive to persons who have had some practical 

 acquaintance with these water works, though to others 

 they may be unintelliorible. With respect to *' the seed- 

 iTor of meadows," and " irrigation," Mr. Johnson has 

 given some new and useful ideas ; and it is only on the 

 head of ** grain in meadows," that I would hesitate to 

 adopt all his opinions ; for though the general observa- 

 tion be correct, *' that the best side of any marsh is up- 

 permost," there are exceptions ; and to adopt that opin- 

 ion as universally applicable, wo\ild be to lessen the value 

 of many large tracts of marsh. Sandy lands, contiguous 

 to immense marshes, may be so cheaply supplied with 

 salt grass, as to keep down the price of the fresh ; and if 

 the adjacent lands be too poor f )r the growth of grain, it is 

 desirable to convert the natural meadow or marsh into 

 arable land. Mr. J., judging from his experience, which 

 he says is confined to brackish marsh, seems to be of 

 opinion, that grain cannot be made to grow except on the 

 margin of creeks ; at least, that a very inconsiderable 

 portion of mead««wvvill be covered with a uniform crop, 

 1 have known thai partial appearance he speaks of^ but 

 R 



