32 On the sulphuret of Lime as a Manure. 



Here was a gain of 4190 lbs. of shelled corn from the 

 application of about 150 lbs. of the composition ; and if 

 we take into account the weight of the stalk and cob, we 

 mav add as much more, which will make more than four 

 tops, or 8380 lbs. Tiiis opens a wide field for specula- 

 tion, but my olvject being to slate facts, I shall leave rea- 

 soning thereon until it can be done with more precision 

 than at present. 



The sulphuret was applied on part of another field, of 

 a much looser soil and more suit.ible for corn ; but the 

 effect, though very visible, was not so great as on the , 

 other, arid it was gathered bef(jre I concluded to me.isure 

 any of it. As for the effect of the sulphuret on insects, 

 nothing certain can be said, as they made but little ap- 

 pearance this season, and further experiments are required 

 to determine the point. 



I applied some of the sulphuret on corn after harrow- 

 ing, but it had not so much effect ; as the weather was 

 dry and hot for some time after, I apprehend the strength 

 of the sulphuret was evaporated, for, on walking over the 

 p^round, a strong smell of sulphur was perceptible for 

 many days ; v\hich seems to prove that the compound 

 should be mixed with the soil as Si>on as applied. 



It is known that different soils require different kinds 

 of manure, or, to speak more accurately, the application 

 of substances of a different nature and action, to one kind 

 of soil, w ill produce great fertility : w hen, if applied to 

 another, will have no efftct, and on some will be injuri- 

 ous. In this respect, our farming is most defective, and 

 thousands of dollars are annually thrown aw^ay. In the 

 application of most kinds of manures we want more ex- 

 periments accurately made in the field ; and although a 

 single experiment may appear to be of little consequence 

 in itself, yet, when combined with others, it may form a 

 link in a chain of experiments of great importance. 



