On plaster of Paris, 179 



the same signal effect which it had done, when first in- 

 troduced. This was clearly evinced by the circum- 

 stance of a half- land having been accidentally missed, in 

 sowing the plaster; and I had myself the pleasure of 

 witnessing the contrast which it exhibited. This fact 

 would seem to sustain the idea that a continued use of 

 plaster, without some suitable change in the mode of 

 culture, will ultimately fail in producing a beneficial 

 effect. Possibly it may have been owing to the cause 

 suggested in your letter, viz. the failure of the clover, 

 or the land becoming clover sicJc, and not to the demerit 

 of the plaster. It has, however, been remarked to me, 

 by a farmer who has constantly used, and still has a high 

 opinion of plaster, that the high state of improvement in 

 many of the farms of this vicinity may probably be one 

 reason why the effects of plaster are not so signal as when 

 it was first introduced. Certain it is, that our best far- 

 mers have now, for the most part, fine crops of clover, 

 &c. even when the plaster is omitted ; and therefore, 

 the difference, on using it, is necessarily less striking 

 than formerly. I may nevertheless state, that our most 

 observing and intelligent farmers are still in the practice 

 of using the plaster, under the conviction that it is a va- 

 luable application : and that some, who omitted it for 

 a short time, found their clover crops deteriorating so 

 sensibly, from the want of it, they have returned to the 

 use of it with renewed confidence, and decided advan- 

 tage. Lime is now very extensively used in all this part 

 of the country, and with the most admirable effect, either 

 at the time of planting Indian corn, (mixing it with the 

 mould,) which is the prevailing practice, — or as a top 

 dressing, on pasture and mowing grounds ; which latter, 

 as far as my limited experience extends, is even a prefer- 

 able mode of application. It is the opinion of many, that 



