180 *" On plaster of Paris 



after n proper dressing of lime, under our system of rota- 

 tion in crops, the gypsum has a reneivfd efficacy in pro- 

 moting vegetation, — thouifh it may be difficult to deter- 

 mine how much of the benefit may be owing to the lime. 

 Plaster was formerly used with surprising effect upon 

 Indian corn ; but, at present, I can only say that I tried 

 an experiment with it two years ago, by plastering alter- 

 nate rows throughout a small field, without any discerni- 

 ble advantage from it. It may be proper to remark, that 

 the season (1822,) was one of unusual drought. I have 

 this year renewed the experiment, in part ; the result of 

 which remains to be seen. 



On the whole, I think I may safely assure you, that 

 although some few of our farmers have discontinued the 

 use of plaster, from an apprehension that it has lost its 

 effect, by repetition, — yet that it is generally used by our 

 most successful agriculturalists ; and is still esteemed by 

 them as a highly valuable auxiliary in the culture of red 

 clover. It is true that the attention of all is more espe- 

 cially directed to the use of lime, at this time ; but I be- 

 lieve there is no doubt that, with judicious management, 

 gypsum will be enabled to sustain the reputation which 

 it formerly, and deservedly, possessed. 



I am well aware that to an agriculturalist of your sci- 

 ence, and long experience, these desultory observations, 

 hastily collected, must appear extremely defective and 

 unsatisfactory; but I could not deny myself the plea- 

 sure of attempting an answer, imperfect as it is, to the 

 inquiries w hich you did me the honour to direct to me. 

 I have recently become a practical farmer myself, on a 

 small scale ; and take a lively interest in whatever con- 

 cerns the prosperity of ihat noble and delightful occu- 

 pation. I trust the day is not far distant, w hen a proper 

 knowledge, and application of thie auxiliary sciences, will 



