16 SOILS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES. 



chiefly covered by the Hagerstown loam frequently have a value 

 approximating that of the land itself. In southeastern Pennsyl- 

 vania it is not uncommon to see two and three story barns which 

 have cost from $6,000 to $10,000 for their construction, and substantial 

 brick or stone houses which have been erected at half that price. 

 Throughout the area where the Hagerstown loam is found, the prev- 

 alence of the type may easily be detected by the substantial farm 

 buildings and the well-kept appearance of these and all other farm 

 equipment. Generations of prosperous farming have rendered this 

 possible. 



The grass and gram farming which is prevalent upon the soil type 

 have not only necessitated these larger buildings for the storage of 

 the crops, but in many instances have also necessitated provision 

 for the stabling and care both of the work stock and beef animals 

 which are matured and fattened upon this produce. In addition, 

 well-constructed tobacco barns are to be found wherever that crop 

 is also grown. It is not infrequently the case, particularly in south- 

 eastern Pennsylvania, that the farmer will also maintain a lime 

 kiln, which he has constructed for the purpose of burning the lime 

 rock for use upon his own fields. Not every farm is thus provided, 

 but in each community several kilns are likely to be found. 



In this way the character of the soil, its natural crop adaptations, 

 and the logical use of these crops have dominated the character of 

 the equipment in teams, tools, and buildings found upon the farms 

 occupied by the Hagerstown loam. 



SUMMARY. 



The Hagerstown loam is the most extensive and agriculturally the 

 most important of the valley limestone soils. 



It occurs from southeastern Pennsylvania through Maryland, the 

 Great Valley of Virginia, and associated minor valleys of West Vir- 

 ginia and Tennessee, southward to the valley regions of northern 

 Alabama. It also occupies a considerable area in the Bluegrass 

 Region of Kentucky and in the Basin Region of central Tennessee. 



It is a soil adapted to the production of the staple, general farm 

 crops rather than to the growing of any unusual special crops. 



It is chiefly suited to the production of corn, wheat, and grass, with 

 oats as a minor small-grain crop. 



It is a soil which on account of its high and well-sustained pro- 

 ducing capacity has largely given rise to the reputation of limestone 

 soils for fertility. 



In certain localities it also constitutes an excellent soil for 

 production of the White Burley tobacco and of cigar-filler tobacco. 



In Kentucky alone it is utilized for the production of hemp. 



