130 LETTER OF PROFESSOR VOELCKER. 



and the beautiful state of division, that impart a peculiar character 

 to your soils, and distinguish them so favourably. 



" They are soils upon which I imagine flax could be grown in 

 perfection, supposing the climate to be otherwise favourable. There 

 is one particular to which I would direct your attention. None of 

 these four soils contains, in comparison with other soils, a high 

 percentage of lime, and No. 2 especially I think would be benefit- 

 ed by an occasional application of lime. The soil No. 3 contains 

 most lime, both as carbonate and in the state of silicate of lime. 



"I have analysed separately the portion soluble in acids, and 

 the portion of the solids insoluble in acids. The analysis of the in- 

 soluble silicates requires fusion and takes up much time, and for 

 this reason I could not send you the results before. 



" For comparison's sake with other soils, I have put together 

 the results obtained in the analysis of the portion soluble in acids, 

 and those obtained in the analysis of the insoluble silicates, so that 

 you may see at a glance the total amount of lime, potash, &c., in 

 100 parts of dry soil. In the same table I have given approximate 

 determinations of the amount of sand, clay, lime and organic mat- 

 ter, which may be useful for some purposes. 



" Believe me, dear Sir. 

 "Yours faithfully, 



"AUGUSTUS VOELCKER. 

 " J. Caird, Esq., M. P." 



THE END 



