128 WHAT I KNOW OF FARMING. 



larger quantity ; and, if you can get neither Ashes 

 nor Salt, use quick Lime, as fresh and hot from the 

 kiln as you can apply it. The best Lime is that from 

 burned Oyster-Shells ; I consider this, if nowise slaked, 

 nearly equal to refuse Salt ; but Oyster-Shell Lime is 

 too dear at most inland points ; and here the refuse 

 of the kilns that which is not good enough for 

 mason-work must be used. Usually, the lime- 

 burner has a load or more of this at the clearing 

 out of every kiln, which he will sell quite cheap if it 

 be taken out of his way at once ; and this should be 

 looked for and secured. Being inferior in quality 

 (often because imperfectly burned), it should be ap- 

 plied in larger quantity not less than four bushels 

 .to each cord of Muck. 



I will not here describe the process of mixing Salt 

 with Lime commended by Prof. Mapes, because it is 

 not easy to bring these two ingredients together so 

 as to mix them with the Muck as it is dug : and, 

 though I have used them after Prof. Mapes's recipe, 

 and purpose to do so hereafter, I do not feel certain 

 that any positive advantage results from their blended 

 application as a Chloride of Lime. If I should* gain 

 further light on this point before completing this 

 series, I shall not fail to impart it. 



