42 



FIELD OPERATIOXS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910. 



In origin this type is almost identical with the Tuscan stony sandy 

 loam. It varies from the latter type in that it usually occupies 

 slightly lower general elevations and has thus received some trans- 

 ported material to increase its depth. 



Attempts have been made to grow grain upon this type, but with 

 small success, it being soon abandoned to use as sheep range. At. 

 some distant date the deeper parts of this type may be utilized, with 

 irrigation, for shallow-rooted crops. The low state of development 

 at this time, even of better types than this, places its relative worth 

 very low. It will never be adapted to alfalfa or to any of the deeper 

 rooted cro])s. 



The following tal)le gives the average results of mechanical analy- 

 ses of the soil of tliis type : 



McclKtiiivaJ iiiiiilysc.s of Tuscan stoiii/ hxini. 



ELDER GRAVELLY FINE SANDY LOAM. 



The Polder gravelly fine sandy loam is much stratified alluvial ma- 

 terial of coar.'^e texture and rather recent deposition. It is subject to 

 much variation. Typically it consists of a grayish, rather light- 

 textured fine sandy loam carrying waterworn gravel of various sizes, 

 often in excessive quantities. This material may extend to a depth of 

 72 inches or be underlain at any depth below 18 inches by stratified 

 bodies of sand, silt, or gravel beds in irregular sequences. 



The area of this type is small, being confined to the alluvial bot- 

 toms of the ])rincipal we.st-side streams, bordering and but slightly 

 elevated above their present channels. 



It is of recent origin, being the material carried and rolled long- 

 distances by flood waters and in most cases still subject to overflow 

 and modification by erosion and addition of fresh material. The 

 surface is pitted and strewn with gravel, but generally level, except 

 for intermittent stream ways and abandoned gullies traversing the 

 surface. It usually borders the streams with steep banks, its inco- 

 herent structure jjeimitting a sudden change in the channel course by 

 erosion. It naturally ■supports a vigorous growth of underbrush and 

 fre<|uently a dense tree growth, most bodies being yet uncleared. 



It is of i-elatively small agricultural importance. Owing to its 

 limited extent and porous, leachy character, large quantities of irri- 

 gation A\ater are necessary if this soil is to be made productive. At 



