52 Experiments and Ohfervations 



him, would not be at the expence of carting them three miles. 

 This has by hafly obfervers been attributed to ignorance or 

 indolence in the latter. The reproach is unmerited ; the 

 people on the north Tide of the Highlands are not lefs enterpri- 

 zing or intelligent than thofe on the fouth ; they are the fame 

 people. The fa£l is, that lands near the fea derive much 

 greater advantages from alkaline manures, than thofe at a 

 diftance ; aflies will contribute to fertiUty every where, but 

 much more fo (if I can rely upon the information of intelligent 

 farmers on Long-Ifland, compared with my own ohfervations). 

 in the vicinity of the fea, than at a diftance. I have myfelf 

 never been able to procure half the grafs from an acre of land 

 manured with lOO bufliels of undrawn afhes, which coft, exclu- 

 five of the expence of putting it on, £. 5, that fix bufhels of 

 GypfLim has given mc from the fame field ; it is alfo on my farm 

 the leaft permanent of all manures ; the effect of it not being 

 vifible after the fecond year.* 



I WILL intrude upon your patience one moment longer, 

 while I mention another facl v/hich appears to me to fupport 

 my theory. 



It is generally afferted that Gypfum renders the earth black. 

 It is well known to thofe who have been attentive to its effe6ls, 

 that bare fpots in a field that has been manured with it, will 



* Note — The Chancellor's feat at Clermont, wliere his experiiaents were 

 made, !s 1 20 miles from the fea coait. 



