184 APPLICATION OF LIME. 



matter would be superfluous, as such soils already 

 contain a sufficiency ; but an application of lime 

 would be beneflcial. That which is generally used 

 for agricultural purposes contains carbonate of lime, 

 with many other substances, which fact accounts 

 for its varied effects upon different soils. 



When it is caustic, or has disposed of its carbonic 

 acid from burning, it is particularly desirable. To 

 prolong this condition, and prevent its absorption 

 of carbonic acid and other substances, it should be 

 mixed with the surface-soil as soon as possible. 

 Lime should not be applied in too large quantities, 

 else the humus will be decomposed faster than the 

 crop could use it, and the application would be- 

 come in the end a means of impoverishing the soil. 

 On very stiff clay soils as much as five thousand 

 pounds has been applied to the acre with benefit, 

 while light land would not be improved by more 

 than three or four hundred pounds. On marshy 

 land about twelve hundred weight is sufficient. It 

 should be used in summer, as it can then be more 

 intimately mixed with the surface-soil. 



The cultivator should be warned against the use 

 of lime, if he has not thoroughly drained his land, 

 unless he desires to bring it to the consistency of 

 mortar. The length of time in which it acts upon 

 the soil varies according to the quantity used ; but 

 the average is from six to ten years. It should be 

 first slacked in small quantities, by covering with 



