The Burning. 



The burning of the ground preparatory to planting is ad- 

 vocated by many, and denounced by others. The following 

 rule is proved by experience to hold good. On rich peat 

 ground it is not necessary to burn, if seedlings are used for 

 planting. By the relatively considerable depth that they require, 

 the plant penetrates through the layer of peat and comes in 

 contact with the clay subsoil, in which they soon throw out 

 roots and grow luxuriantly. If, however, beans are used for 

 planting, a little burning is not amiss, without however making 

 the ground too hard. Especially in the dry season, the peat 

 retains a good deal of solar heat, which would scorch or sear 

 the tender plants. 



The advocates of strong burning adduce as motive, that if 

 all the best and greatest part of the humus is lost by burning, 

 the ash that remains fertilizes the soil with a new principle 

 (soda?) and the fire destroys, in a great measure, the insects 

 that harbour underground. The writer of the present has 

 strong objections to burning, and an experience of five and 

 twenty years only confirms him in this conviction. 



