EXPERIMENTS WITH GYPSUM. 



119 



2. On mixed red clocer and rye-grass, cut for hay. The 

 following table exhibits the effects of gypsum in different 

 localities : 



None of these experiments are very encouraging as to the 

 use of gypsum on mixed grasses in the localities mentioned. 

 In regard to the result of Mr Melvin, the apparent lessening of 

 the crop is to be regarded as an indication either of a difference 

 in the soil or of an error in the experiment, rather than as a 

 proof that the gypsum could exercise an injurious influence. It 

 is by no means impossible for it to exercise such an influence ; 

 but the extensive experience of the United States is opposed 

 to the opinion that any application of it can do harm, though 

 it may fail to produce any sensible effect. A result like that 

 of Mr Melvin, therefore, only suggests the propriety of new 

 experiments. 



I find in the American Agriculturist, (1840, p. 145,),. the 

 particulars of an experiment on grass growing on clay land, 

 which I insert because of its being intended to show the effect 

 of gypsum applied in the different months of spring. Ten 

 square perches of a field of grass were measured off, arranged 

 and numbered as below 



* These four experiments were made in 1843, on different soils, under the 

 direction of the Turriff Agricultural Association. 



