CHAPTER XV. 



Experiments with lime continued. Experiments with phosphate of lime ap- 

 plied alone. Suggestions for comparative experiments with burned limes 

 containing the phosphate of lime in different proportions. Connexion of the 

 geology of a district with the probable success of experiments with lime in 

 general, or with lime of different varieties. Suggestions for experiments on 

 over-limed land. Experiments on the comparative economy of large and 

 small doses of lime. Experiments on the use of lime in improving the quality 

 of turnips, especially on fenny or peaty land. Suggestions for experiments 

 with lime in the diseases called fingers-and-toes in turnips, and sedge or tulip- 

 root hi oats. Does lime always hasten the ripening of corn ? Suggestions 

 for miscellaneous experiments with lime. 



1. Experiments with native phosphate of lime applied alone. 



THE third important distinction among limes is, that they 

 contain variable proportions of phosphate of lime. The econo- 

 mical value of this substance as it occurs in bones has been long 

 recognised. But, in bones, it is associated with a considerable 

 proportion of organic matter, which modifies and exalts its 

 apparent action very much. Experiments, however, have been 

 made with burned bones, from which the organic matter has 

 been expelled by heat, and with decidedly beneficial eifects. 

 Thus Mr Lawes, in 1845, in his turnip crop, obtained the fol- 

 lowing results, per imperial acre : 



Bulbs. Tops. 



No manure gave . tons 13^ cwt. tons 14 cwt. 



Farm-yard manure, 12 tons, 17 ... 1 ... 7 



Calcined bone-dust, 400 lb., 10 ... 4 ... 3 



Do. and 134 f x ^ 



, , f. 11 . .j > J.A ... ioA ... O ... If 



lb. of sulphuric acid, j 



Do. and 268 



lb. of sulphuric acid, 



Il3 ... 11 ... 4 ... 14 



Thus the quantity of bulbs was largely increased by the bone 

 earth, and more so when it was minutely divided by means of 



