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in other respects the cultivation was the same. The land, in 

 this case, was a rich unctuous loam and inclined to clay. The 

 effects of gypsum in different parts of the county are variously 

 stated. On Montague Plains, which are almost clear sand, 

 though in some parts strongly marked by iron, and the growth 

 pitch-pine or Norway pine, it is said that no perceptible advan- 

 tage follows from its application. In South Deerfield, on the 

 opposite side of the river, where the soil is strongly aluminous, 

 the application of plaster proves highly beneficial. One farm- 

 er objected to the use of plaster that it increased the stalk of 

 Indian corn without increasing the grain. If it did no more 

 than this — and if it did not diminish the grain or rather prevent 

 its growth, it certainly was not to be complained of. Upon po- 

 tatoes, when put into the hill at the time of planting at the rate 

 of a small table-spoonfnl to a hill, its beneficial effects have been 

 repeatedly established ; and, as many persons have thought, as 

 well upon the quality as the quantity of the product. 



The extraordinary effects of this mineral substance applied 

 as a manure, from its earliest use to the present time, have been 

 matter of just surprize and wonder ; and especially when the 

 smallness of the quantity used is considered. The various the- 

 ories suggested for the solution of its mysterious operation have 

 not been satisfactory. It has not been found to assist in the 

 decomposition either of animal or vegetable substances, but re- 

 mains inert when applied to them. It is thought to attract 

 moisture from the air ; but its obvious tendency is to absorb it, 

 and not give it out for the benefit of plants. It is said by some 

 to act as a stimulus to vegetation. The fact is obvious ; but this 

 explanation conveys no meaning beyond the simple fact of its 

 producing an increased growth. In the application of what are 

 called stimulants to the human body the circulations are quick- 

 ened, the animal heat increased, the brain rendered more active, 

 and the muscular energy invigorated ; but no such analogy has 

 been detected between animal and vegetable life as to warrant 

 the application to both of the same terms in the same sense. 



" The action of gypsum consists," according to Liebig, " in 



