368 MISCELLANEOUS FARM SUBJECTS 



same subject in this country. The salt marshes, especially along 

 the New England coast, have been extensively used for many years 

 for the production of forage, and in many cases expensive and 

 elaborate systems of reclamation have been carried out on them. Re- 

 claimed swamp or muck soils are being extensively utilized in Mich- 

 igan, Ohio, and other regions for the production of celery and onions, 

 for which they seem to be peculiarly adapted. 



While conditions vary considerably in different cases and each 

 soil may present some peculiar conditions of its own, the general 

 principles and practices are the same for all this class of soils. Thor- 

 ough drainage is the first essential. This is not only necessary for 

 the purpose of removing the excess of water, but to allow the free cir- 

 culation of air in the soil, in order that the poisonous compounds 

 which are usually present may be oxidized and thus rendered harm- 

 less, and that the processes of decomposition and nitrification so 

 necessary in this class of soil may be set up. 



The drainage is best accomplished at first by means of open 

 ditches at frequent intervals. Muck soils settle greatly when drained, 

 and if tiles are laid in the soft muck they will rise toward the sur- 

 face, and thus become ineffective. Draining is most effective when 

 carried out gradually, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out 

 too quickly, since its mechanical condition may be thus injuriously 

 affected, its absorptive power for water in many cases almost com- 

 pletely destroyed, and the decomposition of the organic matter 

 greatly retarded. After the soil has become firm tiles may be laid, 

 especially if collars are used. 



It is frequently found that muck soils, even after the most care- 

 ful drainage, are still unproductive. The fertilizing matter which 

 they contain is in unavailable condition for plants. A common 

 practice in Ireland and in European countries is to pare the surface 

 and after drying to burn the organic matter. This practice of burn- 

 ing has been condemned as exhausting to the soil, but without good 

 reason. 



The first object sought in fertilizing should be to correct the 

 acidity of the soil and to set up the processes of decomposition of the 

 organic matter and nitrification, so as to convert the inert into avail- 

 able plant food. Liberal applications of decomposing manures, such 

 as barnyard manure, in connection with dressings of lime have 

 usually been found effective for this purpose. Lime and the bulky 

 manures exert a beneficial effect on the texture of the soils, render- 

 ing them more porous, and thus improving drainage and increasing 

 aeration and nitrification. Liberal applications of wood ashes also 

 improve the texture of the soil, correct acidity, and favor nitrifica- 

 tion, and at the same time furnish potash and phosphoric acid, 

 which are likely to be deficient. The by-product from steel manu- 

 facture, known as Thomas slag, is used with good results on such soils 

 in Europe. It is rich in lime and thus effective in correcting acidity 

 and promoting nitrification, and it also supplies phosphoric acid. It 

 is generally applied in the fall in connection with some potash salt 

 such as kainit or muriate of potash. It is doubtful, however, wheth- 



