TILLAGE OF SALT MARSHES. 329 



water. As the rocks which are exposed to the action of the 

 sea, as well as the surface-layers of the lands in the back 

 country are liable to differ, not only in regard to their physi- 

 cal condition, but also their chemical composition, it is but 

 proper to assume that the soil in our different salt marshes 

 may vary not only in some important properties as far as its 

 entire body is concerned, but also in regard to a uniform dis- 

 tribution of its various essential constituents. Considering 

 the nature of the previously enumerated agencies which have 

 been instrumental in the formation of the sea-marshes within 

 this State, it would be rather a singular fact to find even a con- 

 siderable portion of their area covered to any particular depth 

 by a homogeneous body of soil in their present undisturbed 

 natural condition. A profitable discussion of the question, 

 " What are the best modes of subduing and utilizing for tillage 

 the salt marshes of this State after they are drained?" can thus 

 only be attempted after a careful examination into the peculiar 

 resources of each locality shall have furnished the necessary facts. 



In the subsequent pages I propose to present a few state- 

 ments with reference to that question, which for obvious 

 reasons cannot be otherwise than of a preliminary character. 



Realizing the great importance of the problem under 

 consideration, and knowing that the successful cultivation of 

 reclaimed "tide-lands " is, with us, still a first trial, I decided 

 upon the following course of inquiry, namely : — 



First. To render myself familiar with the history of some 

 quite striking instances of success in other countries. 



Second. To study carefully the nature and the condition 

 of the salt marsh in the township of Marshfielcl, Plymouth 

 County, — the only one of our salt marshes of considerable 

 extent, which thus far has been reclaimed, in consequence of 

 a recently-constructed dike. 



Third. To test, if possible, by field observations, those 

 views concerning a suitable mode of cultivation, which appear 

 judicious under existing circumstances. 



I. — On the Character and the Cultivation of some of 

 the Sea-Marshes of Europe. 

 The deposits which gave rise to the formation of sea-marshes 

 are — as has been already stated — of a comparatively recent 

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