340 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



that obtained in the preceding cases ; it was, however, of a 

 more sandy character. 



In summing up the results of this investigation regarding 

 some of the general features of the surface portion of the 

 meadows, we find, first, that it contains — as far as tested 

 — an ample supply of plant-food for future crops ; secondly, 

 that the level of the meadows is, in all probability, due more 

 to an accumulation of the residual matter of successive 

 periods of growth than to a uniform level of the soil ; thirdly, 

 that the latter varies in regard to its chemical and physical 

 condition, in different sections of the marshes, as well as in 

 the numerous layers. The occurrence of isolated accumula- 

 tions of oxide pf iron, noticed in the sample from the central 

 section of the marshes, as well as the increase of sand towards 

 the lower termination of the latter, point strongly in that 

 direction. 



A more definite decision regarding the extent of these con- 

 ditions, I prefer, for obvious reasons, to leave to future and 

 more extensive local examination. 



Feeling, in consequence of the previous results, somewhat 

 better prepared for local observation, I paid a second visit to 

 the salt marshes, on the 25th of June, about a week before 

 the mowing of the meadows began. The earlier part of the 

 season, on account of frequent rains, had been quite unfavor- 

 able for working upon the marshes. The general character 

 of the vegetation, however, looked very encouraging, wher- 

 ever the surface of the meadows had enjoyed a fair chance of 

 drainage ; for instance, along the banks of the river and in the 

 vicinity of well-kept ditches. Goose-grass, or sea spear- 

 grass, had increased in the lower marshes ; meadow fescue, 

 which like the former had made its appearance spontaneously 

 during the preceding season, covered in the central part a 

 large area of about one hundred acres, at the rate of two tons 

 per acre. Other grasses, like red-top and herds-grass, which 

 had been sown in 1873, looked quite luxuriant, being in some 

 instances over three feet high ; they lodged in many cases 

 before cutting. Most of our fresh-meadow grasses were 

 noticed quite frequently in small patches ; even red clover 

 was seen occasionally in well-developed specimens. A few 

 experiments with various other farm crops, — as oats, potatoes, 



