ESSEX SOCIETY. 81 



which it cannot supply, which plaster can ; others which it 

 cannot supply, as bones can ; and others, which it cannot sup- 

 ply like ashes, and manures that contain salts. There are situ- 

 ations, however, in which it is invaluable. On reclaimed 

 meadow lands, after thorough draining, and a covering of three 

 or four inches of gravel, a top dressing of lime has a most 

 wonderful effect. Crops of grass of two and three tons to the 

 acre, have been taken after such a dressing of lime. In many 

 cases the first crop will repay the expense of bringing such 

 land into cultivation. In these situations, then, as well as on 

 low pastures, it may be called one of the cheapest and most 

 useful applications that can be made. Such lands will bear an 

 abundant supply of lime, without exhaustion. Indeed, the 

 effect of lime on these lands is better and more lasting than 

 that of any other manure. But on poor, sandy soils it should 

 never be used. It will soon exhaust and render them com- 

 pletely barren. When it meets with clay, in lands to which it 

 is applied, it forms a kind of marl, and greatly improves the 

 texture of the soil. But when it comes in contact with sand, 

 it forms, rather, a sort of mortar. Hence, it is injurious on 

 sandy soils. Many earths have naturally a sufficient quantity 

 of lime. On these, a further application is not needed. 



No definite rule, Avith respect to the amount required, can be 

 given. It must depend upon the nature of the soil, and must 

 be left to the judgment of those who use it. In general, on 

 peat and clay soils, from ten to fifty bushels to the acre will be 

 required, though less would be beneficial. 



The addition of lime to the compost heap, is always of the 

 highest importance.* The decay of all vegetable substances is 



* These opinions, with reference to the use of lime, hat! been written before wc had the sat- 

 isfaction of finding that they agreed suhslantially with tJie views expressed by Professor Play- 

 fair. Mr. Anderson, in the Journal of the Higliland Agricultural Society, for 1843, says: 

 " Whether spread on the surface of pasture laud alone, or in compost with earth, or applied 

 with a crop and grass seeds, with a view to pasture, it never fails to call into existence llie 

 dormant seeds of the superior grasses in the soil, and to nourish and facilitate the growth of 

 those that may have been confided to it by the agriculturist. This is a fact beyond dispule. 

 It is a never failing fertilizer of grass land."' 



Prof. Playfalr speaking of the application of lime to grass land, says: "The fanner 

 liberates, by this means, the silica, the potash, and the phosphates from the soil, and enable* 

 them to administer to the wants of vegetation. But by the operation, he has furnished nj 



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