88 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



shore. This, we think, does not arise from the proximity to 

 the sea. but from other causes. Many of our lands do not 

 need the applicatioi of plaster. We have seen it used, to the 

 best advantage, within two miles of the sea. If there were 

 anything in the sea air to prevent plaster from performing its 

 usual functions of fixing the rich gases, the effect would be 

 perceived to a far greater distance inland. If any failures have 

 occurred in its use, in the vicinity of the sea, they were proba- 

 bly owing to the soil, rather than to the atmosphere. There is 

 one other remark in this connection. When plaster has been 

 applied without immediate effect, we should not at once con- 

 clude that it is useless on the particular soil to which it is ap- 

 plied. The first season may be dry, and ill adapted to its de- 

 composition. In such cases, good results have ordinarily fol- 

 lowed the second year. 



The great utility of bones as a manure, arises from the large 

 amount of phosphates which they contain. On all pastures 

 which have been long fed, the phosphate of lime is exhausted. 

 It is constantly taken from the earth in the grass, to form the 

 bone, the muscle, and the milk of animals.* Of the earthy 

 matter in bones, nearly five-sixths consist of phosphate of lime 

 and magnesia. Nitrogen is also abundant, and, of course, am- 

 monia, for this is an element of nitrogen. A few bushels of 

 bone dust will often quite restore old worn out pastures. In- 

 deed, almost every part, of which bones are composed, goes 

 directly to the nourishment of vegetable life. The ashes of 

 all grains are very rich in phosphate of lime. This shows the 

 importance of furnishing this element for their use. 



But, it may be asked, how are we to know when bone ma- 

 nure is required ? Doubtless every farmer has observed the 

 eagerness with which animals, and particularly milch cows, 

 seize bones whenever they can find them. Cows require a 

 large amount of phosphate of lime, and when their feed is des- 

 titute of it, they are compelled to seek it in the bones. And 



* The bone disorder, to which allusion has been made in a former note, has sometimes 

 been thought to arise from something- the cows eat in the pastures. If this were the case, 

 why should not other animals, feil on ihe same pastures, be aflected by it ? 1 1 it arises from 

 the exhaustion of pho.sphale, it would seem more prOj^er to ascribe it to something they do 

 not eat ! 



