1847.] Distribution of Inorganic Matter in Vegetables. 203 



useful to the young plant. It is here that lines of an organized 

 salt of lime shoots out in threads, in the form of veins and nerves, 

 which circulate freely on every side. When the organ has ac- 

 quired consistence by an abundant secretion of organic matter, 

 the frame-work of lime appears of less importance. In confirm- 

 ation of its importance to trees and to most vegetables, is the ex- 

 perience of agriculturists generally; which, though they caimot 

 always affirm that lime has been eminently serviceable, still very 

 few can object to its use on the ground of its having been detri- 

 mental. The most which has been said against its use, is, that 

 little or no eliect was observed on the tree or crop to which it 

 was applied. Whatever may be the views of agriculturists upon 

 this subject, which their own experience has formed, it is still to 

 be remembered that the ettects of lime are modified by the condi- 

 tion of the soil, by the presence of organic matter, by that of 

 alkalies, &c. 



The phosphates seem to be sent to the periphery of the growing 

 tree. It will be observed that in a majority of instances, the sap 

 wood contains a larger amount than the inside wood. It also 

 exists largely in the wood of the young blanches. The bark, 

 however, obtains only a small proportion of the phosphates. In 

 one instance, that of the jiear root, they are remarkably large, and 

 unexpectedly so. It stands, as far as I know, an insulated fact. 



It will strike every reflecting person who is acquainted with 

 the effects of phosphoric acid on iron, that wood or coal, rich in 

 this substance, when iron is raised to a white heat, both in the 

 process of reduction, and that it would necessarily produce a 

 quantity of phosphuret of iron. Perhaps in the ordinary coarse 

 operations of the furnace or forge, it is a matter of little conse- 

 quence. In the manufacture, however, of the finer instruments, 

 and of springs, the quality of the article may be essentially in- 

 jured by the presence of phosphoric acid in the coah 



In a practical point of view, in husbandry afl^airs, the use of 

 the phosphates must not be forgotten. The application of bone 

 earth has been restricted to the annual crops. But I have little 

 doubt that the application of those substances, rich in phosphates^ 

 to the roots of trees, will be one of the most efficacious means of 

 giving vigor to the tree, and excellence to the fruit. The phos- 

 phates, it will be observed, lie in the direct route of the sap from 

 the root to the fruit. An accumulation in the bark would place 

 it out of the reach of the fruit, inasmuch as the fruit is connected 

 directly with the w^ood. 



The phosphate most abundant in the ash of all trees, is phos- 

 phate of lime. Phosphate of peroxide of iron is usually, if not 

 always, present, even when least suspected. This substance seems 

 to accumulate in the red cherry, and to impart to the old wood 



