132 Agriculture of Mw York. [Sept., 



AGRICULTURE OF NEW YORK. 



Our volume upon the agriculture of New York has been before 

 the public about six months. The volume embraces an account 

 of the composition of the soils, their classification, distribution and 

 relations to the rock upon which they repose. Jt also gives the 

 composition of most of the natural waters of the state. A highly 

 valuable chapter on the climate of New York was drawn up by 

 Prof. James Coffin of La Fayette college. The first part of the 

 work is devoted to ihe consideration of the rocks of the state. It 

 forms an epitome of its geology, which seemed to be required in 

 connection with soils which in New York are derived from the 

 underlying strata. This, though not always the case, is so com- 

 mon, that the relations of the rock to the soil are more important 

 than in the New England states. Many additional facts are given 

 in regard to the rocks, particularly as it regards their thickness, 

 composition, showing what kind of waters issue from them, etc. 



I'he origin of the phosphates and alkalies have been ascertain- 

 ed in many instances, and the probable value of the shaly rocks 

 as fertilizers has been attempted to be shown. Many of these re- 

 searches are original in this country, or even in England; particu- 

 larly the attempt to ascertain the character of the principal natu- 

 ral waters; which was undertaken mainly for the purpose of de- 

 termining their value for irrigation. The same subject has since 

 been taken up in England by Prof. Johnson, some detail:^ of which 

 are given in the July number of the Journal of Agriculture, and 

 Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society. 



In the geological part many details are furnished of theTaconic 

 rocks, w^hich are not intimately related to agriculture. This sub- 

 ject came under discussion from the consideration that the state 

 expected all facts in regard to the rocks to be fuliy given. Their 

 relation, age, position, lithological characters, etc., could not be 

 passed over lightly without good reason; and as strong indica- 

 tions existed on the very face of the rocks of their belonging to 

 another period than those denominated the New York system, it 

 was deemed proper that the question should be placed before the 

 public on its own merits. These views of the subject have been 

 sustained by the public, and many have adopted them, and it now 

 seems highly probable that in a short time they will generally 

 prevail. It is true they have met with some counter-statements 

 of minor importance; the statements however are many of them 

 mere assertions without sufficient foundations for support, and 

 must give way to a dispassionate examination in due time. 



The state is divided into six agricultural districts. Each of 

 these is supposed to possess some character, which serves to dis- 



