PHOSPHATE OF LIME. 219 



crop we desire, for the sole reason that one or more special substances 

 are wanting. From these views we advise all who are disposed to 

 experiment, first of all to ascertain, approximately at least, the 

 composition of the soil ; 2d, to keep a register of the weather, and 

 3rd, to state the nature of the surface of the laftd — what exposure 

 it has, and whether it is level, a side hill, or a valley, or a position 

 between two adjacent hills. 



There are many other facts and circumstances which ought to be 

 taken into the account, but what we have said is probably sufficient 

 to answer the end of these remarks. But lest it may be thought 

 that we are finding fault, or are disposed to be captious, we say, in 

 conclusion j make the experiments and give them to the public. 



■PHOSPHATE OF LIME AND OTHER FERTILIZERS IN 

 THE OLDER ROCKS. 



In the first number of this Journal, we gave a very brief ac- 

 count of the phosphate of lime, and a few other substances as 

 they are found in the older rocks. The remarks referred to, were 

 offered for the purpose of turning the attention of farmers to the 

 existence of these substances simply as materials important in an 

 jeconomical point of view. We may however, view them in ano- 

 her light. They may be considered — in fact are considered — as 

 special provisions made prospectively to meet the wants of organ- 

 ized beings. It is not in the province of these beings to create an 

 element j all we know of their functions, proves that they only 

 ■modify and combine elements. Hence that their anterior creation 

 had a reference to future use, is certainly not unphilosophical, and 

 if we can discover in created things prospective adjustments, 

 :hey are manifested as clearly in the composition and structure 

 Df the older rocks as any where else. Coal beds are often 

 bited in proof of the doctrine we have just stated ; yet its 

 iemonstration is equally clear in the for mer, as in the lat- 

 er instance. There is one fact not noticed by writers, which 



