APPENDIX. 13S 



gentleman of veracity, who lives on the Delavrare, 

 between eight and ten miles above the city, assured 

 me, that gypsum, which had done wonders for a long 

 time, had at length ceased to have any effect on his 

 land ; and that the same was the case of some of his 

 neighbours. I am informed also, that the same re- 

 mark has been made by farmers in Montgomery 

 county. Now it is not to be supposed, that the gyp- 

 sum has changed its nature, or lost its virtue. — But 

 the earth, being exhausted of those particles which 

 are favourable to the growth of clover, no longer of- 

 fers to the gypsum the same matter to act upon. That 

 the matter, necessary for the formation of a particular 

 plant, may be exhausted, while the same earth suffi- 

 ces for the vigorous production of other plants, is 

 proved by daily experience; and is in accordance 

 with the best theory. 



In a late English publication, there is an offer of a 

 considerable premium to the person who shall discover 

 a grass which shall be a good substitute for clover, it 

 being understood, that clover no longer grew as for- 

 merly ; and of another premium to the person who 

 shall discover the means of restoring lands, which 

 once bore clover, to a capacity of producing it again. 

 It would, therefore, be wise in us, to look out in time, 

 for some grass, to take the place of clover, when it 



