130 Residual Soils of the Prairie Region. 



rived from shale, with here and there an interbedded layer of sand- 

 stone or limestone, and in places outcrops of bituminous coal. 

 When dry is apt to bake and crack, l)ut breaks up into a mellow- 

 loam when plowed. A soil of fair productivity, used for general 

 farm crops. The average yield of wheat is about 18 bushels, of 

 corn 25 bushels, and of potatoes 80 to 100 bushels per acre. Flax 

 and rye are grown to some extent. 



12 3 4 



Soil (3) 3 22 57 17 



Subsoil (3) 3 17 52 28 



Acres. 

 Parsons, Kans 92, 096 



Oswego silt loam. — The surface soil is ashy-white, fine, soft, 

 flourlike silt loam, with a depth of 12 inches, changing abrui)tly 

 at that depth into a stiff, very impervious drab to reddish-colored 

 silty clay, locally know as hardpan. Found in nearly level areas. 

 Origin a matter of conjecture, for while overlying the shale rock 

 and being, it is thought, partly or wholly derived therefrom, the 

 remarkably uniform depth of soil and sharp demarcation between 

 the soil and subsoil, together with the existencte of layers of water- 

 worn gravel, sometimes found at 18 or 20 feet below the surface, 

 seem to indicate the agencies of water or wind, or both, in the 

 formation of the type. Soil clods badly if plowed when too moist, 

 but is easily put in good tilth by further cultivation. The type 

 is not a strong soil but could be brought to a much higher state 

 of productiveness by manuring, plowing under green crops, and 

 deeper plowing. Wheat, corn, and hay are the principal crops, 

 yielding, respectively, an average of 15, 25, and 15 bushels jier acre. 

 Flax, formerly grown, produced 10 bushels per acre. AVild hay, 

 an important product, yields from 1 to \\ tons per acre. Sweet 

 and Irish potatoes and melons give fairly good yields. Seems best 

 adapted to grass and wheat. 



1 •-' 3 4 



Soil (3) 1 12 72 14 



Subsoil (3) ' 1 " t'5 27 



Acres. 

 Parsons, Kans 21,568 



