OF MANURE. 187 



It is proposed, in discussing this subject, very shortly to 

 explain the following particulars: 1. The soils to which 

 lime is applicable ; 2. The distance from which it has been 

 carried ; 3. The quantity used ; 4. The best mode of slack- 

 ing ; 5. The common modes of application ; 6. The plan 

 of top-dressing the surface ; 7. The price ; 8. The use of 

 pounded limestone ; and, 9. The causes which may occa- 

 sion its failure. 



1. This manure is certainly well calculated for clay lands. 

 Some recommend laying on a certain quantity of it, to the 

 amount of 20 bolls of shells, or 120 bushels, to the Scotch, 

 or 96 to the English acre, and as hot as possible, every 

 time the land is fallowed. This plan, however, is objected 

 to from respectable authority, and it is contended, that so 

 small a quantity of lime shells, is quite unfit for stimulating 

 any kind of soil, except where it is of a dry muirish nature, 

 and not formerly limed. To lime land every time it is in 

 fallow, seems unnecessary, more especially if a sufficient 

 quantity were applied in the first instance.* From 60 to 

 70 barley bolls per Scotch acre, or from 360 to 420 bushels 

 per Scotch, that is, from 288 to 336 bushels per English 

 acre, are quantities frequently given in East Lothian. In 

 regard to loams, if they are in good condition, and in good 

 heart, perhaps liming once in the course of two rotations 

 will be sufficient.! It is a rule, however, in regard to the 

 application of lime, and other calcareous manures, that they 

 should only be applied to land in a dry state, and well 

 drained. 



* Mr John Shirreff remarks, that to specify a quantity for all lands is 

 impossible, so much depends upon the depth and quality of the soil; 

 also on the quantity of calcareous matter, either previously applied, or 

 originally in the soil. 



t Communication from George Paterson, Esq. of Castle-Huntly. 



