56 



of certain acids from vegetable substances, and subse- 

 quent combination of them with calcareous matter, con- 

 stitute the most prominent feature in the present work. 



a due knowledge and attention to this very impor- 

 tant process of nature, the most beneficial consequences 

 may be derived. It being a process, which, as it respects 

 agriculture, has not been noticed by any writer on that 

 science. 



The vitriolic is the most powerful of all the acids. It 

 disengages or expels other acids, when in a state of com- 

 bination with metallic, earthy, or alkaline substances. 

 When concentrated, it acts in a similar manner to that 

 of alkaline salts, in the resolution or destruction of vege- 

 table and animal substances, disengaging from them cer- 

 tain gasses, and forming therewith certain saponace- 

 jous and saline compounds. These solutions or extracts 

 are of a reddish brown colour, similar to that produced 

 by the action of alkaline salts on oxygenated peat. On 

 the principles already stated, the vitriolic acid may be 

 used beneficially to decompose, and to bring into action 



the 



