I&6 A TREATISE ON THE CONNECTION OF 



The burning a part of the upper surface may, in some 

 cases, be requisite, to afford* when it is otherwise too dif- 

 ficult to be procured, a due proportion of earthy matter. 

 Peat ashes will, in such cases, act in making a different 

 mechanical arrangement in the soil : but, near the sides 

 of the bogs where surface mould is to be had, a prefe- 

 rence should be given to it.. 



The alteration in the mechanical arrangement of the 

 soil being effected, the next object is the application of 

 such substances as will bring the peat, or inert vegetable 

 matter, into aclion, These substances are lime and alka- 

 line salts, which contribute in different ways to the pro- 

 posed improvement. 



Improved peat mosses, bogs, or reclaimed fen lands> 

 are the soils the most productive of luxuriant vegetation, 

 although from this cause they do not in general yield, 

 in this northern and humid climate, heavy and well filled 

 grain. Such soils should be principally dedicated to pas- 

 ture, and should only be ploughed when, notwithstand- 

 ing the utmost endeavours, the ground produces coarse 

 or rank grass ; but this is in a great measure, or perhaps 



entirely,. 



