12 



more insoluble matter than the Nova Scotia article. This form 

 of lime acts particularly as a liberator of soil potash, as a distribu- 

 tor of plant food and as a source of sulfur for the legumes. It 

 does not correct soil acidity but rather increases it. This latter 

 action is explained by the fact that in liberating potash, the lime 

 of the lime sulfate combines with the silicic acid of the soil, and 

 the sulfuric acid thus liberated unites with soil bases, forming com- 

 pounds having an acid reaction. Gypsum, therefore, should not 

 be applied continuously to soils deficient in lime carbonate. 

 Gypsum is likewise valuable as a stable absorbent, altho acid 

 phosphate and kainit are considered more efficacious. 



4. ANALYSIS AND COST OF LIME. 



The analyses following are arranged alphabetically according 

 to the producer's name. They represent about all of the products 

 that are sold for agricultural purposes in the state. Some of the 

 samples have been collected by our inspector from stock found in 

 the general markets, others have been forwarded by persons or 

 agents interested in the purchase or sale of lime. In most cases 

 the samples above referred to have been taken according to in- 

 structions furnished by the station and are, therefore, representa- 

 tive. The greater part of the samples reported was forwarded by 

 the producers at our request, the samples being taken so as to rep- 

 present fairly the material in question. Calculations have been 

 made which show the average comparative cost of 100 pounds of 

 calcium oxide (CaO) from the various sources, delivered in car 

 lots in bulk for cash. The cost of bagging generally adds $1.50 

 per ton, in some cases bags are returnable. In the magnesium 

 limes a pound of magnesium oxide has been calculated at the 

 same value as h^as calcium oxide. 



CHESHIRE LIME MANUFACTURING CO., CHESHIRE, 



MASS. 



No. I. Agricultural lime, forwarded by the producer. 



No. II. Agricultural lime, forwarded by a consumer. 



No. III. Agricultural lime, forwarded by a consumer. 



NOTE. — The quotation on this material was $4.00 per ton, bulk, delivered carload lots or 

 $4.50 per ton bagged, the consumer to furnish bags. The greater part of the lime in sample 



