146 MANURES. 



As has been before stated, much is gained by sla- 

 king lime with salt water. Indeed, in many cases it 

 will be found profitable to use all lime in this way. 

 Where a direct action on the inorganic matters 

 contained in the soil is desired, it may be well to ap- 

 ply the lime directly in the form of quick-lime ; but, 

 where the decomposition of the vegetable and animal 

 constituents of the soil is desired, the correction of 

 sourness, or the supplying of lime to the crop, the 

 mixture with salt would be advisable. 



The amount of lime required by plants is, as was 

 before observed, usually small compared with the 

 whole amount contained in the soil ; still it is not un- 

 important. 



OF LIME. 



25 bus. of wheat contain about 13 Ibs. 



25 " barley " 10| " 



25 " oats " 11 " 



2 tons of turnips 12 " 



2 " potatoes " 5 " 



2 " red clover " 77 



2 /*" red grass " 30 " * 



"Die amount of lime required at each application, 

 and the frequency of those applications, must depend 

 on the chemical and mechanical condition of the soil. 

 No exact rule can be given, but probably the custom 

 of each district regulated by long experience is 

 the best guide. 



Lime sinks in the soil; and therefore, when 



* The straw producing the grain, and the turnip and potato 

 tops, contain more lime than the grain and roots. 



