218 On Manures. 



8. Effects of Lime. It is evident from the preceding table, 

 that many farmers must subject themselves to an expense of 

 not less than ten shillings per acre per annum, for the lime 

 which they use, during the course of a rotation ; and yet they 

 are amply remunerated. The benefit derived in the cultivation 

 of green crops, is sufficient for that purpose. Good crops may 

 be raised by large quantities of dung ; but where calcareous 

 substances are applied, it is proved by long experience, that 

 a less quantity of animal and vegetable manure will answer 

 the purpose. This is making the farm-yard dung go farther, 

 with more powerful, and more permanent effects ; for in con- 

 sequence of the weightier crops thus raised, the quantity of 

 manure on a farm will be most materially augmented. In- 

 deed upon land in a proper state for calcareous application, 

 (as old ley, where it has abundance of vegetable matter to act 

 upon), lime is much superior to dung. Its effects continue for 

 a longer period, while the crops produced, are of superior qua- 

 lity, and less susceptible of injury from the excesses of drought 

 and moisture. The ground likewise, more especially if it be 

 of a strong nature, is much more easily wrought; and, in 

 some instances, the saving of labour alone, would be sufficient 

 to induce a farmer to lime his land, were no greater benefit 

 derived from the application, than the opportunity thereby 

 gained, of working it more easily, and in a more perfect man- 

 ner ( Z2 *). 



9. Rules for the Management of Lime. 1. It is necessary 

 to ascertain the quality of the soil, and also, whether it has 

 formerly been limed, and to what extent, before any lime 

 is applied. It may in general be observed, that strong 

 loams and stubborn clays, require a full dose of lime to 

 bring them into action, as such soils are capable of absorb- 

 ing a great quantity of calcareous matter. Lighter soils how- 

 ever, require less lime to stimulate them ; and may be inju- 

 red, by administering such a quantity, recently calcined, as 

 would prove moderately beneficial to those of a heavy nature. 

 2. As the effects of lime greatly depend on its intimate ad- 

 mixture with the soil, it is expedient, to have it in a powder- 

 ed state before it is spread, and the drier, and the more per- 

 fectly powdered, the better. 3. Lime having a tendency 

 to sink in the soil, in consequence of having its weight in- 

 creased by the water which it imbibes, it cannot be ploughed 

 in with too shallow a furrow, or kept too near the surface. 

 4. Lime ought not to be applied a second time, to weak or 

 poor soils, except at a considerable distance of time, or unless 

 mixed with earth in compost. After a second application, the 



