FACTS AND OPINIONS ON LIME. 21 



whe-re that predominates, the alkahiie solution of the 

 lime passes between them and becomes a carbonate, 

 forming an adhesive cement between them ; and hence 

 it renders a sandy soil somewhat more compact and 

 retentive of moisture. 



Where much vegetable matter abounds in a soil, it 

 will absorb and retain the solution of lime as a sponge, 

 which, being converted in its interstices into a car- 

 bonate, will tend to impede its too speedy decomposi- 

 tion • for vegetable matter, in our climate, decomposes 

 with too much rapidity for plants to take up the nutri- 

 ment it aftbrds as rapidly as it is produced, and conse- 

 quently a portion of it is lost or dissipated ; but, by the 

 decomposition being impeded or checked by the car- 

 bonate of lime, it proceeds more slowly, and continues 

 to give out food for plants more gradually, and for a 

 much longer period of time ; and this corresponds with 

 the observation of our most intelligent farmers, that, 

 where lime is used, the manure or dung continues to 

 produce its effect for a much longer time. 



The partially decomposed vegetable matter in the 

 soil also operates as a reservoir for moisture, and gives 

 it out to the adjacent soil when it becomes dry, so 

 as to keep up a more perfect equilibrium of moisture, 

 which is stated to be the fact where lime is applied ; 

 for manure that is only partially decomposed holds 

 moistvu'e in much larger quantities than that which 

 is thoroughly rotten. This may be observed in every 

 dung-heap in the country ; for the straw holds the 

 moisture whilst the decomposition is only partial, but 

 when it becomes thorough it lets it loose ; and hence 

 we see the essence of dung-heaps running to waste 

 during the summer season. 



These views are thrown together for the purpose of 

 arresting the attention of those who are much more 

 competent to discuss this intricate subject than the 

 writer ; for we find sometimes that even an erroneous 

 theory, by leading to discussion, promotes the discovery 

 3 



