170 



island, lliat peat-moss is found of very dilFerent qualities, and 

 has frequently some portion of iron combined with it, united 

 w ith sulphuric acid. This is a mixture, which in excess is 

 pernicious to vegetation and to the growth of woody plants 

 It therefore becomes necessary to destroy or neutralize it, by 

 admixture with other substances. The respectable judge 

 above mentioned says, that all his peat at Meadowbank was 

 so contaminated. Some part of the peat at this place is un- 

 fortunately of the same species, and many of my crops, as 

 well as trees, were injured by it, before the cause was dis- 

 covered. When the peat is taken from the pit, and laid out 

 to dry in the heap, the sulphate of iron is easily distin- 

 guished, by an efflorescence of small white crystals of an 

 astringent taste appearing on the surface, and also a strong 

 sulphureous smell, on its being burnt, or exposed to the rays 

 of the sun. 



The remedy suggested by the learned judge I have found 

 perfectly eflectual, in attenuating or counteracting these per- 

 nicious ingredients, namely, to add to the dunghill or com- 

 post, in preparing it for fermentation, a certain proportion of 

 coal, wood, or peat ashes ; he says, a twenty-eighth part ; or, 

 in default of these, half the quantity of slacked lime. Lime 

 is the substance, which has been used here, but in a rather 

 larger proportion than that which Lord Meadowbank re- 

 commends.* It gives me, however, particular satisfaction to 

 find, that I am borne out in my partiality to peat compost, 

 as a general cmd useful 7nanure, by the practice as well as 

 the opinion of a writer, who was himself a skilful planter, 

 and a chemist of considerable experience. 



The transplanting of large trees and underwood is prac- 

 tised for two difierent purposes ; First, for procuring Single 

 Trees, and Open dispositions of Wood in the park ; and 

 Secondly, for raising at once Close Woods or Plantations, for 



* Diii'dioiis lor preparintr Maiiuic from I'eal, j). 'i'A. 



