162 On Gypsum. 



prejudices are inflexible. Some of our Germans^ at this 

 clay, believe the gypsum invites thunder and lightning'^ 

 and, on the approach of a thunder storm, turn out of 

 their bams and houses the vessels containing this sub- 

 stance. But generally their prejudices are gone, and 

 they use it abundantly, and prohtably-f Their county 



^ Thus we stile those descended from the original settlers 

 from Germany^ though they are born here. In the cities and 

 large towns, of this and other states, their habits and man- 

 ners change from those of their forefathers, in the greatest 

 degree, and assimilate with those of other citizens. Inso- 

 much that the service in their churches, is occasionally (and 

 by many desired to be alternately and regularly) performed in 

 the English tongue. But in the country, their origirtalit}-, 

 both of language and manners, is most generally preserved. 

 In many parts of this state, in Germa7i settlemeiits^ I have met 

 with adults of the third generation, who could not speak En- 

 glish. I could not succeed in enquiries of the most trivial nature,, 

 in any language but German. 



f I have given too many, to me gratifying, proofs of my 

 regard for the people of Lancaster county whose industry and 

 agricultural merits I have long admired, to admit a suppo- 

 sition that I mention these circumstances in derogation of 

 them. 



Knowing the efficacy of plaister applied to leguminous crops, 

 I many years ago suggested to some farmers in that county, 

 the covering their fallows previous to wheat, with Xh^feld 

 pea ; and procured seed for them. I was informed that it 

 had succeeded so as to be extensively profitable : insomuch 

 that one of them told me he had gained as much, in some 

 years, by his pease, as by his wheat. I have not lately enqui- 

 red about this culture ; or whether they continue to sow, or 

 plaister their pease. 



