28 On the Analysis of Soils, 



Cultivators of the soil should be able to distinguish, 

 by chemical tests, the proportion of the following sub- 

 stances in different soils, viz. 



Clay, chalk, sand, magnesia, earth of iron, and vege- 

 table matter. 



They should understand the properties and effects, 

 and superior affinities of alkalis and acids ; as well as 

 the names, properties, and compounded electrive at- 

 tractions attendant on the mixture of the different neu- 

 tral salts, and their effects on vegetation. They should 

 be well acquainted with the powers of lime, and should 

 clearly and distinctly comprehend the putrefactive and 

 oxygenating processes; as wtU as the consequences 

 resulting from the action of fire on the vegetable matter 

 contained in the soil. 



The first step that a cultivator of the ground should 

 take, w4ien possessed of the above information, is to 

 ascertain by experiments, in what proportions chalk, 

 clay, sand, magnesia, and vegetable matter exist in the 

 soil, in the different parts of the farm he purposes to 

 cultivate; in order that he ma)^, from such information, 

 be enabled to administer to each part those particular 

 substances that it may require, to constitute it rich and 

 fertile mould. A soil of this description ought to con- 

 tain a due proportion of the simple earths, and of the 

 remains of vegetable and animal bodies. — To enable 

 him to make the requisite experiments, he should pro- 

 cure the following articles and vessels : 



Two sets of small scales and weights, one to weigh 

 a few pounds at a time, and another smaller and more 

 accurate, for ounces and grains: some porcelaine glass, 

 or stone-ware vessels ungiazed, such as are called 



