MODERN HIGH FARMING. 27 



the solution will be found upon analysis to contain about six milli- 

 grammes of phosphoric acid. 



The results of these experiments are too clear to permit of our 

 doubting that the lime put into the soil becomes carbonate by its 

 absorption of the carbonic acid gas, and that in this form it is 

 chiefly instrumental in decomposing the phosphates of iron and 

 alumina. 



It is therefore necessary to furnish the soil with a considerable 

 excess of lime, since if the free peroxides maintain the ascendant, 

 no effect will follow the application of the phosphates, from the 

 simple fact that their dissolution cannot take place. 



