THE USE OF MUCK. 211 



roots and stalks become nearly useless for the purpose of nour- 

 ishing animals or of manuring earth. 



During this process what becomes of the juices contained in 

 the roots and stalks ? They have been consumed by the forma- 

 tion of the seeds. Thus we see that those plants that form seeds 

 exhaust the soil most, because for all they receive they return 

 nothing but their dry roots and stalks, whilst those that have 

 been cut or ploughed under while green, give back with their 

 roots and stalks what they have drawn from the earth and at- 

 mosphere. 



I am aware that some farmers do not agree with me in the 

 conclusions I have arrived at, but we must all remember that 

 difference of soils and of localities makes a difference in results, 

 and in very many instances the season has to do with the same. 

 As to the kinds of lands or soils best adapted for the use of 

 clover, I think that where clover will not grow luxuriantly, 

 which will be in low, wet lands, or in very light sandy soils, the 

 endeavor to make clover a profitable fertilizer, and sufficient to 

 redeem such lands and place them in a good state for corn or 

 wheat or even for pasturing, would be lost labor as well as 

 money. I think wherever gypsum or plaster can be used sue-? 

 cessfully, there we may be assured that good results will follow 

 the sowing of this plant. If plaster should be sowed upon a 

 piece of clover that is to be ploughed under, immediately before 

 you commence ploughing, better results would follow than are 

 usually acknowledged. 



With these few random thoughts I will close. 

 Respectfully submitted for the Committee, 



T. D. Thatcher. 



This Essay having been read and laid over, Mr. Saltonstall 

 submitted an Essay, as follows, upon 



THE USE OF MUCK. 



The term muck signifies in England the heap of manure which 

 has accumulated in the straw-yard, consisting of refuse hay and 

 straw, chaff, grass and the dung of animals which are fed in the 

 sheds and stables of the yard. In this country the term is con- 

 fined by custom to the peaty soil of swamps and to the bottom 

 deposit of ponds. Here these two kinds of muck are very differ- 



