FALLOWING. 67 



ers recommend that for corn it be sowed broad cast, at 

 the rate of one or one and a half bushel per acre, pre- 

 vious to the last ploughing. Plaster is commonly used 

 upon different plans, varying according to its objects. 

 If designed to last for a term of years, it is strewed, at 

 the rate of three, four, five, and even six bushels to the 

 acre ; others think an annual application like the above 

 better. In general its effects are not seen till the sec- 

 ond 3'^ear. Some recommend mixing one bushel of damp 

 ashes to two bushels of plaster, when sowing it, to pre- 

 vent its flying. 



Plaster applied to seeds of Indian corn, &.c. after be- 

 ing soaked in some fertilizing liquor, such as a mixture 

 of old urine, lye of wood ashes, or strong soap-suds, 

 with a solution of saltpetre, and sown or planted imme- 

 diatelj^, proves profitable. 



That the effect of plaster will be continued indefinite- 

 ly, under a constant removal of the whole crop from 

 the soil, surpasses belief. It can scarcely fail to ex- 

 haust, at length, the productive powers of the earth. 



A ton of plaster will make from twenty to twentj'^-five 

 bushels. To know its quality, a quantity of the powder 

 when heated in a dry pot over a fire, emits a sulphu- 

 reous smell. If it briskly bubbles or seems to boil, it is 

 good, if but little, it is indifferent ; if it remains an inert 

 mass, like sand, it is worthless. Before it is pounded, 

 if good, the finger nail commonly makes an impression 

 upon its surface, and it is not gritty. 



Lirne^ is of extensive utility for manureing lands both 

 in its native state, and after it has been burnt. It is 

 most useful on stiff clays and cold loams. Light soils re- 

 quire a much less quantity. It will reduce peat and turf 

 to a mere vegetable earth. It will produce a high de- 

 gree of fermentation, in all soils which require it ; and 

 this is essential to their productiveness, in every 

 country and climate. The best lime for applying lime 

 is, when land is newly broken up, after laying a long 

 time in grass. But it is to little purpose to write on 

 this article, as lime is so scarce and dear in most parts of 

 our country, it cannot be often used for manure. 



Trials of lime in this country have been quite limited, 

 and confined mostly to the middle states, particularly 

 Pennsylvania. It has usually been applied there at the 



