SOIL OF SALT-MARSH. 223 



to oats during the coming spring. The feet, that of late but 

 a few changes in the ownership of the reclaimed marsh lands 

 are recorded, may also be considered a favorable indication 

 of an increasing confidence, on the part of the present pro- 

 prietors, in the ultimate pecuniary advantages of the investment. 

 I have taken pains, during a visit to the marshes, in the 

 month of August, 1876, to inquire into the character of the 

 soil and of the subsoil water, in localities remarkable for their 

 barrenness in the midst of a vigorous and valuable vegetation. 



I. A sample of soil taken from a field but six to eight 

 rods from the main river, in the middle of the marshes, upon 

 which oats had failed during the last year, contained, in its 

 dried state, 6.50 per cent, of chlorine, which is equal to 10.73 

 per cent, of chloride of sodium or common salt. 



II. Water taken from an isolated ditch, about four feet 

 deep, and from twelve to sixteen rods distant from the main 

 river, contained 1.84 per cent, of chlorine, which is equal to 

 3.034 per cent, of chloride of sodium or common salt. 



III. Water taken from a main branch of the river, in the 

 middle of the marshes, near the localities where samples Nos. 

 I. and II. had been secured, contained but 0.23 per cent, of 

 chlorine, which is equal to 0.35 per cent, of chloride of sodium 

 or common salt. 



These results demonstrate quite conclusively that deficient 

 drainage, even in the vicinity of the river, remains still, in 

 many instances, the main cause of failures of valuable crops. 

 Cooperative arrangements among the present owners of the 

 marshes become, from year to year, more desirable in the 

 interest of the highest attainable pecuniary success. All 

 attempts at introducing a rational system of tillage will fail 

 in the same degree, as an efficient drainage shall be neglected. 

 United action on a well digested plan, suitable for the entire 

 area of the reclaimed lands, would not only bring speedy suc- 

 cess to all parties interested, and thereby secure better chances 

 of a fair interest on the investment to all concerned, but also 

 greatly reduce the actual expenses for the work ultimately 

 required of all. Those whose property is located along the 

 river and its various branches, ought to lead in the enterprise. 



As long as more detailed examinations regarding the level 

 of the meadows, the character of the soil, and the general 



