AGRICULTURE WITH CHEMISTRY. -49 



burning to be ascribed solely to these salts, the purchase 

 of them at the market price might, perhaps, be more 

 (Economical. 



The saline matter i)rochicecl in the process of paring 

 and burning, for the most part consists of vitriolatcd 

 tartar — the alkali of the burnt vegetables, combining with 

 the vitriolic acid, which in different states of combination 

 is contained in most soils. Vitriolatcd tartar has very'pow- 

 erful efFeds in promoting vegetation ; but as it is not to 

 be procured in sufficient quantities to answer the pur- 

 poses of agriculture, the deficiency is to be supplied by 

 Epsom and Glauber salts, which produce effedts equally 

 beneficial when ai^plied to ground. 



Although paring and burning has by many persons 

 been much recommended, still it requires great limita- 

 tions or restridions. In some cases it may be proper; 

 while, in the hands of the unskilful, it may be attendctl 

 with the most pernicious consequences. 



If all the benefit that can be derived by this pracTicc, 

 may hereafter be attained by the application of lime, al- 

 kaline 



