98 



ing and burning fields of this description ; but tliey do not 

 apply to those lands where the vegetable matter is of a differ- 

 ent description, and would, by being covered over, be speed- 

 ily brought into a state of decomposition. In the process of 

 burning, it is evident that none of the earthy or mineral con- 

 stituents, or what are called inorganic portions of the soil, 

 are consumed. But all the vegetable matter, with the excep- 

 tion of that portion which has become charred in the process, 

 is destroyed." 



"The humus of the soil serves to render it more friable ; 

 it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, and it retains heat, 

 and, in these respects, if in no other, contributes to vegeta- 

 tion. In dissipating this matter, then, by burning, Ave must 

 look for some compensation in the ashes which are produced, 

 or in the mechanical efiects which this burning operates upon 

 the soil. The ashes themselves are powerful absorbents and 

 retainers of moisture, and they answer a valuable purpose in 

 the disintegration, or loosening, of the soil. They certainlj^, 

 in many cases, operate as an efficient manure." 



"The expediency of paring and burning land must, as I 

 have remarked, depend upon the nature of the soil which is 

 to be subjected to the process. On light, sandy, or gravelly 

 soils, where the vegetation is thin and sparse, it is strongly 

 objectionable." 



After having given Mr. Colman's instructive analysis of the 

 subject, we shall only add that we would suggest to Mr. Hor- 

 ton that the ploughing under, of several green crops, like 

 clover, would be likelj^to restore any loss of vegetable matter 

 which may have been incurred in the process of burning. 



J. D. W. French, Chairman. 



STATEMENT OF JOSEPH HORTON. 



To the Committee on Improved Pastures and Waste Lands: 

 Gentlemen. — As the land that I have offered for the society's 

 premium, having been inspected by you, received the same 



