230 



SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES. 



reason that any farther approach to accuracy can only be made 

 with the assistance of chemical analysis. I am aware that 

 views have been industriously circulated which are contrary to 

 the position now taken, but 1 feel quite satisfied that the pro- 

 moters of such views are not exactly aware of the impractica- 

 bility which is inseparable from their plans. 



That there are difficulties in the way, will be obvious from a 

 glance at the following table : — 



COMPOSITION OF SOILS. 



Here are a great number of substances mentioned, and all of 

 them present in the first soil, which is one of great fertility. That 

 all of them are important, we see in the second soil, where the 

 absence of a few makes the addition of manure indispensable. 

 It is not necessary that the proportions should be exactly as 

 above, but all of these substances must be present to ensure 

 great fertility ; where many of them are wanting, as in the 

 third column, we find barrenness. 



Any person of ordinary understanding, may soon learn to 

 determine with tolerable exactness the more abundant substan- 

 ces, such as silica, alumina, lime, iron, &c., and this is as far as 

 many analysts have seen fit to go. There are, however, others 

 which are present, but in comparatively small quantities, even 

 when we examine the very best soils, as shown in the table. 



