APPENDIX. 129 



black grass would be the most profitable for cultivation. I have seen 

 several small lots that have been dyked, and in every instance, where 

 the black grass has been well rooted, it does not run out but yields 

 abundantly. 



The last five years I have used the turf as fuel. It burns much more 

 freely than fresh meadow peat, but is not so durable. I should say four 

 cords would be equal to three of the very best fresh meadow peat." 



[L.] 



Lime. 



I subjoin a letter from the learned geological surveyor of Maine and 

 Massachusetts, which is of an interesting and valuable character. 



" Boston, Jan. 15th, 1838. 

 Rev. Henry Colman, 



Dear Sir : — In accordance with your request, I now beg leave to 

 offer you a few general remarks on the subject of soils and the raising 

 of wheat crops in the New England States. 



A general opinion has prevailed in the community that our section 

 of country was incapable of producing its own supply of bread stuff 

 owing to the nature of the climate and the composition of the soil. 

 So far as the climate is concerned, there is not the least difficulty in 

 raising any kind of grain, but it is true that many of our soils require 

 some modification by means chiefly of mineral manures, before they 

 can be made productive, 



I have for several years been an attentive observer of the manage- 

 ment of soils, and believe that I have good reason to conclude from 

 my observations that the amelioration of the soils of Massachusetts, 

 may be conducted in such a manner as to render them very productive 

 at small expense. 



I find, by chemical examination of several remarkable soils, that a 

 very minute quantity of carbonate of lime, viz. from 1 to 2 per cent, 

 is amply sufficient to render them capable of bearing heavy crops of 

 good wheat. I am also satisfied that a soil is incapable of producing 

 wheat of good quality if it does not contain carbonate of lime; for this 

 substance is an essential ingredient of the grain. 

 17 



