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Gypsum is obtained abundantly at Hudson. It costs there about 

 eight dollars per ton ; and can be delivered in most of the western 

 towns in the county, in a prepared state at less than ten dollars. It 

 is applied to grass land and pasturage at the rate of a bushel to an 

 acre ; and in almost all cases with eminent success. Its effects are 

 more observable on soils based on lime-stone and full of rich vegeta- 

 ble mould ; but it is of little efficacy on wet or gravelly soils. 



A farmer of Pittsfield of great intelligence and experience, and 

 whose successful husbandry is universally admitted, speaks strongly 

 of the value of plaster when applied to grass in conjunction with ma- 

 nure. His own words are " spread the manure and then spread one 

 and a half bushel of plaster on the manure. The effect is very great 

 compared with the result when applied without manure." Two 

 acres, which yielded only a single load, after this application produced 

 two tons of hay to the acre. 



A farmer in Stockbridge, speaks strongly of the great value of 

 gypsum, when applied on fields which have been thoroughly ma- 

 nured by the folding of sheep upon them. It may be said this is the 

 effect of the manure and not the plaster. His own careful observa- 

 tion leads to a different conclusion ; and he is of opinion that 

 great benefit results from the combination. This is in conformity 

 with the theory of Dr. Dana, and Professor Hitchcock in respe; : to 

 the operation of lime in any ol its forms. 



The same farmer gives an account of an experiment of plaster ap- 

 plied to potatoes, by putting a table spoonful on the seed in the hill. 

 One quarter of an acre thus managed yielded as much produce as half 

 an acre not plastered in its immediate vicinity. These effects of 

 gypsum, in respect to grass and cultivated crops, are confirmed by 

 the experience of two farmers in his immediate vicinity, as intelligent 

 and practical as are to be found in the state. 



In Otis, ashes on moist land has proved unfavorable ; and repeated, 

 has occasioned moss and barrenness. On dry lands its effects have 

 been most beneficial. My business is with facts ; and on such a sub- 

 ject who can presume to speak with confidence ? As the ashes 

 applied to wet land becomes immediately dissolved and active is it 

 not the case that the vegetable is furnished in quantities, which the 

 plants cannot take up, being filled to repletion ; or passes off in its 

 dissolved state inmiediaielv into the sub-soil ? 



