208 On the Fegetative Efficacy of Sulphur, 



grass. ^ Repeated experiments gave the same results. 

 It was particularly remarkable, that its effect was the 

 most prompt, when, after its application, a shower of 

 rain fell : without doubt, because moisture aids and 

 developes the sulphuric principles. Let the powder or 

 the gyps be employed, the result is always the same. 



" It appears, that wt may conchide from this, that sul- 

 phur^ is one of the greatest stimulants to vegetation. 

 Let this be admitted, and we perceive the numerous 

 advantages of this discovery, to the agriculture of coun- 

 tries wherein sulphur is common. We already have 

 shew^n the benefit of sulphur for artificial meadows. 

 Many proofs have demonstrated, that it singularly pro- 

 motes the vigor of the olive tree. Perhaps the same ad- 

 vantages may be derived to other fruit trees. It is 

 knowai that countries abounding in sulphur produce 

 the sti ongest wines. We may conclude from this,f that 

 bij introducing the sulphur^ in a convenient proportion^ 

 in the compost of dung, earthy and sand, which commonly 

 furnishes the manure for vines ; and suffering the whole 



^ I have never derived any benefit from plaister on wheat 

 and natural grass. Some have told me that they have pro- 

 fitably applied it to xvheat ; but I have never seen any instances 

 of it ; save that plaister on moistened or steeped seed wheat 

 (if it be not steeped in brine) has been useful, in giving the 

 plant a vigorous shoot, in its early stages. 



R. P. 



f This agrees with my frequent practice of introducing 

 plaister^ instead of lime^ into dung and compost heaps. See 

 volume first, page 283. 



R. P. 



