274 On Liming Land. 



The quantity, per acre, proper for soils of different 

 textures is by no means fixed ; either here or in Eu- 



to stimulate and reward the labours of husbandry : and thus 

 the inconveniencies of the distance from the ocean, will be 

 amply compensated. Although wood (to preserve which they 

 take no care) may be now in plenty, the coal will be in the 

 greatest demand. Most of the heavy materials used in the 

 Staffordshire (English) potteries^ placed where they are 

 principally on account of the coal for fuel in many parts of 

 that coal country, are transported from a distance of 100 

 miles and upwards. Steam (in our western country) must 

 be substituted for water powers, where the streams fail for 

 several months in the year, beyond the western mountains. 



I have had kilns of lime burnt on my Belmont farm, 

 (which is on the tide water of the Schuylkill) from limestone 

 brought down the river, through the great falls, in a boat 

 carrying 12 to 15 tons. Enterprising persons might establish, 

 on a large scale, some plan of this kind. The kilns might be 

 erected on the tide waters ; and wood, or sea coal, for fuel, 

 brought thereto, at a small expence. A profitable business 

 might be thus established. A sufficient stock of stone for the 

 season, could be transported, while the upper waters were 

 boatable. The city being supplied wholly or partially from 

 these kilns with lime, the country would have it in greater 

 plenty, for agricultural purposes. 



It is to be much regretted, that the lower, or Norristown, 

 canal scheme has been interrupted, or failed. I have no doubt, 

 however, but that, at no distant period, this canal will be com- 

 pleted ; or one will be carried on the western side of the 

 Schuylkill ; where I have been always of opinion (and so was 

 the most intelligent hydraulic engineer we have had here) 

 that it will be found to be the easiest, and least expensively 

 practicable. 3Iarble^ limestone^ lime^ soap-stone (as well as 



