50 On Plaister of Paris. 



• " ' I. n. I.. , ■ . ,. ■ . ,^.. . 



Query 5. Have you repeated the application of it 

 with or without ploughing ? at what intervals and with 

 what effect ? 



Answer, I have answered above ; but I am inclined 

 to think its effects will lessen by a frequent application, 

 but TiOt more so than the frequent apj)lication of any 

 other kind of manure. Perhaps the improvement of land 

 may be something similar to that of animal improve- 

 ment, Mhich is better promoted by a change of nutri- 

 ment, than by being confined to any one kind.* 



Query 6. In consequence do you find that it renders 

 the earth sterile after its useful effects are gone ? 



Answer. I have not observed any sterility yet to fol- 

 low Its use ; perhaps a greater length of time may pro- 

 duce such appearances. For some years past my rota- 

 tion of crops and times of breaking up grass, has been 

 as followeth : I have seven fields; one with Indian corn, 

 one in fallow that was in Indian corn the year before, 

 one in winter grain that was a fallow the year before, 

 four in grass. By which rotation I have always four for 

 pasture or mowing, besides the fallow and the wheat 

 field from harvest the remainder of the grass season. 



* Mr. Sellers was of the opinion I have often avowed on 

 this subject. He gave me numerous instances, mhis long ex- 

 perience, as to changes of both plants and animals ; as well 

 of mdividuals, as oflocality and nutriment. He carried It into 

 the change of manure ; o the benefit whereoi I have seen 

 many striking and undeniable proofs. He was uncommonly 

 observant ; and one of a strong mind, not destitute of cultiva- 

 tion. R. P. 



September^ 1810. 



