On Plaister of Paris. 59 



gypsum, while the gravelly soil was so much benefited 

 by it, as to furnish at least double its usual quantity of 

 red clover. Some lots upon which it was spread three 

 years ago, have not been manured since that time, and 

 have already been mown twice this summer, and now ex- 

 hibit the appearance of an abundant third crop. They 

 were mown also three times last summer, but never 

 pastured. 1 have never spread the gypsum but early 

 in the spring, though 1 make no doubt but sown in a 

 wet season, it would be serviceable at any time. For 

 two years I tried this manure upon Indian corn ; I first 

 covered it in the hill with the corn, and the next year I 

 applied it at the time of moulding, the quantity to each 

 hill about a table spoonful. In both instances the corn 

 assumed and retained a deeper green during the whole 

 summer, than what grew around it upon land of the same 

 quality. 1 think likewise that it vegetated quicker, but 

 I could not perceive that the quantity of grain was increas- 

 ed by this application.'^ To farmers therefore who are 



* Dr. W. seems to carry the opinion, on this point, farther 

 than Mr. Curwen. There may in some seasons be some 

 foundation or it; but I think the ears are, in general, evident- 

 ly increased by the plaister, though it may at times operate 

 in greater proportion on the plant. Any other manure will 

 do the same thing, according to the season. We have some- 

 times a great profusion of straw, and of course small ears of 

 wheat, oo our dunged, or new land. If land be too highly 

 dunged, or naturally too rich, this is constantly the case. It 

 depends therefore on the strength of the ground, or quantity 

 of manure, as well as season, whether we shall obta n grain or 

 plant m proper or undue proportion. It would be well to 



