96 On Plaister of Paris. 



dressed widi stable manure, or buckwheat ploughed in 

 as a green dressing. I have sometimes ploughed in the 

 last growth of the clover, of the second or third year, 

 and harrowed in on the sod, after once ploughing, wheat 

 or rye, on which I have sowed clover seed, and plaister- 

 ed again. I have done well enough in this practice, 

 though I do not think it neat or good husbandry. It 

 should not be done if the ground be poached, or foul 

 with weeds or blue grass, which require frequent 

 ploughing to destroy them. 



I sow clover with spring grain generally, and scatter 

 plaister on the clover and grain, but doubt its effects 

 on the grain, as a top dressing. I often sow clover seed 

 with plaister on buckwheat, and the plaister operates 

 powerfully on both clover and buckwheat. Clover seed 

 sown on flax, answers well. The plaister has a great 

 effect on both these plants. The pulling the flax does 

 no injury to the clover. If the buckwheat seed be wet, 

 and strewed over wdth a coating of plaister, the crop is 

 much benefited. I sometimes mix the clover seed with 

 the plaister, and sow them together. 



There are various opinions as to the manner and time 

 of plaistering Indian corn. If season and other circum- 

 stances are favourable, the mode then used is naturally 

 conceived to be the best. But there is no deciding 

 from one or two fortunate seasons. Some put it on the 

 hill soon after, or at the time of planting ; some at the 

 time of moulding; and others at a later stage. Some 

 suppose, tliat if it be put on, and could be confined to, 

 the plant (though this is impossible, for the earth will 

 receive the greater part, either while it is strewing on 

 the plant, or by the washing of rains) it is the most 



