146 CONTINUOUS CROPPING 



THE TEST FOR LIME 



From the foregoing it may be gathered, that in 

 planning out a manurial system it is highly impor- 

 tant first to ascertain whether the land is deficient in 

 lime. In order to do this, samples of soil should be 

 taken from different parts of the field, about one 

 sample per acre, well mixed together and rubbed fine. 



Then taking about a handful of the thoroughly mixed 

 samples, spread it out on a deep plate. Next com- 

 pletely cover the soil with spirits of salts (commercial 

 hydrochloric acid) and stir with a stick. If any 

 effervescence or " fizzing " takes place, even to a 

 slight extent, the farmer will be safe in saying that 

 the land contains lime. If there is no effervescence, 

 then the soil is lacking in this ingredient. 



Several tests should be made from the mixed 

 samples, as one or two may not be very decisive. 

 The samples may be taken to the depth of 7 inches, 

 and the best means of taking them is to use a wide- 

 bore augur. With this bore a hole into the soil and 

 through a board, which is laid on the surface of 

 the land. Whilst the augur is being bored into the 

 ground, the soil is deposited on the board. Another 

 good method and still simpler is to drive a piece of iron 

 pipe, about ij-inch bore, into the soil to a depth of 

 about 7 inches. The pipe on being withdrawn will 

 contain a core of soil, typical of the surface soil from 

 top to bottom. 



Throughout the book standard manurial formulas, 

 suitable for the different crops, have been given, but 

 with the additional information given above the 

 intelligent farmer can often get far better and more 

 economical results. 



