CLASS OF SOILS SUITABLE. 237; 



description of arable soils, its natural tendency is decidedly 

 in favour of the lighter and deeper soils, in which its 

 long and fleshy roots may develope themselves freely, 

 and penetrate deeply in search of their mineral food. 

 Climate has naturally less influence upon it than upon 

 many of our farm plants the character of the soil mainly 

 determining its suitability for cultivation in any par- 

 ticular district. Where the principal object is its forage 

 value, it may advantageously be grown in loams even 

 of the strongest class, provided, of course, a certain 

 depth of soil be secured to it. When, however, the 

 root-produce is the object of cultivation, the lighter class 

 of sandy and calcareous loams would be preferable, as 

 it is important that the whole of the root should be 

 lifted from the soil. This is very difficult to effect on a 

 strong cohesive soil, owing to the forked habit and brittle 

 nature of the root, which very readily breaks short off', and 

 leaves a portion of its substance behind. On alluvial soils, 

 the warped lands of estuary deposits, the fen lands of 

 Hunts and Lincoln, it grows luxuriantly, and gives very 

 productive returns ; and even in peats, gravels, and sands 

 of an inferior class, it may generally be cultivated with 

 success, and with a little attention be made a very remu- 

 nerative crop. In all cases it is important to secure, as far 

 as we are able, in the soil on which it is to be grown, 

 those conditions which we know to be beneficial to it. Its 

 habit of growth renders easy access to the lower strata of 

 the soil necessary to its healthy and vigorous development. 

 If this does not naturally exist, it should be obtained by 

 subsoiling or trenching ; and all stagnant water must be 

 got rid of by draining, as neither this nor any other of our 

 crops can thrive under circumstances which must affect 

 them as soon as the roots penetrate the water-carrying 

 stratum. 



If chicory follows a grain crop, the autumn affords 



