UETUOIK Oiv biri'IA..,. v.i.oA.XU: MATTEK. iJO 



eluded from the air, it will remain almost unchanged 

 for years; but as s(X)n as you bring it toward the 

 surface where the air can obtain access, decay com- 

 mences. 



There are then two ways in which this disappear- 

 ance of organic substances goes on in the soil: first, 

 as it is used for the food of plants; second, as tt is 

 decomposed by being brought in contact with air. 



From what has now been stated, it is obviously for 

 the interest of the farmer to keep up the supply of 

 organic matter in his soil : an equivalent at least for 

 every thing taken otf should, as far hs \y> e 



returned in the shape of manure; peat anti >is 



are good forms of adding large quantities. 



But the best way of all when the land is run down, 

 is to cultivate green crops for ploughing under; such 

 as clover, buckwheat, vetches, etc. etc. a. Though 

 plants draw much of their organic part from the soil, 

 yet the greater proportion comes from the air through 

 the leaves ; consequently when a crop of clover is 

 ploughed in, there is, in addition to what it has taken 

 from the soil, much more than half its weight which 

 came from the air, aixl is therefore a clear gain to tht- 

 •oil In this way the organic matter may hv increased, 

 and even the p<K)rest land Ih> gradually brought up to 

 a state of fertility, b. Every good' farmer should 

 Mratch his firlds carefully, and see that they do not 

 become deficient in this very important part. When- 

 ever or wherever we Me land losing it from year io 

 y( rrtain that there is bad management some- 



wIj' 



The farmer uiust not suppose that by this or any 

 other system he can bring up his worn out land in one 

 or two years : the progress of improv«inent will be 

 gradual. He must pers(>v<>re in th< ''root, 



bringinu them in fretjuently, and t. , same 



time in the shape of manure a\ ni! \ U* of the 



