320 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL 



of life. A living plant introduced into the soil, causes all the 

 chemical forces to strive together to supply the necessary con- 

 ditions for the perfection of the vegetable productions. 



Application of saline jnanurcs. The quantity of salts 

 used on any soil, must be determined chiefly by experiment. 

 The following are the conclusions of M. Lecoq, who publish- 

 ed the result of his experiments in his Prize Essay, 1832. 



** 1. Salts, so far as possible, should be used in powder. 



2. If used in solution, they must be diluted with a large 

 quantity of water. 



3. Saline manures may be advantageously used on all soils. 



4. They answer best on light and dry soils. 



5. They produce good effects on wet meadows, but must 

 be used in large quantities. 



6. It is preferable to spread salts at two epochs, in order to 

 increase their action. 



7. Some soils, especially those where mineral springs ex- 

 ist, and those around volcanoes, are already charged with a 

 sufliciency of saline matter. 



8. In too large quantities, saline matters injure vegetation. 

 In too small quantities, they have no action. 



9. The proportions that give the best results, are from 150 

 to 330 lbs. to the acre. 



10. One hundred and fifty pounds to the acre is the best 

 proportion for grazing lands and meadows. 



11. These proportions must be varied with the nature of 

 the soil ; and 150 to 250 lbs. per acre, is generally the best 

 quantity for light soil, but may be increased to 300 lbs. on 

 mowing lands, and even to GOO lbs. on wet meadows, where 

 we may use double this amount without injury to vegetation. 



12. These are the proportions for sea salt and muriate of 

 lime ; they should vary with the other salts. 



13. Fishery salt is prefered, as it is cheaper. 



14. Sulphate of soda may be used in quantities from 300 

 to 600 lbs. per acre. 



