The Story -Book of the Fields 



silex and carbonate and phosphate of lime, 

 in which condition they are most readily 

 absorbed by plants. Although not so strong 

 as ordinary ashes they produce a good result 

 in clay soil. Coal ash, which contains a 

 large proportion of burnt clay, is used for 

 lightening heavy ground. 



The consideration of ashes naturally leads 

 on to that of soot. This consists of vegetable 

 substances not completely decomposed by 

 heat. It holds ammonia, so it is very 

 efficacious as manure. It is spread over 

 young plants to increase their strength, and by 

 its bitter flavour keeps off the insects that 

 attack them. 





