It seemed to act as* a quick stimulant, but its effect was not lasting. 

 Prof. Brooks says: 



"1st. It helps to absorb and retain moisture and may be useful on 

 light soils. 



"2d. According to Lloyd, it may liberate ammonia from inert com- 

 pounds. 



"3d. According to Storer, it makes lime and potash, which are a part 

 of the compound silicates of the soil, more available. The potash will 

 doubtless be more effectively made available by the use of lime. 



"4th. In large quantities, salt hinders decomposition and has been 

 used with apparent benefit in soils containing very large amounts of 

 humus on which the growth was naturally so rank that grains tended to 

 lodge. 



"5th. If used in very large quantities, salt may injure or prevent 

 plant growth. It is sometimes so used on walks to keep down weeds. 



"6th. Salt lessens the percentage of starch in potatoes, of sugar in 

 beets or in fruits. This effect is due to the chlorin and is similar to that 

 of muriate of potash. 



"Salt is more likely to prove beneficial on the lighter soils, and among 

 the crops benefited by it most are asparagus, mangolds, cabbages and 

 grains. It can seldom prove beneficial to use salt in quantities exceed- 

 ing 200 or 300 pounds to the acre. It should be spread broadcast and 

 worked in with a harrow." 



Peat, Muck and Leaf Mould 



Peat, muck and leaf mould are valuable substances to apply to cer- 

 tain types of soil. They are composed largely of humus having been 

 formed from vegetable matter. They contain from one-half to four per 

 cent of nitrogen and a small quantity of phosphoric acid and potash. 

 The two latter elements exist in greater quantities in leaf mould than in 

 peat or muck. Nitrogen is found in greater quantities in peat than in 

 muck and mould. 



If any of these substances are easily accessible and the haul is short, 

 it pays to put it on land deficient in nitrogen and humus. They 

 improve clay soils both chemically and physically. 



Chemically, they are improved by adding humus, nitrogen and some 

 carbonic acid. The acids act upon some of the inorganic elements, ren- 

 dering them soluble. 



Physically, clay soils are benefited as follows: 



1st. They are made porous, mellow and friable, a condition which 

 facilitates the absorption of water. 



2d. Capillary attraction is stimulated. 



3d. Atmospheric oxygen is admitted. 



4th. Increases the warmth in the early spring. 



5th. Soil is easier to cultivate and less liable to puddle and crack. 



