ON SOILS. "25 



Argillaceous soils are recognised from the 

 clay and the oxides of iron, which predominate 

 in them. 



Peaty soils are those where decayed vegeta- 

 ble matter exists to the exclusion of almost all 

 other matter, and all other soils are equally re- 

 cognised and distinguished from the character 

 of the predominant ingredient. 



Sir Humphrey Davy, in his profound work 

 on Agricultural Chemistry, when speaking of 

 soils, says **That for all useful purposes, the 

 various soils are sufficiently recognised, and 

 that any attempt to class them with scientific 

 accuracy, would be a vain labour, the only thing 

 necessary being a clear comprehension of the 

 terms made use of 



But in quoting this passage it must be dis- 

 tinctly stated, that this opinion does not mili- 

 tate against that previously expressed, in which 

 a correct analysis of the component parts of 

 the soil is considered to be of the first impor- 

 tance, and one on which the value of agricul- 

 tural chemistry mainly depends. It is merely 

 intended to state that to attempt a description 

 with scientific accuracy of the various soils 

 would be a hopeless task, without at all detract- 

 ing from the value of a correct analysis in every 

 position where it is possible. 



It is therefore assumed that the recognised 

 distinctions already existing are sufficient for 

 the purposes of agriculture, and the considera- 

 tion of the functions performed by the soil and 

 the fertilizing properties it contains is at once 

 proceeded with. 



