250 ANALYSES OF SOILS, 



Alumina, silex, magnesia, lime and ammonia, are the bases most generally present. None 

 of these solutions have shown an alkaline reaction. The quantity of saline matter obtained 

 by this process is less than that procured from the soils of Western New-York, and it ap- 

 pears tiiat the fertility of the soil bears a relation to the quantity of saline matter contained 

 in it. The action of the atmosphere and water continually brings more of the organic 

 matter into a soluble state. 



Waters of the taconic district. 

 We have likewise analyzed some of the waters of the Taconic district, which are 

 usually set down as hard waters, and the results are as follows : 



Well itmtcr in Kinderhook village. 

 Soluble matter in one pint 1*92 



Organic or vegetable matter 0-92 



Saline matter 1 -00 



1-92 



The saline matter is composed of chloride and sulphate of lime, together with the organic 

 salts consisting mostly of crenate of lime. This is probably purer than the water of the 

 district usually is, and it forms an excellent beverage. It was taken from the well of 

 Judge Burt. 



Water from the village well of Kinderhook. 



SaKne matter in one pint 1*34 



Vegetable matter 1 -00 



2-34 



The springs which issue from the Taconic hills, and which have their origin mostly from 

 the slate, yield comparatively pure water, which frequently contains less than five grains 

 of solid matter to the gallon. The chalybeate springs are weak, and issue from those slates 

 which are charged with pyrites. 



Another class of springs, though but few in number, are the nitrogen springs of Hoosic 

 and New-Lebanon. The water is soft, but their temperature is above the mean of the 

 place where they are found. Thej^ issue, it is supposed, from rents or lines of fracture, 

 and come up from a great depth : hence their elevated temperature. These springs are 

 large, but they are unlike those which issue suddenly from beneath the surface in many 

 parts of the West, and which are regarded as subterranean streams that have just found 

 a place for exit, after having run for miles just below the surface : tiiese do not acquire a 

 high temperature, but are usually quite cold. 



The waters, then, of the Taconic range, are merely the moderately hard waters of a 

 slate and limestone district. Those which issue from clay beds contain more lime, and 



