254 ANALYSES OF SOILS. 



We are satisfied, that of all the mea.ns of improving the soil of this district, drainage is one 

 of the most efficient. It is frequently found most useful to drain only the low lands in other 

 parts of the State : this arises from the open condition of the natural joints of the imder- 

 lying rocks, which permits the water to pass below the soil, and out of its reach. But the 

 joints of a slate, when standing upon its edge, retains the water, or at least it must pass 

 over it and not into it ; and hence, as we have already hinted, lands thus situated must be 

 drained artificially, if it is proposed to render them productive. 



The succeeding soils partake decidedly of the qualities of those which belong to the Ta- 

 conic district ; but as they generally prevail and rest upon granite, I have given them in 

 this place. They will exhibit a contriist with those below, which are decidedly granitic, 

 but quite local. 



Surface soil of Peekskill. • 



ANALYSIS. 



Water of absorption 2'10 



Organic matter 3*70 



Silex ...87-50 



Peroxide of iron and alumina 6'60 



Carbonate of lime 0*30 



Magnesia trace. 



100-20 

 Soil on the ivest side of the river at Caldwell. 



ANALYSIS OF riFTY GRAINS. ♦ .. ' 



Water of absorption . 0-47 



Organic matter 1-17 



Silex 41-92 



Peroxide of iron and alumina 5-02 



Carbonate of lime . 1-50 



Magnesia atrace. 



50-08 

 This is a coarse soil, and contains many pebbles of gneiss ; color brown. 



Brick clay below Caldwell. 



AN.tLYSIS OF TWENTY-FIVE GRAINS. 



Water of ab.<iorption 0-29 



Organic matter 1-38 



Silicates 16-40 



Peroxide of iron and alumina 4-63 



Carbonate of lime 2-23 



Magnesia atrace. 



24-93 



