40 



country, though arrangements are now being made for its manu- 

 facture. 



There is another most important point about agricultural 

 limes, and that is their respective qualities, for no fertiliser varies 

 in quality to the same degree. Some raw stones are as much 

 as 33 per cent, inferior to others, and when these are burnt they 

 become 50 per cent, inferior. Dealers would make believe that 

 any lime is good enough for the land, but there never was a 

 greater error, for quality is everything, and it is more important 

 to purchase agricultural lime on guaranteed analysis than any 

 other fertiliser. Poor stuff naturally requires to be used in 

 increased quantity corresponding to the extent of the adultera- 

 tion. When one ton to the acre of high grade stuff makes a 

 good all-round dressing, two tons or more of poor lime would 

 be required, and the freight transport and cost of application is 

 the same in each case, so that the advantage of using a high class 

 article is apparent. 



In times such as the present when potash, phosphate and 

 nitrate are abnormally expensive and difficult to procure, lime 

 may be used with especial advantage, providing it is in its more 

 active state. On most lands for various reasons there lies, as 

 before stated, latent in the soil either from prior manuring or 

 from what is there by nature considerable quantities of fertiliser, 

 which become available to plant life from the application of lime 

 alone. 



Lime can be thrown on to the land at any time of the year, 

 though the rainy season is preferable. It is an article which is 

 slow to effect its purpose, and as good or better results accrue the 

 second year as do in the first, such results also run into the third 

 year. . The quantity to be applied varies, but if the quality is 

 good, then for general purposes one ton to the acre every three 

 years could be recommended for orchards, vineyards and vege- 

 table lands. Lucerne, Peas, Beans, and other leguminous plants, 

 when planted in soil which is not naturally limey, will repay for 

 a very much heavier dressing. In heavy lands larger dressings 

 should be given than in light lands. For grain, grass lands, 

 mealies, etc., about half a ton to the acre should be used, as 

 frequently as it will pay to. 



Lime burnt or ground from deposits containing magnesium 

 are of little value, and sometimes considerably harmful. The 

 best lime is that which is most free from adulterating matter of 

 every class, and which when burnt is highest in oxide of calcium. 

 Government should bring lime under the Fertilisers Adulterants 

 Act, for the burnt article should really be valued purely on its 

 content of calcium oxide, ground raw stone being valued on its 

 content of carbonate of lime. The time must come when this 

 will be effected. 



