No. 216] 745 



Magnesia is much less extensively spread than lime, and most 

 commonly it exists in the form of a carbonate and mixed with the 

 elements of soil ; however it is met with in masses in some locali- 

 ties. The carbonate of magnesia has all the chemical poperties of 

 carbonate of lime, and replaces its etfects in soils deprived of the for- 

 mer. As it absorbs more water than carbonate of lime, it contributes 

 to render soils more fresh, lighter, more accessible to the atmospher- 

 ic agents. If there is too much of it however, it renders soils bar- 

 ren, and so does carbonate of lime. 



Potash and soda. These mineral alkalies perform an important 

 part in vegetation. They exist in quite large proportions in soils, 

 and are found in plants which draw it from the soil. Straw and 

 ■wheat contain potash, hence the use of ashes to supply the loss to 

 the soil. In soils deprived of potash, soda will replace it without 

 injury to the crops. 



Oxide of iron.' — Cultivated lands always contain iron in a state of 

 oxidation more or less advanced, and in proportion varying from one 

 to twelve per cent, ^nd it is this which gives to earths the deep 

 shades of color — for their primitive color is white ! These shades 

 are black, yellow, brown or red. The black color of earth indicates 

 the first degree of oxidation, and the red the last degree of it. This 

 coloring of soils has the effect of attracting light and heat, and is the 

 principal reason why oxide of iron concurs in fertilization. Those 

 soils which contain but a feeble quantity of it are consequently white, 

 cold, and always backward in vegetation. But an excess of the 

 oxide of iron in soil has also inconveniences. It is also thought that 

 one of the important properties of this oxide is to fix the azote of the 

 atmosphere, under tlie form of ammonia, S^c, Sj'c. 



MANAGi-MEXT OF THE FARM, 



To know how to command is a very rare thing, because that qual- 

 ity proceeds from character rather than from education — tor the 

 most common natural disposition is feebleness, which weakens au- 

 thority or anger and renders it odious. The command should be, 

 firm but calm. 



BENEVOLENCE. 



The system of intimidation on a farm, is a bad a(]ministration. — 

 Endeavor to inspire affection, not fear. This is much easier than 

 many think it is. It is not sufficient for this purpose, that you are 



