260 [Assembly 



it is deposited in warm locations it gives it up. The putrefactioD 

 of sea weeds and marine animals is a fertile source of ammonia 

 and carbonic acid. The deposit of sediment where water becomes 

 still, continues often until the surface rises above the water's level. 

 The Newark meadows, containing many thousands of acres, were 

 formed partly by matters from the Hudson and the ocean, 'and 

 partly by the wash of the adjacent country. Old ship plankSj, 

 spars, &c,, collect many of the impurities of the water; for in- 

 stance, wood floating at sea aggregates large quantities of phos- 

 phorous. 



The large manufacture of sea salt, the formation of coral rocks 

 which gradually form islands, and even large parts of continents 

 (the southern part of Florida, being a coral formation), the use of 

 sea sand for mechanical and domestic purposes, and the forma- 

 tion of marine rocks by the crystalization of the impurities of sea 

 water, are sources which return to the soil an incalculable amount 

 of its former constituents, while the upheavings of the ocean, 

 forming the islands of the tropics, are a wholesome means of re- 

 storing inorganic matter to the service of man. These islands, in 

 their various agricultural productions, repay us in a slow manner 

 for the losses which we suffer to continue. 



These causes are probably not sufficient to restore all matters 

 washed from the soil, but they do so in a considerable degree, and 

 prevent the deterioration from being so rapid as it otherwise 

 would be. 



I have mentioned these facts in the economy of nature, Mr. 

 Chairman, that it may be recollected that we have much to assist 

 us in renovating our worn out lands. By following these easy 

 suggestions of scientific investigation, Ave shall find many sources 

 from which to obtain the material required, and no farmer need, 

 on plea of ignorance, to excuse himself from performing his duty 

 to his own interests in this respect — no nation need quietly see 

 her life-blood oozing away at every point, without at least feeling 

 that she could prevent it if she chose to make the eflbrt. 



