164 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



not been able to discover any difference, as far as growth was concerned, 

 between it and carbonate of potash. Either are admirable for the growth 

 and production of the 'strawberry, raspberry, grape, &c. 



When using dry pearlash, I placed on a green crop of grass per 



acre, 200 lbs. 



Carbonate pf soda, 250 



Common salt, 130 



Gypsnm, 128 



Quick lime, 120 



Epsom salts, 140 



Bone dust, 200 



The quantities given above will fully replace the inorganic matters taken 

 from the earth by a crop, as indicated by analysis. 



The theory of the action of potash and soda upon vegetation, is, that it 

 yields to the plant a full supply of that which is at all times essential to 

 its growth in a state of health and luxuriance. Potash is particularly 

 advantageous to many plants raised for food, particularly to corn, potatoes, 

 turnips ; and soda will produce extraordinary effects upon buckwheat. 

 Soda and potash render vegetable matters in the soil soluble, and then com- 

 bine with them, in which state they are conveyed into the spongioles of 

 the roots of plants. They also form soluble compounds with humic acid, 

 and with many other matters that usually exist in the generality of soils. 

 If you put a small quantity of soda or potash in milk, it will convert the 

 sugar contained in it into the acid of milk. It probably produces similar 

 changes in the sap of plants. 



3. Sulphates of potash and soda, used upon ground will increase the 

 production at least a quarter, and in some eases more. On fruit trees an 

 admirable effect is produced. Sal-ammonia and nitrate of soda will much 

 increase a crop of cereals, but the sulphates will produce the same effect, at 

 a cheaper rate. One hundred weight of either of the salts per acre, is the 

 smallest quantity that should be used. 



4. Epsom salts will promote vegetation equal to either of the salts 

 named, and if it could be obtained at a cheap rate, would be of great 

 advantage to practical agriculture. It is only sold in crystals, and is too 

 expensive for general use. 



5. Sulphate of lime (gypsum) has for many years been applied advanta- 

 geously to numerous crops in many countries. In Germany it is found to 

 be particularly favorable upon grass fields generally, and in our country 

 clover is peculiarly benefited, and it is used upon all crops. It requires a 

 large portion of water to dissolve it, and consequently, as a top-dressing 

 in dry seasons, it sometimes disappoints the farmer. I would recommend 

 the use of it but once in four years, placed on the field when the leaves are 

 well advanced. 



Dilute sulphuric acid, placed on land through the medium of the water 

 cart, exerts a similar influence on soil to that effected by the use of plas- 

 ter, which contains sulphuric acid. 



