Va A 
444 E. W. Eilgard—Soil Analyses and their Utility. 
is of considerable use in determining the present and future 
value of soils. 
In speaking of the “ amount” of lime, I must be understood 
to refer, not so much to its absolute percentage, as to its _— 
tity in comparison with that of potash, which, with phosphori 
acid, is what all our fertilizers chiefly aim to supply. Their 
determination must, of course, be considered of prime import 
ance, since their absence or extreme scarcity is fatal to profitable 
fertility ; while, when they are present, even though imme- 
diately available for absorption to a slight extent only, we 
possess in lime, ammonia, etc, and the fallow, ready and 
powerful means for correcting their chemical condition. 
to Liebig’s testimony, ordinarily be-capable of profitable 
culture. 
Again, it is well known that the same species of plants may 
occupy soils of widely different quality and value. True, an 
attentive observer will in such cases see differences in the mode 
of development ;* yet these are often such as to escape ordinary 
remark, and grievous disappointments frequently arise “i 
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fiat eee ce OR he a er 
