98 ECONOMICAL GEOLOGY. 



{Arundo arenaria) from Holland. They are of no use for 

 fodder. " The object of importing the seeds of these 

 grasses was, to sow them on such parts of our coasts as 

 may be threatened, or are suffering injury from the sea, 

 particularly on beaches or sand-hills which are liable to 

 changes from abrasion or drifting winds. The world- 

 renowned dikes of Holland owe much of their strength 

 and durability to the protection afforded by these remark- 

 able plants." 



The timber swamps of the county contain the best of its 

 arable lands. Though flat, they are sufficiently elevated 

 to be drained without difficulty, and need only a little 

 enterprise and skill to fit them for farming purposes. 

 Being out of sight of the sea or Bay, they have not suited 

 the maritime tastes of the inhabitants; and requiring a 

 small investment in draining, they have been passed by 

 for lands which could be brought into cultivation with less 

 labor. 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL. 



It would be out of place here to enumerate the various 

 means of improving the soil ; and I shall only undertake 

 to point out some of the sources from which fertilizers may 

 be obtained. The proper and liberal use of manure lies at 

 the foundation of successful farming ; and he who avails 

 himself of all the means within his reach for enriching the 

 soil, is laying the sure foundation for success in his calling. 



Farm-yard Manure. — The most important source of 

 manure for every farmer should be the farm-yard; and 

 when the fertility of the soil is to be kept up mainly from 



