Test for Lime 



continuously added. It is indeed well to maintain 

 a sufficient quantity of carbonate of lime in the soil 

 to coimteract any tendency to sourness, and soil may 

 easily be tested to see whether enough is present. 



To carry out the test, take samples from various 

 parts of the plot to the depth to which cultivation 

 is usually carried. Crumble them up together until 

 they are thoroughly mixed, and then place part of 

 the sou in a tumbler with ordinary tap water to 

 wet it thoroughly. Pour upon it a little spirits of 

 salts (muriatic or hydrochloric acid). If noticeable 

 effervescence occurs the indication is that the soil 

 contains sufficient lime, but if there is no effer- 

 vescence it is desirable to add lime. It is not at all 

 infrequent to find that soils with a chalky subsoil 

 are deficient in lime so far as their upper layers go, 

 so that even they may need liming. Lime is added 

 in a variety of ways. Chalk, powdered so as to be 

 distributed evenly, is best smted to light soils, air- 

 slaked lime to heavier ; but where soil pests are to be 

 killed powdered quicklime, distributed at the rate 

 of half a bushel to the square rod in autumn and 

 immediately forked in, is best. Gypsum, marl, or 

 crushed shells are aU useful mUd forms of lime best 

 used on light and sandy loams. Gas lime of the old 

 type is now rarely procurable, and if used entails 

 the lying idle of the soil for a longer or shorter time. 

 The presence of lime in the soil is detrimental 

 to most rhododendrons, heaths, and the like, and 



27 



