Muck Soils in New Yoke 1241 



below the surface. The smaller areas are often bordered by nu- 

 merous springs which even after drainage keep the water-table 

 fairly near the surface. Such areas are likely to have higher agri- 

 cultural value. 



The wide variations in the character of muck and peat soil are 

 due to the kind of plants of which it is formed and the stage of 

 decay. The stage of decay varies not only with the area but at 

 different depths in the same area. Where the water level has been 

 permanently at or near the surface, the surface soil is a better 

 quality of muck than the subsoil which is likely to be quite peaty. 

 In other cases, however, a better quality of muck soil is found be- 

 low the surface than at the surface. It is possible that this rep- 

 resents changes in the drainage condition of the area. Some 

 recent obstruction of drainage may have raised the water level and 

 thus renew the process of peat formation. In the deep areas the 

 lower part of the formation is likely to have lost its peaty nature 

 and it sometimes takes on a dark grayish color and a flaky nature. 

 When thoroughly broken up by tillage such material may make 

 good soil. 



There is a considerable variation in the underlying material of 

 muck bogs. In every case the ultimate foundation is a clay <>r 

 some other compact formation which retains the water. Above 

 this there may be a strata of sand, and in the New York areas, espe- 

 cially through the middle part of the state from Buffalo eastward, 

 deep accumulations of marl are common. These marl deposits 

 are made up chiefly of lime carbonate. Shells of mussels, are 

 abundant but the origin of the material seems to be due to the 

 growth of a certain type of moss which precipitates lime carbonate 

 from the swamp water. In a number of the deposits south of 

 Rochester, the marl is many feet in depth, is of very great purity 

 and is covered by only a thin layer of a few inches to a foot or more 

 of muck. The purer deposits are sometimes used as a source of 

 lime carbonate for the soil, for which purpose when dried and pul- 

 verized they are entirely satisfactory. 



PROPORTION OF ORGANIC MATTER 



Special properties. Muck and peat soil contain from 50 to 

 more than 85 per cent, of organic matter. Usually the more peaty 



