254 ANALYSES OF SOILS. 



We are satisfied, that of all the means of improving the soil of this district, drainage is one 

 of tin- most efficient. It is frequently found most useful to drain only the low lands in other 

 p;n i- of the State : this arises from the open condition of the natural joints of the under- 

 lying rocks, which permits the water to pass In-low the soil, and out of its reach. But the 

 joints of a slate, when standing upon its edge, retains the water, or at least it must pass 

 <i\er it and not into il ; and hence, as we have already hinted, lands thus situated must.be 

 drained artificially, if it is proposed to render them productive. 



The succeeding soils partake decidedly of the qualities of those which belong to the Ta- 

 conic district ; but as they generally prevail and rest upon granite, I have given them in 

 this place. They will exhibit a contrast with those below, which are decidedly granitic, 

 but quite local. 



Surface soil of Peckskill. 



ANALYSIS. 



Water of absorption 2- 10 



Organic matter 3-70 



Silcx 87-50 



Peroxide of iron and alumina 6-60 



Carbonate of lime 0-30 



Magnesia trace. 



100-20 

 Soil on the west side of the river at Caldwell. 



ANALYSIS Or FIFTY GRAINS. 



Water of absorption 0-47 



Organic matter 1-17 



Silex 41-92 



Peroxide of iron and alumina 5-02 



Carbonate of lime 1-50 



Magnesia . .- a trace. 



50-08 

 This is a coarse soil, aftd contains many pebbles of gneiss ; color brown. 



Brick clay below Caldwell. 



ANALYSIS OF TWENTY-Tirr. GRAINS. 



Water of absorption _ 0-29 



Organic matter 1-38 



Silicates -- 16-40 



Peroxide of iron and alumina 4-63 



Carbonate of lime 2-23 



Magnesia a trace. 



24-93 



