698 



APPENMX. 



elaborated state of the food is necessary before fruit-buds can be formed : experi- 

 ence teaches us this, as we see that fruit-buds are always most plentifully formed 

 in seasons when the accumulation of the chemical power of the light from an un- 

 clouded sky has added most to the power of the leaves. Chemistry has not yet 

 been able to unravel the changes required to bring the sap into a proper condition 

 for producing fruit-buds ; but that it is the quality, more than the quantity, experi- 

 ence abundantly points out. 



128, in p. 34. — It has been pointed out that a large quantity of crude sap is 

 not conducive to fruitfulness, but the contrary ; and that, therefore, a smaller 

 quantity duly elaborated is to be preferred. It may, however, be observed, that 

 in order that the fruit may be large and abundant, an abundant supply of nourish- 

 ment is absolutely necessary ; and therefore eflforts should be made, by the employ- 

 ment of every means in our power, towards the elaboration of the largest possible 

 quantity of sap, rather than adopt the prompt system of partial starvation, by 

 means of which the fruit, if produced in abundance, must necessarily be small. A 

 full crop of fruit cannot be obtained, unless from buds and branches previously 

 well nourished. If a vigorous branch is ringed so as to throw it into a bearing 

 state, the fruit will be larger than from a weak branch either so treated or left 

 untouched. N. 



157, in p, 48. — Magnesia, in its caustic state, is much longer in returning to the 

 mild state, by regaining its carbonic acid from the air, than lime, especially if lime 

 is present, as it generally is with magnesia. In this caustic state, it may be dan- 

 gerous in excess ; but, being more sparingly soluble than caustic lime, excess is 

 not so apt to occur. 



158, in p. 48. — The sulphate of iron being the most soluble of any of the salts of 

 ii'on, is most hurtful. Turning up the soil, and exposure to the air, change the 

 sulphate into an msoluble peroxide ; and quicklime decomposes the sulphate, so 

 will also mild hme or chalk, but not so powerfully, the sulphuric acid of the iron 

 replacing the carbonic of the lime. 



188, in p. 59. — There is a good deal of loss in mixing quicklime with substances 

 putrefying rapidly. The lime seizes on the carbonic acid of the substances, form- 

 ing an insoluble carbonate of lime ; and the extraction of the carbonic acid hastens 

 decomposition. Ammonia, being expelled in greater quantity, is always the result 

 of the application of quicklime, as may be detected by the smell. It may be useful, 

 in a commercial way, to sustain a great loss for the purpose of makmg the article 

 negotiable ; but, where convenience will admit, rapidly putrefying substances are 

 most economically prepared by mixmg with earth or compost, and keeping cool by 

 turning. Where they have to be carried far, sulphuric acid (vitriol), where cheap, 

 will disinfect most economically ; or, if cheaper, sulphate of lime (gypsum) ; or 

 sulphate of h'on (copperas), if very cheap. Quicklime is most useful with substances 

 that decay slowly ; its avidity for carbonic acid causes it to be extracted from the 

 slowly decomposing substances it is mixed with, as couch-grass, roots, weeds, &c.., 

 and hastens their decomposition. (See 195). 



188, i/i p. 59. — Earth is undoubtedly the best substance for mixing with nauseous 

 manures. In many cases the extra expense of carinage, occasioned by greater bulk 

 in consequence of admixture with soil, will be fully compensated by the benefit 

 arising from the addition of soil of a different nature to that on which the compost 

 is laid ; thus a quantity of maiden loam would improve permanently a piece of 

 worn-out ground to an extent that would more than pay for carriage from a con- 



