58 



SOILS. 



No rule is required for judging of analluvial soil, but to stu- 

 dy the constituents of the rock, whose disintegration produ- 

 ces it. 



Mixing General remark. As these eight elementary soils are vari- 

 eiementary ously intermixed, by natural and artificial means, we have no^ 

 thing to do in determining the characters of the various mix- 

 tures, but to examine the proportions of such of the elementa- 

 ry soils as enter into the composition of that which we have 

 under consideration. [A simple process for determining these 

 proportions, is given in a small duodecimo text-book, called 

 Chemical Instructor, published by Websters & Skinners, Al- 

 bany, 3d ed.] 



LOCALITIES OF PARTICULAR SOILS, AS 

 REPRESENTED BY COLOURS ON THE 

 MAP. 



Note. The soils are not referred to in the order of their sci- 

 entific arrangement. 



Ultimate diluvion. This yellowish grey loam is present 

 in all level, or nearly level, places on the globe, unless washed 

 away by post-diluvial waters. And it is always a thin outer 

 coat or mantle, perfectly distinct and well characterized where 

 no artificial or natural changes have been made since the de- 

 luge. It is remarkably distinct and well characterized in all 

 the ancient elevated forests, of the slate colour, No. I. and IV., 

 and the yellow colour west of the Hudson river. But when- 

 ever agricultural labor has been applied, it is so much inter- 

 mingled with underlaying soils, and so much disguised by ar- 

 tificial and natural manures, that it can scarcely be recognized. 

 When it reposes on that variety of crag, called hardpan, it re, 

 mains distinct for centuries. 



Analluviox. This kind of soil is next in extent over the 

 surface of the earth, to the ultimate diluvion. For wherever 



