[Assembly 
absorption into the vegetable structure, is carried off and removed to 
levels more or less remote. 
On the second point, how a soil is to be restored to its original state, 
when exhausted by cultivation, it is self-evident, that the element or 
elements, w^hich are v^anting, are to be restored artificially. Of the 
manner how we may ascertain what is wanting, independent of analy- 
sis, it is sufficient to remark, that, so far as the food of plants is consi- 
dered, there is in most soils, and probably always will be, a sufficiency 
of silex and alumine; and as the alkaline salts exist, in the smallest 
proportion, it is probable, that when a farmer finds his crops gradually 
diminishing in quantity, notwithstanding the use of stimulating ma- 
nures,* the defect is owing to the exhausrion of the alkaline earths; 
and these are the elements which must be supplied either in the form of 
gypsum, carbonate of lime, or of quick lime. 
3d. In the last place, how a soil, naturally defective in any of its ele- 
ments, is to be treated, may be answered as above, viz, by an artificial 
supply of the deficient earths. If it is argillaceous to an excessive 
amount, sand must be used; if sand is in excess, clay or loam. Ex- 
perience has proved that no soil can be productive by the use of ma- 
nures, neither can it be preserved to an indefinite period from wasting 
its strength by them alone. 
It is proper to remark here, that the system of husbandry for this 
country, must differ in some respects from that pursued in England, 
and the highly cultivated parts of Europe. Limited as they are on the 
other side of the waters, and restricted within narrow bounds, they can 
and must expend their resources on small sections of land. There, a 
few acres of soil must receive the whole attention of the cultivator. 
But here, with a rich and fertile continent, nearly unbroken by the 
plough, there are but few temptations to expend in the annual cultiva- 
tion of some twenty or thirty acres, sufficient to purchase a farm in the 
new and rich lands of the west. 
It is difficult, therefore, to propose or introduce a system of husband- 
ry, which would be approved here, even if it is in the most successful 
operation abroad. There is no question in relation to the improvement 
of the lands which have long been under cultivation, and which have, 
*• It would seem, from the following statement, that the value of carbonacsous matter, in 
promoting productiveness, is not sufficiently known. It was furnished me by a gentleman ol 
West Port, in Essex county, and may be relied upon as correct. 210 feet of land, on which 
a coal pit had been burnt, produced one bushel and 26 quarU of wheat; each kernel produced 
£xom 15 to 20 heads, and each head from 60 to 100 kernels. 
