On Reclaiming Heath Land. 
93 
its permanent benefit; and both with immediate and uUimate 
advantage to the farmer. However, let it be distinctly under- 
stood that I should object to a repetition of the practice on all 
thin soils. On deep clay lands, or where we have an excess of 
vegetable substance, it might be repeated with safety and advan- 
tage. It renders the former more friable and porous, and relieves 
the latter of its superfluities. 
The great advantage of having lime at a moderate cost need 
scarcely be alluded to. In this respect the formation of railways 
through all parts of the kingdom must prove higlily beneficial to 
those who are convinced of its invaluable properties. Doctors, 
however, differ in their opinions, and so it must ever be with agri- 
culturists, on some points. The opinions of the latter as to the 
properties of lime, and the benefit to be derived from its applica- 
tion, are very conflicting ; and even the most eminent chemists are 
far from being agreed upon its value and effects. Every man, 
therefore, who has siven it a fair trial mav be justified in forminsr 
his own judgment on its merits; and, so far as my experience 
leads me to judge, I must confess that I consider it invaluable as 
ajirst dressing in the reclaiming of heath land. There are many 
inert properties in virgin soils which without its application might 
lie dormant for ages. " Fossil manures must produce their effect, 
either by becoming an elemental part of the plant, or by acting 
upon its necessary food, and rendering it more active and agree- 
able for the purposes of vegetable life." Such is good lime when 
judiciously applied. It acts as a powerful stimulant upon inert 
substances ; and, being an antacid, decomposes and corrects the 
crude and acrid matter arising from the decay of organic bodies 
in virgin soils, assimilating their component parts, and thus 
calling into vigorous action the dormant powers of the soil ; in 
short, I consider it of incalculable benefit on all virgin soils with 
which I am acquainted, immediately or ultimately, when judi- 
ciously applied, either in the mild or caustic state. Observation 
has convinced me in some instances that it will continue to ope- 
rate for fifteen or twenty years, where there is an excess of inert 
vegetable matter in the soil. I know a plot of ground in this 
neighbourhood, containing 166 acres, which formerly grew little 
except heath. A good dressing of lime was applied on the top 
sward, which has more than doubled its value. This was done 
about fifteen years ago, and totally eradicated the heath. The 
lime to tliis day appears in full action, as its effects annually testify, 
from the richness and sweetness of the herbage, the texture of 
which has been thoroughly changed by the application of the lime. 
The deep green hue and luxuriant appearance of this land in 
spring and autumn form a striking contrast with those adjoining, 
which are still unimproved. The soil is a thin moorish loam in u 
