614 
On the Analysis of Soils. 
such a size as to be bound by a single length of the plant, a great saving 
of time. 
I observed very lately the operation of the cradle-scythe in mowing 
wheat, and saw the full weight of Mr. Howard's objection to it. 
The use of this scythe went down, because I went abroad in 1813 
on foreign missions for several years, and there was no one left to 
carry it on. 
I have for one had this instrument tried publicly by my gardener 
(Edgell), who won the first prize, and he did very good work, though 
the tools were in bad order, and the man disused for 30 years. 
Sandhills, Christchurch, Hants, Aug. 5, 1844. 
Sir — To complete the facts which I have submitted to you, I learn from 
Edgell, my gardener, whom I can entirely trust, that, whilst I was abroad, 
he cut 2 acres of very fine Talavera wheat, which yielded 40 bushels an 
acre, and was completely laid within two days easily. I lay this addi- 
tional fact before you as to the Hainault scythe. 
I am. Sir, your most obedient servant, 
Sandhills, Aug. 6, 1844. G. H. Rose. 
XX. — On the Analysis of Soils. By Andrew Uke, 
M.D., F.R.S., &c. 
Having been recently engaged in a minute chemical examination of 
the soil of a large farm, remarkable for perennial fertility without 
manure,* I have been led to adopt some simplified methods of analysis, 
which may to a certain extent be practised by ordinary farmers, and 
may throw some light on the means of improving permanently the com- 
position of their lands. The field from which the samjile subject of 
analysis was taken, is situated on Marsh Farm, in Haveling Level, in 
the parish of Hornchurch, Esses, not far from the banks of the Thames, 
and nearly opposite to Erith. R. M. Kerri?on, Esq., M.U., F.R.S., 
the proprietor, informs me that no manure has ever been applied to 
this farm of 200 acres during a period of at least fifty years, except 
once ; and in that season the wheat became so lieavy as to be in a 
great measure spoiled. It produces every variety of crop most 
abundantly. 
The substratum, which lies beneath a three feet bed of the soil, is an 
alluvial deposit, replete with decaying vegetable matter; the remains 
probably of some ancient forest, which existed prior to the formation of 
the Daggenham Breacli, througli which the river had inundated a large 
district of country, and kept it submersed till about two centuries ago ; 
when it was stopped out by the aid of a Parliamentary grant, administered 
under the direction of a skilful engineer. The soil over the whole farm 
* All the stable-yard dung is sold by fbe fanner. 
