61 
by the presence of sheep. The lands on the upper beds 
of gravel are of inferior quality, but very variable ; 
some very light soils at Whitley, on the boulders, 
contain 83 per cent, of coarse sand. Marl would no 
doubt be of great service to the whole of them. The 
rent averages 28s. per acre, but portions are held with 
some excellent grazing land adjoining the river Aire and 
Calder. The produce is on an average six quarters 
of barley, ten loads of maslin, wheat being rarely 
grown without rye . 
The alluvial soil contiguous to the river Aire and 
Calder is very productive in the permanent grasses, and 
is kept therefore entirely for grazing purposes. Its extent ^ 
however, is very inconsiderable, forming only a narrow 
zone running parallel with the river. It is not superior 
to the Arksey and Bentley soils ; and is also liable to 
sudden inundations from the river, one of which last year 
buried the whole adjoining country for ten days. 
I have no analysis of this soil ; but it is evident that its 
texture cannot be improved : 400 grains lost by drying 
90 grains : it is therefore very absorbent. The soil also 
is at least four feet deep, and does not require draining. 
I now describe the state of agriculture as at present 
existing over these different soils, and offer some sug- 
gestions for its improvement, and I hope these suggestions 
will be well canvassed and discussed by any agriculturists 
present. But before doing so, there is one question put by 
the Agricultural Society which requires notice. They wish 
to have a list of the manures which have been found 
most applicable to each formation, and others which, 
from their chemical composition, seem likely to supply 
deficiencies in the soil; yet these inquiries, when obtained, 
can only afford partial information respecting the applica- 
tion of manures. It is indeed true that some manures 
seem adapted to particular soils ; for instance, bones are 
not suited to wet and cold lands, or heavy clay loams ; 
