101 
fertility is owing to the loss of decaying vegetable matter or 
humus ; it is the mere consequence of the exhaustion of the 
alkalies. Again, how does it happen that wheat does not 
flourish on a sandy soil, and that a calcareous soil is also 
unsuitable for its growth, unless it be mixed with a consider- 
able quantity of clay? It is because these soils do not 
contain alkalies in sufficient quantity — the growth of wheat 
being arrested by this circumstance, even should all other 
substances be presented in abundance." 
I now beg leave to present the analyses of nine specimens 
of the lower rock, four of which are sent me by Professor 
Daniell, who lately examined them for the Commissioners of 
Woods and Forests, in order to ascertain the most suitable 
stone for the new houses of Parliament. Bolsover is near 
Chesterfield, Roach Abbey, is near Tickhill, Barnsdale is near 
Robin Hood's "Well, and Huddlestone is near Sherburne. 
Mr. J. W. Wilson, of Whitley, has also kindly analysed for 
me, four specimens of soils, two upon the upper and two upon 
the lower rock, and accurately examined them for potassa. 
They are of opposite qualities ; that is two from the worst 
and two from the best land on each stratum. 
YELLOW LIMESTONE. 
Bolsover. 
Huddle- 
stone. 
Roach 
Abbey. 
Barnsdale 
Park Nook. 
3.6 
2.53 
0.8 
0.0 
51.1 
54.19 
57. 5 
55.7 
40.2 
41.37 
39 4 
41.6 
1.8 
0.30 
0.7 
0.4 
3 3 
1 61 
1.6 
2.3 
