210 
II. To inquire what aid may be derived from Chemistry 
and Physiological Botany in the cultivation of these 
soils. 
III. To describe the state of agriculture as at present 
existing, and offer some suggestions for its improve- 
ment. 
1. The Chalk series consists of, in the descending order — 
*Chalk 100 to 140 yds. 
Chalk Marl 10 to 20 „ 
Red Chalk 6 to 12 feet 
The uppermost stratum of chalk is well known as the 
Wolds, and requires no detailed geographical description; 
in the district described, its eastern boundary extends from 
Kilnwick, Lockington, by Beverley, Cottingham, to the Hum- 
ber : from the Humber its western boundary is well marked 
by the lofty escarpment extending from North Ferriby, by 
Wauldby, Hunsley Beacon, Hessleskew, Goodmanham, to 
Warter and Kilnwick Percy. The great elevation of this 
district, which at Wilton Beacon is 809 feet above the level 
of the sea, has a material influence upon the climate of the 
Wolds,t which, from nearly a total absence of wood and 
shelter, is severe and variable ; the winds being extremely 
violent and penetrating, and, by causing a rapid evaporation, 
greatly aggravating the effect of cold upon the vegetation. 
The soil upon the chalk does not partake so much of the 
nature of the rock upon which it rests as might be anti- 
cipated, neither are all the soils formed by the decomposition 
* Speeton Cliff is 400 feet thick, 
t 600 feet in elevation diminishes the temperature equal to that of one degi'ee 
of North latitude. (p. 44, Farmers' Series — Planting. ) The annual mean 
temperature of Aberdeen for the last sixteen years is 47.22, while the mean 
temperature of London, by Humboldt, is 50.36. The first 300 feet in elevation 
reduces the temperature one degree of Fahrenheit, the next 295 feet one degree, 
then the next 277 feet one degree ; or three degrees at 872 feet. 
} Total about 
150 yards. 
