210 ]\EV. \\. THORP, B.A.— AGRICULTURAL GEOLOfiV, ETC. 
to obtain ail essay on tlie Agricultural Geology of some part of York- 
shire. In a priiite;l report they state that the object of tlieir appoint- 
ment was to show in how great a measure soils, and therefore their 
vegetable products, are modified by the strata on which they rest ; 
and thus to prove to the agriculturist that to farm to advantage it is 
necessary to be acquainted with the leading geological features of the 
district in which he resides ; the agriculture is already to a consider- 
able extent carried on upon geological principles, though without the 
knowledge of the occupier of the farm, and in order to carry their 
purpose into effect six points requiring notice are enumerated, viz., 
geographical limits of the formation : its general character, such as 
height and form of hills, or ridges, depths of beds, &:c. ; its chemical 
composition ; the plants which seem to thrive best upon it ; the 
manures which have been found most applicable ; suggesting others 
which, from their chemical properties, seem likely to supply 
deficiencies in the soil ; and lastly, the insects and diseases which 
are found most destructive to the crops, with the remedies where 
known. ^Ir. Thorp concluded the report by expressing the conviction 
"that agriculture will neverreceive its full development until its connec- 
tion with geology shall be closely examined, and clearly defined. This 
su])ject then, being one of vast importnnce to the agriculturist, I do 
think it the duty of this Society to afford to the Agricultural Society 
every assistance in their power towards carrying into effect their great 
and beneficial undertaking ; and for this purpose these papers are 
written. I hope, therefore, now to be able ; 1. To describe the geo- 
graphical limits not only of the formation, but of each of the beds 
subordinate to it ; to project these upon a map of the scale of six 
inches to the mile, and to produce vertical sections of the hills, depths 
of beds, c^c. 2. To examine the cliemical composition of soils upon 
tbe same strata, and to compare the unfertile with the more pro- 
ductive, and .-). To notice the state of agriculture as at present 
existing over the country described, and offer suggestions for its im- 
provement where required." The paper exhibited much original investi- 
gation, and is replete with information ; the alluvial deposits of the 
district receiving proportionate attention with the older rocks ; but 
as the paper is already published it is unnecessary to state more than 
a bare outline of its contents. 
