No. 50.] 
221 
" The vegetable substances of which peat is composed, having been 
decomposed in stagnant waters, they have not passed through a putre- 
factive fermentation, and are therefore supposed to retain much of their 
natural oils, gums and acids. Peats, in this region are also supposed 
to contain portions of sulphate of iron, or copperas, oxide of iron. Sec. 
This opinion is formed from noticing the difference between the effect 
produced by using the peat mud on grounds when first taken out of the 
meadow ; and that which is produced after feimentation, with stable 
manure, or mixing it with lime. The ashes of peat have little or no 
perceptible effects when used alone, but by mixing them with lime, 
they become a valuable manure. 
That our peat may possess other and different properties, which 
are in a greater or less degree injurious to plants, is highly probable. 
These can be detected and remedied only by the aid of science. It is 
to the agricultural chemist, that the practical farmer must look for a 
development of his resources, to remove the obstacles which impede 
his progress, and to impart that information which will give confidence 
to action, and a successful issue to labor. 
With an earnest desire that you may persevere in your useful 
labors, 
" I am, dear sir, with the highest respect, 
"Your obedient servant, 
(Signed) "E. PHINNEY." 
The other letter is also subjoined. 
Dear Sir : 
" Being much indebted to you for information in regard to 
the use of peat, as a manure, and the mode in which its acid proper- 
ties may be not only neutralized but made a valuable food for plants, I 
beg leave to state, that in the fall of 1836, I took from my bog about 
three cords of peat, and placed it in a pile on the nearest solid land, 
in the woods. It remained there undisturbed until sometime in No- 
vember, 1 837. By the action of the frost of the preceding winter, and 
the heat of the summer, it had lost much of its adhesive property and 
was greatly reduced in weight. 
" I now brought it home, and while one was unloading, another 
sifted in lime with the hand, (it having been previously slaked to a 
fine powder,) at the rate of one bushel to a cord of peat. Lime hav- 
