Lime. — To Destroy Sorrel. 319 
LIME. 
By burning and slakeing, the lime is reduced to the state of 
impalpable powder, finer than could be obtained by any avail- 
able method of crushing. It can in consequence be diffused 
more uniformly through the soil, and hence a smaller quantity 
will produce an equal effect. This minute state of division also 
promotes in a wonderful degree the chemical action of the lime. 
In all cases chemical action takes place between exceedingly 
minute particles of matter, and among solid substances the more 
rapidly, the finer the powder to which they can be reduced. 
The effect of burned lime is more powerful and more immediate 
than that of unburned lime in the form of chalk, oyster-shells or 
marl. Hence it sooner neutralizes the acids which exist in the 
soil, and sooner causes the decomposition of vegetable matter of 
every kind to commence, upon which its efficac)', in a greater 
degree, depends. 
Further, quick-lime is soluble in water, and hence every shower 
that falls and sinks into the soil carries with it a portion of lime, 
so long as any of it remains in the caustic state. It thus reaches 
acid matters that lie beneath the surface, and alters and amelior- 
ates even the subsoil itself. 
In the analysis of the ashes of wdieat it is found to contain 37 
per ct. of lime; oats 26, bailey 16, rye 21, potatoes 66, red 
clover 38. 
Among the elements which enter into the composition of soil, 
lime would seem one of the most useful. From the above, it 
would appear that potatoes take from the soil nearly twice as 
much lime as either article named. In order, therefore, to raise 
a good crop of potatoes, it is necessary the soil should be replen- 
ished with lime. It is evident that in course of time, and con- 
stant cropping, especially with the before mentioned articles, lime 
would be constantly consumed, therefore it requires replenishing. 
Quick lime in its pure state, whether in powder or dissolved 
by water, is injurious to plants. Grass is killed by watering it 
with lime water. But lime in its state of combination with car- 
bonic acid, is a useful ingredient in soils. Lime is found in the 
ashes of the greater number of plants. 
To Bestray Sorrel. — Manure well early; plow deep early; 
harrow well; plant corn three or four feet each way; pass the 
cultivator through every ten days, till the middle of summer; then 
sow twelve pounds of clover seed per acre, and pass the cultivator 
again. Clover will take the place of the sorrel. 
