either that the vital principle, which certainly controls chemical 
affinity in a surprising manner, and directs this power in the pro- 
duction of new compounds from elementary bodies, may like- 
wise convert one element into another; or that some of the sub- 
stances, supposed by chemists to be simple, such as oxygen and 
hydrogen, are compounds, not of two, but of a variety of differ- 
ent principles. As these conjectures are without foundation, 
and are utterly at variance with the facts and principles of the 
science, I do not hesitate in adopting the more probable opin- 
ion, that the experiments of M. Schrader were influenced by 
some source of error which escaped detection. 
114 Peat Soil. Under the name of Peat, a soil which is so fre- 
quently recommended as indispensable to the successful culture 
of various species of plants, is comprehended two very different 
kinds of earth, w ith numerous intermediate varieties. Some of 
these are totally unfit for use, without previous preparation and 
admixture. Heath peat is that found upon dry barren heaths, 
generally only a few inches thick, of a black colour, with a mix- 
ture of sand. This answers well for pot culture, either by it- 
self or mixed with other soils. When used for beds of Ameri- 
can plants, one-fourth part of fresh loam should be mixed with 
it. Bog peat is found in low marshy situations, frequently of 
considerable depth, without any mixture of sand. This descrip- 
tion of peat is unfit for garden purposes, in the state in which it 
is originally dug from such marshy grounds. It should be laid 
in heaps, or rather in flat beds, to have full exposure, through 
an entire winter; and in such situation it will require to be fre- 
quently turned over, to sweeten and to become pulverized. 
AVhen thoroughly friable, it is more valuable than heath peat, 
being, by the addition of sand, applicable to every purpose to 
which peat soil can be used, whether simply or compounded 
with more common soils. If peat of this description be laid 
over the common garden borders, to the thickness of three or 
four inches, and then very well worked in amongst the common 
earth, to the depth of 18 inches, it will be found to add greatly 
to its fertility, for every purpose both of the kitchen and flower 
garden. There is scarcely a hardy exotic, bnt will grow in it 
most luxuriantly. A description of bog peat will sometimes be 
met w ith, particularly in mining districts, of a yellowish hue, or 
having veins or strata, principally of such colour. This we have 
114) Dareacom. 
