SOUTilERN CULTIVATOR. 
i->2 • 
ACJRlCUIiTUKAI. GEOROGA. 
To intelligent cultivators, there is no study more usetul 
and interesting than that of Geology in its relations to ag- 
riculture. Aided by analytical chemistry, a critical 
knowledge of the natural arrangements of different rocks, 
and of their constituent elements, enables one to decide 
in his own mind with considerable confidence as to the 
value of any given soil, formed mainly from the debris of 
known strata. Occasionally, an important exception to 
Vi^hat might be expected in a particular locality occurs ; 
and then it deserves to be recorded for the advancement 
of agricultural science. Having recently met with a case 
of this kind, we will briefly state the facts for future refer- 
ence. 
Spending a few hours not long since at Union Point, on 
the Georgia Railroad, we were invited by Mr. J. B. Hart, the 
gentlemanly proprietor of the Hotel there, to visit with 
him a field which, as he said, was remarkable for its pro- 
ductiveness. So far as we observed from a superficial ex- 
amination, there was nothing peculiar in the clay, sand, 
stone, or rocks of that place to distinguish it from other 
red soils in the neighborhood. There were, however, 
numerous specimens of a peculiar mineral on the surface 
of the ground that appeared to hare been precipitated 
from water which had percolated through the underlying 
earth and rocks. On analysis this mineral yielded over 
lifsy per cent, of lime mechanically united with clay and 
the peroxide ofiron. Whether the presence of this lime 
had any agency in causing the peculiar fruitfulness of the 
field, each reader will draw his own conclusion; we have 
no doubt on that point. Our difficulty was to account for 
the presence of so much lime in that geological position. 
Neither quartz, felqm.r nor mica (the minerals that form 
granite) contains more than traces of lime. Porcelcdn 
upar, however, differs from albite (soda felspar) in having 
lime in addition to soda ; while hornblende is, well knov/n 
to contain so much as from 12 to 14 per cent, of lime in 
Its composition. But sicnitic hornblende yields its cal- 
careous base very reluctantly ; and we are not aware that 
bosaltic hornblende exists anywhere in the vicinity of 
Union Point. As both of these rocks are important in an 
agricultural point of view, we will give their constituent 
elements : 
Basaltic 
Sienitie 
Hornblende. 
Hornblende. 
Silica 
.. ..42 24 
45.09 
Alumina 
.... 13.92 
12.18 
Lime 
.. ..12.24 
13.83 
Magnesia 
.. ..13.74 
18.79 
I rotoxide of iron 
7.32 
Oxide of Manganese . . 
0 23 
0 22 
Tluoric acid 
■ 
1.50 
o j 
S 1 
99.53 
By examining the above figures, it will be seen that 
ricither variety of hornblende contains either potash or 
soda ; and it may be .stated in this connection that mica, 
which abounds in both potash and magnesia, but in differ- 
ent varieties, contains neither lime nor soda. Albite is 
the only primitive source of soda, v/hich is so abundant 
in the ocean and on all continents. Hornblende is un- 
questionably the prlncip;;] soarce of all lime in soil.?: amd 
stratified rocks ; but, unfortunately, if universal fertility is 
desirable, neither hornblende, nor aqueous deposits oflime 
in any form are as general and abundant as cultivators 
may wish. The fact, however, that something like marl 
is sometimes found where least expected, should encour- 
age planters to search for calcaieous minerals wherever 
they may be located. Any substance appearing like 
marl or rock, that will effervesce on the application of 
vinegar, or some stronger acid, most likely contains lime. 
In granitic regions, such minerals are less frequently 
found than in more recent formations, or in districts of 
stratified rocks. Water that has passed over limestone 
in masses, often dissolves and carries with it this mineral 
to distant parts where the earth is nearly destitute of cal- 
careous matter. In a similar manner, rivers collect from 
ten thousand different and distant sources, fertilizing 
salts of potash, magnesia, soda, and iron, which are de- 
posited on all bottom lands overflown in their course to 
the ocean. Where such fluviatile deposits are arenaceous, 
all soluble salts are more subject to be speedily removed 
by rains, than where clay rather than sand predominates. 
Whoever would deepen his soil on common agricultural 
clay, should stir the ground well to the depth he wants 
the roots of his crops to penetrate. Shallow tillage ap- 
plied to land of superficial fertility, only aggravates the 
evil by making the soil thinner still ; while deeper plow- 
ing deepens, first the roots of plants, then the mould and 
finally the available miaeral food of crops even on poor 
land L. 
Satticultuial Stjjnttatiit. 
PEAR CUETURR IN THE SOUTHo 
Eon'oRs Southern’ Cultivator — Will you or some 
one of your correspondents who possess practical know- 
ledge on the subject, give us, througii the columns of the 
Cultivator, some information on the culture and manage- 
ment of the Pear Tree in our Southern country — both 
Standard and Dwarf— the varieties most suitable for our 
clin)ate and best adapted for home use, or for market crop ; 
for summer use or for keeping through the winter? 
The Pear tree has been very much neglected at the 
South, while at the North and in Europe it stands highest 
in favor among choice fruits. 
The culture of fiuit for market is opening a new field for 
the enterprize of our people, and let us, by comparing 
notes, and seeking out information from all who have 
paid attention to the subject, obtain the best guide for lliese 
who are ready to embark in the undertaking. The experi- 
ence of Northern and European fruit growers, though it 
might aid us somewhat, is not altogether what we want. 
Our climate and our soil differ materially. What with 
them would be a fall fruit, would ripen with us in mid- 
summer. There may be varieties which are well adapted 
to their seasons which Mmuld not thrive witli us. Let us, 
therefore, have the experience of all practical fruit grow- 
ers here at the South. 1 would like to see several columns 
of the Cultivator every month devoted to Southern Pomolo- 
gy ; to the culture and management of fruius, with lists of 
all the most approved varieties. 
Will you not give a helping hand to this suggc-stio:. I 
a. 
South Caroline/., 1S5G. 
[We will cheerfully comply with the wishes of our corres- 
pondent. The raising of fine Pears, Grapes, Peaches, 
Apples, &c., in the Soutli for shipment to Northern and, 
perhaps, European markets, is destined to occupy the 
time and capital of a great number of our people; and 
that, at no distant day. An enterprising end fO(,tcfi,l 
