254 
ANALYSES OF SOILS. 
We are satisfied, that of all the means of improving the soil of this district, drainage is one 
of the most efficient. It is frequently found most useful to drain only the low lands in other 
parts of the State : this arises from the open condition of the natural joints of the under¬ 
lying rocks, which permits the water to pass below the soil, and out of its reach. But the 
joints of a slate, when standing upon its edge, retains the water, or at least it must pass 
over it and not into it; and hence, as we have already hinted, lands thus situated must be 
drained artificially, if it is proposed to render them productive. 
The succeeding soils partake decidedly of the qualities of those which belong to the Ta- 
conic district; but as they generally prevail and rest upon granite, I have given them in 
this place. They will exhibit a contrast with those below, which are decidedly granitic, 
but quite local. 
Surface soil of Peekskill. 
ANALYSIS. 
Water of absorption___ 2 TO 
Organic matter___ 3*70 
Silex. 87-50 
Peroxide of iron and alumina_ 6-60 
Carbonate of lime_L__ 0-30 
Magnesia_ trace. 
100-20 
Soil on the west side of the river at Caldwell. 
ANALYSIS OF FIFTY GRAINS. 
Water of absorption_ 0-47 
Organic matter_ 1-17 
Silex_ 41-92 
Peroxide of iron and alumina__ ____ - 5 -02 
Carbonate of lime_ 1-50 
Magnesia...a trace. 
50-08 
This is a coarse soil, and contains many pebbles of gneiss ; color brown. 
Brick clay below Caldwell. 
ANALYSIS OF TWENTY-FIVE GRAINS. 
Water of absorption___ 0-29 
Organic matter______ 1-38 
Silicates--------- 16-40 
Peroxide of iron and alumina.---- 4-63 
Carbonate of lime_...- 2-23 
Magnesia___- a trace. 
24-93 
