WESTERN DISTRICT. 
270 
Soluble matter_ 2*00 
Organic matter_ 0.44 
Saline matter_ 1*56 
The matter which is set down as organic, consists mainly of crenic acid. It is in com 
bination with the alkalies and alkaline earths, potash, lime and magnesia. In the same 
products, alumina or phosphate of alumina is invariably present. The clear solution is 
always disturbed by caustic ammonia; a light llocculent precipitate appearing soon after 
the addition of the ammonia. Chloride of sodium is another substance present in the 
solution, and we also obtain sulphate of lime. It may appear to some that the quantity of 
these compounds is too small to exert much influence on vegetation. When, however, 
the whole quantity contained in an acre, not exceeding the depth of one foot, is estimated, 
it will be found that it exceeds, or at least equals the manure which the best farmers ever 
use upon their lands. The amount of soluble matter in a good soil is not less than twenty 
tons per acre in the depth we have indicated ; but this is only about one-fifth the quantity 
which actually exists, and which, in process of time, will be converted into the food of 
plants. 
The soluble matter which we obtained from two hundred grains taken from a field of 
G. Geddes, Esq. of Fairmount, and upon which barn-yard manure has not been spread 
for twenty-five years, was 
Soluble matter. 1-47 
Organic matter.. 1*18 
Saline matter_ 0*29 
In this, as well as in other trials, the organic matter is crenic acid in combination with 
lime and magnesia. The condition in which the saline matter is obtained, is that of a 
carbonate, which is formed in the process of incineration. 
Another soil, which had never been ploughed, gave 
Soluble matter.._.... 1*34 
Organic matter ^___... 0*34 
Saline matter_ l'OO 
Treated in the usual way of analysis, the cultivated and uncultivated soils gave 
CULTIVATED. 
Water of absorption_ 5*25 
Organic matter_ 6-67 
Silicates_ 77-50 
Peroxide of iron and alumina_ 7-75 
Carbonate of lime. 
Magnesia_ 
25 
•10 
Sulphate of lime.. 0-22 
98-80 
UNCULTIVATED 
4- 79 
5- 24 
78-25 
8-27 
1-15 
1 -20 
0-20 
99-16 
