FROM THE TACONIC DISTRICT. 
335 
well to examine the peats by chemical tests. If these peats are burned, they are less 
valuable as manures : there is a loss of organic matter, and the silica becomes insoluble in 
consequence of its having been ignited. 
Analysis of a slaty limestone intercalated with the laconic slate. 
From the farm of Mr. E. Ball. 
Silex_ 11*50 
Peroxide of iron and alumina_ 6*36 
Carbonate of lime_82*14 
100*00 
Analysis of a hard blue limestone from Hoosic (Sparry limestone ). 
Silex_ 7*40 
Alumina and iron_... 1*60 
Carbonate of lime_91*00 
100*00 
These limestones are sufficiently pure for agricultural uses. Their examination was 
undertaken for the purpose of ascertaining whether they were magnesian, and suitable for 
hydraulic lime ; but neither of them contain any magnesia. 
From the foregoing examples of analysis of the soils of the Taconic district, taken in 
connection with those previously given (page 243 -249), we may learn the general 
composition of its soils. The later analyses were of soils which have been for many years 
under cultivation. In these examples, it will be observed that magnesia is diminished ; 
inasmuch as in all instances where we have analyzed uncultivated soils, it exists in much 
greater quantity. These soils have been subjected to rigorous treatment, in consequence of 
the kind of crops which have been taken from them, particularly in being planted with 
indian corn or maize, which, as is well known, consumes a large proportion of the phos¬ 
phate of magnesia. These lands, as analysis has abundantly shown, are well fitted to this 
crop ; inasmuch as in every analysis where the phosphates have been sought for, they have 
been found. The same opinion would be formed, too, by an inspection of the crop itself 
in autumn, when the exhibition of the well-formed and well-filled ears shows the inherent 
adaptedness of the soil to the crop. It is for these reasons that we have laid some stress 
upon the name we have given to this formation, namely, the Maize district. We must 
observe, however, that this is not the only region which produces maize of a superior 
excellence in consequence of the composition of its soil. My earliest examinations of the 
soils of the different districts led me to adopt the opinion that the Taconic district was, as 
a whole, the best adapted to the growth of maize ; but I have since found a soil in Western 
New-York, at a certain height above the Wheat region, which is quite as well adapted to 
the growth of this grain, having about the same proportion of phosphates as the soils of 
the Taconic district. I shall speak of this region in its proper place. 
