FROM THE WESTERN DISTRICT. 
341 
to be destitute of phosphates, but the whole series contain a notable quantity of organic 
matter ; and, hence, by the constant decomposition, they furnish a fresh quantity of food 
for plants. 
We are now prepared to give additional results in regard to the class of soils holding a 
position above the wheat soil. This class belongs to the same formation as that which 
composes a large portion of the Southern district. In one respect, the soils of this class 
resemble those of Rensselaer and Washington counties, or in general those of the Second 
district. The phosphates are invariably present, and the lands are superior for indian corn. 
Surface soil from the farm of Mr. JV. Salisbury , of Scott , Cortland county. 
The growth of timber is thrifty, consisting of beech, maple, ash, bass, oak, walnut and 
chestnut: hemlock grows upon the colder sides of the hills. The rock beneath belongs to 
the Ithaca group. The farm is situated on a slope of 3°, and the soil has been under 
cultivation twenty-seven years ; five years in meadow, and the remainder of the time under 
the plough. In 1845, maize, which was manured in the hill, yielded seventy bushels per 
acre, of the large 12-rowed ears. The seed was soaked in a solution of sulphate of iron ; 
and before the plant appeared above ground, a mixture of four bushels of ashes, three of 
lime, and two and a half of salt, were sowed over the field. This soil formerly bore good 
wheat, but latterly this grain is liable to shrink, although the practice of sowing with lime 
increases the value of the crop. 
ANALYSIS. 
100 grains, dried thoroughly, lost 3'80 grs. 
Organic matter ....... 
Silica and silicates___ 
Peroxide of iron and alumina__ 
The same combined_ 
Carbonate of lime_____ 
The same combined..... 
Magnesia__ 
Soluble silica _ 
Phosphate of the peroxide of iron and alumina_ 
First process. 
. 16-28 
Second process. 
0-09 
75-92 
73-52 
. 5-96 
0-00 
0-00 
2-35 
0-22 
0-00 
0-00 
0-27 
0-18 
0-00 
. 0-50 
0-00 
0-50 
0-00 
99-56 
75-94 
It should have been observed, that in some of the soils which have been analyzed, the 
water appears in excess. They were collected about one month prior to their examination. 
They were put up in papers, and packed and sent in boxes, and hence could not be con¬ 
sidered as wet, inasmuch as the papers were entire and sound. Their feel was dry ; and 
as the water was not imbibed by the wrappers so much as to break them, they could not 
contain a quantity much exceeding the ordinary water of absorption. 
