EXTRACTS—HOKTfCUI.TUK E. 
37 
promotes vegetation, by attracting the moisture, acid, or oils in the atmosphere, 
which enrich the land. As this quality becomes stronger by burning, how wise¬ 
ly would the farmers act in using it after being calcined, on their grounds! It 
also appears, that the more frequently it is turned, the better effect it produces. 
It promotes vegetation, by destroying the acid actually in the land, or removing 
that which it might be in danger ofimbibing from stagnating water; and hence, 
also, it may perhaps help to prevent a too acid disposition in the seeds. By dis¬ 
solving every unctuous substance in the land, whence arises a saponaceous mix¬ 
ture soluble in water, and fitted to enter into the pores of vegetables. By de¬ 
stroying the toughness of strong soils, for, by its quickly crumbling in the air, 
the cohesion of a clayey soil is diminished, it is rendered easier to cultivate, and 
more fit to carry on the growth of plants. It gives greater solidity and firmness 
to loose or sandy soils: and, as before observed, it contributes to their fertility, 
by attracting into this dry soil the nutritive contents of the air. There are some 
who think that marl should not be laid on sandy soils ; but experience has taught 
us to conclude otherwise, having observed that the most beneficial effects are 
produced from it on very light and sandy soils. Marl may hurt land by too long 
and a too plentiful use of it; for, from its calcareous quality, it much resembles 
lime. It soon dissolves and consumes the fat of the land—and it loosens a clayey 
soil so that it becomes less retentive of moisture. Marl is, however, very different 
according to its being more or less calcareous or clayey; and, therefore, judge¬ 
ment is more or less necessary to adapt it to the nature of the soil. Some have 
recommended it chiefly for w'et and cold soils, and many farmers have observed 
that it is most useful when mixed with rich manures. Neither of these observa 
tions, however, seems to be correct; but a due care should be taken that this 
operation be adapted to the soil on which it is laid.— Count Gyllenborg. — Mag. 
Gard. and Bot. 
To Preserve Fruit for Exportation. —Suffer the fruit to hang on the 
tree to as late as possible in October, or till hard frosts have loosened the stalk, 
and they are in danger of being blown down by winds. They are then to be ga¬ 
thered from the tree by the hand, and carefully laid in baskets. New and tight 
well seasoned Hour barrels are preferred. The baskets being filled in gathering 
should he cautiously lowered in the barrels and emptied. The barrels when filled 
are to be gently shaken, and the head carefully pressed down to its place, and sc 
cured. This pressure is necessary, as it prevents them rattling when moved. No 
straw or shavings should be placed at the ends, for it causes mustiness and de¬ 
cay. They should then be removed to the north side of a building, near to a 
cellar, protecting them from the sun and rain by a roof of boards, whilst they 
are exposed to the air on all sides. A chill does not in jure them, but when the 
frost is severe, roll them into the cellar, which should be dry and airy. The bar¬ 
rels should never be tumbled or placed on the head. Apples keep best when 
grown in dry seasons, and on dry soils . — American Orc/uidist. 
