274 
SALT AS MANUKE 
rest, importance of the moistening properties of these agents, I would 
observe, that whatever is done in this way by unprepared salt, is 
increased in a ten-fold degree by its decomposition. It is made so 
exceedingly deliquescent by its preparation, as to render the ground 
even sensibly moist after a long continuance of dry weather. This, 
I know, is an important remark, and I must beg not to be misunder¬ 
stood. What I mean is this, whenever it is applied as a top dressing 
to land which is in a loose and friable state, (such, for instance, as a 
well-worked turnip fallow,) and slightly harrowed in, it is found to 
imbibe the moisture of the atmosphere so freely during a summer’s 
night, as to be perfectly aj)parent on the surface early in the morn- 
ing.” 
“The difference in this respect is very remarkable between the 
parts of a field, one portion of which shall have received the salt, and 
another, any other common manure; and though this distinction 
ceases to be visible in the state of the earth soon after the rays of the 
sun have fallen upon it, yet it would appear that the effect is felt 
throughout the day. I have often been struck with the surprising 
growth of the turnip in the great heats of summer, after this prepara- 
tion. Instead of a stagnant and drooping condition, so common in 
droughty seasons, its growth is so promoted, that I have scarcely ever 
observed it to languish for want of rain, except in cases where the 
soil has been of the very worst description.” 
“ Whatever may tend even to diminish the withering effects of 
drought, must be considered as of great consequence, indeed it can 
scarcely be too highly estimated. Every farmer well knows how 
great is the annoyance arising from the long absence of rain at this 
period of the year, and how fatal it often proves to the rising plant, 
by the increased activity which it gives to its great enemy the fly. 
There are, I think, but few practical men, who are disposed to put 
faith in any of the modes recommended as preventives to this evil: 
these are very properly looked on as mere nostrums; but they all 
agree as to the advantages afforded by an expeditious growth forcing 
it into that stage in which it ceases to be annoyed by these insects. 
For several years after the bone husbandry became common, it was 
imagined that this manure was proof against the worst weather, and 
that drilling dust and seed together, secured so speedy a germination, 
and such a rapid aftergrowth as to prove almost a complete antidote 
to the attack of fly.” 
Until within the last two years, we had a series of wet summers 
that the merits of a new manure in resisting the effects of drought 
could hardly be determined; but I apprehend those who placed a 
