GROUP OF LOAMS AND FIXE SANDY LOAMS. 
35 
lime on the fields as they are sown to clover as soon as it becomes 
difficult to secure a good stand. 
These types of soils are well adapted to general farming and 
some special crops such as potatoes can also be grown to good 
advantage. These soils of intermediate texture are better 
adapted to potato culture than are the heavier types on the one 
hand or the light sandy soils on the other. 
SUPERIOR LOAM 
This soil is of limited extent and is confined to the eastern 
half of the county. Some of the type is found in the vicinity 
of Nicholson and other small tracts near Symco and New Lon¬ 
don. 
The surface soil of this type to an average depth of 8 or 9 
inches consists of a grayish-brown mellow loam which contains 
an appreciable amount of fine and very fine sand. This is un¬ 
derlain by a compact pinkish-red clay or clay loam which con¬ 
tinues to a depth greater than 3 feet. Usually the color be¬ 
comes deeper red, and the structure somewhat more plastic with 
depth. In places there is a small amount of gravel on the sur¬ 
face' and mixed with the soil, but as a whole the type is quite 
uniform. The surface is level to undulating and the natural 
drainage is in most cases fair to good. Only in the lowest 
places is it deficient. It is better than on the clay loam and 
silt loam types. 
The loam has the same origin as the clay loam and silt loam 
types, having been deposited in quiet waters and later modified 
to a limited extent by glacial action. 
The original timber growth consisted chiefly of oaks, hickory, 
and some elm. 
Most of this type is cleared, under cultivation, and in a high 
stage of development. It is an excellent soil, well suited to the 
general farm crops commonly grown in the region. Small 
grains, corn and bay are the chief crops. Potatoes are also 
grown, but usually only for home use. It is easier to cultivate 
than the clay loam, and altogether is a somewhat more desir¬ 
able soil. Stable manure is practically the only fertilizer used 
at present, though commercial fertilizers are being considered, 
and experience has shown that properly used they are profi- 
