Nature and reason harmonized in the practice of husbandry

Front matter

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Book I. On Manures And Vegetation

Chapter i.— Of the action of Lime in its caustic state. Also, that of the Carbonate of Lime, Marl, and powdered Limestone, considered. Page 1

Cbap. II.— The theory of the AlkaUes, and various Saline Substances, considered ; also, that of Gypsum, as established by long and very extensive practical observation 12

Cbap. hi. — Gypsum, the Alkalies and various Saline Substances, together with other matters found in the structure of Plants, are highly important in the Economy of Vegetation. Still, stimulating Manures should be cautiously and prudently used ; especially as eveiy Soil is fertile, if a sufficiency of Animal and Vegetable Matters exists in it. The Economy of Nature in the management of our Forests, Glades and Prairies, described. The quantity of Animal Matter considerably increased by the introduction of innumerable Animalcula. Also, the extensive usefulness of the Plants which are considered useless and injurious by too many Farmers, and the provision made by Nature to spread tliem over exhausted Soils, &c. and to accumulate Animal Matter by the introduc tion of them. -..----...-23

Chap. iv. — Gravitation does not, as has been asserted by some, " dispose the parts of Plants to take a uniform direction ;" nor do they " owe their perpendicular direction to Gravity." Neither is the Sap raised by " the agency of Heat, capillaiy Attraction," nor the " Contractions and Expansions of the Silver Grain of the Wood :" but by the living or vital principle in Plants, acting in a temperature which favours the process 34

Chap. v. — It is shown that Men and other Animals are quite as much, or probably more, affected and injured, by changes in temperature, than Plants are. Also, that the suspension or lanfruid action of the living principle in Trees, during the winter, furnishes no just cause for questioning their Vitality or Anunation. The sleep or folding up of the

IV CONTENTS.

Leaves of Plants at night, (as usually described,) appears to be a inls taken theory ; as it would seem, that the Leaves of Plants fold or curl up through the heat of the day, more generally than they do through the night. The Animation and Sensibility of Plants considered. It is also shown that the small size of the Pores in the Roots and Radical Vibres of Plants, is a wise provision of nature. .... 50

Chap. vi. — The Heart-wood of a Tree proved to be alive, and increasing annually in size. It is also shown, that the Poi'es in the Wood appear to be well constructed to admit a lateral circulation from the Alburnum to the Pith. Linnaeus's and Dr. Hales's theories of the Pith considered. The changes in Timber explained. ...--- 61

Chap. vii. — It is shown that any one of the Earths when enriched with Animal and Vegetable Matter, will produce luxuriant Vegetation, but that no mixture of them will produce the same effect without the aid of these Substances. The practice of Paring and Burning the Soil is considered. How Substances originating in Animal and Vegetable Matter may recede or depart so far from their original form, as to retain but little if any nutriment for Plants. The theory of the usefulness of carbonaceous Matter as Manure, has been carried quite too far. - 78

Chap. tiii. — It has been wisely ordered that Man and Animals in general should loathe and reject decaying Animal and Vegetable Substances, and that plants should live on putrescent Matter in all the various forms it has been destined to assume. How these Matters are spread and intimately blended by Nature over all Soils. Farm yard Manure loses one-half, when decomposed previously to using it Laboriously formed Compounds considered. It is shown that Nature is not deficient in the processes of Fermentation and Decomposition. The use of stimulating Manures considered. Fresh Dung highly incorporated with Litter, is effectually decomposed after it has been ploughed under the Soil, and keeps either Clay or sandy Soils moister during a dry time than decomposed dung. Top dressing with prutrescent Manures, a very wasteful practice : still the best mode of doing it explained. The loss in Manure arising from improper Practices considered. A description of the best mode of constructing Cattle Yards Also of preserving Dung from waste. A description of a common Receptacle calculated to save the Manures arising in and about a Farmer's House. 99

Chap. ix. — Manures not in generaUise pointed otit. Vegetable Substances should not be reduced to Ashes when Mamu'e is the only object, and the Substances can be applied without being burned. The best mode of applying Lmie when Substances to be decomposed are ploughed vmder the Soil. Sir Humphrey Davy's tlieory of the Indecom])Osable I'roperty of Woody Fibre considered; also, what he and Mr. Young say of Tanners' waste Bark. The eff'ects of Water on Vegetation. Prac tical Observation seems to determine, that with proper management the Soil may be gn-eatly enriched, by the Depositions from the Atmosphere. On the Interesting Economy of the Kidney Bean, &c. How Gypsum acts when Seeds have been rolled in it previously to their being sown. llS

GONTENTS. V

Book II. On Cultivation

Chap. x. — Remai-ks on putting in small Grain on Stubble Grounds. A degree of merit is justly due to a naked Fallow executed in the usual way. The disadvantages arising from that Practice considered. The usual mode of Cultivating Fallow Crops contrasted with the practice recommended by the Author. Observations on the value of Grass Lays, and the proper Cultivation of them. The Red Clover Plant is destroyed by frequent Mowing and close Pasturing. Fermentation, properly directed, is the main spring of Vegetation. 129

Chap. xi. — Fall Ploughing for a Crop of Maize considered. The injurious effects of turning up the Sod and Manure in the Cultivation of a Fallow Crop explained. Also by turning it up for the small Grain following that Crop. Plants are greatly injured by cutting their Roots in the usual mode of Cultivation. The advantages derived from a superficial Cultivation of a Fallow Crop considered. The Nuti'iment arising from Weeds should be as carefully applied and preserved as that from our favourite Plants. Maize is the best Fallow Crop if the Cultivator has the destruction of Weeds especially in view. Potatoes may be justly ranked among the worst of Crops to effect this purpose. - - 134

Chap. xii. — A proper and an improper Cultivation contrasted. The Speargrasses let in Weeds. Red Clover smothers them. Small Grain, sown in the Spring, favours the destruction of Weeds, more than Grain sown in the Fall Observations on the lenient properties of Plants. The Grasses are far cheaper and more enriching than the cultivated Crops generally grown and turned under for Manure. The application of fresh Dung advocated. It does not, as we have been told, "Burst the vessels of most valuable Plants." Neither does it " produce in Grain Crops, Smut, Blight, and Mildew ;" nor do " myriads of Mice and Moles infest Potato Crops," in consequence of the application of " Strawy Muck" as Manure for this Plant. - - 145

Chap. xiii. — The practice of Ploughing from and to Plants considered, and its injurious effects explained. The expanding force of Fermentation cannot be powerful where a sufficiency of Animal or Vegetable Matter does not obtain. Of the marked Fertility arising from Ploughing in Buckwheat, or turning up a Clover Lay from a Wlieat Crop. The depth of Ploughing should be in proportion to the Animal and Vegetable Matter contained in the Soil. 153

Chap. xiv. — Very luxuriant Crops too seldom determine good management. The error of too close Planting exposed. Ridges produce artificial Drought. The evils arising from old Grass Grounds pointed out. Many and highly important advantages are to be obtained by sowing Grass Seed separately. The Plough, in the hands of an inconsiderate Cultivator, speedily exhausts the Soil. When this Instrument is properly used, it gi'eatly hastens the improvement of it. Convertible Hus-

VI CONTENTS.

bandry is the most profitable practice, where Population and Capital prevail. A more extensive attention to Grass and rearing Live Stock suits our Back-woods Settlements best. ..... 161

Chap, xv-— Fallow Crops should be grown on Grass Lays. The Speargrasses are best for this purpose. A Red Clover Lay is best for small Grain. The texture of any Soil is most advantageously altered, by the Roots and Tops of the Grasses, properly applied and ordered. The judicious application of this Vegetation, will often supersede the necessity of Ridging and under Draining. How Ridges should be formed and Cultivated in retentive Soils. The injury done by hilling, ridging, and moulding up Plants is explained, as are also the advantages derived from a level and very superficial Cultivation. It is shown that altering the present general practice of Husbandry, so that every Fallow Crop may be superficially cultivated, can be readily done. Obsei-vations on preparing the Soil for small Grain, when it ought not, or cannot, be conveniently done by a Fallow Crop. ...... 170

Chap. xvi. — Observations on what some say of the earthy Texture of the Soils, and the Manures to be applied to them. Also, on the different Circumstances, Capital, and Situation of Farmers. A concise description of the best course of Crops. Remarks on the width of Ridges in retentive Soils. A description of the Cultivation of a Crop of Wheat grown on a springy Soil, with observations on the result. Under draining Soils which are merely retentive of Moisture, is a useless, injurious, and very expensive Practice. Proper Water Furrowing for small Grain expluned ; also, observations on the ruinous and too general neglect of this Practice. - 190

Chap. xtii. — The exhausting properties of Maize compared with those of Turnips and Potatoes. The five original Corns commonly used for Field Planting described ; also the mixed varieties formed by them. Observations on the Canadian and other Corns still smaller : also on the Red, Blue and Purple Corns. The advantages to be derived from mixed varieties of Maize explained ; also the best way to effect this purpose. Improvement in Plants is more readily effected than the same is done in Animals. Climate alters mixed varieties of Corn greatly, and very generally without its being observed by the Cultivator. Those who live in inhospitable Climates, should select their Seed from Climates which are most like those in which they reside. The advantages to be derived from early Sowing and Planting in cold backward Climates. Local causes alter Climates so much, that neither latitude, nor height, nor the influence of surrounding Seas can determine the proper time for Sowing or Planting. No reliance can be placed on the Indian rule for Sowing and Planting. Observations on tlie Frosts which sometimes take place in high latitudes in August ; also, on the means to be taken to avoid any very serious injury from them. Maize is well calculated to withstand drought, and to contend with an impoverished Soil. It gathers much of the nutriment by which its Fruit is perfected from the atmosphere. Remarks on the Diseases to which the Corn Plant is subject. Observations on the untimely Frosts, &c. which happened in 1816. - 201

CONTENTS. VIJ

Chip, xviii. — Remarks on the economy of the Potato. Also on growing it on thin set Woodlands. Directions how to grow this Plant, so as to obtain a succession of new Potatoes throughout the Winter. It will live and perfect its Fruit on but little nourishment. Some varieties are vastly more productive than others. To obtain the best, the Seed should be sown and cultivated. Observations on the mode of cutting the Sets and Cultivating the Plant. Also on scooping out the Eyes, planting, and cultivating them. The largest Potatoes should be selected for Seed. By planting small ones tlie best variety is degenerated. The Crop is injured by misplacing the Vines and Leaves in the cultivation of it. 230

Chap. xix. — On Hand Hoeing ; also drilling Turnips. The Seed is generally sown too late. On sowing it, so as greatly to lessen the risk of injury from the Fly. Observations on the Ruta Baga, or Swedish Turnip. 241

Chap. XX.— On the Carrot, Parsnip and Beet. Also, on manghng the Beet, the Grape Vine and other Plants. On sowing Maize broad cast, for Solhng. 246

Chap, xxx.— On the arrangement, and superficial cultivation of a Crop of Maize. In what cases Lime may be profitably used for this Crop ; also, how it should be managed, and applied. The benefit arising from rolling the Seed in Gypsum ; also, from covering them with a Compost formed with light loose Soil and Dung. How Seed is to be gathered and preserved. On the ma«agement to be pursued, when heavy Rain, &c. forms a hard crust, which the Plants cannot penetrate. When, and how, the Grsun and Fodder of this Crop should be gathered and cured. - 250

Chap, xxix — How, and in what cases, mixed Crops, formed with Maize and low growing Plants are profitable. On the cultivation of a mixed Crop of Maize, and the Kidney Bunch Bean. Beans bear transplanting better than Corn They, and every other Plant, grow most luxuriantly in % rich Soil. They are a very lenient, also, a very profitable Crop, if properly cultivated. The very close shade formed by their Foliage, pulverises the Soil more effectually, than is done by a naked Fallow well prepared ; they of consequence prepare the Soil well for small Grain. Observations for sowing Buckwheat among forn. Also, on planting Pompions and Beans, with long running Vines among it. Where the Potato sells well for table use, it will be found the most profitable Plant, to form a mixed Crop with Maize. ...... 261

Chap, xxm — On the cultivation of Flax. Too little Seed is sown. It is injured in new Grounds by the shade formed by the Tree. How the Seed sown for this and other Crops may be well coated with Gypsum. 267

Chap. xxit. — On the cultivation of Hemp. 269

Book III. On Various Subjects

Chap, ixv.— Observations on the quantity of Wheat that should be sown to the Acre ; also, on the proper time of sowing it. How any material injury from the Hessian Fly may be generally avoided. Remarks on the generally prevailing opinion that the Wheat Plant is smothered by snow. Observations on drilling Wheat ; also, on Spring Wheat, - - 273

VIU eONTENTS.

Chap. xxvr. — Remarks on the cultivation of Rye. Also, on its not being so hardy a Plant as Wheat. It is subject to much fewer diseases than Wheat. Observations on Spring Rye. 283

Chap, xxvii — On the cultivation of Barley, and the quantity of Seed that ought to be sown to the Acre. 285

Chap, xxviii On the cultivation of Oats. Barley may be more profitably

cultivated than Oats on rich Soils, even for the purpose of feeding domesticated Animals. On harvesting Grain 286

Chap. xxix. — On stubble crop Grasses, and the management of them. On the properties of Timothy, and on making it into Hay. On the bad consequences arising from sowing too little Grass Seed. Observations on Grazing and Soiling ; also, on the effects produced by the salivation, occasioned by second and third crop Red Clover, both in Soiling and Pasture. Remarks on Orchard, and Oat Grasses. - - - - 289

Chap. xxx. — Observations on Green Grass. Further remarks on Grazing; also, on Orchard Grass and Red Clover. On Haymaking. - - 297

Chap. xxxi. — On soiling, or feeding Cattle in Yards or Stalls. Much injury is done by feeding second and third crop Clover to Cattle when confined in Stables or Yards. Various and highly important advantages are to be derived by feeding Cattle on Grass in Yards. Soiling cannot be profitably practised on an extensive scale, unless the Cattle be reared in the Yard, or brought in while they are very young. On Cattle hoven by eating Red Clover, &c. On giving Salt to Cattle. On Hogs and Sheep. Every Farmer should soil his working Cattle and Horses. . - - . 307

Chap, xxxii. — The merits of convertible Husbandry, united with soiling, explained and illustrated by a comparative statement of Crops. On Winter Fattening Cattle. Reason assigned wliy any given space of Gi-ass Grounds will furnish much more food for Cattle when Grass is fed to them in the Yard than if they were pastured on it. On the use of Oxen in place of Horses. 321

Chap, xxxiii. — How the Pennsylvania Back-woods Farmer clears his Grounds. On sti-ipping off the Leaves from the Trees in the spring. On the inconsiderate waste of Timber. On the system of cultivation pursued by the Pennsylvania Back-woods Farmer. How the Yankee Back-woods Farmer clears his Grounds. On the destruction introduced by his mode of burning the Soil. How this injury is best seen. On improving the poor places, which appear in Grounds recently cleared ; and how they originate. - 33 1

Chap. xxxiv.The cultivation pursued by the Pennsylvania Back-woods Farmer, contrasted by that practised by the Yankee. The Yankee mode of cleai'ing new Grounds, may be readily altered, so as to be by far the best practice that has yet been pursued ; and how this may be done. On the best method to be pursued in the cultivation of the different kinds of new Soil 340

Chap, xxxv.— On Barns, Cattle Sheds, Barracks, and Hay Savers. On the different ways by which Cattle are fed and sheltered through the winter. 353

Chap, xxxti. — Mathematical Precision, necessary to a highly improved Husbandry. 3o9

CONTENTS. IX

Chap, xxxvir. — On the Hoe Harrow. A simple Gauge for dropping corn, beans, ?cc. in clusters. On the Corn Crib. On the Shovel Plough. On

the Skim. 365

Chap, xxxviti. — On Hedges. 370

Chap, xxxix. — On Cats. 372

Chap. xl. — On Orchards. It is believed a better form than that in general

use may be given to Fruit Trees. ....--. 375 Chap. xli. — On the Sugar tree. 393

Book IV. On Gentleman Faraung

ALSO, ON CIBCUMSCWBED FAHMING ; OR THE BEST MODE TO BE PURSUED, ■WEEX

THE CAPITAt EMPLOYED IS INSUFFICIEISTT TO FARM TO THE

BEST AiJVAJMTAGE.

Chap. xlii. — Observations on the causes which have increased Gentleman Farming. Their expensive establishments considered. - - 403

Chap, xliii. — Remarks on the Gentleman's country establishment, and a more economical management proposed. . . . , . 410

Chap. xliv. — The delusive expectation of rural enjoyments considered. Observations on the erroneous calculations of profit arising from sending Fruit, Vegetables, &c. to Market. The value of Maize contrasted <Hth that of Potatoes and other Roots. The means by which the Gentleman may soonest and best become acquainted with practical Husbandry. 423

Chap, xlt — The merits of different systems of Cropping and Management considered. - 439

Chap. xtvi. — ^A description of the effects produced by feeding Cattle on Straw through the Winter. Large Farms are more expensive than smaller ones in proportion to size. How Gentlemen may improve Agriculture generally ; also, the systems pursued by the Tenants living on their estates. Remarks on improved breeds of Cattle, also, on complex and expensive agricultural implements of Husbandry. - - - 455

Chap, xlvh — On deep Ploughing. Doctor Anderson's mode of planting Potatoes considered. Remarks on purchasing and rearing Cattle. Very great advantages are obtained by keeping correct Farming Accounts. How those Accounts may be kept with but little writing or trouble. The great use of keeping a regular diary explained. .... 458

CHap. xlviii. — Observations on British convertible Husbandry, as practised in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Scotland. The errors in this Husbandry explained. On the Threshing Mills invented in Scotland. On the mistaken opinion, that as Turnips, and various other green Crops, do not perfect their seed generally on the Soil where they are grown, they are ameliorating. It is proved that the useless expense attached to British Husbandry, has fontied a new era in the annals of Agriculture ; that it has placed the Farmers in that country on the pension list, to an amount nearly equal to half the value of the Crops grown bv them. - 480

b

X CONTENTS.

Chap. xtrx. — Observations on the different classes of Farmers in limited circumstances : also on the injuiious error of occupying more land than can be cultivated properly, by the capital employed. IJemarks on the ruinous practices too generally pursued by Tenants in this country: also, on tile measures to be taken to prevent these evils. Two distinct systems of Manag-ement, recommended to be practised by the circumscribed Cultivator. The extensive usefulness of the Grasses when employed by the circumscribed Farmer for Manure, explained. Also, how they should be applied and managed by him. How tlie Soil is ameliorated by a Turnip Crop. On growing potatoes on Grass lays without Dung. 494

Chap. i. — Instructions for growing Turnips and Maize on Grass grounds, without the use of Dung. Also, for cultivating Fallow Crops, sown broad cast, to be followed by siuall Gi-aia. The economy of buckwheat considered, and whether it would not be better to sow it early in the spring, than at the usual time. It is shown that too free a use of the plough, and but Uttle attention to grass and rearing live stock, are the principal causes of the poverty, which, too generally, prevails among circumscribed Farmers. Also, tliat building costly dwelUng-house.s, barns, &c. before a sufficiency of live stock has been introduced to farm to the best advantage, is, saying the least that can be said of it, a very injurious practice. -* - - 511

Chap, li — The Atmosphere is not, as too many have said, the vast ocean of Food for plants. The food to be derived from it, and that from animal and \iegetable matters considered. Remarks on the fallacy of the conclusions drawn from the experiment made by the Willow ; also on the wounded Locust. The circulation of the Sap considered. - - 525

Chap. lu. — Uemai'ks on Colonel Taylor's Practice. To him belongs the honour of forming a System of Management, calculated to promote the Agriculture, Prosperity, and Wealth of Vii-ginia. - - - 438

BOOK I. ON MANUEES AND A'fiGETATION

CHAPTER L

Of the action of lime in its caustic state. Also, that of the carbonate of lime, marl, and powdered limestone, considered.

-A SUFFICIENCY of lime, to answer every purpose in the economy of plants and animals, exists in animated nature, and is intimately blended with all soils, whether they be calcareous, or othejrwise. Very erroneous theories have been propagated, in consequence of not duly considering that substances originating in animal and vegetable matters, may so recede or depart from their original form, that but little, if any, of the properties of the original substance is retained.

Observations on the economy of nature, where calcareous matter

abounds.

To understand the nutritious matters on which plants live, we should become acquainted with the vegetable economy, and the analogy between plants and animals; also, with the means employed by nature to propagate animal and vegetable life, to the utmost extent, where she presiiles uncontrolled by man. Therefore, the consideration of these subjects will be connected with my explanation of the nature and properties of manures, and the best methods to be used in gathering, preserving, applying, and keeping them from useless waste, after they have been applied.

1 will first draw a line of distinction between those manures which actually enrich the soil, and those that merely excite fertility without producing that effect.

All animal and vegetable substances enrich the soil. No other substances are known to effect this invaluable purpose.

Mechanical manures, such as clay, sand, gravel, &c. when properly applied, promote vegetation by altering the texture of the soil, and do not injure the enriching substances found in it.

The manures which are generally termed stimulating, also promote vegetation, but in doing this, they exhaust the soil : hence it is, that the fertilizing powers of lime and gypsuii), will cease to act when they no longer find a sufficiency of animal or vegetable matters in the soil to act upon, and will resume their action, as soon as either of those enriching manures has been applied.

It seems to be generally believed that gypsum assists the decomposition of such animal and vegetable substances, as either from iheir texture, or from being too thinly scattered through the soil, cannot be decomposed by the less powerful operations of nature or

A art, with sufficient despatch to produce luxuriant vegetation ; also, that this substance excites the plants, and increases their capacity for gathering and digesting nutriment.

It is certain that gypsum produces amazing fertility in old worn out soils, where but few traces of animal or vegetable matter appear; likewise, that great debility generally takes place in such soils, in consequence of the exhausting influence of this substance, when proper attention has not been given, to introduce a sufficiency of animal or vegetable matter to counteract the impoverishing effects of this powerful promoter of vegetation.

When this substance was first introduced as a manure, its exhausting properties were not known, and many greatly injured their grounds by the improper use of it; especially those who resided where there was a ready market for hay. This caused loud complaints. They have, however, been nearly silenced, by the practice of those who were careful to return to the ground a reasonable proportion of its product; and the improvement made in the soil, by the judicious use of this substance, almost exceeds credibility.

Since it has been more generally known that gypsum is a very valuable manure for wheat, when the seed is rolled in it, or when that substance is strewed over the surface of the ground, and is either harrowed or ploughed in with the seed,* its exhausting properties are more to be dreaded. If, however, a sufficiency of the product of the soil be returned to it, this practice may prove very beneficial.

Lime is generally applied immediately, or soon after, it is slaked ; or if it be suffered to lie long in heap, after it has been slaked, there is reason to believe that it obtains but little carbonic acid until after it is spread over the soil, for mortar will remain long in bulk before it becomes a solid body.

The caustic property of the lime continues to act on the animal and vegetable matter contained in tlie ground, until the lime becomes perfectly effete. Therefore, this powerful promoter of vegetation greatly exhausts the soil, unless a due proportion of the vegetation excited by it be returned to the land. How lime acts, after it becomes effete, does not seem to be well understood.

It is asserted by Sir H. Davy, that, "ChalK, calcareous marls, and powdered limestone, act merely by forming a useful earthy ingredient in the soil."t It is, however, difficult to conceive how so small a quantity of powdered limestone, as has been successfully used, could produce such valuable effects on vegetation, if it " acts merely by forming a useful earthy ingredient in the soil." It is well known, that water is capable of dissolving most natural

* However useful it may be to harrow in the jjypsunri, it does not seem, likely to produce the same immediate powerful effect, as is obtained by rolling the seed in that substance, bodies, and of imbibing and conveying their properties ; and tliat the water passing among limestone, partakes of that hard substance. As the effect produced in the animal economy, by the use of the water from our limestone springs, seems to determine its stimulating properties, it is probable that the water in contact with the powdered limestone in the soil, imbibes the calcareous matter in sufficient quantities to produce valuable effects on vegetation.

Dr. Darwin observes, " lime, in its pure state, is soluble in about 600 times its weight of water ; and by greater quantities of carbonic acid than are necessary for its crystallization, it is soluble in much greater quantities, as appears by the calcareous depositions of the waters at Matlock; and may, I suppose, supply a nutritious substance by uniting with mucilage or oil, either in the earth or at the roots of vegetables, or on the surface of the soil, which may be gradually washed down to them.'-*

Sir H. Davy tells us, " The acids found in the vegetable kingdom are numerous ;"t also, that " the acetic acidi or.vinegar, forms soluble salts with alkalies and earths ;" and " thf malic acid forms soluble salts with lime."| Likewise, that '• the carbonic acid united to lime or magnesia, if any stronger acid happens to be formed in the soil during the fermentation of vegetable matter which will be disengaged from the earths, may be decomposed. "§ Also, when " the water used in irrigation has flowed over a calcareous country, it is generally found impregnated with carbonate of lime, and in this state tends in many instances to ameliorate the soil."||

No fresh vegetable substance is decomposed either within or upon the soil without acid being formed ; therefore, the action of the weaker, as well as of the more powerful of these acids on the carbonate of lime, seems to be obvious; especially as water, without the aid of acids, acts slowly on limestone. It should also be recollected, that the surface to be acted upon by either, is greatly increased by reducing the limestone to powder.

It is difficult to believe that the amelioration from water which has flowed over a calcareous country, proceeds merely from its conveying a substance " forming an useful earthy ingredient in the soil." The depositions of the calcareous matter must progress very slowly, and the valuable effects produced in vegetation by the impregnated water quickly appear: the reason seems obvious, for this gentleman, on another occasion, (and when he seems not to have been thinking of the theory now under consideration,) cautions farmers, to avoid the injurious decomposing property of the carbonate of lime, by observing that, " In washing of sheep, the use of the water containing carbonate of lime should be avoided, for this substance decomposes the yolk of the wool, which is an animal soap, i. e. a compound of oily matter and potassa, with a little oily matter in excess."ir Thus