Much difference of opinion having prevailed, relative to the quality of the several limestone quarries in the neigh bourhood, a trial was made of lime from each of them, upon six adjoining ridges of the above field. Though a difference to the eye was visible in almost every one of these samples, et the effect upon the ground was from, all of them, precisely similar ; nor could the most accu rate judge say which was the greatest. The quantity applied in each case was the same ; and the operations of laying on the lime, spreading it, and ploughing the ground, were all carried on in an uniform manner.
Field, No. 15.—Consisted of loam of different varie ties, upon a bottom inclined to wetness, and the ridges Iyh.9,- in a broad and serpentine state.
We ploughed for oats, and then took drilled beans, which were succeeded by wheat. The first and last crops suffered much from the grub. We the field in the fourth year, chasing in different breadths, and cross-ploughing the ridges, alternately, till the sur face was completely levelled ; then formed the ground into eighteen feet ridges, applied twehe double cart loads of dung, about one ton each, and fifty barley bulls of lime, to the Scuts acre. lime was laid on hot from the kiln, and spread as last as it was pulverized. This quantity was found rather too much for the softest part of the field, which, after all, is a circumstance that rarely happens ; but on the remainder the fermen tation was not greater than necessary ; and from this part of the field, the best crops have been procured, though the ridges were both higher and broader, and required more levellings than the other.
We may now draw a few plain and practical infer ences from what is stated.
That lime operates equally well, whether applied in a Lot or (fete state, provided the condition of the ground upon which it is used, be such as to render a calcareous application beneficial.
2dly, That, in respect of operation, it is immaterial whether lime be used upon grass land or summer-fal low, and that objects of conveniency ought chiefly to weigh with the farmer in ascertaining the most proper time for applying this article. Upon old grass land, it is perhaps best to plough first, and to summer-fallow in the second year, when lime can be applied. On new and clean grass land, hesitation is superfluous ; it ma) be limed at the outset, that is, before the plough is ad mitted.
idly, That to lime moorish soils is a hazardous busi ness, unless dung is likewise bestowed ; but to repeat the application upon such soils, especially if they hav;: been severely cropped, is almost a certain loss, and a compost of lime and rich earth is, in such cases, the only substitute.
4thly, That strong loans and clays require a full dose to bring them into action ; such soils being capable of absorbing a great quantity of calcareous matter. Lighter soils, however, require less lime to stimulate them, and may be injured by administering, a quantity that would prose moderately beneficial to those of a heavy nature.
5thly, That upon fresh land, or land in a proper state for calcareous application, lime is much superior to dung. Its effects continue fora longer period ; while the crops produced arc of a superior kind, and less susceptible of injury from the excesses of drought and moisture. Finally, the ground, particularly what is of a strong na ture, is much easier wrought ; and, in many instances, the saying of labour would almost tempt a judicious farmer to lime his land, were no greater benefit derived from the application, than the opportunity thereby gain ed of working it in a perfect manner.
It may be added, that though strong soils require to he animated with a good close of lime, those of a light texture will do equally well with little more than half the quantity requisite on the others, especially if they are fresh, or have not already received an application of calcareous matter. In every case it is the farmer only who can judge of the quantity to be given ; but, as a general principle, it is safer to exceed the proper quantity than to be below it. In the latter case the ap plication may prove useless, and the whole expense be lost ; whereas it rarely happens that injury is sustained from an excess, especially if more or less dung is soon after administered.
like lime, may be viewed as a stimulant, forcing :lie soil to p•odtu c e rops of corn and grass, which other e (Mid not have been obtained. Marl has been long known to the husbataimen of Great Britain ; and, if we give credit to Pliny, this cuticle was used prior to the Roman invasion. Several kinds are enumerated by the ancient Latin writers, and all of them declare, that the oil was greatly enriched by the application of marl.