89

OF SOME PARTICULAR MANURES.

We have now stated most of the knownsoils, and mentioned the manures which tendmost to their improvement: there are, how-ever, some others whose mode of action is notgenerally understood, and whose nature it willtherefore be proper to explain.

OF PARING AND BURNING.

This mode of improvement is not particularto any species of soil, though poor soils thathave few vegetables growing in them, will cer-tainly profit least by it.

Its advantages are,

First, that it converts vegetables and theirroots into coal. Hence it is that agriculturalwriters tell us, though without knowing thereason, that all violence of fire is to be avoided,and that a slow smothering fire is best *.

Secondly, That it destroys the old sicklyroots, and thus leaves room for others youngerand more vigorous.

1st Body of Agriculture, 210, 211.