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BY THE UEV. DR. SINGER.
‘ Ljand, considered as the basis of vegetation,’ is called ‘ soil?The quantity and value of the fruits to bo drawn from it de-pend, partly on the substances of which the soil consists ;partly on the manner in which it is treated; and partly onthe nature of what is called the ‘ subsoil,’ or the stratum onwhich it is incumbent.
To cultivate land with judgment and profit, is a matter ofgreat interest, both to the farmer, and to the proprietorof the soil: But in regard to the nation at large, which de-pends on the fruits of the soil, not only for comfort, but for
subsistence, the art of correct agriculture is of incalculableimportance.
That art depends on a variety of circumstances, as climate,labour, manures, tenure, stock, markets, and other particu-lars. But it is of radical and primary importance, to under-stand the nature, and proper treatment, of both the soil, andsubsoil.
Indeed, without that knowledge, a landholder cannot knowthe real value of his lands, nor can a tenant or farmer profit-ably occupy them ; and it is not to be expected that the soilcan be cultivated to the public advantage.