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Report of the North-Carolina Geological Survey. Agriculture of the Eastern Counties:
Together with Descriptions of the Fossils of the Marl Beds:
Electronic Edition.

Emmons, Ebenezer, 1799-1863

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Source Description:
(title page) Report of the North-Carolina Geological Survey. Agriculture of the Eastern Counties: Together with Descriptions of the Fossils of the Marl Beds
(spine) N. Carolina Geological Survey. Agricultural
Ebenezer Emmons
xvi, 314 p., ill.
Raleigh:
Henry D. Turner
1858
Call number C551 N87e 1858 c.5 (North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

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REPORT
OF THE
NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
AGRICULTURE OF THE EASTERN COUNTIES;

TOGETHER WITH
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FOSSILS OF THE MARL BEDS

Illustrated by Engravings.

BY

EBENEZER EMMONS.

RALEIGH:
HENRY D. TURNER.
1858.

Page verso

HOLDEN AND WILSON,
Printers to the State.

Page iii

TO HIS EXCELLENCY, THOMAS BRAGG,
Governor of North-Carolina:

SIR:

        I am gratified that another opportunity is furnished me to express my obligations to your Excellency for the interest you still entertain for the Geological Survey of North-Carolina. This fact, while it has been extremely gratifying, serves at the same time to impress me with the importance of the work, and to excite a fear, also, that it may fall short of your expectations, and thus disappoint, not only yourself, but many others who feel and manifest an interest in its success. No one, however, could feel a greater disappointment at such a result than myself; and fearing that my labors, together with the labors of those who assist me, might fail to be satisfactory, I have certainly lost no time, nor spared any work, which I deemed necessary to secure the wished-for result.

        With the consciousness, then, of having done this much for its success, I submit with cheerfulness this second report to your Excellency's consideration.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

EBENEZER EMMONS.

RALEIGH, March 1, 1858.

Page v

PREFACE.

        THE subjects which are treated of in this Report, are mostly practical, and it has been my aim so to treat them, that the matter shall be useful. The agricultural part embraces descriptions and statements of the composition of many of the soils of the Eastern counties. These samples of soils which have been analyzed, are preserved in the Geological collection for future reference. I have sought to obtain all the practical information respecting them which I could, and for this end, the analyses have been usually carried as far as was necessary. The number of soils which have been thus submitted to analysis, are sufficient, probably, for the purposes intended by the projectors of the survey. I think they embrace all the classes of soils which exist in this section of the State. But there are, no doubt, many additional analyses, which would be useful where they appear to be special in their composition, and exhibit certain peculiarities. A class of soils of great interest exists in several of the eastern counties, of which a type is well known in the county of Hyde. I felt that it was an object to determine the composition of this class with accuracy, and to see it in place with the burthen of its crops still standing. In my researches, I have discovered that this peculiar soil exists in a greater or less degree of perfection in several other counties. In some instances, the soil is the same, but is less deep; in others, it is fully equal to the Hyde county or the Mattamuskeet lands, both in depth and richness. It seemed to be a prevailing impression that Hyde county soils existed no where else, and were confined

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to that county. But Onslow, Jones, Hanover, Brunswick, Beaufort, and others, still possess equally rich swamp lands.

        The Gallberry lands, which occupy a middle position between these rich swamp lands and the sandy rolling uplands, are usually very poor; but there are many tracts which rank under this class, which may be cultivated profitably. There are two kinds of Gallberry lands: one which is black or blackish, which consists mainly of vegetable matter, and a white marine sand. This variety of this class is generally too poor to pay the expense of reclaiming. It may produce a few tolerably fair crops of corn, but it is soon exhausted, for it consists only of sand and vegetable matter. It may graduate into a better kind, as the white sand is exchanged for a drab colored one, and which becomes fine. The other variety of this class, is clay-colored, and is very stiff, and mixed with coarse particles of flint. It is almost impervious to water. It is naturally cold, and is not productive, prior to draining and the employment of fertilizers. It has a body, and is better than the black soil with the usual admixture of white sand.

        In the examination of soils, the physical properties require as much attention as the chemical; for, in order that a good chemical mixture of elements may be fertile, they should possess a certain degree of adhesiveness or closeness, which will retain water. Those which are porous and coarse, permit water to pass through almost immediately. The result which follows, is fatal to plants, or crops of value; chemical action under those circumstances is too feeble to furnish it with sufficient nutriment. The fertilizers of the eastern and south-eastern counties have received all the attention which could be bestowed upon them. The great defect which I find in their composition is, the great excess of sand. This element being in excess, gives them only a local value; that is, they are not

Page vii

rich enough to permit of transportation to neighboring counties.

        In order to increase their value, I have been led to entertain the opinion, that they may be washed. In this operation the sand may be separated from the valuable parts. This opinion, however, requires a confirmation by experiment. The material which remains after the sand is separated, contains phosphate of lime, carbonate of lime and magnesia, potash and soda; those elements which make the marl the most valuable. If any cheap process for washing the marls could be employed, the material could be transported to most of the midland counties with profit.

        The cultivation of the grasses to a much greater extent than has hitherto been done in this State, has seemed to me very desirable. I have given considerable attention to the subject, and for the purpose of aiding, as far as possible, a measure of this kind, I have selected several of the most valuable for description, that information respecting their value, may be more widely spread. I am confident that many of them will succeed. Very few efforts have hitherto been made for their cultivation,--most planters entertaining the belief that it is impracticable, or else the labors of the plantation are supposed to be much more profitably directed to the raising of cotton. Under the present system of curing the grasses for winter fodder, the labor is so much cheapened that it seems to me that the raising of cotton or any other of the great staples, will not interfere with the project of keeping more stock, and in a better condition than has hitherto been attempted in the State.

        In connexion with the marls of the eastern counties, I have given a brief sketch of the fossils of the different kinds of beds. Those who will take the trouble to examine the figures of the fossils which belong to the different beds, will not fail to perceive the striking differences which prevail. It is, for instance,

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exceedingly rare to find a species common to two beds, although they lie in juxtaposition; or one may repose upon the other. Hence, the utility of the presence of fossils to distinguish beds belonging to the different epochs from each other. Another object which I had in view in occupying so much space upon this subject, was, to aid those who wish to become acquainted with this interesting subject. Geology is now commanding the attention of some of the best minds in this country and Europe. It is invested with great importance and interest, as it is through the discoveries in this department of science, that we obtain a knowledge of the ancient history of the globe. This pursuit is especially recommended to the attention of the young. It will be found extremely interesting and useful, and no one will regret afterwards that he devoted a portion of his leisure hours to its study.

Page ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Page xi

INTRODUCTION.

        IT is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the day to attempt to utilize science. The leading minds of the age seem to be as intensely engaged in diffusing knowledge and disseminating it as common stock, as they are in acquiring it for themselves. The consequences which have already flowed from their efforts, are, to have already made knowledge relating to many departments the common property of the masses. This knowledge is not probably exact in many individuals, perhaps in none, excepting those who make those subjects objects of special study; but then, they know the nature of the subjects treated of, as well as many of the conclusions which have been obtained. They know enough to make intelligent inquiries, and a subject matter for conversation; their minds are sufficiently informed to lead them upon the proper road of inquiry. More than this has been gained in many instances in common life. The way is already prepared for a general diffusion of knowledge. Of those subjects which are the most useful to society, none occupy a higher rank than those which are related to agriculture. Thus, the chemistry of agriculture is of the highest importance. The mechanics of agriculture are also important, and more attention has been paid to this branch than the former. Indeed, one of the first evidences that agriculture was really upon the road of improvement, was the appreciation of better implements of husbandry. Their improvement was first attempted. It was right that it should be so, for to make chemical principles available at all, it was necessary to change by mechanical means the condition of the soil. Improvements, then, in agriculture, began at the right end. The more abstruse principles of the business have become subjects of investigation since, and now there are but few farmers who are entirely ignorant of the chemistry and other collateral branches of the philosophy of agriculture.

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But still, these important hand-maids to this indispensable calling have only just begun to exercise an influence over old modes and old practices. But two great obstacles to the introduction of rational methods in agriculture are being rapidly removed; that is, prejudice in favor of the old methods pursued by the fathers, and prejudice against innovation. Whatever is good in the old methods will be retained; and ultimately, what is erroneous and worthless will be rejected. Improvements, however, in agriculture, are necessarily slow in getting a foothold; much more so than in the mechanic arts; for there are stronger prejudices to be overcome, and in the former it seems there is a ready appreciation of value in every improvement which is made, while in the latter, a prejudice is to be first overcome by ample experience. But we may be assured that, sooner, or later, the benefits of a change will appear, as the improvements address themselves to men's pockets, which is one of the most influential of motives in common life.

        The principles which control industrial pursuits are perfectly simple; and being simple, have been and still will be liable to be overlooked. Who among the merchants of a village, acquires most rapidly, ease and independence for himself? It is the one who, from a more extensive acquaintance with his occupation, a more attentive observation of the markets, and a more careful application of his judgment, untiring energy and prudent industry, buys the best article and sells it the cheapest.

        Who, among the mechanics of the town, commands the business in his special line of production? It is that one who has been thoroughly instructed in the principles of his handicraft, applies his mind and judgment to his labor, and by that means improves the articles he makes, or the modes of its manufacture, and can thereby outstrip his competitors by manufacturing more, as well as better, and selling cheaper. It is a natural result--a simple law of trade and commerce.

        But who among the agriculturists of the land are the most prosperous? It is he who is not content to follow the beaten track of his forefathers, or pursue the course which they have pursued, and because they pursued and beat it, but he who

Page xiii

thoroughly imbues his mind with sound principles, who studies into the nature of his processes, and the reason why he does this in preference to that; who investigates the nature of his soils, and fits them most perfectly for his crops, and is moreover seasonable in his preparation. He will raise the most to the acre, and have more to sell, and can sell the cheapest, and make the most money. The greatest production, coupled with the best, controls the pockets of the purchasers, and insures to him, what is ever sought after, the earliest independence and the first honors in the line of a profession.

        What lies at the foundations of commerce? What spreads her sails, or generates the steam of our floating castles which ply from port to port and from country to country? It is agricultural production. There is no other substratum upon which the business of the world can rest. Nothing else can impel the mighty engines of commerce, or set in motion the locomotive, with its heavy train of cars. It is not because the merchant buys and sells again. That is not production. But it is because the farmer produces. The other is but a transfer, and is only an incident in trade. The production is the ruling cause. It is that which supports, which moves. Put a stop to production, and the wheels cease to move, the paddle ceases to turn, the locomotive stands still, and the whistle is no longer heard. Production is the great element of life in commerce and manufactures. It is because agriculture exists, that commerce thrives, that the merchant can buy and sell. The earth is properly called the common mother of all. Her fruits nourish us, and supply the materials for the arts and manufactures, and the articles for trade and commerce. The earth is the mother of all, but that does not justify the agriculturist in waiting for her fruits with folded arms, and to neglect to store his mind with the elements and principles of agricultural knowledge, or hope, in inactivity, on a good Providence, or good fortune. If mother earth is rightly depended upon, it will be accompanied by works and the study of principles as connected with what he is to do for his soils. He cannot ask much of mother earth, who neglects to study elements and principles in this connection. I say elements and principles, for it is not enough to

Page xiv

know the mechanical part. It is not enough to know how to plow, and reap, and mow; these are a part of an education, but it is not all of it.

        Thus, we see, the commanding position of agriculture. Its position is commanding, independent of the mode in which a community of individuals conduct it. As it regards this section of the Union, its importance increases with the population of our country. The Agriculturalist is not restricted to the production of bread. While her granaries are overflowing with corn and wheat, she has still two other great staples of trade to arouse her energy: cotton and tobacco. These have been and are increasing in importance from the day the first seed germinated in her soil. These are money crops. In all these great staples, industry need not be paralyzed, nor the spirits be made to sink for want of a market. No one needs fear that a surplus will be left on his hands; that his toils will be unrewarded or his industry avail him nothing. Such is the condition of the world, that the great staples are sought for from necessity. Cotton must be had at any price to satisfy the imperative wants of the world. The loom cannot stand still. The necessities of thousands now demand it. The force of habit in the use of tobacco is so strong and so general, that its price can never be less than it is now. It is rather probable that it will be higher. Its production may be cheapened, its cost may be diminished, but its price in market will never be less. The advantage will ever be on the side of the producer. Farming, then, has an advantage over all professions. There may be too many lawyers, physicians and merchants, but never too many farmers. This is so, because the seaports of the world are their markets, and because there is a world of human families which are not producers, and hence have to be fed, their looms kept running, and their habits gratified.

        It is not, therefore, the domestic market which is to be supplied. The products of the soil of North-Carolina are consumed far away; some, in the cities of the north, but a far greater amount by the population of the Old World. Important measures are being taken abroad to supply cotton for English manufactories from India and Africa, and no doubt with the hope that, ultimately, this nation may make herself

Page xv

independent of this country with respect to this indispensable article. A project of this nature must be regarded with some concern. It cannot succeed immediately, and it is doubtful whether cotton can be produced in those countries, so as to compete successfully in market with our own. In the first place, the husbandry of cotton is fully understood in the Southern States; and in the second place, the adaptation of climate and soil is perfect, and the means for supplying fertilizers to sustain its continued production are equally well established. Marl is the true fertilizer for cotton. This is fully established by experience and chemical analysis. All these facts put it in the power of the South to sustain vigorously, for an indefinite term of years, its production. From the Roanoke to Florida, this fertilizer in numberless forms is inexhaustible. Hitherto, it has been almost impossible to be satisfied that there has been a systematic and sustained effort to carry this production to the limit which the want of it abroad demands. The time, however, has come, when its production has become doubly important. The hopes of foreigners for success in supplying themselves with cotton from India and Africa, are based in a good degree upon its failure here, through some misfortune, such as political revulsion, exhaustion of the soil and other casualties which may occur, but which cannot now be foreseen. As it regards the exhaustion of the soil, there need be no fear, with the resources at command. It is true that large tracts have been exhausted, but agriculture is understood better now than formerly; and hence, the planter is abundantly able to forestall such an event and prevent its occurrence.

        But in any event, the principles stated in the foregoing paragraphs, will govern the market. The best and cheapest article will be bought, and that will insure its sale in any quarter of the globe, in spite of the combination of Cotton Associations to produce it in India and Africa. If American planters can produce the best at a lower rate than it can be produced in India, then American cotton will find a market in Liverpool. It is a simple question of production; and foreign efforts to secure a market and exclude the American cotton, will result simply in arousing the cotton planter to make a successful effort to retain his foothold in the market

Page xvi

which he now supplies. When the cotton planting States have once fully taken into consideration their immense advantages for production, it seems impossible that they should sleep over them. Cotton, Indian corn, wheat and tobacco, four great staples on their hands, for which the markets of the world are open. These minor productions of the homestead furnish business for all. The Alleghanies and their slopes are well adapted to grazing, and hence the raising of stock will become an item of immense importance to planters. Intercourse with the extremes, the east and the west, will soon be made easy. It will be cheap, if an enlightened policy controls the fare upon railroads. If an opposite policy should unfortunately prevail, the hopes of the planter and graizer will be partially disappointed.

        The encouragement for pursuing agriculture may be found in the certain prospect of the mining resources of the State. In the various branches of this business, it will ultimately be found, that a large population will have to be fed. A population devoted to this interest are not producers of bread, meat or fruits. They are necessarily dependent for all these and more; and hence, a home market is furnished, which, as far as it goes, is as important as the foreign.

        But I need not dwell on the importance of agriculture; its importance is felt. I was more anxious in this connection, to state my views of an improved agriculture; one which is understood, or one founded upon established principles,--one which leaves a beaten road and inquires into the why and wherefore. This is the only kind of agriculture which will elevate the masses, and give laborers a status or standing beside professional men, and enable them to exercise an influence as wide as theirs. Regarded in this light, it is not simply an extraordinary crop, which is to be produced, but it is a development of the mental faculties. These are compatible objects. Indeed, they go almost necessarily together, because they are the result of an exercise of the mind. The labor of thinking is involved,--a labor which is not at first performed without effort,--for that reason many prefer to let others think for them; and hence, they continue in that unenviable condition which is properly called a statu quo.

RALEIGH, March 1, 1858.

Page 1

REPORT
OF THE
NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

AGRICULTURE OF THE EASTERN COUNTIES.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

        FOR any thing we know to the contrary, there is such an ample provision in the economy of nature, that the production of food shall not depend upon skill, or a deep acquaintance with the laws of life.

        Seeds are sown broadcast, the winds waft them from their parent stocks, or they fall unheeded to their roots; yet such is the relation of seed to earth, air and moisture, that they germinate and become new individual plants which, in due time, contain the appropriate nutriment for some existing organism. It may be it is food only for the insect tribes, the beast of the field, or it may serve the table of the Prince.

        The simple growth and nutriment of plants is independent of science, high culture, or skill in the ordinary round of nature.

        There is a provision to meet a certain amount of the wants of life, so far as food is concerned, which may be obtained without tillage. It is, however, limited. When the habitations of men become concentrated upon a comparatively small area, or a dense population fills the land, the natural magazine which furnishes the ordinary or regular supply of nutriment to the vegetable, especially the cereals, then becomes insufficient to supply the increased demands of numbers,

Page 2

and hence the natural resources fail, and there ever afterwards exists a demand for skill and science to meet these artificial wants.

        The first efforts to supply the meat and bread of a dense population, in the earliest stages of society, are those which belong to the simplest kinds. They consist mainly in providing more room, light and air, or providing for the free penetration of roots through the soil, and the exclusion of weeds or unnutritive plants. But, inasmuch as nutritive matter is measured out and limited, and as there is no special provision to create a new supply, constant removal will, in the course of years, so far diminish the original stock, that the plant ceases to grow or perfect its fruit, or does so under circumstances less favorable for its perfection.

        At this period it becomes necessary to inquire how fertility, when lost, may be restored; and this inquiry becomes more pressing in the direct ratio that the population has increased.

        Experience does, or may step in and postpone the period of exhaustion, and partially supply, for a time, the nutritive elements. But generally these shifts to postpone the period of exhaustion fail, for they are merely the efforts of the empyric. Empyricism in no business is likely to lead to the discovery of sound principles; indeed, it cannot inform us of the fact of exhaustion at all; and hence, empyricism is not in the direct road to improvement. In one instance it may prove successful, but in the many it fails; as it cannot assign a cause or state a reason.

        The perfection of cultivation, or the perfection of agriculture, demands a reason; and the period when a reason can be assigned may be regarded as the third stage of improvement. It is at this stage that agriculture requires a direct inquiry respecting cause and effect; or, in other words, into antecedents and consequents, in order that it may make progress when the rules of empyricism fail. Agriculture, in some of its scientific aspects, has obscurities, because it has enquiries to make which are closely related to those of life; and life, whether regarded as a mysterious principle, or a force dependent upon chemical relations, or chemical actions, is

Page 3

profoundly mysterious. Calling this force life, without attempting to tell what it is, we know that it controls all the results effected in and by the vegetable tissues. An organ, as a whole, possesses no force: the leaf has no force, neither have the stems, bark or kernel. The force alluded to resides in the cell; and hence it is sometimes called a cell force, and the sum or aggregate force of all the cells of an organ secures all the results in their proper season. The matured fruit is the result then of the combined force of all the cells which compose it, acting under the influence of outward forces, as air, light and heat.

        The sum or aggregate of these changes, however, from germination to the consumation of the mature fruit, is concealed from view. We know only the simple fact, that of change from day to day. Of the effective agency residing in the cell we know nothing. But fortunately the questions which belong to scientific agriculture have only a slight relation to these; they are not questions relating to cell force, or to life in the abstract. These are one step farther back than it is necessary to carry them. We need make no interrogatories respecting cell force, or life, in order to till the soil in the best modes, or to grow large crops of wheat. But still these obscure questions bear a relation sufficiently close to darken or cloud those which must be answered, and we almost instinctively pass from those investigations which lie in the field of research to those which are a step farther back, and lie beyond the limits of legitimate enquiry.

        * 2. The field of investigation is really much nearer to us and more within the scope of legitimate inquiry. If we wish to know what is the appropriate food of the wheat plant, we have only to analyze it, or to determine the elements which compose the kernel. It is not how it is made, how the cell power operates, but simply what the constituents of the wheat or corn plant are.

        In practice, then, the farmer is merely required to sow his wheat upon grounds which contain enough of the elements it wants. It is true, certain collateral questions of great importance have to be answered, such as those which relate to

Page 4

the physical condition of the soil, the measures which ought to be adopted to prevent the operation of injurious agents,--as frost, drought, depredations of insects, etc.

        When experiments and observation have satisfied the farmer respecting the composition of wheat, corn, and of the soil in which they are to be planted, he has only to secure the proper mechanical condition of the soil, and put it into that state which is best adapted to their constitution. From the foregoing statement, it is evident that the range of scientific enquiry is limited to an experimental circle. The farmer is not required to go out of that area to determine the true theory of agriculture, to perfect the art or the practical part of the business.

        * 3. The following report is based on the preceding views relative to the scope or range of agricultural enquiry. The planter or farmer may speculate on vital or chemical forces, and form such theories upon those recondite forces as best comport with his knowledge of facts and principles; yet, as has been said already, practical enquiries do not extend to them; it only demands a range of knowledge which is bounded by experimental researches, and the deductions which legitimately follow therefrom.

        It is therefore true, that enquiries into the nature of the cell force or vital force are not excluded from the philosophy of vegetation, but these ultimate interrogatories have no practical utility, so far certainly as the principles of culture are concerned. From these remarks, however, it should not be inferred that agriculture requires only an extremely limited range of knowledge--that its connections with other sciences are distant and doubtful. So far is this from being true, that it may be shown that it is intimately related to, and dependent upon, several of the important branches of knowledge. We have seen, for example, how important chemistry is to agriculture. To this it is wholly indebted for its wonderful progress in modern times. Climatology also is closely related to agriculture, inasmuch as a knowledge of the influence of light and heat, air and winds, height and depth, must influence the farmer in his selection of crops for tillage, and

Page 5

the modes by which they should be treated. Soils too, being derived from rocks of different periods and constitutions, influence their composition and capabilities more or less. Close observation relative to those influences frequently establish important generalizations; and hence, geology may be regarded as a department very intimately connected with agriculture, and whose principles are capable of advancing its interests.

        It is scarcely necessary to refer to botany, as an allied branch of science. A practical knowledge of soils may be derived from it. Nature rarely errs in collocation. Plants, without selecting soils in truth, do really flourish best on certain tracts whose soil is found to be adapted to their special wants. Some are lime, others are potash plants; and hence, the farmer may be satisfied where certain plants abound, that certain important constituents of soils are present.

        Animals, however, form a large part of his care and oversight. Often his chief wealth consists in cattle. The rearing of stock of favorite breeds, their improvement in general, and often in special points, demands a knowledge of physiology and anatomy. There is property in a knowledge of the foot of the horse, the joints of the bullock and the structure of the hoof. There is property in a knowledge of the skull and the physiognomy of the horse and the kine; and there is property in the knowledge of habits and best food for cattle and flocks, and in the organization of the stomach and its dependencies.

        The farmer and planter, therefore, may say that they have not only property in lands and in cattle, but also in the phenomena of nature, as they may make those phenomena subservient to their interests; the sunbeam and shade add golden dust to their stores, when seed times and tillage are chosen under the guidance of philosophy.

        * 4. While agriculture in all its aspects presents a wide field for investigation, it still has very clearly such subdivisions of labor, that in practice, it may reach a high degree of perfection. We find, for example, that climate frequently restricts the most profitable productions to one or two staples.

Page 6

Cotton cannot be grown with profit north of Virginia. The sugar cane and coffee return profits only on our most southern border. Tobacco, though not so strictly limited by parallels of latitude, still requires certain peculiarities of climate and soil, which greatly restricts its cultivation. Tea requires a peculiar climate. In some parts of the world it rarely or never rains; in others, rains are frequent; in others still, there are seasons of rain followed by others which are rainless. These peculiarities favor the growth and perfection of a class or a family of plants, while, at the same time, others are excluded. Hence, the cultivation being limited, perfection in the culture of a few, necessarily reaches a better and higher grade of perfection, than if the attention of the planter was divided among many. Profit depends, in a great degree, upon the adaptedness of climate to a particular crop. The difference arising from the cultivation of a variety of cotton, which is perfectly matured in this climate, and one that does not attain perfectly that perfection, except under the most favorable circumstances, is very great in the long run. The rearing of cattle is much more profitable where they are at home, than where they require much attention and care to make them thrifty.

        The cereals have the widest range, while plants of little value to man are often very restricted in their ranges. We recognize in this important fact, a prospective provision designed expressly for the benefit of man.

        If the foregoing remarks are true, the education which agriculture demands, in order to improve its condition, requires that of the highest grade. Agriculture, while it is not to lose its place as an art, must, in order to advance, demand of its cultivators more knowledge of the collaterals. Some call this mere book learning which is of no account in practice; and in support of this view, say that agriculture has got along very well without them. Indeed none of our fathers had the benefit of the collateral or direct lights; and yet they made money by their simple modes of culture. This is no doubt true. The planters of North-Carolina found a rich virgin soil. The crops of maize required but little attention. Cotton

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at a later day became a profitable staple, its importance increased with the return of every year. But what have been the results upon the soil from the midland counties of North-Carolina to Alabama? Let one pass along the railroad from Raleigh to Columbia, and then through Georgia to Montgomery. The exhaustion of the soil by its culture is too palpable and plain to be overlooked. Exhaustion on the whole route is the prominent feature. It took place slowly but surely. What were rich lands under the simple culture of the fathers, have now become the poor and worn out lands of their sons. It is at this stage that education or knowledge is demanded. The fathers got along very well, and made money; but the sons, though they may inherit money already made, must be content with that, or move away, or else seek by superior knowledge to replenish the worn out inheritance. New modes of culture must be devised, and a much greater amount of knowledge and skill will be required than the fathers possessed.

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CHAPTER I.

        Reference to a former report. The perfection of seed depends on the character of the soil. Nutrient matters necessary to animal life traced to the soil. Essential elements of a good. The soil the reservoir of all these elements. Character and classification of the soils in the Eastern counties. Importance of determining the smallest per centage of carthy matter in a vegetable soil, which is compatible with a remunerating crop. Some elements are more essential to form a good soil than others. The organs of a plant are composed of different elements. The extreme of certain kinds of soil. Remarks on the adaption of soils, together with a statement of their composition. Soil of the open ground prairie in Carteret county. Pocosin and swamp lands. Soils of Hyde county.

        * 5. In a former report, that of 1852, I deemed it necessary to point out certain facts which have a direct bearing upon the principles of agriculture, and which indeed appear to constitute the foundation upon which it is based; and as the present report may fall into the hands of those who may not have seriously reflected upon those principles, I now propose to recapitulate them very briefly.

        Soils must contain a sufficiency of certain inorganic elements, otherwise no seed can be perfected. The elements which support animal life may be traced to those which exist in the vegetable, especially the seed and fruit. Hence, the important products of life are derived from the soil, it being possible to trace them back through the vegetable, and the reverse, from the soil through the vegetable to the animal. Those products of life then, which can be traced to no other source than the soil, must be regarded as essential elements of the soil, and as designed to sustain and support life. The office of the vegetable tissue through which they pass to fit them for sustaining animal life, are to simply modify, or to form new combinations, and not new substances or elements.

        Those which I regard as essential to animal life, and all of which exist in the soil, are, phosphorus, sulphur, potash, soda, lime, magnesia, iron, silica, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen

Page 9

and carbon. They do not seem, in any instance, to enter into the composition of living bodies in the elementary state, but as compounds; thus hydrogen combines with oxygen and forms water, or nitrogen and forms ammonia; oxygen combines with phosphorus, sulphur, etc., before they are fitted to enter into the composition of the animal tissue.

        The soil then, being the great reservoir or source of these elements which are truly essential to life, and so far as nutriment is concerned are dependent upon them, we cannot overestimate the importance of preserving it in the best condition; and when the soil is so far deprived of these elements that the crops are imperfect, we see the importance of those fertilizers which contain them. It appears also, that substances which do not contain them, have never been denominated fertilizers at all. Hence, when matters are added to soils, it is expected that they contain more or less of phosphorus, sulphur, potash, soda, etc., in certain states of combinations which the plant is able to obtain.

        * 6. The soils of North-Carolina are remarkable. They belong very frequently to the extremes of certain well distinguished classes. On the one hand, these extremes consist of sand, a marine product, nearly pure, or with only a trace of other matters; on the other, they are composed of nearly pure vegetable matter, with only a trace of earth or soil proper. These are not simply rare exceptions to the common run of soils, but they form classes. So also the stiff clays which are also marine deposits, form another class. These, however, do not materially differ in composition from the same class in other sections of the State.

        The two former, I believe, are sectional, and are confined to the lower counties.

        Besides the foregoing, where rocks exist near or at the surface, we may clearly recognize other classes which differ, both as to their origin and composition. For example, we may readily distinguish from all others the deep red soil of the argillaceous slates from that of gneiss or granite, though the latter has a deep red color also, or, from the deep red soil of the sandstone of Orange, Chatham, Moore and Anson. There

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is also another peculiar soil which skirts the northern counties, Granville, Person, Caswell and Rockingham. It is adapted to the growth of fine tobacco. It is a light gray soil.

        The soils, however, which form the subject of this report, occupy the eastern counties of the State, and may all be regarded as marine products with one exception, the vegetable soils, which occupy the swamps and pocosins of the extreme eastern part of the State. The others which have been referred to are derived immediately from the rocks upon which they rest, and have been formed by atmospheric agencies.

        The vegetable soils, on the other hand, were formed by the growth of vegetables which have long since ceased to live, and have undergone disintegration in a greater or less degree; some are coarse and fibrous, others exist as a close compact mass of vegetable matter, perfectly disorganized and in the best condition possible for cultivation. The mass remains in situ, frequently homogeneous, and may be cut into blocks and dried like brick.

        I have applied to these vegetable accumulations the usual term soil, for the reason that they are cultivated and frequently productive. Others probably come more properly under the common name peat, as the mixed earthy matter is too small to be cultivated without the addition of earthy matter, and have remained in situ, and undisturbed since their seeds took root.

        The peculiarity of this vegetable soil then consists in its composition, and the interest which is especially attached to it arises from the small amount of earthy matter which it contains. It gives us, therefore, an opportunity to determine the smallest amount of earthy matter compatible with remunerating crops. It is also proved by observation that all crops require earthy matter,--it may be comparatively small, but if the inorganic matter is reduced to a certain small percentage, the crop fails, although it is placed, in one sense, in a magazine of food. The determination of the smallest percentage of inorganic matter which is compatible with a good crop, is practically important. Large tracts of land in North Carolina consist of organic matter, with too little soil to permit

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of its cultivation. If inorganic matter is added, it will make it productive, and possibly valuable. But how little is required, how much expense may be required to bring it to or put it in a cultivable state, is a legitimate inquiry, and one which may be productive of considerable profit. It is evident, however, that in a country like this, where there are vast areas of wild land to be subdued, that these lands under consideration cannot come in competition with good soil at government prices, unless it can be shown that the expense of reclaiming them is comparatively small; still, the question sought to be determined is an interesting one, and I have attempted its solution, the results of which will be given in the subsequent pages.

        * 7. A secondary fact requires a passing notice. While all the elements enumerated are essential to a good soil, some are more so than others. Thus, certain plants require potash, while to others this element is not so essential, or it holds only a subordinate place. In wheat it is very necessary, while to clover it is less so, and in the latter lime seems to take its place. As a general law the most expensive elements, as potash and phosphoric acid, abound in the seed and fruit, while lime is most usually found in the wood and bark or stem.

        Silex in the cereals is an essential element in the stem or stalk. Its office is to give it strength and hardness.

        Each element, therefore, being destined for a particular organ, performs or fulfils a certain office or function.

        These specializations we may regard as predetermined results, effected through the instrumentality of the cell force; but how, it is impossible to say; how the salts or compounds of phosphoric acid are carried up to form the seed and there remain and accumulate, and how the silex is arrested and accumulates in the stem, it is impossible to say.

        We may be assured, however, that the machinery of a plant will work right if it is fed with the necessary food. Knowing, therefore, what a plant wants, it becomes the special business of the farmer to supply it. The perfection in agriculture will consist in a strict application of the doctrine of specialities, and this specialization will not be confined

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to a supply of food simply, but will extend to the mechanical cultivation: each plant will no doubt be found to do or grow better under a certain mode of cultivation.

        * 8. Sandy soils predominate to a great extent over all others in the eastern counties, though there are tracts in which clay is in as great excess as sand. The extreme varieties may be summed up as follows: 1st, sandy soil to an excess which destroys cohesion and becomes blowing sand; 2d, clay; 3d, vegetable soils to such an extent as to exclude earthy matter, or to contain merely some 4 or 5 per cent. of it.

        Between the extremes, as enumerated, there exist mixtures in various proportions, as usual, except that, as a general rule, the proportion of sand is somewhat greater than in the soils belonging to other parts of the State.

        As an example of soil in which sand is in greater excess, I may state that the following is an instance worthy of note. The specimen was taken from Bladen county, near Elizabeth-town, and represents a kind common to that section. Thus,

        
Silex, 94.80
Water, 1.20
Organic Matter, 1.50
Per oxide of iron and alumina, 65
Lime, 01
Magneisa, trace,
Potash and soda, traces.

        The essential constituents of a good soil in this example exist only in the smallest proportions,--and though it produces plants, yet the valuable elements exist in too small proportions to pay for tillage.

        The great excess of sand is, however, palpable, and it is also evident that there is a great deficiency of clay or alumina, which gives consistency to soils, and which forms the basis upon which fertilizers may be profitably applied.

        It belongs, it will be conceded, to a particular class, as there is a single element in great excess. Although there is a great excess of sand in these examples, to which many more might be added, still, this excess, in itself considered, does not disqualify them for the growth of certain crops, particularly the

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ground pea, though it is possible their constitution may not be fully adapted to that crop, yet so far as the proportion of sand is concerned it is not in excess. This fact is stated for the purpose of alluding to what may not be known to many, that a soil which is really poor and unsuitable for one crop, may be well suited to another. The quality of the crop may be much better when grown upon a soil where sand is in great excess than upon a rich and well proportioned soil.

        * 9. The contrast between soils, one of which is not well proportioned, while the other is, is strikingly exemplified in the composition of another soil from Halifax county. Thus, I found:

        
Silex, 74.80
Water, 21.90
Organic matter, 5.40
Alumina and per oxide of iron, 14.00
Phosphoric acid, 01
Lime, 40
Magneisa, 20
Potash, 05
Soda, 03

        Another from Halifax county resembles very closely the former; thus, I found on submitting it to analysis:

        
Silex, 94.15
Water, 1.30
Organic matter, 1.35
Oxide iron and alumina, 1.80
Lime, 15
Magneisa, 01
Potash, 01
Soda, 01

        Another soil from Halifax which had been long under cultivation, but whose composition is somewhat better; thus, it contained:

        
Silex, 92.56
Water, 1.20
Organic matter, 2.70
Oxide iron and alumina, 2.70
Lime, 18

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Magneisa, 24
Soluble Silica, 10
Potash, trace,
Soda, 18

        The presence of phosphoric acid was not determined in either of the foregoing, but as it is in combination with the small per centages of oxide of iron and alumina, it is evident that it exists in proportions less than that of the alkalies.

        The soils of Halifax, were originally sandy, yet the relative proportion of sand, as they are now constituted, is considerably greater than when they were first brought under cultivation. The soluble matters, those consumed by the crops which they have borne, having been removed with them, and nothing returned to supply their places, they are yet capable of bearing very light crops, but it is doubtful whether the cultivation of land so poor as these really pays. If an example of poor soil is placed side by side with a good one, the comparison is much facilitated:

        
GOOD SOIL POOR SOIL
Silex, 74.80 94.15
Water, 4.90 1.30
Organic matter, 5.40 1.35
Alumina and per oxide of iron, 14.00 1.80
Phosphoric acid, 51
Lime, 40 15
Magnesia, 20 01
Potash, 25 01
Soda, 13 01

        In making a safe comparison between the composition of good and poor soils, it should be stated that less alumina and iron would not displace the soil from the position I have placed it. The silex is in the proper proportion, and the organic matter may be regarded also as sufficient, though as we shall see in the sequel, this element may be greatly increased to the advantage of long cultivation. Where it is wholly absent, seed fails to ripen; a fact which shows the necessity of its presence. Silex is the basis of all soils, and where it is entirely absent, barrenness is certain. It is soluble

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under needful conditions, and it enters largely into the straw of all cereals.

        Alumina never enters into the composition of plants at all; but it performs an important function notwithstanding; it holds as it were the particles of earth together. Its true office may undoubtedly be shown by experiment. Pour water upon a soil well charged with clay, and it remains upon the surface; but poured upon sand, it quickly disappears. If the water was charged with fertilizing matter, this also will remain, and be held near the surface by the clay, and within reach of the roots of the plant.

        * 10. The fact is well known that sandy soils do not retain manures; while on the contrary, clay soils retain all fertilizing matters with great force. Clay indeed absorbs ammonia under all circumstances, and it cannot be entirely dissipated or driven off short of a red heat. It obstinately retains water. Some of the functions of clay are performed by other elements. Lime and iron and organic matter, for example, give cohesion to soils, and aid in the retention of water.

        Water exists in soils in two conditions. In the first, it seems to adhere to the surfaces of particles, and hence is liable to constant variation. This is hygrometric water. In the second, it forms a constituent part of the salts in the soil, as the soluble salts of lime and alkalies, the crenates, etc. In the first instance, it is mostly dissipated by an exposure of 400 degrees of Fah., while a heat near to redness is required to remove it from the organic salts.

        All the elements which have been enumerated, except alumina, enter into the constitution of plants; but as I have had occasion to say, in different proportions in different plants, and also in different proportions in the parts of plants.

        An example or two of soils occupying another extreme, where the organic matter is in great excess, may be cited from localities in Tyrrel and Carteret counties. In the former county, large tracts lying upon Croatan Sound, furnish organic matter in great excess, and at the same time they are deficient in the earths. Thus in an uncultivated soil I found it composed of

Page 16

        
Organic matter, 92.70
Sand, 6.02
Lime, 0.02
Phosphate of lime, alumina and iron, 0.90
Potash, 0.20
Soda, 0.06
Magnesia, trace.

        The silex in this case is a white marine sand which becomes visible after rains, or after a year or two of cultivation. It is too coarse to furnish the necessary amount of soluble silica for a succession of crops. When the vegetable matter is removed, it remains as a white sand still, and is blown into ridges.

        * 11. The condition of the vegetable matters, as in the case of the other elements, is quite variable. Sometimes it is very fine, and is thoroughly incorporated with them; in other instances it is coarse, or in the condition of fibres. In the former state the sand is not so readily exposed; in the latter it is always visible, and is indicative of a poor condition, or of its unsuitableness for cultivation. It has not been exposed long enough to change it to the condition required for crops of the most valuable kind.

        A still more remarkable case of excess of vegetable matter composes a tract in Carteret county, and is known as the open ground prairie. This tract, or that portion of it lying within a certain zone of rich and productive land, contains a growth of sphagnum or moss, together with other vegetables intermixed, with which there is only a minute quantity of earth. I obtained it from a depth of 18 inches, and it gave only 3 per cent. of inorganic matter, and this was mostly the ash of the vegetable fibre. This case furnishes an example of an unproductive soil, so far as the grains are concerned. The outer rim of the open grounds is an excellent soil.

        Much has been said respecting the open ground prairie, and enquiries are now frequently made respecting the character of this tract; and whether it is susceptible of a profitable cultivation. As the soil is now constituted, a kernel of corn planted in it would germinate and grow well apparently until

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it is about one foot high, when it turns yellow and dies. It is then evidently in an uncultivated condition.

        The question then comes up, can the open prairie be made cultivable artificially, and if so, how? The question first put is not designed to inquire strictly into the possibility of the thing, because all who have given some thought to the question, know very well that it is possible, because a soil can be made from the start, by putting together the proper elements, and this can be done with the open ground prairie; but can it be done profitably? Now, when we are assured that the soil of the open prairie ground is composed exclusively of vegetable matter, it is plain, that the earths must be added to give it the composition required for the perfection of vegetables of any value to man. The old practice consisted mainly, in giving peaty soils (as this must be ranked in that class,) a heavy dressing of lime. It is evident on reflection, if the principles in the foregoing paragraphs are correct, that this practice could not be relied upon, for it would only acquire a single element. Something more is wanted. Not only lime, but iron, alumina and silica are required. We may infer that the phosphates and alkalies will be supplied by the decay of vegetable matter, and, from this fact, it appears at least plausible, that the treatment which the open ground prairie demands, is the addition of some natural soil. It may be taken from the nearest marsh where mud or soil may be obtained, provided it contains silex, alumina, iron, etc.

        Knowing, then, what substances are wanting in this soil, and hence what must be added, the question resolves itself into this: how much does a soil of the description of that under consideration require to make it productive? We have seen that the soil upon Croatan sound is at least tolerably productive, which contains only 7.30 per cent. of inorganic matter, and that the element which greatly predominates over the rest, is sand, in a state unfitted to furnish soluble silica. We may regard the Croatan soil as containing the smallest quantity of earthy matter, and at the same time possessing the ability to grow the cereals. Leaving the sand out of view, we may infer that the least quantity of earth which

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is required to the open ground prairie will be not less than 140 to 150 tons to the acre. When this expense is added to the expense of drainage, it is evident that in a country where land is cheap it would not be economical to expend so much money and labor to create as it were a soil adapted to the better class of vegetables.

        * 12. The effect of cultivation of soils composed mainly of vegetable matter and marine sand, is to consume so much of the former that the latter becomes in its turn predominant, and even after a few years' cultivation only, the white sand shows itself through and upon the surface of the black vegetable matter, and soon afterwards it appears in sufficient quantities to form white ridges over the cultivated field. When this takes place, the soil has already begun to exhibit unmistakable evidences of partial exhaustion.

        The soils in which vegetable matter predominates, apperently in great excess, not injuriously however, prevail over large tracts or areas in the eastern counties, and are beginning to be esteemed the most valuable lands of any in North-Carolina. They are not confined to one or two counties, but may be found in most of them which lie east of the Wilmington railroad. They also prevail in the south-eastern section, especially in New Hanover and Columbus.

        Some of the tracts are classed as pocosin and swamp lands, but they agree in having a very large percentage of vegetable matter, and in being also thoroughly wet and frequently covered with water, I have found that there is no constant percentage of vegetable matter where different and distant tracts are compound together. It is as variable as the clay or sand in argillaceous and sandy soils. There is also a variableness as to its condition; it is often perfectly disorganized and presents a compact appearance when cut into blocks; or it may be in the condition of coarse fibres with their texture or structure perfectly preserved. In the first case, it is in the proper condition for cultivation, and the latter, it has not passed into that state and condition which is fitted for the nutrition of the cereals. The coarse vegetable fibre predominates in the open prairie grounds of Carteret, and the

Page 19

former in those of Hyde and Onslow counties. So also these vegetable soils vary endlessly with respect to the amount of soil and sand. The Hyde county soils may be regarded as the standard soils for excellence of this class, and hence it is important to determine their composition. On their own account, it is important to determine the composition, as well as for the purpose of comparing their composition with others which resemble them in their external characters. Many mistakes have been made in the swamp lands; for when wet and examined in the ordinary way they look rich--with the presence of a superabundance of vegetable matter, their true characters may be concealed. In many cases the condition of the earthy matter is overlooked. It may indeed be too small; or it may be a coarsish marine sand destitute of fine earth. In all cases it is possible, and indeed easy to determine whether it will be productive or comparatively valuable. This is an important fact to make out, for all these lands require to be drained thoroughly, and it is certainly an object worth attention to be able to determine before hand whether the tract is worth the expenditure before it is incurred.

        The Hyde county soils have acquired a deservedly high reputation for fertility. Some tracts have been cultivated over a century, and the crops appear to be equally as good as they were at an early period of their culture; and yet no manure has been employed, and they have been under culture in indian corn every year; or what would be equivalent thereto. If this crop has been omitted, wheat has been substituted for it; not because they are properly wheat soils, but if they are uncultivated, the weeds acquire a size that it is impossible to cover them the next year. The same difficulty occurs in part in the culture of corn; the stalks are so numerous and large that it is difficult to bury them so completely that they shall be concealed, and preserve at the same time an even handsome surface. For this reason critics of a morbid stamp have said, that the Hyde county planters are slovenly, overlooking the facts refered to, which are really the sole causes of the defects complained of. Though the

Page 20

defects are not very palpable under any circumstances, still it is sometimes useful to a community to have faultfinders, and to have their doings overhauled by a would be wise critic.

        * 13. Hyde county appears to be nearly a dead level. It rises of course a few feet above the sound, but it is imperceptible to the eye. Buildings may be seen for great distances, and were the whole surface laid out in proper order, it might be made to appear like an immense park. The depressions of the surface are due to fires which have consumed the vegetable matters to the depth of from four to ten and perhaps fifteen feet. In these depressions the surface water has accumulated, and in a few instances large lakes are the result. Mattamuskeet lake is the largest of the surface drainage. Its former extent was not less than twenty miles. Its circumference now exceeds sixty miles by the road,--and as the traveller proceeds on his route, there is nothing more surprising than the succession of corn fields which are always in view.

        The most common natural growth of the best swamp land of Hyde county is cypress and black gum.

        In one respect this region differs from others father from the sea. There is no difficulty in the cultivation of the grasses. It is evident the climate is more humid, and the sea breezes moderate the heat sufficiently in summer to favor the developement of this family of plants. There is no doubt, also, that if the attention of the planters was turned to the cultivation of grasses adapted to the climate, greater profits might be realized than from the cultivation of maize. It is less expensive, and as hay bears a high price, and is obtained from a distance, in all the villages of this part of the State, and as there is always a communication with them by water, there can be no doubt that the profits which would arise from hay making, would considerably exceed those of corn. The green surface of the lake shore, the yards of the houses, and the appearance of the small pasturages sustain this view.

        * 14. The peculiarities of the soil of Hyde county, that particularly of the lake region, are comprised in two particulars: 1st, the large quantity of fine vegetable matter they

Page 21

contain; 2d, the extreme fineness of the intermixed earthy matter. The earthy matter is invisible in consequence of its fineness, and is evenly distributed through the mass. An inspection of it even under a common lens will deceive most persons, and they would be led to infer that it was entirely absent. Unlike other soils it contains no coarse visible particles of sand; and hence it appears that during the growth of the vegitables which form at least one-half of the soil, it was subjected to frequent overflows of muddy water; or else the area over which these peculiar soils prevail was usually a miry swamp which communicated with streams which brought over it the finest sediment of some distant region. This sediment is frequently a fine grit, and fine enough for hones, and when the vegetable matter is burnt off, it assumes a light drab color. The character of the Hyde county soils has never been understood. The cause of their fertility has never been explained, and many persons who are good judges of land have overated the value of swamp lands in consequence of the close external resemblance they have borne to those of Hyde. Analysis, however, will in every case detect the difference between the common swamp soils, and those of Matamuskeet lake.

        It is unnecessary to dwell farther upon the points I have stated respecting the characteristics of these remarkable soils. It will appear in the sequel that there is a great uniformity in the composition of these soils, both as it regards the amount and condition of the vegetable matter, and the quantity and condition of the fine grit intermixed with it.

        Regarding as I do these soils as the proper standard for the valuable swamp soils of the eastern section of the State, I have subjected many samples to a rigid chemical analysis.

        The result of these analyses have thrown much light over them, and explains satisfactorily their steady productiveness for long periods. It will appear that their fertility is due not only to their vegetable matter, but also to the composition and condition of the earth in combination with it.

        Hereafter, it appears to me, it will be unnecessary to subject

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soils of this character to a strict analysis, for reasons which will be stated in the sequel.

        In my journey to Hyde my principal objects were to select the standard soils for analysis, and to investigate upon the ground, the peculiar conditions which seemed to favor the production of indian corn; for of all crops this seems to be the one to which the soils are specifically fitted.

        In accomplishing the objects of my visit I was ably seconded by Dr. Long, of Lake Landing, who has become the owner of a tract which has borne this crop for one hundred years without manures. It does not seem to have deteriorated by this long cultivation; or the crops do not show a perceptible falling off; still there has been a large consumption of materials during the one hundred years of cultivation which may be made to appear by analysis. The great supply of nutriment, however, still holds out, and the one hundred years to come, if subjected to no greater drains upon its magazine of food, will, at such a distant period, continue to produce its ten or twelve barrels of corn to the acre.

CHAPTER II.

        The best soil of Dr. Long, of Hyde county--its composition--its common yield per acre of corn. Mr. Burrough's soil of the north side of Mattamuskeet Lake. Amount of inorganic matter which a crop of corn removes from the soil. Each organ to be furnished with appropriate nutriment. Maize an exhausting crop. Soils from the plantation of Gen. Blount, Beaufort county. Gen. Blount's letter, etc.

        * 15. The soil which Dr. Long regarded as his best, and which had been under cultivation only three years, I shall now speak of, and state its composition, and present it as representing very nearly the original condition of the best soil of the county. It is rather light and loose, of a black color

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like all vegetable soils. It is not however spongy. Rains do not expose grains of quartz as in many instances of the gallberry lands. It becomes rather lumpy on drying. Its composition is as follows:

        
Organic matter, 48.10
Silex, 43.00
Oxide of iron and alumina, 6.40
Lime, 0.21
Magnesia, 0 12
Potash, 0.16
Soda, 0.18
Chlorine, trace,
Soluble Silex, 0.03
Sulphuric acid, 0.04
Phosphoric acid, 0.30
98.55

        The silex, after the removal of the organic matter, is of a light drab color, exceedingly fine, or nearly fine enough for sharpening fine edge tools. If all the vegetable matter was removed, this fine earth would probably be too compact and close for cultivation; but, intermixed as it is with the debris of vegetables, it is sufficiently porous to admit all the light and air required for the luxuriant growth of any crop which may be put upon it.

        The composition of this soil, it is evident, shows a large proportion of vegetable matter. This is intimately blended with fine earthy matter, the basis of which is silex. In combination with it we find a full proportion of iron and alumina, or clay, which gives coherency to the grains, and besides the nutritive elements, lime, magnesia, potash, phosphoric acid, exist in as large proportions as in other rich and productive soils. The regular yield of this soil to the acre is from ten to twelve barrels of Indian corn. In favorable seasons it amounts to twelve, in less favorable it may reach only ten barrels. It is also easy to cultivate.

        The composition of a soil of a similar character, and which has been under culture by Mr. Burroughs, of the north side of the lake, is as follows:

Page 24

        
Silex, 34.60
Water, 12.30
Organic matter, 41.90
Peroxide of iron, 3.70
Alumiua, 5.10
Soluble silica, 0.40
Lime, 0.48
Magnesia, 0.27
Potash, 0.13
Soda, 0.10
Phosphoric acid, 0.12

        This soil, though exposed in paper in a dry room for two months to the air, contained more water than the preceding. Its composition should be calculated without the water. So it is probable that the phosphoric acid, if obtained and calculated from the full proportion of earthy matter, would show a more striking result. But it is evident that there can be no deficiency of this important element, inasmuch as the crop is one which is necessarily rich in phosphates. The depth of this rich vegetable soil varies from 5 to 10 feet, rarely less than five feet. This may be taken too as the usual depth of the soils of this description, not only in Hyde, but in all the eastern counties where swamp and pocosin lands prevail.

        * 16. There are but few instances on record, where a soil has been under cultivation a century, and still retains its apparent original fertility. It must of course have lost a large amount of phosphoric acid, potash and lime; still the crops are equal in measure to what they were when first cultivated. In order to test the value of a soil which had borne a crop for one hundred years, and during the whole period had not received a bushel of manure, I selected a parcel of it at a distance from buildings, or from a spot which could not have received any artificial aid.

        This parcel gave the following result, on submitting it to analysis:

        
Silex, 59.00
Organic matter, 22.20
Peroxide of iron and alumina, 8.00
Lime, 0.10
Magnesia, 0.09
Potash, 0.02

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Soda, 0.03
Sol. silica, 0.20
Water, 8.90
Phosphoric acid, trace.
99.44

        These remarks are justified on comparing the results of this analysis with Dr. Long's soil, which has been under cultivation only three years; thus, the silica is in greater proportion, and the organic matter, less; and it is due no doubt to the fact that it has been under cultivation for the time specified. It still retains, however, a magazine of food for future crops; and if not exhausted at a greater rate than during the last century, it will be a rich soil at the close of the next century. It will be perceived that all the elements of fertility which belong to new and unexhausted soils still belong to this. The inorganic matter is extremely fine, like the finest grit, and in the proportion required for the production of the most valuable crops. Growing, as we perceive, in a magazine of food, it seems to show that it is a crop upon which it is scarcely possible to overmanure, and that it is unlike other corn crops, which, when over supplied with food, run to stalks and leaves to the detriment of the grain.

        * 17. If we calculate the amount of inorganic matter which a hundred crops of maize remove from the soil, we should find it to amount to many thousand pounds.

        From data in my possession, I am led to believe that five hundred pounds per acre of inorganic matter is removed in every crop. This inorganic matter is contained in the kernels, cobs, husks, silks, leaves, sheaths, stalks and tassels; each organ containing its own appropriate amount.

        The number of plants which are allowed to grow upon an acre, amount to fourteen thousand and seven hundred. Each plant removes from the soil a specific amount of the earthy compounds, and nearly in the following proportions, viz:

        
In Silica, 195 lbs.
Earthy phosphates, 108 lbs.
Lime, 25 lbs.
Magnesia, 18 lbs.

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Potash, 78 lbs.
Soda, 30 lbs.
Chlorine, 29 lbs.
Sulphuric acid, 34 lbs.
507

        If five hundred pounds of the earthy constituents of this soil are removed from one acre in one year or in a single crop, it will amount in one hundred years to fifty thousand pounds--a quantity which would exhaust most perfectly any of the ordinary soils of the country.

        In an analysis which I have made of the kernels and cobs of the yellow corn, I found:

        
COBS. KERNALS
Silica, 4.67 5.93
Earthy phosphates, 8.22 22.18
Lime, 0.10 0.10
Magneisa, 0.30 1.50
Potash, 12.31 14.95
Soda, 2.03 14.11
Chlorine, 0.04 0.39
Sulphuric acid, 0.11 2.74
61.81

        That the composition of the leaves may be compared with the foregoing, I subjoin an analysis of the leaves made at the same time and growing upon the same plant:

        
LEAVES.
Silica, 82.88
Earthy phosphates, 29.27
Lime, 9.40
Magneisa, 1.91
Potash, 19.70
Soda, 13.14
Chlorine, 15.07
Sulphuric acid, 6.46

        It might be supposed that as the sheaths of the leaves belong in one sense to the leaves themselves, that their composition would be the same; but this is not the case as may be seen by the following analysis:

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SHEATHS.
Silica, 39.66
Earthy phosphates, 7.54
Lime, 1.58
Magnesia, 58
Potash, 5.57
Soda, 9.26
Chlorine, 2.20
Sulphuric acid, 8.92

        In the sheaths the earthy phosphates and alkalies are much less than in the leaves. In the cobs too the earthy phosphates are less than in the kernels; it seems, therefore, that each part or organ has its own peculiar composition. To complete this view of the composition of the plant of the maize, I subjoin an analysis of the stalks; thus, they contain:

        
Silica, 8.78
Earthy phosphate, 10.30
Lime, 1.92
Magnesia, 0.64
Potash, 11.08
Soda, 17.09
Chlorine, 7.42
Sulphuric acid, 7.38

        It should be observed that these several analyses were made of a single plant, and the proportions are those belonging to the plant, or its parts, and not properly percentages. The ash was obtained from all the leaves, or stalks, and kernels, and the whole ash obtained analyzed. Hence the difference of composition of those parts are presented in a strong light, as well as in a true proportion.

        From the foregoing it will be perceived that where a crop is to be manured or a fertilizer applied, it is not sufficient to apply the earthy phosphates, for we perceive that every organ or part requires all the elements which we find in them. The notion, therefore, should be dispelled, that bone earth is the main fertilizer for the maize crop, or that it is enough to furnish substances which consist of elements found in the grain or fruit. For the perfection of the crop it is necessary that the leaves and stalks, tassel and cobs should be furnished with appropriate elements of food as well as the grain; for that the

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grain may ripen and acquire perfection, the leaves and stalks also should be equally perfected. It can scarcely be doubted that the grain itself depends for its full development upon the perfection of the parts which precede it. They are the organs which bring up the nutriment from the soil. Remove the leaves at an early day, and the grain is destroyed, or never comes to maturity; but supply matter suitable for their increase and perfection, and the grain is supplied also. It will be observed that the different subordinate parts frequently contain elements which are not found, except in very small proportions, in the seed or grain; yet, there is no doubt these elements are quite essential to the perfection of the plant.

        * 18. Maize must be ranked among the most exhausting crops; and it is evident that poor soils will scarcely repay the farmer for its cultivation. It is evident that, unlike other cereals, there is little danger of using too much manure in its cultivation, as it will bear almost any amount without injury, provided all the elements of fertility exist in the magazine of food provided for it. It is not liable to run to foilage, and thereby fail to produce grain; neither will it lodge or fall down by its own excessive disproportion of organic to its inorganic nutriment.

        While it must be admitted that maize is an exhausting crop, it is equally clear and conclusive that it is one of the most important and valuable, and hence it may be regarded as one which pays the best.

        * 19. The foregoing remarks respecting the maize crop have been made in consequence of the peculiar adaptation of the soil of Hyde county to this cereal. It is the granary of the South. It is true that the number of bushels per acre which constitute the average crop is less than the number frequently made on other kinds of soil. Thus a hundred bushels of corn may be grown upon an acre, but the Hyde county soils rarely exceed sixty bushels per acre,--but from fifty to sixty bushels are grown annually per acre for an indefinite term of years, without the expense of fertilizers, while the heavy premium crops require a great expenditure on them; and these have to be repeated in order to keep the

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ground in a good condition; and hence, in the long term of years, the profits of these rich lands greatly exceed those which are only moderately so, naturally, and require every few years an instalment of manure.

        * 20. The similarity in the composition of the soils and lands surrounding Matamuskeet lake in Hyde county is remarkable. They are all eminently rich in vegetable matter, and all are supplied with a sufficiency of fine earthy matter; in which respect they differ greatly, as will be perceived from the open ground prairie in Carteret county. The similarity appeared so great that I have not multiplied analyses of them. I have, however, specimens received from Gen. Blount, from Beaufort county, which I have analyzed; all of which will go to show that there is an extension of similar swamp lands of that direction in the county of Beaufort, which I have submitted to analysis; all of which go to prove the extension of the Matamuskeet lands westward, or of swamp lands quite similar in composition to these justly celebrated soils.

        The soils which were collected by Gen. Blount were four in number, and were taken from tracts, some of which had been under cultivation several years, while others were comparatively new.

        After having submitted these soils to analysis, I stated to Gen. Blount my opinion of the samples I had operated upon, and requested a statement from him also of all the facts connected with them which he regarded as of sufficient importance to be made public.

        In reply to this request I received the following interesting communication which I propose to incorporate with this report.

        It should be stated, however, for the benefit of those who are not acquainted with Gen. Blount's husbandary, that he has been engaged in the successful culture of swamp lands between forty and fifty years, and hence is amply qualified to express an opinion respecting their productiveness and value.

        The following is the communication referred to:

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MADISONVILLE, (NEAR WASHINGTON,) BEAUFORT COUNTY,
January 30th, 1858.

        PROF. EMMONS--My Dear Sir:--Your letter was duly received. I will now give you a description of the land of which the four parcels sent you are specimens:

        No. 1.--A dark soil, from fifteen to twenty inches deep, incumbent on porous clay, with some fine sand intermixed; through this substratum the water percolates freely. The natural growth on this land, (before being cultivated,) was a heavy growth of black gum, a scattering growth of large poplars, some maples, a few laurels; here and there a large short strawed pine. This land has been cultivated in corn for three years, and has produced from 40 to 50 bushels per acre.

        No. 3.--When cleared, some ten years since, was considered by me second quality swamp land. The growth is formed of gums, but more laurels, pines, and poplars than No. 1. For ten consecutive years it has been cultivated in indian corn; when in its prime it produced 40 bushels per acre--the last crop 30--the past season it was sown in oats, produced 20 bushels per acre. The specimen sent you was taken from the poorest spot I could find in the field, (judging from the growth of oats then on it;) the soil where the specimen was taken from was about 12 inches deep, the balance of the field 18.

        No. 2.--Unreclaimed swamp--soil from 18 to 24 inches deep; subsoil a different clay from that which underlays the previously described land, it is lumpy and resists the spade. My opinion is that the water does not pass freely through this subsoil, and consequently the surface soil is wetter than on the lands above mentioned. The natural growth of this land is: reeds standing very thick, of moderate size, small sickly pine saplings, red and white, bay bushes and gallberry. I have no doubt that this land has been often burnt. I find strata of ashes at different depths below the surface, and the stumps of large pine trees charred. I own about 3000 acres of this description of land--it lays between the long leaf pine land and the gum lands, and is the greater part of the year filled with water to the surface. For some time after every heavy rain the surface is partially covered, and the water slowly disappears; every foot of it can be drained; it adjoins my farm. Why should not such land, when thoroughly drained, be fertile? If it would not be, what should be the proper treatment to make it productive?

        No. 3 lies between Nos. 1 and 2.

        No. 4.--Soil of the complexion of the specimen sent you. It is from 2 to 3 feet deep; incumbent on soapy clay, which is porous, and allows an easy descent of the water. The growth of timber on this land is magnificent: black gums, from one to two feet diameter at the stump, fifty to sixty feet to the limbs, straight bodies, the limbs not drooping, but forming with the body an angle of about 30 degrees, limbs and twigs showing that

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the growth is healthy and vigorous; a few very large, long bodied poplars; some maples, corresponding in appearance, as regards size, &c., with the gums above described; cypress trees, averaging from 8 to 10 in number per acre, from two and a half to four and a half feet diameter at the stump; one hundred feet to the limbs, straight bodies, small bulky tops, limbs not drooping but crect. I have none of this land in cultivation, but have just commenced to reclaim it. My opinion is it will be found equal in production to the lands on the south-side of Matamuskeet lake.

        On a farm laying on said lake that I once owned I have made one hundred and fifteen bushels of indian corn per acre, and thirty bushels of wheat per acre. I think this last described land, No. 4, with perfect drainage and judicious cultivation, will produce as much as the Matamuskeet lake land spoken of; appearances, however, may be deceptive.

        I have been, for a period of forty years, engaged in reclaiming and cultivating swamp lands, such as I have described, and have found it a profitable business. I am located near the margin of the swamp, (of which my plantation is a part;) it contains about 30,000 acres, and is south of my residence. The health of my family, white and black, will compare favorably with the healthiest locations in eastern North-Carolina.

        We have, as you are aware, large bodies of rich swamp lands in this portion of the State. Within a few years wealth and population has flowed, and is still flowing in upon them, which promises the happiest results to the good old North State. Rich swamp land, like almost every thing else, will show after a while the effects of bad treatment, but fortunately for us, if we impoverish our land by severe and injudicious cultivation, we have in close contiguity inexhaustible supplies of shell marle, which has proved itself a panacca to worn down swamp land. Guano and the other manures in common use produce as fine, perhaps a better effect, on swamp land than any other description of land of which I have any knowledge. I fear, sir, I have taxed you too severly; the interest I feel as a citizen of the castern part of the State I mention as my justification. Should you wish more specific information than I have given, it will afford me pleasure to furnish it.

        Such is my great aversion to writing, I have been compelled to enlist the aid of my daughter, Mrs. B., who is now with me. You will perceive that a lady has been my amanuensis.

Most respectfully,

WILL. A. BLOUNT, SEN'R.


        From the foregoing communication the reader will be prepared to form a correct opinion of the character of the swamp lands referred to, especially when taken in connexion with their composition as determined by analysis.

        No. 1.--On being exposed for a few weeks to the air becomes

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dry. Its color is blackish brown, it contains undecomposed bark, wood and some roots, but is mostly made up of decomposed vegetable matter. The earthy part is not visible as in many vegetable soils of the poorer class.

        On submitting it to analysis I found it composed of the following elements:

        
Silex, 65.540
Organic matter, 26.100
Water, 6.050
Peroxide of iron and alumina, 4.920
Carb. lime, 0.490
Magneisa, 0.050
Potash, 0.003
Soda, 0.020
Phosphoric acid, 0.003

        The silex, as in most of the good swamp soils, is extremely fine. Its color is drab, and hence probably contaius a small quantity of alumina which cannot be detached without being attached by potash.

        This soil, it is evident, still contains the elements of fertility, and it is also evident that it will bear cultivation for years to come without exhaustion. It will be observed that the natural growth upon this soil is one which indicates fertility, as the poplar and black gum, and a large growth of short leaved pine, the growth being very heavy.

        No. 2.--This specimen or mass of soil consists apparently of vegetable matter without any earth. It is black, and preserves a moist state, though it has been exposed to the air in a box for several months; and on being exposed in a drying oven lost its moisture very slowly. It contains fresh vegetable fibres, portions of partially decomposed wood and bark, etc. Still it is rather homogeneous, and is unlike the coarse fibrous soil of the open prairie of Carteret.

        On submitting this soil to analysis, I found it composed of the following elements:

        
Silex, 74.600 74.600
Organic Matter, 18.000 18.100
Peroxide of iron and alumina, 3.100 3.100
Phosphoric acid, 0.021 trace,

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Lime, 0.049 0.040
Magnesia, 0.005 0.005
Potash, 0.040 trace,
Soda, 0.030 trace,
Water, 4.000 4.000
98.845 99.845

        This soil was dried before the quantity was weighed for analysis. When exposed to about 300 degrees of Fah., it lost fifteen per cent. of water.

        This soil has not been cultivated, and though it looks rich, still I am inclined to regard it as a poorer soil than No. 1. It contains more sand, is rather coarser, and less alumina, iron and vegetable matter. The alkaline earths, as lime and magnesia, are much less. The same may be said of the alkalies, potash and soda. The depth of this soil is from eighteen to twenty-four inches, resting on a hard and rather impervious bottom. Its natural growth is also different; as it consists of reeds standing very thick, and small sickly pine saplings, red and white bay bushes, gallberry, etc.

        This growth, it is evident, might be due to the impervious bottom, or its low temperature; but it is also in part due to the absence of the most important elements of fertility. There is not doubt, however, but a low temperature, which is due to the presence of water, is competent to produce an apparent sterility, low bushes of peculiar kinds, as bay, gallberry, alder and willow.

        No. 3.--The color of this soil is a dark ash or gray. It has become dry in the box in which it was sent, while No. 2 has remained wet. It is pulverulent and light, though somewhat lumpy. The vegetable matter exists evidently in a large proportion, yet a close observer would perceive that it is less than in No. 2.

        On submitting it to analysis, I found its composition as follows:

        
Silex, 81.600
Vegetable matter, 12.800
Peroxide of iron and alumina, 4.100
Carb. of lime, 0.020

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Magnesia, 0.010
Phosphoric acid, trace,
Potash, trace.

        This soil was regarded by Gen. Blount as second quality. Its growth consisted of low pines, gums and poplars. It however produced forty bushels of corn to the acre, but the last crop was only thirty bushels. Afterwards, it gave twenty bushels of oats to the acre.

        The proportion of silex, it will be perceived, is much greater than in No. 1. The specimen was taken from a poor spot in the field. It had been under culture for ten years. Depth of soil twelve inches.

        In attempting the solution of the question, why a poor crop was at last produced, we should not forget that certain soils in this climate become dry at an early day; and if so, we invariably find the cereals growing very slim and slender, and perhaps soon cease to grow, turn yellow, and produce, if any, a very small ear of grain. In a shallow soil such a result may be expected, notwithstanding the soil, on analysis, may be found to contain the elements of fertility. In the same field, plants growing in the same soil, a part may yield seed and fruit, and another will fail; the results being dependent on the existence of moisture surrounding the roots of the plant.

        No. 4.--The color is grayish black, and contain half decomposed roots, bark, etc. It has also partially dried in the box, and in drying, becomes lighter colored. This soil is deeper than either of the preceding, being between three and four feet deep, and incumbent on a porous bottom.

        The growth is very large, consisting of black gum from one to two feet in diameter, and from fifty to sixty feet high. The limbs are straight as well as the bodies. Very large poplars also are found scattered over the field, also cypress in clusters from eight to ten in each.

        This sample I found composed as follows:

        
Silex, 77.500
Organic matter, 15.400
Peroxide of iron and alumina, 6.900

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Lime, 0.500
Magnesia, 0 100
Potash, 0.019
Soda, 0.029
Phosphoric acid, 0.400
Sulphuric acid, 0.180

        Portions of this soil, on being dried in an oven at 300 deg. lost thirty-four per cent. of water. The silex is extrmely fine, and similar in appearance to the Hyde county soils. It is, however, in a greater proportion, and there is less organic matter. But there is no doubt this soil will be productive when drained and put under cultivation. It appears established from observation and experiment upon the swamp lands of the eastern counties, that much depends on the fineness of the earthy matter; for when there is a perceptible coarseness, the land will not bear cultivation many years. There is in those cases, however, less alumina and iron, and hence this kind of soil dries readily; and in certain seasons crops will be very short, and in reality fail. Where the earthy matter is fine it retains moisture, and furnishes a supply for those seasons when the rains are unseasonable. In certain cases the extreme fineness of the earth would present other defects. It would become too compact and close, and exclude the air. But the vegetable matter counteracts this defect in the swamp lands.

        The gallberry lands often appear rich, if their vegetation did not remind one of their poverty. It will be found, in most cases of the poorest kinds of this class of lands, that the sand may be seen in the mass, or shows through its black covering of vegetable mould. On examination, the sand will be found to be coarse. Under cultivation the vegetable matter disappears rapidly; it is readily burnt--and the surface soon becomes white with the marine sand, and in extreme cases blows into ridges. Lands of this description do not pay the expense incurred in draining. It is sometimes necessary to drain them, in order to effect the drainage of other contiguous tracts.

        Neither of the four foregoing soils of Gen. Blount's plantations

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belong to the poor gallberry lands, though No. 2 might be ranked in the better class of this description of soils.

        The texture of the gallberry lands has much to do with their poverty; for generally they are made up of stiff whitish clays and coarse sand. From analysis we might prove that their constituents were the same as in productive kinds of soils. Such facts prove that productiveness is not entirely dependent on composition.

CHAPTER III.

        Topography of the Eastern Counties, from Wake eastward to Onslow County. Character of the soil of the White Oak Desert. Mr. Francke's Pocosin and Swamp Lands. Better kind of Gallberry Swamp Land. Swamp Lands of the Brown Marsh. Green Swamp Lands. Mr. McNeil. Will pay for drainage. Barren soil of Bogue Sound, furnished by D. A. Humphrey, Esq., with his letter. Cause of barrenness in these soils.

        * 21. From Wake county eastward to the shore of the Atlantic the country slopes gently, the greatest inclination being of course on the western side of the plane. Between Wake and Johnston the country is rolling. From Smithfield, in Johnston, to Clinton, in Sampson county, the country is still somewhat rolling; but much less so than between Johnston and Wake. A large proportion of the country, however, between Smithfield and Clinton is a flat piney woods. The land seven or eight miles west of Clinton is level and rather sandy.

        In Duplin county the level swamp lands begin. Between Magnolia on the railroad and Ouslow county, the country is low and swampy, and in Onslow there are large tracts of unsettled

Page 37

or unreclaimed swamp and pocosin lands of an excellent quality. One tract in particular contains a hundred square miles, and a large proportion of it is excellent swamp land--and some tracts are equal to the corn lands of Hyde county.

        Johnston county contains large tracts of flat piney woods, the soil of which produces only the shrubs which indicate unproductiveness, as the gallberry, ilex, and magnolia or bay, with a small growth of the long leaved pine. The surface, if not covered with water, is liable to be overflowed--and as it consists of sand and clay, with a mixture of vegetable mould, may be said to be quite impervious to water; and hence, the surface water stands over it for a long time, and its temperature remains too low for the growth of the more valuable trees and plants. Towards Sampson county the country improves, and upon the branches of the Six Run there are rich plantations. The best swamp lands are still farther east; and these, while they are usually high enough to admit of drainage, are rarely more than fifty feet above tide level. The Hyde county corn lands are about five feet above tide level, or may be less than four feet. Sometimes, in close proximity to the sounds, as in Carteret, the swamps are heaped up as it were, and hence may be from twelve to sixteen feet above the level of the sea.

        In Onslow county, the soil between Thompson's and Jacksonville is very good. Some of it is suitable for the ground pea, being a light soil with considerable vegetable matter.

        * 22. In Onslow, the White Oak desert is the most interesting tract of swamp land in the county, it is at the head of White Oak creek. This tract may be drained into Trent river. The timber is very large, and consists of white oak, poplar and pines.

        The most important work which has been undertaken, is the drainage of a part of this tract by Mr. Francke. He has been able to secure two objects, the drainage of the land and a good water power, with a fall of about twelve feet. The cost of cutting the main drain or canal is fifteen cents per square yard. The thickness of the soil in Mr. Franke's pocosin*

        * This pocosin is partly in Onslow and partly in Jones county. The portion which has been drained and cleared is in Jones county. The only meaning which I can attach to the word pocosin is, that it is a large swamp.
Page 38

is five feet towards the outer rim, and still thicker towards the middle, attaining at least ten feet of rich soil. This pocosin is said to vary much in its depth and quality; some parts are sandy, and the trees are still large and numerous. These sandy knowles are called islands. But the excellent quality of parts of it which are covered with heavy timber, prove by cultivation that it is equal to the Matamuskeet lands of Hyde--their average yield being twelve barrels of corn to the acre.

        I have not seen the land referred to in Jones county, but I am confirmed in the statement from its composition, which I have determined by a careful analysis. Thus the drained portion of Mr. Francke's pocosin gave me a result on analysis equal in value to the best of the Hyde county soils. It is as follows:

        
Silex, 60.000
Organic matter, 25.000
Peroxide of iron and alumina, 11.030
Phosphoric acid, 0.312
Lime, 1.500
Magnesia, 0.300
Potash, 0.010
Soda, 0.020
Soluble silica, 0.100
Water, 2.713

        From the foregoing results, when compared with those obtained by analysis of the Hyde county soil, it will be acknowledged that if composition is a test which can be relied upon, the Onslow swamp lands must be very valuable; and furthermore, that this value justifies the expense required in draining. This is the first question to be settled in all swamp lands: are their qualities good enough to justify this necessary expense? because they must be drained before the cereals can be cultivated. The encouragement to incur this first expense arises from the fact that when drained they do not

Page 39

wear out in the life time of man; they require no manures, they are easily tilled, and they produce large crops annually, and besides are less affected by droughts; or, in other words, the corn crop is more sure and certain than upon up lands.

        Where there are large continuous tracts as in Onslow, Jones, Hyde and Beaufort, a systematic plan of drainage should be undertaken. This should be based upon a topographical survey of the whole tract, ascertaining first the area and its irregularities, if any, then the regular slope and the most feasible points to which the drains and canals should run. If a main canal can be cut which will take water sufficient for boat navigation, it should be regarded as an important means for transportation. It is surprising that swamp lands hold so much water--so that most of the largest tracts of pocosin lands furnish a sufficiency for this purpose.

        The earthy matter in the pocosin of Onslow is very fine, and of drab color, in which respects it is similar to the best lands of Hyde.

        It is evident also from an inspection of the results of this analysis, that there is a full supply of lime, and of the more expensive elements, and hence it may be expected that when these lands have been brought under full cultivation by thorough drainage and other means necessary to favor the growth of the cereals, that farms or plantations as valuable as any in North-Carolina, will be formed out of this desert swamp. The determination of the high value of this part of Onslow I consider of great importance; for there seems to have been hitherto great backwardness in attempting to reclaim the lands of White Oak desert. It is true the undertaking is a formidable one, but the rich results which will certainly be secured thereby fully warrant the undertaking.

        * 23. The character of the gallberry lands require also new investigation. These have usually been regarded as worthless. They are usually flat and wet, and hence the temperature of the surface is always too low for the vigorous growth of the most valuable trees: aside from this fact it is probable that the soil is really poor and unfertile, and no measures within a reasonable expense could be employed to

Page 40

change this semi-barren condition to one of fertility. But it is equally probable that many large tracts of land which are classed among the gallberry lands may be reclaimed and will become fertile by thorough drainage.

        In forming a judgment upon the expediency of draining these flat and wet lands with a view to their cultivation, it is necessary to examine the texture of the materials which compose them as well as their composition. As there is a large proportion of black vegetable matter upon the surface, it is important to ascertain if it is intermixed with earth, and if so whether it is coarse or fine, and whether it is mostly sand, whose particles are large or visible at once on inspection. If the earth, after the vegetable matter has been consumed, is fine and impalpable, it is a fact which speaks well of its character; if on the contrary it is a white and coarsish sand, it is unfavorable, for it cannot be expected that it holds, in mechanical combination the more essential earths, alumina, lime and magnesia, or the alkalies, potash and soda. If it is sand these important elements will be in combination with the vegetable matter, and when this has become an ash, o