@rirzce (“Edward 66

defufio

principal advantages. In most of the bays and rivers are found extensive deposits of mussel mud, formed by decayed oyster, clam and mussel shells. These deposits vary from five to twenty feet in depth, and their surface is often several feet below low-water level. Machines placed upon the ice and worked by horse power, are used for raising this manure, which is then carried off by sleds and distributed over the fields while the covering of snow still remains. Procured in this way in large quantities, and possessing great stimulating qualities, it has vastly improved the agricultural status of the Island. An over-stimulation has been the result, however, of the frequent application of this manure, and the ultimate con- sequence has been soil-exhaustion. A more intelligent under- standing of the effect of lime is beginning to show itself in a more restricted use of the mussel mud. An eminent author- ity, Sir J. W. Dawson, F. R. S.,C.M.G., Principal and Vice- Chancellor of McGill University, Montreal, says: “The great wealth of Prince Edward Island consists in its fertile soil, and the preservation of this in a productive state is an object of imperative importance. The ordinary soil of the Island is a bright red loam, passing into stiff clay on the one hand and sandy loam on the other. Naturally it contains all the mineral requisites for cultivated crops, while its abounding in peroxide of iron enables it rapidly to digest organic manures, and also to retain well their ammoniacal products. The chief natural manures afforded by the Island, and which may be used in addition to the farm manures to increase the fertility of the soil, or restore it when exhausted, are: (I) [Vlusse/ mud, or oyster-shell mud of the bays. Experience has proved this to be of the greatest value. (2) Pea! and mars/1 mud and swamp mil. These afford organic matters to the run—out soil at a very cheap rate. (3) Seaweed, which can be obtained in large quantities on many parts of the shores, and is of great man- urial value whether fresh or composted. (4) Fix/z oflal. The heads and bones of cod are more especially of much practical importance. (5) Limestone. The brown, earthy limestones of