Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1835-04-27
INTERESTING TO FARMERS.

The following is short history of the origin and
process Of the application OF Plaster OF PARIS, as
manure; which it may be important to the agricul-
turnl interest 10 publish.
4" The frs, discovery OF the utility of Gypsum or
Plaster of Paris for agricultural purposes, was
made by laborer engaged IN pounding plaster
near Hilburn, in Germany. lie noticed the extra
growth OF the grass along the route which he at,
different times travelled, across meadow sup
posing j, to be ocoasioneJ by the fine plaster drop
ping from his clothes, he induced to try an ex-
pertinent, 10 determine the point, ii succeeded be-
yond his expectation and others tested its useful
ness until all became satisfied Of its nutritious q'el.
tiles, and thus the use of Plaster in Germany, be-
came general, as manure, whenever II could be OBJ
timed.
In the year l79s, Jacob Barge, Of Philadelphia,
having learned the use Of plaster in Germany, OBJ
tanned some from a manufacturer OF Burr stones,
and scattered i, upon field of clover, which
proved perfectly satisfactory in consequence OF
which, Messrs. Hooker, Lancaster, Clifford, ant
David Dasher, all respectable farmers, near Phllu
de,phia, used the plaster in various ways, and fo
differen, plants, and were all equally well satisfied
ef its utility. The call for and application of, ,h
article increased, and hence the commencement o
regular trade upon the seaboard, in the iranspor
taiion Of plaster from Nova Scotia TO all the south
ern ports which has regularly lncrcass'uhy o,hc
period TO the present ii'"-
q h".-"rc'ions for the application of plaster arc
so various and multiplied that it is believed no GER
IAN general rule can ever be adopted for i, has
ocen found thai, on some grounds one bushe ,o
ne acre, is better than six bushels two To tbs
scre however, appears to be the quantity required
Tor the largest portion Of the lands in Pennsylvania
40 one shoua be discouraged, if no perceptible ben
ems should result from uial the first year for i,
Int thn II.
'he more certain It is TO be adyantugeou in two
'hree' or tour years after its application. For clio.
yer, grass, &c II should be sown over the field ms,
before or alter the grass or clover begins TO sr,v
IN the spring 1t is used in the same manner unon
"hea' barley, oats, and buck. wheat grounds
Another mode for grain Of all kinds, is TO wet
inc gram thoroughly. and then mix as much drv
plaster with H. as will adhere to the kernel and i'm
medintely suew and harrow in For corn. throw
upon each hill small table spoon full, as soon ss
'he leaves are formed. For the various er,or;.
mehts made IN the eastern states the fact seems
10 DO well established, that a certain quantity of
plaster used upon all dry soils, and on low orourds
" uy seasons, Is OF the utmost importance and
AUS realty 10 the growth Of every kind of yegeto
ne substance intended for the use of man or hens,
ne only SIRE direction therefore of using tho Mas
'e' ~ Tor each person to ascertain by experiments
me fuanty required for the particular parcel or
KIND OF ground, which it may be desirable to enrich
or fertize. On very dry grounds i, NAV be ody;,.
able to wet the grain and mix plaster M ohov. ii;
~ anu ai'er narrowing, TO strcw on the top Of
."o s'oana thus sowed, in damp day, abou, ono
~ "s as'e' tOht0 State journal.