Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-03-25

SANDY SOILS AND THEIR NANAuE-
MENr.-The character and treatment Of
sandy soils are. in almost every particular,
the reverse of those of clay They do not
possess the property of adhesivencss, and
they have but little affinity for water, which
escapes from them almost as soon as it falls.
They have but slight hold upon the ma
nures which are diffused through them /;
they are loose in their texture, and may be
plowed at any time with equal advantage,
provided the sowing or planting is to fol-
low Immediately. AS clay soils are much
benefited by a mixture Of sand, so, like
wise, are sandy soils greatly improved by
the addition Of clay, in much higher de-
gree; for, though it would never pay, as a
general rule to add sand to clay, yet few
loads of the stiffest clay to light sand
would 10 almost every instance fully COM
peusate for the trouble and expense. For
this purpose the clay should be thinly
spread in Autumn upon sward land pre-
viously plowed, and the Winters frost will
effectually separate the PARTICLES. 1t should
then be narrowed thoroughly and deeply
in the Spring, and subsequently plowed if
necessary. Such dressing on light,
crawling land, is more than an equivalent
to any equal quantity of the best manure,
and will be permanent in its effects. Clay
aud sand are necessary to each other, as
they contain qualities which are necessary
to good soil, and that will always be found
the best which has the proper proportions
of EACH Sandy soils are improved by the
frequent use of heavy roller; it cannot
be used too often. They require to be
made more compact, and any treatment
which secures this object will be advanta-
geous.
Lime, by the chemical action on the
constituents of soil, while it separates clay,
renders sand more adhesive; and when
cheaply obtained is always a profitable
dressing for sandy soils, to the full amount
that it may require. Gypsum, is consd,
cradle quantities, has an effect similar to
the lime, both on clay and sand and when
added in smaller portions produced strik-
ing increase in the crops of sandy soils
Clay marls, containing either carbonate,
sulphate or phosphate of lime, are of great
value to sandy soils. Equally beneficial
are ashes, leached or unleached, peat, OF
vegetable manures of any kind. Some
calcerous sands, containing large proper.
ton Of lime, like those of Egypt, and ex.
tensivc regions in the Barbary States, will
produce luxuriantly if supplied with q
slight addition Of manure and an abund
ance of water. Sandy soils can never b.
probably cultivated until they have &C.
quired sufficient compactncss and fertility
to sustain good growth of grass or clover
and when once brought to this condition
they are among the most valuable. They
are at all times easily plowed and worked
they require no draining; and though
light and dry, are quick and kindly soils
giving an immediate and full return fo
the labor and manure bestowed upon them
When in condition to produce grass, sheer
are admirably adapted to preserve and aug
ment their fertility, and by their incessan
migrations over it, their sharp hoofs pacl
the surface closely, producing the sam,
effect as roller.