_Flushing, L. I., November 8th, 1843._
CAN you inform me whether the sea-mud which is found on the shore,
below high-water mark, is of any value to the farmer; and if it is,
in what way would you advise that it should be applied? Do you think
that it would answer in a compost heap, or would it be preferable to
put it into the cattle-yard or hog-pen? I have thought that the only
objection to using it would be on account of the great quantity of
salt, which it contains; although Leibig and other celebrated writers,
speak in very favorable terms upon the application of salt. And here
arises another question. Are not those farms which are situated upon
the sea-shore sufficiently supplied with salt by the winds which are
constantly sweeping over them? Johnson remarks that this is the case,
and if this is so, would not the application of this sea-mud be too
strong? although I am inclined to believe that by drying the mud,
much of the virtue of the salt would necessarily be destroyed, and as
sea-water contains, as Leibig states, many very fertilizing qualities,
this mud which perhaps has been accumulating for ages, must have
imbibed a large quantity of all those properties, of which sea-water is
composed. By answering these questions you will greatly oblige one of
your subscribers.