I have just received my _plaster_ from the mill. I remarked to the
man who brought it, that it was too coarse. He replied that all
our farmers preferred it coarse, and assigned this reason--that in
grinding it fine, _it becomes so heated as to injure it_. I delay
not a moment in expostulating against a doctrine so unphilosophical,
and so injurious to the interests of agriculture. Every farmer knows
that _grain_, as _food_ for _animals_ cannot be made too fine. Upon
the same principle, _plaster_, which is _food_ for _vegetables_,
affords the most nutriment when reduced to the finest powder.
_Heat_ so far from injuring the properties of plaster, is the best
agent for bringing them into action. This theory is the result
of repeated experiment. Calcined plaster, which is produced by a
process of _intense heat_, is found much more invigorating, and more
permanently beneficial, than plaster in its simple state.
While on this subject, I will suggest for consideration, whether
our farmers, generally spread a sufficient quantity of plaster
particularly on their grass land. Mr. Silas Gates, a well known
farmer in Marlborough, informed me, that he directed one of his men
to spread on a certain piece of mowing land, the usual quantity,
(if I mistake not, at the rate of one bushel to the acre.) He had
gone over about half the ground, at this rate, when other calls
prevented his finishing it. Soon after the business of plastering
was consigned to another, who, not knowing that any had been spread,
went over the ground, giving one half a double portion.--The result
was nearly a double portion of hay, which continued until the
surface was changed by a rotation of crops.
Your obed't, O FISKE.
Worcester, April 17, 1820.
[_Mass. Spy._