THE SOIL.
The Soil. By A. D. Hall. (John Murray. 3s. 6d.)—This book, described by its sub-title as "An Introduction to the Scientific Study of the Growth of Crops," is one which we cannot pretend to criticise in detail. We may say, however, generally that it deals—fully, as far as we can judge—with a subject in which there is much need of careful instruction. There are few matters in which a little knowledge is more dangerous than in the appli- cation of manures, we mean chemical manures (applying dung to tho soil is a natural restoration of what has been removed). Lime supplies an instructive example. It is recommended to the culti- vator in certain circumstances, and rightly recommended. But let us hear what Mr. Hall says. " As lime itself supplies ne food to the plant, but only sets in action the dormant residues already prdsent in the soil, the forcing of crops by the use of lime alone soon results in the exhaustion of the soil." The popular wisdom of proverbs has not ignored the point. "Lime, and lime without manure, Will make both land and farmer poor," is one of the troths which amateurs or others who are trying to make small farms do their best should heed.
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