subsurface, and superlative in the subsoil. Two of them insisted
that the subsoil has an acid taste. The analysis of a set of soil
samples collected near Heart-of-Egypt shows that to neutralize the
acidity of the surface soil will require seven hundred and eighty
pounds of limestone per acre, while three tons are required for the
first twenty inches, and sixteen tons for the next twenty inches.
The tight clay stratum reaches from about twenty to thirty-six
inches. Above this is a flour-like gray layer varying in thickness
from an inch to ten inches, but below the tight clay the subsoil
seems to be more porous, and I am hoping that we may lay tile just
below the tight clay and then puncture that clay stratum with red
clover roots and thus improve the physical condition of the soil. I
asked Mr. Secor, a friend who operates a coal mine,--and farms for
recreation,--if he thought alfalfa could be raised on this type of
soil. He replied: "That depends on what kind of a gimlet it has on
its tap root."

Some of the farmers down here tell me confidentially that "hardpan"
has been found on their neighbors' farms, but I have not talked with
any one who has any on his own farm. I am very glad the University
has settled the matter very much to the comfort of us "Egyptians,"
by reporting that no true "hardpan" exists in Illinois, although
there are extensive areas underlain with tight clay, "of whom, as it
were, we are which."

I am glad that the nitrogen-fixing and nitrifying bacteria do
business chicfly in the surface soil, because we are not prepared to
correct the acidity to any very great depth.

The present plan is to practice a six-year rotation on six