A TREATISE ON THE CONNECTION OF

INERT VEGETABLE MATTER OR PEAT.

INERT vegetable matter, or pseat, is, for the most part, formed of the remains of aquatic vegetables, or of those vegetables which generally grow in humidor moist situ- ations. Their nourishment and growth are promoted by atmospheric air, by the decomposition of water, and by the calcareous matter held in solution, and contained in most water. These substances alone, according to the analyses of vegetables already given, are sufficient to ac- count for the growth of such aquatic vegetables, and the accumulation on the surface of the earth of such

matter forming peat mosses and fens.

Trees of a considerable size have been frequently found at the bottom of peat mosses, with the appear- ance of having been cut down, or in part acted on by fire. Hence it may be inferred, that the peat moss itself did not give birth to, or support the growth of such ¢rees;° but on the contrary, that by the destruction of forests, In consequence of natural causes, fire or war,

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