2. We have before stated that lime is a decomposing agent, and hastens the rotting of muck and other organic matter. It has the same effect on the organic parts of the soil, and causes them to be resolved into the gases and minerals of which they are formed. It has this effect, especially, on organic matters containing _nitrogen_, causing them to throw off ammonia; consequently, it liberates this gas from the animal manures in the soil. 3. Various inorganic compounds in the soil are so affected by lime, that they lose their power of holding together, and crumble, or are reduced to finer particles, while some of their constituents are rendered soluble. One way in which this is accomplished is by the action of the lime on the silica contained in these compounds, forming the silicate of lime. This crumbling effect improves the mechanical as well as the chemical condition of the soil. 4. We are now enabled to see how lime prepares the constituents of the soil for the use of plants. [Inorganic compounds? How does lime prepare the constituents of the soil for use? What can you say of the remark that lime exhausts the organic matter in the soil?] By its action on the roots, buried stubble, and other organic matter in the soil, it causes them to be decomposed, and to give up many of their gaseous and inorganic constituents for the use of roots. In this manner the organic matter is prepared for use more rapidly than would be the case, if there were no lime present to hasten its decomposition. By the decomposing action of lime on the mineral parts of the soil (3), they also are placed more rapidly in a useful condition than would be the case, if their preparation depended on the slow action of atmospheric influences. Thus, we see that lime, aside from its use directly as food for plants, exerts a beneficial influence on both the organic and inorganic parts of the soil. 5. Many contend that lime _exhausts_ the soil. If we examine the manner in which it does so, we shall see that this is no argument against its use. [How can lime exhaust the mineral parts of the soil? Must the matter taken away be returned to the soil?]