Of peat soils two varieties, viz.—moor, and peat or bog.
In describing in the field book the different qualities of soils, the following explanatory words may be used as occasion may require:—
Stiff—Where a soil contains a large proportion, say one-half, or even more, of tenacious clay, it is called stiff. In dry weather this kind of soil cracks and opens, and has a tendency to form into large and hard lumps, particularly if ploughed in wet weather.
Friable—Where the soil is loose and open, as is generally the case in sandy, gravelly, and moory lands.
Strong—Where a soil contains a considerable portion of clay, and has some tendency to form into clods or lumps, it may be called strong.
Deep—Where the soil exceeds ten inches in depth the term deep may be applied.
Shallow—Where the depth of the soil is less than eight inches.
Dry—Where the soil is friable, and the subsoil porous (if there be no springs), the term dry should be used.
Wet—Where the soil or subsoil is very tenacious, or where springs are numerous.
Sharp—Where there is a moderate proportion of gravel, or small stones.