^fference between the volumes pf KO, SO3 and NH4O, SOg, 

 or the difference between 11x3 and 9*8 x 4. This.^f^j^yr 

 ence, 6*2, added to the volume of potash alum 273 -^f.^'r^^r^ 

 281*2, which is not very wide from the experimental results, 

 and would give the specific gravity by theory for ammonia 

 alum 1*616, and for ammonia iron alum r/ll.o [These are 

 points which require further inquiry. ~ 'w ffortnk>r 



.y^jWe do not refer here to the minor views embraced iuithe 

 preceding investigation, being anxious principally for inquiry 

 and confirmation into the three main theories propounded. 

 With one assumption for the volume in solution, and with two 

 assumptions for the volumes of solids, M-e have been enabled 

 to explain, as we trust, the specific gravities detailed in the 

 previous sections. We might perhaps with propriety indulge 

 in speculation, and apply these laws in explanation of iso- 

 morphism and dimorphism, but we prefer the safer course of 

 trusting to experimental investigation, part of which we shall 

 in a short time lay before the Society in an inquiry upon the 

 expansion of solutions, and on some other points connected 

 jHRith this important subject, io noisniiqxs srli noxJqsaxa an ar. 



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tirT~} 't((90Z9 BifforamB 'to a^fsnirra) vlin^? 



LXXV. Analyses of the Ashes of Sugar- Caries from' the West 

 -?r"t''! Indies, jBj/ John Stenhouse, P^.Z).* 



'Vl/'ITHIN the last few years, it has been satisfactorily as- 

 ' ' certained, through the labours of the ablest experi- 

 menters in agriculture, that the fertility of a soil is dependent 

 on its containing certain mineral substances which are indis- 

 pensable to the nourishment and full development of the plants 

 wiiicli grow upon its surface. It is evident therefore that a 

 knowledge of the constituents of the ashes of plants, as furnish- 

 ing us with a view of all the inorganic substances which th^y 

 derive from the soil, and which they remove from it in har- 

 vest, must always be of the utmost importance for the guidance 

 of the scientific agriculturist. During the last three or four 

 years, the ashes of the larger number of our cultivated plants 

 have been subjected to very careful analysis, chiefly throngh 

 the exertions of Professor Liebig and his scholars. 



As hitherto, however, the sugar-cane has been almost en- 

 tirely overlooked, I was induced, some six months ago, to apply 

 to some of the leading colonial proprietors to furnish me with 

 specimens of canes fi'om different localities. I need scarcely 

 say that my request was most courteously and promptly com- 

 pTied with. The following are the results of twelve analyses 



rill. J ili I ;--.''., ; *-' ■:.•■- I ,". . 



udi ^l raadi naawJsiuGommunicated by the AutHo»?uqq"3 Jdsiai y YV 



