80 [Senate 



Bones, however, vary somewhat in their constituents, some con- 

 taining more of the earthy, and others more of the animal parts; take 

 those of the calf and the elk for examples, to which the teeth of the 

 horse are added. 



Phosphate of lime. Carbonate of lime. Animal matter. 



Calf, 54. 46. 



Elk, ..90. 1. 9. 



Teeth, 85.5 15.5 



It is evident then, that bones abound in matters capable of produ- 

 cing ammonia. Dr. Dana estimates its power in this respect to be 

 Use of ^qu^l to 8 or 10 times that of cow dung, while, if the salts are 

 Bones, regarded, 100 lbs. of bones, contain nearly 66 times as much 

 as the same quantity of cow dung. Experience proves that the pow- 

 er of aiding crops, between dung and bones, is about in the propor- 

 tion of the constituents named. It is evident that much of the value 

 of bones depend on their cartilage. Boiling bones, as generally 

 practiced, has but little effect in extracting the gelatine; and does not 

 remove even all the fat or oil. Under high pressure, as in Papius's 

 digester, the separation of the animal from the earthy matter is com- 

 plete. The finer bones can be crushed or ground, the better or quick- 

 er will their influence be felt; and boiling, by removing the exterior 

 cartilage and fat, renders the crushing more perfect. It is owing to 

 this cause, undoubtedly, that many of the English agriculturists pre- 

 fer dry to fresh bones; as the dust made from the former, is more 

 suitable for sowing or drilling with seeds, than that of the latter. 

 Bone dust is the most efficient on light and dry soils. It has been 

 found also very useful on limestone soils and light loams; but on 

 heavy clay or wet soils, this manure does little or no good. Bone 

 dust is one of the most efficient manures on clover, particularly the 

 white clover; exceeding gypsum in its effects on this plant. This is 

 accounted for by the fact, that white clover abounds in phosphate of 

 lime; and the phosphates of bones supply it in abundance. Although 

 principally employed as a manure for turneps, in consequence of their 

 importance in a rotation of crops for the animals of the farm, particu- 

 larly sheep, it is considered by many farmers quite as useful, employ- 

 ed as a manure for potatoes, as it is for turneps. Bones are found to 

 be more valuable, if subjected to a partial fermentation before being 

 applied to the crops. If mixed with five or six times their weight of 

 veo-etable mold or fine rich earth, and turned over for several times 

 for a few weeks before using, the value is much increased. Since the 



