REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST 153 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



but it certainly furnishes a marked illustration of the loss that ashes may suffer 

 through want of proper protection from rain. In former samples of leached ashes 

 examined in the Farm laboratory, -we have visually found between 2 per cent and 4 

 per cent potash. 



ASH OF ROCK MAPLE. 



A sample of ash from rock maple, forwarded by Mr. James L. Matheson, Dundas, 

 P.E.I., furnished the following data: — 



Analysis. 



Per cent. 



Moisture '24 



Organic and volatile matter (chiefly charcoal) 12'GS 



Insoluble residue (clay and sand) 1*32 



Potash 12"4G 



Lime 42"46 



Phosphoric acid 2'95 



Our correspondent, in forwarding these ashes, says: — 'These were obtained from 

 the Eock maple and are much lighter in colour than those usually seen here. We ar? 

 interested to know how they compare "in fertilizing value with ordinary hardwood 

 ashes.' 



Good samples of commercial wood ashes will contain, as a rule, from 5 per cent to 

 6 per cent potash, and from 1*5 per cent to 2 per cent phosphoric acid. It is thus seen 

 that the sample under consideration is much superior, as regards its most valuable 

 element, potash. 



We have frequently in our publications called attention to tlie fertilizing value 

 of wood ashes, especially as a source of potash. Without unnecessarily repeating what 

 has been said as to the composition of ashes and the ci'ops for which they are best 

 suited, it may be advantageous to point out that while the commercial value of ashes 

 will depend upon the potash and phosphoric acid contend:, the manurial value will be 

 considerably higher. The presence of a large amount of lime, the mild alkalinity of 

 the ash, the particular combinations in which two elements of plant food are held, nre 

 all, undoubtedly, factors that enhance the value of wood ashes as a fertilizer. In other 

 words, the benefits derived from their use include, in addition to the supplying of 

 mineral plant food, the correction of sourness, the conversion of injurious iron com- 

 pounds into harmless forms, the encouragement of nitrification, and the general im- 

 provement of the tilth of the soil. It has frequently been noticed that soil to which 

 ashes have been applied is much better able to resist the injurious effect of a protracted 

 drought than adjoining land which has not been so treated. 



ASHES FROM MUCK. 



Two samples of ashes obtained by the burning of muck in heaps, were forwarded 

 by Mr. James Hopgood, West Capo, P.E.I., who writes: 'These ashes were made by 

 piling soft wood stumps and covering over with partially dried-out muck. The bulk 

 of the ashes is like Xo. 1, dark-grey and heavy. There is, however, a fair proportion 

 of No. 2, which is light in character and almost white. Do you think it is worth 

 while to go to any expense in making these ashes V 



Analysis. 



N'o. 1. No. 2. 



Moisture. *77 3*02 



Insoluble matter (clay, sand, &c.) 77*S3 73*55 



Oxide of iron and alumina 7*46 3*89 



Lime 6*40 7*00 



Potash • '30 '51 



Phosphoric acid *39 *57 



