192 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2 GEORGE V.,. A. 1912 



CREMATORY ASHES. 



Two samples of ashes from the crematory at Vancouver, B.C., were received in 

 September (No. 1), and October (No. 2), 1910, with a request for information as to 

 the fertilizing value of this refuse. 



Analysis of Crematory Ashes. 



Constituents. 



Moisture 



Organic and volatile matter 



Insoluble mineral matter 



Mineral matter soluble in acid (by difference) 



Fertilizing constituents — 



Nitrogen 



Phosphoric Acid 



Potash 



Lime 



No. 1. 



Laboratory 

 No. 8240. 



p. c 



1 



6 



41 



51 



45 

 24 

 23 



03 



100 00 



041 

 140 

 •92 

 19 90 



No. 2. 



Laboratory 

 No. 8401. 



p. c. 



■93 



570 



42 15 



5122 



ioo-oo 



•0S7 

 1 81 

 1-27 

 19-74 



The percentages of phosphoric acid and potash are such as to give the ashes a dis- 

 tinct value as a source of these elements of plant food, but it is as a material rich in 

 lime that it must be chiefly regarded. It should prove a useful amendment for soils 

 naturally deficient in lime, sour, ill-drained soils and muck or peaty lands, and also for 

 improving the tilth of heavy clay loams. The larger proportion of the lime exists as 

 carbonate, and as such is well adapted for application to most soils. 



Two samples of ashes from this crematory were analysed in 1896, and a very 

 marked difference between them and those now reported upon — more especially in 

 phosphoric acid— is to be observed. 



Fertilizing Constituents in Crematory Ashes. 

 (Pounds per ton.) 



The large phosphoric acid content of the 1896 samples (collected in August and 

 November) is accounted for by the fact that a very considerable proportion of tbe 

 garbage then burned consisted of bones. From the present samples it may be con- 

 cluded that the bones are now otherwise disposed of, and as a result the crematory 

 ashes are the poorer. 



