236 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



important to guard against the possibility of any free sulphuric 

 acid in the mass. 



Another most excellent method of preparing bones for field 

 use, is to dissolve or saponify the gelatinous portion by the 

 employment of caustic alkalies. For this purpose, take 100 

 pounds, beaten into as small fragments as possible, pack them 

 in a tight cask or box with 100 pounds of good wood ashes. 

 Mix with the ashes before packing, 25 pounds of slaked lime, 

 and 12 pounds of sal soda, powdered fine. It will require about 

 20 gallons of water to saturate the mass, but more may be 

 added from time to time to maintain moisture. In two or three 

 weeks the bones will be broken down completely, and the whole 

 turned out upon a floor, mixed with two bushels of dry peat or 

 good soil, and after drying it is fit for use. 



This mixture, embracing nearly or quite all the great essen- 

 tials of plant food, is one which in its application, will afford 

 most prompt and satisfactory results. Its production cannot be 

 too highly recommended. 



The employment of bones in their raw condition after grind- 

 ing, has not generally been attended with results entirely satis- 

 factory. Notwithstanding the published recommendations and 

 testimonials, the fact remains, that the general verdict is not in 

 their favor. My experience in the employment of this form of 

 fertilizing material, has been considerable, having used many 

 tons during the past four years. Chemical analysis of corn and 

 wheat, taken in connection with that of bones, would seem to 

 show that they do not contain a sufficiency of the nitrogenous 

 element to render them specifically beneficial to those cereals. 

 And I have found in practical trials that they often exert but 

 indifferent influence upon corn and wheat, when used uncom- 

 bined or in a raw condition. This is especially true of 

 steamed bones, where a portion of the gelatine has been removed 

 in the manipulating process. When specifically employed upon 

 soils appropriated to corn or other grain crops, failures either 

 partial or complete, have been often experienced : but upon 

 those designed for roots, or some varieties of vegetables, success 

 is \iniformly certain. 



Bones are made up of an earthy tissue of fine cells, in which 

 an organic substance — gelatine — is inclosed. The gelatine holds 

 the nitrogen, and undergoes putrefactive change, when moist- 



