NATURE AND SOITKCK OK SPRAYING MATERIALS. 185 



oti' with lioat :iiid cuiidciist'd in lead fhaniber.s in the usual wav. The 

 acid, tho tirni states, pays tlie expenses, hence the ^old coHeeted is a 

 l)\ -j)roduet with tlieni. For the same purpose suli)hur nia\ Ix' obtained 

 hv heat from several kinds of pyrites — that is, from the sulphides of 

 copper and iron. As already showji in the notes on copijei' sulphate, 

 copper for the i)rodu('tion of this chemical may be derived largely 

 from the mattes of silver smeltinj>- works. In view of the fact that 

 both the copper and sulphur of copper sulphate may be obtained as 

 bv-i)r()ducts in the extensive gold and silver smelting works, the lirst 

 cost of this chemiial can certaiidy be placed at a figure admitting o"f 

 the manufacture of copper carlK)nate at a wvy low cost. It could 

 proltably be |)laced on the market to-day by thi' leading smelting 

 companies at 15 cents per pound and still leave a liberal i)rotit on 

 first cost. It is to be hoped that this matter will be looked into by 

 some of the larger smelting firms, and that the carbonate of copper 

 may soon be had on the mark(>t at prices which are not ])r<)hibitive to 

 its pui'chase ])y the horticulturists of the country.' 



AMMONIA {fornmla NH^). 



! Ammonia is of gaseous natui'e and strongly alkaline in reaction. 

 It is re:idily taken up or dissolved in water, in which form it is used in 

 preparing the ammoniacal copper carbonate, eau celeste, and modified 

 eau celeste— three of the more important copper sprays. A strong 

 solution of ammonia may be commonly had on the market or from the 

 manufacturers. Such a solution contains, by weight, about 28 per 

 cent of ammonia gas, and is sold as 26^ ammonia, as shown by Baume's 

 hydrometer test. A Aveaker solution is often prepared by druggists 

 and is sold as annnonia water, or aqua ammonia. This often contains 

 no more than 10 per cent of ammonia gas, and is oljtained by reducing 

 the stronger article with water. It is scarcely necessary to add that 

 there is no economy in buying this dilute liquid. The price is apt to 

 be out of proportion to the strength, and if quantities are to be shipped 

 long distances there is a needless increase of freight, owing to the 



iThe following quotations on copper carbonate were received March, 1899: St. 

 Louis quotes 10-pound lots at 27* cents per pound, 100-pound lots at 25 cents per 

 pound, and 1,000-pound lots at 23 cents per pound, f. o. 1). ; one Philadelphia tirm 

 (juotes 10-pound k)ts at 23 cents per pound, 100-pound lots at 22 cents per pound, 

 1,000-pound lots at 21 cents per pound, f. o. b. , and a second house quotes 28 cents per 

 pound for ordinary quantities and 21 cents per pound l)y the barrel; New York 

 quotes 10-pound lots at 35 cents per pound, 100-pound lots at 28 cents per pound, and 

 l,000-poun(l lots at 22 cents per pound f. o. b. ; Boston quotes 10-i)ound lots at 20 cents 

 per pound, 100-pound lots at IS'cents per pound, and 1,000-pound lots at 16 cents per 

 pound. 



The writer invites attention to the great variation in quotations from different 

 centers of trade. It is satisfactory to note that quotations just received from Boston 

 indorse the view alreadj' expressed, that carljonate of copper can lie placed upon the 

 market at about 15 cents per pound and leave a sutRcient profit to the manufacturer. 



