202 



Composition and Value of Guano. 



guano taken from the docks in 1847 and 1848, and analyzed in 

 mj laboratory : — 



A few words will serve to explain the present table as well as 

 those which follow it. The methods of analysis (described in 

 the Appendix) are so arranged as to exhibit the total quantity 

 of ammonia and the earthy phosphates, together with the propor- 

 tions of sand and water. Under the head of " Alkaline Salts " 

 are included the sulphates and muriates of potash and soda^ 

 together with any deficiency occurring in the analysis. The 

 quantity of potash is not here specified : in sixteen specimens it 

 has, however, been before given. 



The specimens whose analysis is given in the 3rd table have 

 been obtained from various persons during the last twelve or 

 eighteen months. Coming through indirect channels, I am not 

 able to speak of them with the same confidence as of those which 

 have been sampled directly from the ships. 



Their composition is, however, for the most part such as to 

 leave no doubt of their being genuine specimens of Peruvian 

 guano. Specimens 12 and 13 in the table will be seen to be 

 rather below the usual mark in respect of ammonia. They are 

 duplicates of the same cargo; and, from the price at which the 

 guano was bought, I have no doubt that it was what by the 

 importers is called "damaged guano/' and sold at a reduced 

 price. '^ 



For an analysis of damaged guano, see Appendix. 



