588 Transactions. — Chemistry. 



matter being taken up by some one who can throw Hght upon 

 it. In the meantime I will state here that, to my mind, the 

 fact that in the direct oxidation of the iron (by free oxygen) in 

 the one cell there is no loss of energy in undoing a chemical 

 combination, as there is in the other cell, may be sufficient ex- 

 planation. There is, too, the fact that the oxygen in this 

 acidified cell will soon be much diluted with hydrogen, or even 

 driven off entirely. While the fact that hydrogen may stand 

 for the negative pole must not be overlooked. 



These experiments are well suited for a lecture-room, to 

 demonstrate that it is the current of greatest intensity that 

 dominates the galvanometer. 



Note. — In regard to this matter I have just ascertained 

 that iron in a strong potash solution that has been boiled (to 

 drive out air) is also electro-positive to itself, as in the mineral 

 acids ; also that gold in potash solution is positive to itself in 

 these acids, and even in chlorine ; while silver in the alkaline 

 solution is also positive to itself in warm or strong nitric acid. 

 These facts appear to prove that in all my experiments in this 

 research water is decomposed in the potash cell, the action 

 only ceasing when the metal therein is so coated with an oxide 

 as to be impervious to the solution. (4th April, 1897.) 



Akt. LXII. — Notes on some Experiments with Chemical 



Manures. 



By W. F. WoRLEY. 



{Read before the Nelson Philosophical Society, 8th June, 1996.'] 



PoR several years I have carried on experiments with 

 chemical manures in the kitchen garden. The results of 

 most of these experiments have been highly satisfactory. 



The following manures have been used : Lime, gypsum, 

 bonedust, superphosphate, guano, nitrate of potash, sulphate 

 of potash, sulphate of ammonia, chloride of ammonium, liquid 

 ammonia, caustic potash, and sodium-chloride. 



The best general results were obtained by the use of super- 

 phosphate (home made), nitrate of potash, and sulphate 

 ■of ammonia. The crops grown were such as are usually 

 found in a kitchen garden, and included potatoes, onions, 

 peas, beans, cabbages, lettuces, radishes, celery, cauliflowers, 

 rhubarb, turnips, carrots, parsnips, mustard, strawberri««-, 

 currants, gooseberries, apples, peaches, plums, apricots, 

 quinces, and tomatoes. 



