A CHAPTER ON GUANO. 355 



masses, therefore, cannot be removed unless it be with the 

 help of man." 



Solidity, and a dry condition, ought to be considered indis- 

 pensable — hence the guano of Peru becomes the only excellent 

 and pure type. In the analysis of various specimens, sand, 

 to a greater or less extent, is discovered. In those of the 

 best, and alone valuable specimens, its proportion is very 

 small — say from one and a half to three per cent. In cli- 

 mates where storms of rain and tempests are prevalent, the 

 quantity of sand must superabound ; therefore all the varieties 

 are rejected, with the exception of those obtained from Peru 

 and Bohvia. 



As to the exact period of the introduction of guano to 

 Britain it is impossible to speak; but, as Walton says, "Al- 

 though several parcels had, by interested persons, been brought 

 over for trial, its utility as a new fertilizer w^as not introduced 

 to the notice of the public, upon any good authority, till the 

 year 1841, w^hen it Avas brought forward by the Eoyal English 

 Agricultural Society. 



]^ot quite ten years have yet elapsed since a manui^e of 

 such importance became in any degree known to the farmer ; 

 it then sold from 22s. to 28s. 6d. per cwt. It is now brought 

 in by thousands of tons annually, and the best is purchaseable 

 at from 10s. to 12s. 6d. per cwt., according to the quantity. 



But guano, true as it may be, yet varies in quality ; and 

 Walton, though he brings forward, as we have seen, autho- 

 rities sanctioning the belief that the localities which furnish 

 it are rarely visited by rain, yet states that there are accidental 

 changes of weather which produce disastrous consequences. 



When, however, in peculiar localities, storms of rain occur, 

 the guano suffers ; and Walton tells us " that he is convinced 

 the guano formations, which are left unsheltered on the surface, 

 and often in a liquid state, have frequently, if not- annually, 

 been washed down by heavy rains, on one side, into the sea, 

 and on the other, along declivities into the hollows below, to 

 spots where the birds never think of roosting." 



The uncertain condition of this most compound produce 

 is not, therefore, to be wondered at, if we admit that it is 

 exposed to rain, salt water, or to admixture with sea-sand. 

 These causes of deterioration are natural, and occur on the 

 spot ; but, when we take into account the venal dishonesty of 

 traders, the all-prevailing love of money, and the facility with 



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