Absorb and retain Ammoriia. 247 



As there can be no doubt of its efficacy the only informa- 

 tion necessary is when to apply it. In our climate some judg- 

 ment is needed in doing this. Subject as it is to severe 

 droughts, it is all important to guard against this, that guano 

 should be applied early in the season, in April or May, when 

 the ground is dug, turning it under the soil. If from any 

 cause it is not applied then, select a time when there is 

 every indication of a rain, slightly disturbing the surface, that 

 it may be buried beyond the action of heat and dryness. 

 It has been the late applications of guano, succeeded by a 

 long drought, which have in many instances induced cultiva- 

 tors to hesitate about its continued use. We have seen bad 

 effects from such applications, and now guard against them 

 as much as possible in the manner we have described. On 

 very light soils it is all important it should be spread upon 

 the ground in April, so as to be thoroughly dissolved by the 

 early rains of April or May. 



The power of soils to decompose and adapt to the use of 

 plants growing in them the substances applied, as in the case 

 of salts of ammonia above noticed, is another instance of the 

 necessity of practical experiments in arriving at definite 

 results ; and it shows conclusively that the compounds called 

 " special manures," which are recommended for all purposes, 

 like patent medicines, which cure all diseases, must act, if 

 they act at all, in a very variable manner, according to the 

 soil in Avhich trees or plants are growing, to which they are 

 applied. The mechanical conditions of soil and other sub- 

 jects alluded to in the above extract, are of exceeding interest, 

 and cannot fail to receive the attention of every cultivator. 



Another thing, and important too, is to be sure and pur- 

 chase the genuine Peruvian guano, and no other, unless 

 exceedingly cheap. It is the only kind which has any value 

 — arising from its great per centage of ammonia. Much that 

 is called guano, being principally lime, although it may be 

 recommended, is nearly worthless. Professor Way recently 

 analyzed some of the cheap guano, and found it worth only 

 £3 per ton, as compared with the Peruvian. 



