18 



in water is quite likely present in form of basic silicates formed by partial 

 fusion of the potassium carbonate with silica compounds during the incin- 

 erating process. In all probability these basic silicates would be dissolved 

 more or less readily in the soil, as they are readily soluble in a fifth normal 

 solution of hydrochloric acid. The material would be a good potash source 

 for most crops, and would, on account of a small percentage of lime present, 

 probably be found more suitable for tobacco and potatoes than would ordi- 

 nary hardwood ashes or cement potash. 



Flue Dust. — This product, the origin of which is said to be from iron 

 foundries, has been sold in considerable quantities locally by Mr. A. W. Hig- 

 gins of Westfield, the price being $4.75 to %5 per unit of water soluble potash. 

 An average of four analyses, representing four carloads of this material, gives 

 the following results : — 



Per Cent. 



Moisture, 8.11 



Total or acid soluble potash, 7.20 



Water soluble potash, 4.61 



Phosphoric acid, 78 



Calcium oxide, 5.95 



There seems to be no reason why this product should not prove a satis- 

 factory source of potassium oxide for most crops, particularly at the price at 

 which it has been offered. Laboratory tests show that about 88 per cent, of 

 the total potassium oxide is soluble in a fifth normal hydrochloric acid solu- 

 tion, while about 64 per cent, is soluble in water. 



•» 



NATURE'S PLANT FOOD. 



The sale of this ground rock has apparently had a new lease of life during 

 the past season, the greater part of it being distributed through department 

 stores, the Woolworth stores, florists, hardware stores, etc., these stores being 

 located chiefly in Boston and vicinity and sales being confined largely to small 

 purchasers for home gardens. 



Among the many extravagant claims made by the company for this 

 product is the following, which is printed in large type on each package: 

 " Unequalled for lawns. Guaranteed to stop the ravages of cut-worms and 

 all other insect pests." Following a statement of the analysis, which contains 

 nothing remarkable or unusual for a metamorphic rock of this character, 

 this statement appears: " Only a small percentage of these elements are im- 

 mediately soluble in distilled water, but we will guarantee the entire com- 



