52 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



In addition to the shade afforded by them against an intense 

 sun and protection from cold winds, their influence in con- 

 densing moisture, and the beneficial effects which perhaps 

 ensue, as in fibrous covering, the difference may be attribut- 

 able to the same cause. 



SPENT LYE OF THE ASHERIES 



Is the liquid which remains, after the combination, of the 

 lye and grease, in manufacturing soap. It is of great value 

 for plants. Before applying it to the land, it should be 

 mixed with peat or turf, or diluted with ten times its bulk of 

 water. Five gallons of this lye, is estimated to contain as 

 much potash or soda, according as either is used, as would 

 be furnished by three barrels of ashes. It has besides, a 

 large quantity of nitrogen, the most valuable ingredient of 

 animal manure, which, by judicious application, is either 

 converted into ammonia, or serves the same purpose in yield- 

 ing nutrition to plants. 



AMMONIAOAL LIQUOR (from the gas houses). 



This liquid is the residuum of bituminous coal and tar used 

 in making gas, and holds large quantities of nitrogen, from 

 which ammonia is frequently extracted. When used for 

 land near by, it may be carried to the muck heap in barrels ; 

 and when at remote distances, gypsum or charcoal dust may 

 be added to the barrel, stirring irwell for some time, and 

 then closely covering it. The gypsum and charcoal soon 

 combine with the ammonia, when the liquid may be drawn 

 off, and the solid contents removed. It is a powerful manure 

 and should be sparingly used. 



GUANO. 



Guano is derived exclusively from the animal creation ; 

 but from its existence in a highly-condensed state, and in 

 combination with large proportions of the salts, and having, 

 by its accumulation through thousands of years, lost the dis- 

 tinguishing characteristics of recent animal matter, it may 

 be almost considered as a fossil, and as properly enough 

 classed under the head of inorganic manures. It is the re- 

 mains of the excrements, food and carcasses of innumerable 

 flocks of marine birds and seals, which have made some of 

 the islands in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, places of resort 

 for rearing their young, through unknown ages. 



Peruvian Guano is found on the islands of the Pacific, 



