54 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



been used with some advantage, but their value is far below 

 that of the Peruvian. 



The first introduction of Guano into this country, was in 

 1825. It was used in a few gardens to a limited extent, 

 and then forgotten. Soon after its successful appearance in 

 England, its importation was commenced in the United States. 

 Owing to the diminished value of our agricultural products 

 as compared with those of England, the progress of our im- 

 portation has been slow ; but it has been steadily advancing, 

 and will probably reach the amount of 20,000 tons for the 

 ensuing year (1850). It already occupies the rank of a 

 staple import; and its constantly-increasing use hereafter, 

 along the Atlantic and Pacific borders of the United States, 

 may with certainty be predicted. 



Guano is applied upon nearly all crops and soils ; but it 

 is, perhaps, most suited to such of the latter, as approach to 

 sandy loams. From 200 to 500 pounds per acre, is a proper 

 dressing, the largest quantity being required for the more 

 sterile soils. It should be thoroughly mixed for a few days, 

 with five times its bulk of vegetable mold or loam, and some 

 charcoal or gypsum, after breaking the lumps and sifting in 

 alternate layers. Avoid the use of lime or ashes in the com- 

 post, as they tend to expel the ammonia ; and keep it under 

 cover, beyond the reach of water or rains till used. It may 

 then be scattered broadcast, upon meadows or grain, or 

 placed near the seeds, or young plants in the hill. A double 

 application has been attended with the best effects; the 

 earliest, producing a rapid and luxuriant growth of stalk, and 

 a later one, filling out the grain, far beyond what could have 

 otherwise been expected. The white or small grains, corn, 

 potatoes and other roots, melons and other fruits, flowers, 

 &c., &c., are all susceptible of the presence of guano, and are * 

 greatly benefited by it, whenever there is sufficient moisture, 

 fully to develope its ingredients. 



When used for steeps, one pound of guano is added to 

 ten or fifteen gallons of water, then stirred well together 

 and closely covered, (to prevent the escape of the ammonia,) 

 for 24 hours or more, when it will be ready for use. In 

 watering the plants, avoid sprinkling the liquid upon the 

 stems or leaves, or it may burn or injure the plants. The 

 surface should be freshly stirred, to admit the liquid near the 

 roots. 



As a soak for seeds previous to planting or sowing, it is 

 frequently of great benefit in hastening germination and pro- 



