TEPIIROSIA CANDIDA 



195 



U is to be noticed tluil the leaves contain a larger amount 

 of potash and phosphoric acid and a much higher proportion 

 of mineral matter. Consequently, when they remain on 

 the fields they return all the mineral salts withdrawn from 

 the soil, and on rotting they form humus, which enriches it 

 in organic matter as well. 



Green Stems and Leaves. 



The mineral content of the drv matter being of interest 

 the figures we obtained are appended herewith : — 



Dry Stems and Leaves. 



1,000 kilos of these branches thus remove ly'io kilos of 

 mineral matter, the principal elements being apportioned as 

 follows : — ■ 



Lime 

 Magnesia 

 Potash 

 Phosphoric acid 



4-86 kilos 

 0-63 „ 

 5-98 ,. 

 1-43 .. 



