VALUATION OF FERTILIZERS, ETC. 459 



The value of the phosphate last mentioned depends largely 

 on its mechanical condition. 



Dissolved Bonehlach. 



[I. Sent on by M. "W. Jcfts, for the Ashby Farmers' Club, Asbby, Mass.] 

 [II. Sent on for examination.] 



Lobster Shells. 



[Sent on for examination by J. Shcdd, 90 "Waltham St., Boston, Mass.] 



Moisture at 100° C, 

 Calcium oxide, 

 Magnesium oxide, 

 Phosphoric acid, . 

 Nitrogen, 

 Insoluble matter, . 



7.27 

 22.24 

 1.30 

 8.52 

 4.50 

 .27 



The material sent on consisted of coarse pieces of shells 

 with meat mass in a dry condition. The large percentage 

 of carbonate of lime present tends to promote a rapid de- 

 composition of the organic nitrogenous matter, and favors 

 thus a speedy action of the lobster shells, when dried and 

 ground before their application. Counting phosphoric acid 

 in the coarsely ground material 4|- cents per pound, and 

 nitrogen 20 cents per pound, its commercial value would be 

 from $22 to $23 per ton. 



