254 BONES. 



Water, 10. 



Animal matter, 20.2 



Phosphates of lime and magnesia, . . .61.5 

 Carbonates of lime and magnesia, . . . 8.3 



100. 



Ordinarily well-boiled bones would give nearly a similar 

 result, but some extra boiled gave Prof. Way the following 

 composition : 



Water, . 10.. 



Animal matter, .... 

 Phosphates of lime and magnesia. 

 Carbonates of lime and magnesia. 

 Sand, 



16. 



60. 



11. 



3. 



100. 



The animal part affords from 2 to 3 per cent, of nitrogen, 

 equal to about 9 ounces of pure ammonia from every 100 

 pounds of bone. Practical experience has shown that bone 

 meal in this half animalized state is its most valuable agri- 

 cultural form. Though not as lasting as bone ash from 

 burned bones, it works quicker and stronger. This bone meal 

 ferments, and gives off ammonia, while the phosphate of Jime 

 by its combination with gelatinous matter, easily dissolves in 

 rain water. Hence, it is the result of experience, that all 

 bone meal acts best on soils moderately sandy and light ; 

 clay lands exclude air, sandy lands hold no water ; on these 

 bone meal acts only after two or three years, yet guano acts 

 on these at once. 



Bone meal, deprived of a part of its animal matter, is best 

 employed when added to the compost heap at the rate of 

 from 200 to 500 lbs. per acre. If used alone, it is best to 

 sow it as top dressing during the early spring rains, after the 



