102 



HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. 



[Jan, 



tity of lime, potash and phosphoric acid which they contain. 

 The small quantity of phosphoric acid in lime ashes is derived 

 from the wood that is used in charging the kihi ; the potash 

 is derived partially from this same source and partially from 

 the limestone ; both of these elements are therefore apt to 

 vary widely in different samples. 



Table shoiving the Maxi7num, Minimum and Average Per Cents, of the 

 Different Ingredients found in Lime Ashes for the Season of 1903. 



Maximum. 



Minimum. 



Average. 



Moisture, 

 Potassium oxide, 

 Phosphoric acid, 

 Calcium oxide, 

 Insoluble matter, , 



23. IG 



3.32 



1.66 



55.44 



26.50 



10.47 

 .76 

 .03 



32.42 

 1.10 



15.66 



1.86 



.63 



41.15 

 6.46 



4. Notes on Peruvian Guano. 



A7ialysis of Peruvian Guano recently introduced into our Markets. 



Per Cent. 

 Moisture, 17.10 



Total phosphoric acid, 

 Soluble phosi^horic acid, 

 Reverted phosphoric acid, 

 Insoluble phosphoric acid, 

 Potassium oxide, 

 Nitrogen, . 



21.26 

 2.81 



10.47 

 7.98 

 4.20 

 3.23 



The above-stated article has of late been again introduced 

 into our markets ; it is evidently a genuine sample of Peru- 

 vian guano, and of a valuable composition as a general fer- 

 tilizer. As Peruvian guanos are known to vary more or 

 less in regard to their chemical composition, they should 

 always be bought and sold on a statement of their guaran- 

 teed composition. A detailed discussion of the occurrence 

 of Peruvian guanos, their merits as a fertilizer and their his- 

 toric importance with reference to the introduction of com- 

 mercial fertilizers, will be found in the annual report of the 

 inspector of commercial fertilizers to the Massachusetts State 

 Board of Agriculture for the years 1875-7G. 



