180 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY . 



soda, sulphuric acid, and chlorine, the sample analyzed that 3'ear 

 contained about thirteen per cent of sulphate of soda (salt-cake), 

 and eleven per cent of common salt. 



The Chincha Islands, which, in past 5-eavs, have been the great 

 source of Peruvian guano, lie near the coast of Peru, — barren 

 granite rocks, with great depth of water close to the shore, so that 

 in places the largest vessels can lie alongside and be loaded from 

 the land by a shc^t entering the hold. The guano, a thoroughly 

 rotten mass of bird-dung, in which are mixed feathers, carcasses, 

 and eggs, was from four to a hundred feet in depth. Old salts 

 have told me that they brought up the same material from deep 

 bottom, on the flukes of their anchors. Had they said a substance 

 looking the same, I could better believe them. From twelve to 

 fifteen million tons have been taken from the Chincha Islands 

 alone. Bat guano is sometimes extensively found in large caves 

 in various parts of the world ; but it varies greatly in quality. 



In applying guano, the Standard, which is especially rich in am- 

 monia, should be applied to those crops wliich are especially am- 

 monia-loving ; while the Lobos should be used on those which need 

 phosphoric acid more than they do ammonia. The potash required 

 beyond what the guano contains may be added in the form of 

 muriate or sulphate of potash. The quantity of guano to be used 

 will vary with the condition of the soil in natural strength and its 

 richness by manuring in past j'ears, the range being from two hun- 

 dred and fifty to eight hundred pounds per acre. The manner of 

 applying will depend somewhat on the crops to be raised ; but a 

 good general rule is to appl}' a part before the crop is planted, and 

 make one or two applications at different stages of its growth. If 

 scattered broadcast it should be harrowed in at once, to prevent 

 the escape of ammonia. Tliat used in drills I find it easy to mix 

 thoroughly' with the soil b}' drngging through the furrow the top 

 of a stocky red cedar, to which a stone weighing eight or ten 

 pounds has been firmly tied ; or a brush broom similarly weighted 

 answers very well. When used in the hill, farmers who employ 

 help will need to look sharply after them ; for I find ver}' few farm 

 hands will take the care necessary to incorporate it in the soil so 

 thoroughly as to avoid destroying the young plants. In all hand- 

 ling of this powerful manure we must bear in mind the danger of 

 its contact with \'Oung roots of the sprouting seed. I recall that 

 a dozen years ago a foreman, who assured me that he knew all 

 about the handling of guano, planted for me a couple of acres of 



