SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURE. 207 



table presents an analysis of the ashes of the red beech and 

 oak, by SprengeL 



100. 100. 



It will be seen by the table, that one kind of ash is richer 

 in one element, and another in some other element : the value 

 of each must be estimated accordingly. The ashes of the oak 

 and beech, both contain more lime than they do potash, and 

 would therefore be as efficacious on a soil deficient in lime, as 

 on one deficient in potash. We see, then, that, contrary to 

 popular opinion, the ucility of this manure does not depend 

 solely upon the action of potash, but on several other elements 

 also. 



Ashes, as a general rule, are used with benefit on the 

 grasses, lugurninous and Indian corn crops. They may be 

 mixed with an equal quantity of gypsum or bone dust, and 

 applied to the amount of ten to thirty bushels to an acre; or, 

 if the ashes have been leached, fifty, sixty, or a hundred 

 bushels may be used to an acre. According to Johnston, only 

 about one fifteenth part of the weight of ashes are immediately 

 soluble ; their effects are therefore more permanent than those 



