18 



leached artificially or stored carelessly so that a considerable portion of the potashhas leached 

 out. The average price of 810.50 to $12.00 per ton delivered, bulk, makes it an expensive source 

 of either lime or potash. The following materials would give equally as good results at a cost 

 of $8.50 per ton unmixed: 



170 lbs. basic slag phosphate, 



206 " high grade sulfate of potash, 



900 " hydrated lime, 



724 " earth. 



2,000 lbs. 

 In practice it would be preferable to mix the 170 pounds slag and 200 pounds of potash with 

 1624 pounds of lime, the total materials, unmixed, costing $10.30 a ton. The mixture would 

 yield some 500 pounds more actual lime than is contained in average wood ashes. No. III. 

 Waste tannery lime is likely to vary considerably in composition, sometimes running as high 

 as 40 to 50 per cent of moisture. The lime is present as hydrate and carbonate and the m aterial 

 may contain considerable organic matter containing nitrogen. It is too wet to be applied by 

 drill but may be distributed readily by means of a manure spreader and makes a very good 

 source of lime. No. IV. Oyster shells when burned and slaked or finely ground make a satis- 

 factory source of lime. When coarsely ground and unburned, their value as a lime source is 

 greatly reduced. If ground so as to pass an 80 mesh sieve the material would probably com- 

 pare favorably with unburned finely ground limestone. No. V is a fair sample of gas house 

 lime. Its form, value and method of treatment has already been referred to. 

 ♦Available, 



SUMMARY OF PRESENT COST OF LIME IN MASSACHU- 

 SETTS MARKETS. 



Average, highest and lowest cost in cents of 100 pounds of cal- 

 cium and magnesium oxides. 



Source. 



Ground limestone, 



Marl, 



Lump or caustic lime, 



Ground caustic lime, 



Slaked or hydrated lime, .... 

 Lime tailings or screenings, 

 Refuse lime, 



Average 



The above table shows that it is well worth while to become 

 familiar with the composition as well as with the cost of the dif- 

 ferent brands of lime. It is often possible to purchase lime of 

 desirable quality for about one-half the price that is sometimes 

 asked for another product which is very little or no better in 

 quality. 



WHAT KIND OF LIME SHALL THE FARMER BUY? 



It is difficult or quite impossible to answer this question to 

 suit the needs of each individual. In general the following brief 

 statements may be made : 



1 . Quick and hydrated limes are best suited to heavy, clay soils, 

 when it is desired to improve their mechanical condition. 



2. Carbonates in the form of finely ground limestone or marls 

 work quite satisfactorily on light loams. 



3. Lime containing large percentages of magnesia should not 

 be applied to soils deficient in carbonate of lime. 



