46 



many say twenty-one different kinds of vegetables and plants, were either killed within one 

 week or materially injured. In composts I foimd it very valuable ; diluted with water and 

 poured upon meadow land it produced a wonderful effect, making the grass grow astonishingly. 

 It presented likewise a much greener appearance than the grass adjoining. Dissolved in water 

 and used sparingly on green-house plants, it was found to increase their growth and give 

 them a beautiful green appearance. Upon the whole I am sorry I ever had anything to do with 

 it, and have now on hand nearly two tons, which will probably long occupy space in my 

 laboratory — a memento of the gulls once inhabiting the shores of Peru. 



