48 FERTILIZERS. 



Old salts tell me that they brought up the same material 

 from deep bottom on the flukes of their anchors. Had 

 they said it looked the same, I should have believed them. 

 From twelve to fifteen million tons have been taken from 

 the Chincha Islands alone. Bat guano is sometimes ex- 

 tensively 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 ammonia, should be applied to those crops which are 

 especially ammonia-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 from muriate or sulphate 

 of potash. The quantity to be used will vary with the 

 condition of the soil in natural strength and richness by 

 manuring in past years, 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 apply a part 

 before the crop is planted, and make one or two applica- 

 tions at different stages of its growth. If scattered broad- 

 cast, it should be harrowed in at once, to prevent the 

 escape of ammonia. That used in drills, I find it easy to 

 mix thoroughly with the soil by dragging 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, the farmers who employ help will need 

 to look sharply after them ; for I find but very few farm- 

 hands take the care necessary to so thoroughly incorporate 

 it in the soil as to prevent the destroying of the young 

 plants. In all our handling of this powerful manure, we 

 must bear in mind the danger of bringing it in contact 

 with the young roots of the sprouting seed. I recall, that, 



