NOKTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 75 



Silica, 1.95 



Chlorine, 0.30 



Carbonic acid, 1.95 



Organic matter, 2.75 



In the cultivation of this plant it will be seen that a large 

 amount of fertilizing matter is removed in the gathering of 

 . seed, or, if it remains, a large amount is preserved for subse- 

 quent crops. 



Every ten bushels of seed contains 6.281 Ibs. of phosphoric 

 acid, two pounds of magnesia, and over two pounds and a 

 half of potash. The whole amount of valuable fertilizers re- 

 moved in every ten bushels of buckwheat is 12.450 Ibs. 

 The buckwheat in drying loses about the same quantity of 

 water as wheat and rye. Thus, on being dried in a water 

 bath at 212, it lost 12.875 parts ; and hence there remains of 

 dry matter, 87.125 of which gives 4.132 per cent, of ash. 



The organic constitution of buckwheat is similar to the 

 cereals, consisting of 



Starch, 42.47 



Sugar and extractive matter 6.16 



Dextrine, 1.60 



Epidermis or insoluble matter, 16.42 



A peculiar gray matter, soluble in potash, ) in 10 

 but insoluble in water or alcohol, } 



Albumen, 6.70 



Casein, 0.78 



Oil, 0.47 



Water, 12.88 



49. The foregoing does not relate so much to matters 

 which can be employed as fertilizers, but is introduced here 

 for the purpose of showing its nutrient properties. 



The pea will no doubt take the place of the red clover in 

 this State. Experience has already proved its superiority. 

 It is easily cultivated and is not liable to so many accidents. 

 It takes deep root and spreads widely, and is rich in valuable 

 fertilizers. By careful extraction from the hill I have found 

 its roots spreading through six feet of ground. 



That the value of the pea may be appreciated, and its fer- 



