324 



THE FLAX CROP. 



it would show the presence of carbonates in greater pro- 

 portion than good cake should contain, and would indicate 

 the probable adulteration of the cake with substances con- 

 taining woody fibre. Good cake gives an ash containing 

 a small proportion of carbonic acid, but a large proportion 

 of phosphoric acid, potash, and lime. Thus linseed-cake 

 contains in considerable proportions those elementary . 

 bodies necessary to build up the bony structure of the 

 animal body, as well as afterwards to clothe it with the 

 desirable amount of flesh and fat. The manurial value of 

 linseed-cake is better seen in its inorganic constituents, 

 though the organic composition, containing, as it does, 

 such a large percentage of nitrogen, adds greatly, without 

 doubt, to its efficiency. These inorganic constituents have 

 been determined by Mr. Way as follows : 



