81. "Oichilla" Giuuio. Collected of D. A. Ilortou, Nortliampton, 

 Mass., by State Inspector. 



Moisture at 100° C, 11.05 



Magnesium oxide, 4.13 



Calcium oxide, 38.24 



Phosphoric acid, 21.69 



Insoluble matter, 0.17 



The " Orchilla Guano " belongs to a class of natural phosphates, 

 which arc noted for their deficiency in organic and nitrogenous mat- 

 ter, as well as for their large percentage of carbonate of lime. The 

 above described samples contained 47.39 per cent, bone phos- 

 phate and 22.39 per cent, of carbonate of lime. The pres- 

 ence of so large a percentage of the latter compound ren- 

 ders this material — from an economical standpoint — unsuitable 

 for the manufacturers of superphosphate of lime. The natural pul- 

 vereut condition of the commercial article has favored its introduc- 

 tion into agricultural practice. Very satisfactory results are reported 

 from its application in case of moist pastures and meadows, and of 

 turfy soils. Upon a dry soil and in a dry season its action can be 

 but slow. The safest way to secure an economical return seems to 

 be a direct introduction in the daily produce of stable manure, on 

 account of the beneficial reaction of the fermenting animal excre- 

 tions on the disintegration of the guano and thus an increased solu- 

 bility of its bone phosphate. Four cents per pound of phosphoric 

 acid at present rates of valuation might be considered a safe invest- 

 ment ; at that rate of valuation the above article would be worth 

 $18.00 per ton of 2000 lbs. 



FISH AND POTASH. (82—86) 



82. C. Island Fish Guano, of Geo. W. Miles' Co., Milford, Conn. 

 Collected of D. F. Wright, Northampton, by State 

 Inspector. 



Guaranteed composition; bone phosphate 10 to 14 per 

 cent., (equivalent to phosphoric acid 4.58 to 6.41 per 

 cent.) ; ammonia 6 to 8 per cent., (equivalent to nitrogen 

 4.94 to 6.71 per cent.).* 



