These samples represent the extremes of composition noticed in 

 our section of the state. The use of Canada, ashes has of kite stead- 

 ily increased, and the cost gradually declined to 24 to 25 cents per 

 bushel, of forty-five to fifty pounds. These are prices by the carload 

 at Amherst and in its vicinity. 



360. ASH OF COTTON SEED HULLS. 



Sent ou for examination from Northampton, Mass. 



jPer Cent. 



Moisture at 100° C, 2.30 



Calcium oxide, 11.63 



Magnesium oxide, 15.24 



Phosphoric acid, (at 6 cts. per pound), 13.67 



Potassium oxide, (at 5^ cts. per pound), 30.82 



Insoluble matter, 21.65 



Valuation per 2000 lbs., $50.30. 

 The percentage of potassa found in the above sample is exception- 

 ally high ; the same may be said of the phosphoric acid. On previous 

 occasions potassium oxide was noticed, in this brand of ashes, as low 

 as 23.72 per cent., and the phosphoric acid, 7.88 per cent. From 

 detailed investigations of the cotton plant by Prof. H. C. White of 

 Georgia, "On the Complete Analysis of the Cotton Plant," 1874, we 

 have learned the general character of the ash constituents of the 

 various parts of the cotton plant. 



Judging from his analytical statements it becomes apparent that 

 ashes of the cotton plant sold in our section of the country do not 

 represent the mineral constituents of any particular part of the plant, 

 but are obtained from a mixture of different parts, in varying propor- 

 tions. Taking this feature of their origin into consideration, it 

 becomes most advisable to-buy these valuable ashes only on guaranty 

 of composition. 



361. GROUND BONE. 



Sent on for examination from Concord, Mass. 



Per Cent. 



Moisture at 100^ C, 4.78 



Total phosphoric acid, ^ 29.83 



Reverted, " " 9.22 



Insoluble " " 20.61 



Nitrogen, 2.03, 



Insoluble matter, ' 0.30 

 Valuation per 2000 lbs., $34.79. 



