106 



VARIETIES OF GUANO. 



The general composition of a few of the leading 

 varieties is shown in the following table: 



This, it is evident at a glance, is an extremely rich 

 manure: the quantities of ammoniacal matter, and of 

 phosphates, are remarkably large. The Ichaboe guano 

 contains much more water than the others, because 

 the climate in that region is not so dry as on the west 

 coast of S. America. It is also more decomposed, 

 giving usually a strong smell of ammonia. 



a. The Peruvian, Bolivian and Chilian varieties, 

 have very little smell of ammonia; but if they are 

 mixed with a little quicklime, and gently heated, the 

 odor becomes extremely powerful. 



b. This little experiment also shows that quicklime 

 or caustic lime should not be mixed with manures con- 

 taining much nitrogen, as through its agency ammonia 

 is formed, passes off into the air, and is lost. 



Guano is so energetic in its action, that it should 

 not come in contact with the seed, as it might destroy 

 its vitality. In dry seasons it frequently produces very 

 little effect, owing to its not being dissolved. From 2 

 to 5 cwt. per acre are applied; more than 5 cwt. 

 makes vegetation too coarse and luxuriant. I knew 

 of 8 cwt. being put upon an acre of turnips: they all 

 grew to tops, and produced no bulbs. Even the suc- 

 ceeding crop of wheat was so rank in its growth that 

 the grain was miserable. The best way of applying 



