Wool Waste as a Manure. 207 



Mr. Dickerman said a neighbor of his used a quantity of 

 it upon his orchard, and it killed some of its trees. 



Mr. W. C. Strong was informed by Mr. Simpson of Sax- 

 onville, that he had used it on trees and grass, and thought 

 it valuable ; but he had the impression, when used as a top 

 dressing or mulching, that it kept the moisture on the sur- 

 face, while it was dry beneath. He had used it considerably, 

 and had, he believed, tried many experiments with it. 



Mr. Sticknet thought there could be no doubt that all 

 species of woollen were good as a manure. He should sup- 

 pose the best way to use it was as a compost. He thought 

 it was like many other kinds of manure which had been 

 recommended ; when used in too large quantity it had been 

 injurious. He had used phosphates, boneblack, and leavings 

 of sugar refineries ; but he had found that none of them 

 should be applied alone ; they should be composted, and then 

 their good effects would be seen. If his farm laid within 

 reach of it, he should make good use of it in his compost 

 heap. 



Mr. Dickerman stated it was very oily, and wished to ask 

 if there was any way to get rid of it. 



Mr. C. M. Hovet remarked that he knew nothing of 

 its value only what he heard from others, and particularly 

 from M. H. Simpson, Esq., who had used large quantities of 

 it ; from what he had stated he should think it valuable 

 when it could be easily had at a low price. He considered, 

 however, that its chief value was owing to its oiliness, and if 

 it did not contain that it would be of little use ; oil was a 

 nitrogenous substance, and of course useful for all vegetation. 

 In the process of putrefaction it gave off large quantities of 

 ammonia. Mr. Simpson was a most intelligent amateur cul- 

 tivator, a close observer, and from what he had stated he had 

 no doubt that wool waste was quite too valuable to throw 

 into the river, as had formerly been done at Lowell. 



Mr. Cabot had no doubt of its value on account of the 

 carbon and nitrogen it contained. 



Mr. Breck said Mr. Wright had such success with it on 

 his farm, and that he became so interested in its cultivation, 



