Polytechnic Association. 665 



pliate of ammonia ; about seven parts of sulphate of soda and potash, 

 and about four parts phosphates in different forms, the remainder of 

 the 1,000 parts being principally water. 



These last figures are taken from Berzelins' Analysis, and they 

 show that the nitrogenous compounds contained in the urine are 

 about five per cent. Taking nitrogen as a basis upon which the 

 value of organic manures are estimated, we can place them thus : 

 Guano contains, nitrogen, 10 per cent ; fecal matter, nitrogen, 1.5 per 

 cent ; the fluid of horse manure, nitrogen, .3 per cent. 



For my part, after examining the component parts of these different 

 manures, I am unable to discern any ground whatever for the entire 

 regestion of one of them as a producing element. To be sure, I 

 would object seriously to the manner in which it is offered to the 

 consumer ; but as hundreds of the necessaries of life pass through their 

 objectionable stage before they are brought upon the market, there is 

 no reason why this important item may not be so dealt- with as to 

 render it easy for the consumer to dispose of. 



I cannot close this subject without asking one serious question. If 

 we refuse to avail ourselves of this important source of nitrogen, 

 upon what are we to depend when the guano fields become entirely 

 exhausted ? Mineral manures seem to be turning up in abundance, 

 but they will not help us, unless we provide the earth with sufficient 

 nitrogenous compounds upon which the vitality and growth of plants 

 depend. 



Boussingault, who is so often quoted by Prof. Liebig, tells us that 

 in the fecal matter produced by one man in a year there is sufficient 

 nitrogen to support the growth and mature the development of 800 

 pounds of wheat. Our agriculturists and national economists may 

 continue for some time still to disregard the importance of carefully 

 preserving and utilizing this valuable and vital element of plants, but, 

 be assured, the time will come when, if they wish to see our country 

 continue to be the garden that must supply the deficiency of the rest 

 of the world, they must abandon the present extravagant policy which 

 they have already too long indulged in. 



In conclusion, gentlemen, I would thank you for the opportunity 

 of bringing this matter before your honorable society, and also for the 

 patience with which you have listened to my remarks. 



Mr. T. D. Stetson inquired what was the arrangement in the 

 house. 



Dr. F. Coar stated that the funnels are constructed very deep, with 

 an air passage outside, connected with a chimney, for ventilation. At 



