f 
1843.] 
THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 
245 
AMATEUR’S GARDEN.—No. XV. 
In addition to the plants noticed in my former article, 
I would earnestly recommend the cultivation of the various 
Gladioli. Nothing can be more brilliant than a large bed 
of G. psittacinus ; in fact, G. floribundus, blandus, cardi- 
nalis, Victoria, and the whole of the genus, are beau- 
tiful. No time should now be lost in procuring and sow- 
ing the seed, which would, indeed, have been best sown 
early last month. A few more plants requiring similar 
treatment are, Tigridia pavénia and conchiiflora,andAnoma- 
theca cruenta: the two former make showy groups through- 
Out the season; and the Anomatheca, if four or five bulbs 
are planted in a pot, plunged in a bed when in bloom, is a 
gem for the flower-garden in May. The Tigridias may be 
treated like Gladfoli; but the Anomatheca will be best 
pricked out two inches apart, in seed-pans, in light rich 
soil, and sheltered in a frame until well established. 
picta, and Richardsonii; Ononis rotundifolia ; Antirrhi- 
hum caryophylloides, majus album, and pictum. To 
hese may be added Hollyhocks and the Marvel of Peru; 
and with the plants named last week and a few more 
alpine plants, such as Sapondria ocymoides, Scuttelléria 
alpina and gargénica; Erinus alpinus and hispdnicus ; 
Myosotis alpestris, Pulmondria virginica, Sanguindria 
Canadensis, Saxifraga granulata, Soldanella alpina, and 
the dwarf Phloxes, such as verna, subulata, setécea, nivalis, 
amoena, and a few more of the taller kinds, a garden may 
be kept in a blaze of beauty throughout the season. 
The whole of the first-named plants may be sown in 
any favourable situation in the open air; but the alpine 
plants would be better sown in pans, and placed in a warm 
shaded place until they begin to grow. Perhaps some 
difficulty may be experienced in procuring seed of some 
of the plants, and if so, take cuttings or layers, or divide 
the plants when they are out of bloom; in fact, do any- 
thing to multiply the stock. 
The seed of most of the plants must be sown very 
thinly ; and if the seedlings are thinned, or some of them 
transplanted when not too large, they will most of them 
bloom next season.—W. P. dyres. 
HOME CORRESPONDENCE. 
Fixing Ammonia.—I trust the interest that is now felt, 
and the inquiries that are being constantly made, on the 
Subject of fixing ammonia, will be a sufficient excuse for 
My troubling you again. I now propose to make a few 
Observations on the fixation of ammonia by common salt; 
and as there seems to exist much diversity of opinion on 
the subject, I will give you the results of some practical 
trials, made with the express view of ascertaining to what 
€xtent, and under what circumstances, the carbonates of 
ammonia are decomposable by salt (chloride of sodium), 
That salt, when added to aconcentrated solution of sesqui- 
Carbonate ofammonia, (the volatile salt of commerce,) will, 
after a short interval, in the cold, decompose it, forming 
4n insoluble bicarbonate of soda, has been known for se- 
Veral years ; but itis not so generally understood that a 
Patent for the formation of carbonate of soda, based upon 
<8 principle, was taken out about four years since. It 
pecnerally known by the name of Dyar and Hemming’s 
atent, ‘The undertaking has, I believe, been abandoned, 
Rot on account of faultiness in the principle, but it could 
ae be worked profitably, from the difficulty experienced 
a Tecovering the ammonia, after it had served for the 
tra mPosition of the salt. An outline of the process ac- 
tually employed by the patentees may not be uninterest- 
NE to yo 
© are consideri , and may serve to throw upon it some 
Practical light. "For tl k 
lected 
Pose; it was, therefore, distilled in a wrought-iron still, 
foe be in the state of carbonate (bicarbonate) for perfect 
ieee to take place. Hence it became necessary 
i e. 
draw; This was obtained by 
portion” atmospheric air through a coke fire, in which a 
ra a of chalk was always kept, and by this means a gas 
©Dtained, seldom containing as much as 25 per cent. 
arbonic acid, and usually from 18 to 22. As much salt 
was added to the strong gas-liquor as it was known it 
could hold in permanent solution, and then by a force- 
pump, the air from a coke-stove, previously cooled by 
passing through cold water, was introduced by various 
inlets, which put the whole into brisk agitation. This 
state of things was allowed to continue until, when a sam- 
ple was drawn and allowed to stand, much of it became 
solid by the deposition of bicarbonate of soda, which I 
had occasion to remark is insoluble in a strong solution 
of salt and salammoniac. At this period the whole was 
let out,on a linen filter, and allowed to drain as dry as 
possible. What remained on the filter was pressed in an 
hydraulic press, and carried to close ovens furnished with 
a condensing apparatus, where it was brought to the state 
of soda ash, or impure carbonate of soda. The ash pro- 
duced by this process, when good articles are employed, 
is extremely pure, sometimes containing only from 2 to 5 
per cent. of impurity ; and this nothing but common salt, 
from the brine which the cake contained after pressing. 
The liquid which ran through the filter contained most of 
the ammonia originally employed, in the state of muriate ; 
it also contained about half the salt used, for it is quite 
impossible, by any excess of carbonate of ammonia, quite 
to decompose the chloride of sodium. The mode adopted 
for the recovery of ammonia was as follows :—the liquid 
from the filter, combined with that from the ovens, was 
| conveyed to iron stills, and distilled so long as the run- 
nings smelt of ammonia. This was reserved to be used 
over again instead of fresh gas-liquor. What remained in 
the stills (muriate of ammonia and salt) was either di- 
luted with water, mixed with sufficient quicklime, and dis- 
tilled as before, or evaporated to dryness, removing the 
common salt as it formed and fell during the evaporation, 
and then mixing the dry residue with twice its weight of 
chalk; being afterwards sublimed, to produce the carbonate 
of ammonia of commerce. This was either sold in the 
market, or dissolved in water, and salt added as before 
mentioned. These processes for the recovery of the whole 
of the ammonia are bad in principle, or require such 
perfection in the apparatus, and carefulness and dexterity 
on the part of the workmen, that they very imperfectly 
answered the purpose. But however badly the purpose 
of the deluded proprietors was served, we may make their 
experience useful in solving the question with which we 
set ont—‘ will salt fix ammonia?’ The reply is, it will 
not fix caustic ammonia at all, nor willitin any other state 
but that of bicarbonate (the salt of commerce is a mix- 
ture of carbonate and bicarbonate), and even this only 
imperfectly, and under favourable circumstances, and not 
at all, if beyond a certain proportion of water be present. 
Also, unless the bicarbonate of soda, when once formed, 
be removed from the liquor in which it was produced, a 
reaction soon takes place, which goes far to restore the 
substances to their original state. Such things are not 
uncommon inchemistry. But I said I would add some 
practical results, which if 1 omit doing, your readers may 
perhaps exclaim, ‘‘ Here is much ado about nothing!” 
The following experiments were made to discover the in- 
fluence of varying quantities of the ingredients ; viz., 
carbonate of ammonia, salt, and water, also of time of con- 
tact, and the application of a stream of carbonic acid gas :_ 
i] Vitriol to 
Carb, Am. Salt. Water, Time. saturate the 
da Ash 
No.1 120 parts 60 parts 200 parts 1 hour 14 
2 90 60 200 1 19 
3 60 60 200 1 17 
4 120 60 200 1 19 
5 90 60 200 1 20 
6 60 60 200 1 20 
In 4, 5, and 6, carbonic acid (pure) was. passed through 
the whole time. The salt was dissolved in the water, and 
the carbonate ofammonia, in fine powder, added: much 
cold was produced. When agitated, a slight effervescence 
was observed ; and at the end of the hour (agitating all 
the time), it was thrown on linen, the soda pressed and 
heated to redness, then saturated exactly by oil of vitriol. 
It appears from these results that under the most favour- 
able circumstances, and with a large eacess of carbonate 
of ammonia, we cannot decompose much more than half 
the salt used. 
Carb. 
b. Am. Salt. Water. Time.” _—_ Oil Vitriol. 
No. 1 60 60 300 1 hour 10 
2 60. 60 250 1 13 
3 55 60 200 1 16 
4 5 6 1 14 
When Jlicarbonate of ammonia was used, the result 
was— 
Bicarbon, Salt. Water. Time. Oil Vitriol, 
No. 1 80 60 168 $hour 31 
2 90 60 163 Ey 82 
3 100 60 168 $ 32 
4 60 60 163 $ 
31 
We here see, in a striking manner, that varying the 
quantity of ammonia scarcely influences the result, but 
that the diminished quantity of water has considerably 
increased the amount of decomposition; perhaps, also, the 
shorter period of time was not without its influence. I 
varied these trials in many other ways, which it would be 
tedious to mention; but the conclusion of the matter is, 
I think, plain, and it is this ;—that the farmer is not to 
look to common salt to fix his armmonia as it is evolved 
from the stable and the dung-heap. Salt is good in its 
way, and answers a thousand purposes of utility; but 
nature will not step out of her path to endow it with pro- 
perties to sup jort any theory, how plausible soever.— 
W. H. Potler.—Chemical Works, Upper Fore-street. 
Draining.—In those parts of Gloucestershire _ where 
the soil is stiff, clay-draining is extensively practised on 
grass-land, for which it is most effectual, answering all 
the purposes of tiles, ata much smaller expense. The 
plan is as follows :—A trénch is dug three feet deep, in 
the shape of a wedge; at the bottom of this a certain 
number of solid pieces of wood resembling tiles are placed, 
and attached to each other by two half-links of a chain, 
acting as ahinge. On the top of these the clay is thrown in 
small quantities, and well rammed down, to the depth of 
twelve inches ; the remainder of the soil is then filled in, 
and the turf replaced. The wooden models are withdrawn 
by a strong lever being fixed at the outer end, by which 
means the drain is left perfect in form, and as smooth as 
a polished table. This will last for years, and will carry 
the water off admirably. In draining a small orchard last 
year, a drain was cut across which had been in use 18 
years without exhibiting any signs of damage. The 
price including all charges is, I believe, about 1}d. per 
yard.— W. W. 
Improvement of Land.—He who provides additional 
employment for labour, and by that employment produces 
more food, and at the same time increases the return for 
his capital, is a sincere friend to himself, his country, and 
to the cause of humanity. Entertaining this opinion, and 
having some spare capital, I said to myself, Shall I with 
this thousand pounds purchase a few more acres of land, 
nd thus increase the competition for it; or had I not 
much better invest it in improving one of the farms I 
now have—about 130_acres? JI determined on the latter 
course, and how gratifying to my feeling has it been to see 
about 20 men and boys employed in draining, others in 
making tile-pipes (300,000), some in carting them, and 
again some in collecting and carting stones to fill the 
drains, besides those engaged in putting down and re- 
moving the timber, and trimming close the high, unsightly 
fences, taking in the waste-pieces, &c. When twelve 
months shall have pleted these imp , am I 
not to look forward to the permanent employment of more 
hands by an improved rotation of crops and increased 
produce? My plans, however, were not, at first, accepted 
without difficulties and objections. My tenant (a truly 
worthy person,) had prejudices, and five years of his lease 
were unexpired. I said, “Your land, in its present 
wet state, is not growing two-thirds of what it should do.” 
He replied, “I farm clean and regular, and carry off all 
the top-water ; but I don’t believe under-drains are of any 
use in our strong soil, although I agree as to putting down 
timber and low fences.’’ “ Well, then,’’ I said, ‘let us 
agree to this :° the whole expense shall befmine, taking as 
my ion, two-thirds of the extra-p: over and 
above what your books will show as the produce of the 
last seven years; the other third shall be yours.’ To 
this he readily consented, and is now perfectly convinced 
of the importance of perfect drainage, low fences, and 
little timber ; and of the prospect of this farm being very 
quickly as good a one as most in the county of Essex. 
Let capitalists, instead of buying more land, improve what 
they have ; they will not only increase their rents, but do 
agreat national service, and we shall hear but little of 
over-population.and the necessity of removing our able- 
bodied Agricultural labourers to other and distant parts. 
T should add, (having three cottages on the property,) I 
mean to adopt your excellent recommendation of allot- 
ments to the deserving Jzbourer.-—d. J. M., Stamford-hili. 
Steaming Hay for Caitle.—At p. 175 “ A Hertiordshire 
Farmer’? asks information respecting the process of Steam- 
ing, which will make musty Hay palatable to Cattle, &c. 
Should your Leicestershire correspondent not answer his 
inquiries, I shall be very happy to do so, as I know of na- 
thing so desirable and economical, even in a small farm (and 
no large one ought on any account to be without it), as a 
Steaming apparatus. I will with pleasure send him the 
size and cost of my Steam-house, &c., which is calculated 
for a small farm of 60 acres, and with which I make all 
musty Hay—tops and bottoms of stacks, the parts which 
horses and cows reject from their mangers, &c.—palatable, 
and, I believe, nutritious food. I likewise get a great deal 
of Straw eaten by horses. The same apparatus steams 
sufficient Turnips or Potatoes for from 100 to 200 pigs, 
as well as horses and cows. The cost of fuel is about 4s. 
a week (coal 8s. 9d. per ton). Perhaps the plan of a 
St h would be ptable to some of your readers, 
as few have an opportunity of seeing well-regulated farms, 
except those situated in our best agricultural districts, 
and even there Steaming is little practised. A small 
farmer in this vicinity keeps up all day an enormous fire 
in his kitchen, that he may boil Potatoes for 2 horses and 
2 pigs. An eighth part of the extra coal would steam 
four times the quantity.— HV’. D. F. [We shall be much 
obliged by the promised information. ] = 
Cellar for Roots.—What is the best mode of making a 
root-cellar or room, so as to avoid the wasteful and clumsy 
mode of clamping Potatoes, &c.? I propose to dig out 
about 4 feet of soil (clay with me), and, after draining, tq 
pave it, and then to build up a very thick clay wall, about 
4 feet high, and thatch with Furze at least 3 feet thick, 
This I consider will effectually keep out frost, The bot. 
tom part I propose for roots, and the upper part is to be 
fitted up with shelves for Apples and Pears; double small 
windows and double doors. I can find no description of 
a mode, formerly in use, of building with rammed clay, 
something like the mud walling of the chalk countries. it 
is called Pisa. Can any correspondent Suggest a more 
complete or economical mode, or inform me how the Rus- 
sian cellars are constructed ?— Totty, 
Potting Plants on the One-shift System.—It does not 
astonish me to see that the “ one-shift” system described 
at p. 135 has already called forth the doubts, misbeliefs, 
and opposition of people who have been so long aceust 
p 
to practice—and that with the best success—a very different 
mode of shifting pot-grown plants. If1 had not ent a 
confidence in the practical knowledge of the writer, Ishould 
certainly have felt some doubts respecting it, because I 
have sometimes known the death or ill-health of a plant at- 
tributed, and with some justice, to the circumstance of its 
being removed or shifted out of a small pot into a much 
Se 
