ANALYSES OF THE TOMATO. 55 



In the potato crop, as in the grain crop, magnesia and lime are in combination with 

 phosphoric acid ; and it is only in a very small proportion that these important bodies ap- 

 pear in the form of carbonates in the ash, a form which is derived from incineration, and 

 consequent change of the organic acids present in the potato. 



It is necessary to remark here in regard to the estimates which are made of the removal 

 of the inorganic matter, that no one variety could exactly represent the amount removed : 

 there are small variations in the percentage of varieties. These variations, however, are 

 not much greater than those which are furnished by the two ends of the same potato ; a 

 difference which is not accidental, but one by which important results are accomplished in 

 the economy of this valuable plant. 



If we consult the analyses of the potato for the purpose of determining the best mode of 

 culture, or what manures are the best adapted to it, we shall readily be able to satisfy our 

 minds; for it is evident that it is strictly a potash plant, and requires the use of those sub- 

 stances which are rich in this element. There is no doubt, therefore, of the value of ashes, 

 in some form or other, to this plant; and it is highly probable the potash in the soil is the 

 element which is exhausted first of all. A plant, however, .which every body feels com- 

 petent to raise, scarcely requires comment in this place. 



Closely allied to the potato, is the Tomato, a vegetable which is already extensively 

 cultivated, and is rapidly becoming more so. The vine and leaves have been cirefully 

 examined in the laboratory, and are found to possess the following composition : 



XX. TOMATO VINES (the large red variety). 



They were cut August 6, 18J7, and were only half grown. 



1. Proportions of water, ash, etc. 



Per centum of water - - ? <• - 88 '39 



Dry matter - - - - - - - 11-61 



Ash 1-68 



Ash calculated from the dry matter - ? - 14-47 



2. Analysis of the vine or stem. 



Silica 4-720 



Phosphates of lime, etc. 13-200 



Lime 8^151 



Magnesia 0-150 



Potash 45-482 



Soda ........ 1-632 



Sulphuric acid ...... 0-336 



Chloride of sodium 17-135 



Carbonic acid ....... trace. 



Organic matter ? ^ 7-275 S, 



