MISCELLANEOUS ANALYSES. 337 



ANALYSES OF THE ASH OF THE LEAVES, BARK AND WOOD OF THE CORNUS 



FLORIDA. 



Made by Dr. George Hand Smith, of Rochester. 



Carbonic acid - 

 Silicic acid 

 Phosphates 

 Sulphuric acid 

 Lime 

 Magnesia 

 Potash - 

 Soda 

 Chlorine 

 Organic acids - 



Leaves. 



Bark. 



Wood. 



17-250 



17-479 



15-396 



4-850 



4-7S5 



6-200 



24-850 



18-500 



31-850 



3-050 



1-750 



1-925 



33-493 



44-470 



21-391 



1-240 



1-150 



0-450 



5-561 



1-390 



11-373 



6-820 



4-370 



5116 



0-627 



0-246 



0-444 



2-150 



4-860 



4-835 



99-892 99-000 98-980 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRECEDING ANALYSES. 



It is obvious from the foregoing analyses of the ash of fruit and forest trees, that a large 

 supply of inorganic matter is essential to a vigorous growth. In fruit trees this is particu- 

 larly the case. These enjoy, in a far less degree, the power to recruit themselves from a 

 supply by their own waste or debris. In a forest, the leaves and bark fall to the ground 

 and decay, and in due time return to that state which fits them for food. In an orchard, 

 however, the usual mode of managing the grounds prevents an~ accumulation of food in 

 this way. Hence they are placed in the same position as other crops, as to their effect in 

 removing the nutriment from the soil ; and hence it is essential to their vigor, that a regular 

 supply be furnished them. The substances which trees require are evidently calcareous 

 and alkaline elements for the wood, and phosphatic and alkaline elements for the fruit. 

 Lime exists in a large percentage in the bark. A compost of peat, lime and wood ashes, 

 or the ordinary barnyard manures, will be always useful ; and a large outlay in these 

 matters will repay the expense in the quality and size of the fruit. Ample experience 

 proves the great utility of this mode of treating fruit trees ; and fruit trees which are 

 neglected, and left to shift for themselves, will in time cease to grow, and will moreover 

 be preyed upon by lichens and fungi. 



[Agricultural Report — Vol. ii.] 43 



