Analyses of Ashes of Plants. 



205 



one element necessary for its growth if it is denied another 

 equally indispensable ; and it may sometimes happen that the 

 application of a smaller quantity of bones and sulphuric acid, 

 accompanied by some alkaline body and magnesia, might, at the 

 same expense, prove more effectual than the bones and acid 

 alone, although in larger quantity. 



Upon these grounds we would avail ourselves of the oppor- 

 tunity at present afforded us of inviting the members of this 

 Society to make a trial of some such composition as the fol- 

 lowing : — - 



2 cwt. of bones (unburnt). 

 1 cwt. of sulphuric acid. 



1 cwt. of pearl-ash. 



^ cwt. of Epsom salts ; and 



3 cwt. of common salt. 



The bones should be dissolved in the acid diluted with an 

 equal bulk of water, and, after standing some hours, the pearl- 

 ash, and Epsom salts, and common salt should be added. 



This compound might be mixed with ashes, and drilled with 

 the seed, or it might (previously mixed with ashes or dry soil) 

 be applied as a top-dressing to the crop upon the appearance of 

 the seed-leaf. It should be tried in the above proportion per acre, 

 and in half that quantity. 



We repeat this is only suggested for experiment.* It would 

 appear wiser as a general rule to employ bones and sulphuric 

 acid in connexion with a moderate application of farm-manure. 

 Practice and theory are equally in favour of this plan. 



The vegetable matter and ammoniacal salts of the manure 

 force the plants rapidly into rough leaf, enabling it to defy its 

 natural enemy — the fly ; whilst the bones afford a lasting supply 

 of nourishment, organic and inorganic, during the whole period 

 of its growth. 



Where farm-yard manure is employed there can be no de- 

 ficiency of the alkalies and magnesia, and therefore no further 

 necessity for their addition ; and it is certain that a combination 

 of the two classes of manures — a moderate dose of farm-yard 

 dung with a moderate dose of bones and sulphuric acid — gives 

 better results than a larger use of either alone. 



It may be useful to recapitulate the principal points in the 

 present report : — 



Proportion of hulh to top in turnips very variable. 

 Autumn-planted turnips appear to have 7nuch top. 



* It might not be too late, even this season, to improve the crop of the 

 later varieties by this manure. Any results so obtained would be very 

 acceptable (no doubt) to the Agricultural Society. (Written June 19.) 



