66 
Action and Practical Application of Bones 
case get more of the earthy matter of bone (which has been already 
proved to be the most valuable portion) than he will in the same 
weight of fresh ones ; but when he purchases by measure, it will be 
to his advantage to buy fresh ones, as he will get a large per centage 
of animal matter in addition to their earthy constituents, without 
an equivalent or proportionate increase of bulk. 
Forty-eight stones of fresh bones are reduced by burning to 26 st. 6 lbs., 
and yet they nearly equal 48 st. of fresh bones in total effect: 48 5^ of 
burnt or dry bones would therefore undoubtedly greatly surpass the 
same weight of fresh ones. That it would be more advantageous to 
have any given weight of the earthy part of bones iu- preference to the 
same weight of the animal and the earthy parts combined is clear for 
two reasons ; because the action of the inorganic is superior to that of 
the organic alone, and because the united action of both is not equal to 
their total separate effects : both of which positions have been proved. 
As to the next point, if we buy hij measure^ we may as well have the 
animal matter in the bone (it being a fertilizer), because, if it be taken 
out, the bulk of the bones is not diminished in proportion to the weight 
taken out. Thus 40 per cent, organic matter taken from a quarter of 
bones will not cause them to measure 40 per cent. less. 
3. That it is not judicious economy to boil or burn bones before 
using them, in order to improve their effects, because by so doing 
we totally destroy the organic part of the manure ; and though we 
may, perhaps, promote their immediate action, we do not gain 
anything in the total effects arising from the application. 
What has already been stated, in conjunction with the results also 
quoted, fully illustrates this conclusion. 
4. That instead of burning bones to accelerate their action we 
should (if we have fresh bones to use) pulverize them as finely as 
possible, in order to counteract the tendency which it has already 
been proved that the animal part has to prevent the earthy part 
from coming into action; as by such operation we reduce the 
particles of the bone, fermentation and decomposition speedily 
ensue, the oil is more easily washed out of the small particles, 
water and the acids of the soil take its place, and the inorganic 
constituents are, therefore, soon made fit for assimilation by the 
plant. 
For fads in support of our position compare Nos. 4 and 5. The 
theory of the cause of the improved action of No. 4 has been sufficiently 
discussed. I beg to note, however, the perfect coincidence in result of 
this trial between No. 4 and No. 5, with those obtained from similar 
applications last year, the particulars of which trial may be found in niy 
Report on Special Manures. (Prize Essays of the Highland Agricul- 
tural Society, March, 1844.) 
5. That bones dissolved in acid have a much greater and readier 
fertilizing influence than any sort of bones not so prepared. 
