464 
Bones and Sulphuric Acid as Manures. 
not also confirm it in detail. Indeed, the quantity used by the 
Duke of Richmond and by Mr. Geddes was only two bushels per 
acre. At the present time four bushels, however, may be said to 
be a safe mean quantity (my own trials were with eight bushels) 
and an economical one. A few 3'ears, however, will undoubtedly 
put us in possession of the particular quantity which it is best to use. 
I have in execution at the present time an experiment which will 
I hope, throw some light on what is the best quantity of each of 
the ingredients — bones, acid, and water — to use. 
2nd. — The acid employed may be either sulphuric or muriatic. 
The only trials with the latter upon turnips which I have met 
with are my own and Mr. Fleming's; in both of which, so far as 
final result goes, it stands well. In my case sulphuric acid ap- 
peared to be quicker in its effects, and at the latter period of the 
season the muriatic had the advantage. The muria-tic acid, how- 
ever, costs about \d. per lb. more than the sulphuric ; I am dis- 
posed, however, to think that upon high and dry limestone soils 
this extra price may be afforded Ibr the muriatic, as when it is 
applied along with the bones the free acid will combine with the 
lime in the soil, and form a muriate of lime, which is a salt that 
has a great tendency to attract and absorb moisture. The ex- 
perience wliich we have had with the sulphuric acid must, how- 
ever, compel us to give it the preference, except in the case referred 
to above, until the muriatic has been more generally used. 
The proportion of the acid is as much unsettled as the quantity 
of bones. The condition of the mixture must guide us, if we re- 
quire the bones to be well dissolved. The Duke of Richmond 
used the same weight of acid as of bone in one case ; on the other 
hand, half that weight in several cases has acted well ; and it may 
yet be found that a still less proportion of acid may be effectual ; 
for it is not yet evident that the most perfect division of the bones 
is requisite, or that by having such that we may not run the risk 
of encouraging growth of plant too much at first. The Duke of 
Richmond used \ lb. of acid to 1 of bone, and Mr. M. Williams a 
much less quantity with success. Another year, however, will, I 
hope, afford us experience sufficient to warrant a definite opinion 
being given. Till then half weight of the bones is a medium quan- 
tity of acid which my own experience allows me recommend. 
3rd. — The water employed in diffusing the dissolved bones over 
the soil will, in all cases, Ibr the sake of economy of carriage, be 
that which is nearest the field where it is required ; at the same 
time, there are cases in which it will be possible to use the liquid 
from the tank which contains the urine and drainings from the 
cattle sheds. I would, consequently, strenuously in-ge that this 
plan should be adopted whenever local circumstances will permit. 
I have no doubt that such will be found tlie most beneficial 
