245 
As Guano is found spread over an immense extent of country, 
it is likely that it will vary much in quality, from a circum- 
stance already mentioned — that of deterioration by washing. 
It is found beyond the boundaries of those extremely dry 
districts, in which rain is almost unknown ; and, when brought 
to us from a humid and wet climate, it will be greatly weakened 
in its effects. It is also found on low rocks and promontories 
on the American coast, where sand may drift over it, and be 
mixed with the genuine manure. These circumstances demand 
the attention of the purchaser. 
We shall forbear to enter on the chemical analysis of Guano ; 
it is more our province to show its effects, and to inform our 
readers how it maybe most efficiently employed in horticulture. 
We have, in progress, various experiments to assist in proving 
its value ; and, as far as these have gone, they have, in general, 
been most satisfactory. We have already proved that it may 
be used too freely, and that injury may thereby be produced. 
In a liquid state, four ounces to a gallon of water, applied twice 
a week for three weeks, to beds of Strawberries, it has occa- 
sioned an amazing growth of foliage and blossoms, but its 
influence on the crop of fruit remains to be seen. On the 
other hand, a bed of seedling alpine strawberry plants, which 
had been up about a month, was thinly sprinkled with unmixed 
Guano in powder, and it destroyed every plant where it was 
applied. The half of a bed of Onions, which were six inches 
high, were sprinkled over, a month ago, with pure Guano, at the 
rate of two ounces to every square yard, being upwards of five 
cwt. to the acre ; the season has been rainy, and the Onions, 
treated with Guano, are double the size of those not so treated. 
Potatoes, which were six inches high, had Guano sprinkled 
along the rows, amongst their stems, at the rate of an ounce and 
a half to every yard; and these are now (five weeks subse- 
(jently) far superior to those in parts of the rows purposely left 
without Guano. Nine parts of light soil were mixed with one of 
Guano, and half a spadeful of the compost was put into each of 
the holes regularly made to receive it, in a prepared bed of light 
soil ; in the midst of the compost, in each hole, a plant of 
Brussels Sprouts was put, and then well watered. This was 
done a month ago, and, at the present time, more than half the 
plants have dwindled and died. Geraniums were watered, at 
223 . AUCTARIUU. 
