251 
The foregoing subject has been treated at some length, on 
account of its more than usual importance. We shall now sum 
up the whole by giving practical deductions for the guidance of 
those who may be induced to use Guano; recommending that 
in experiments, a portion of each crop be left unmanured, that 
a proper comparison may be made. 
1. Guano rapidly absorbs moisture, therefore attention 
should be paid to the state in which it is observed to be when 
about to be purchased ; or much water will be paid for. 
2 . It loses ammonia by exposure, therefore it should be 
kept in close boxes or casks. 
3. As it is sometimes found in hard lumps, it should be 
properly powdered before being used. 
4. If Guano be applied to the surface of the soil, as a top 
dressing, its effects will not be developed, without rain or arti- 
ficial watering. 
5. It should not be sown in an unmixed state, in immediate 
contact with seeds. By drilling it in with seeds it has been 
found, in some instances, to destroy them as soon as germination 
commenced. 
6. It may be mixed, for application, in a dry state, with any 
convenient powdery substance, as sand, dry peat, dry loamy 
soil, ashes, powdered charcoal, powdered gypsum, malt-dust, &c. 
and in such state will be more convenient for equal distribution. 
7. It should not be mixed with lime, nor wood ashes, nor 
bones; if combined with any of these, some decomposition would 
ensue, and a portion of its valuable properties would be lost. 
8. Experience seems to indicate that Guano is the most 
beneficial when applied to plants in a growing state, and as a 
top dressing, whether in the powder, or a liquid state. When 
used with potatoes this rule may, probably, not so strictly apply; 
but here, the plant, whilst very young, has a protected reservoir 
of nutriment of its own, therefore the Guano may be mixed 
with the soil in contact with the potatoes planted. 
9. To the Gardener we w’ould say, keep a small box of 
Guano always at hand; you can then sprinkle a little round 
a plant, stir the soil, and water at once, by way of experiment. 
Also, about a meat spoonful may be put into a large watering 
pan of water, stirred about for a few seconds, and used at once, 
if the ready-made liquor be not at hand. 
226, AUCTAEIUM. 
