MISCELLANEOUS ANALYSES. 
337 
ANALYSES OF THE ASH OF THE LEAVES, BARK AND WOOD OF THE CORNUS 
FLORIDA. 
Made by Dr. George Hand Smith, of Rochester. 
Carbonic acid - 
_ 
m 
Leaves. 
17*250 
Bark. 
17-479 
Wood. 
15-396 
Silicic acid 
- 
- 
- 
4-850 
4-7S5 
6-200 
Phosphates 
- 
- 
- 
24-850 
18-500 
31-850 
Sulphuric acid 
- 
- 
3-050 
1-750 
1-925 
Lime 
- 
- 
33-493 
44-470 
21-391 
Magnesia 
- 
- 
1-240 
1-150 
0-450 
Potash - 
- 
- 
5-561 
1-390 
11-373 
Soda 
- 
- 
6-820 
4-370 
5-116 
Chlorine 
- 
- 
0-627 
0-246 
0-444 
Organic acids - 
- 
- 
2-150 
4-860 
4-835 
i 
99-892 
99-000 
98-980 
OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRECEDING ANALYSES. 
It is obvious from the foregoing analyses of the ash of fruit and forest trees, that a large 
supply of inorganic matter is essential to a vigorous growth. In fruit trees this is particu¬ 
larly the case. These enjoy, in a far less degree, the power to recruit themselves from a 
supply by their own waste or debris. In a forest, the leaves and bark fall to the ground 
and decay, and in due time return to that state which fits them for food. In an orchard, 
however, the usual mode of managing the grounds prevents an accumulation of food in 
this way. Hence they are placed in the same position as other crops, as to their effect in 
removing the nutriment from the soil; and hence it is essential to their vigor, that a regular 
supply be furnished them. The substances which trees require are evidently calcareous 
and alkaline elements for the wood, and phosphatic and alkaline elements for the fruit. 
Lime exists in a large percentage in the bark. A compost of peat, lime and wood ashes, 
or the ordinary barnyard manures, will be always useful; and a large outlay in these 
matters will repay the expense in the quality and size of the fruit. Ample experience 
proves the great utility of this mode of treating fruit trees ; and fruit trees which are 
neglected, and left to shift for themselves, will in time cease to grow, and will moreover 
be preyed upon by lichens and fungi. 
[Agricultural Report — Vol. ii.] 
43 
