1851. 
THE CULTIVATOR. 
137 
&nd larger portion soluble in acids, amounting in the 
white ash to 7.58 lbs. in 100, and in the red ash to 8,00 
lbs. This latter class of substances cannot be consider¬ 
ed as immediately available for the plant ; but they will 
nevertheless gradually decompose and become soluble 
in the soil, thus affording a constant supply for a long 
period. 
On referring to the table, we see that the greater part 
of each ash is insoluble in acids; this part consists chiefly 
of silica, alumina, and iron, and thus the great bulk of 
these ashes is inactive as a fertilizer ; the remainder as 
we shall find, is of more importance. It will be noticed 
that the quantity of lime and magnesia taken together, 
amounts in each case to about 2} per cent. A portion 
of this lime was in combination with sulphuric acid, 
forming the common gypsum or plaster of Paris. The 
potash and soda were doubtless chiefly combined with 
the phosphoric acid and with the trifling quantity of 
chlorine. The very considerable per centage of soluble 
silica in the red ash, -is worthy of attention as a curious 
fact. 
In looking at the nature of these results, we may draw 
the general conclusion, that in the ash of anthracite coal, 
calling these fair specimens, we have in every 100 lbs. 
from 4 to 8 lbs. of valuable inorganic material, of a na¬ 
ture suitable for adding to any soil requiring manures. 
This is the perfectly pure ash; as we ordinarily find it 
there is mixed a greater or less proportion of ash 
from the wood or charcoal, used in kindling the fires. 
There is without doubt enough of this, in all ordinary 
cases, to add considerably to the richness of the ashes. 
But even If we take them in their pure state, as repre¬ 
sented by the above analyses, we can see that they are 
well worth collecting, and that when applied in consid¬ 
erable quantity they may be expected to produce a de¬ 
cided effect. Indeed I have reports already as to the 
experience of several practical men, who have used them 
with much advantage. 
An analysis of the ash from bituminous coal has just 
^een completed in this laboratory, by Mr. G. W.. Wey- 
aian of Pittsburgh, Pa. I do not insert it here, as It is 
to make Its first appearance elsewhere. I may state 
however, In general terms, that this ash has about the 
same proportion of soluble substances as the anthracite 
ashes, but is superior to them In the per centage of lime, 
and of potash and soda, which It contains. It is there¬ 
fore also of some importance. 
"When we consider, according to the x above analyses 
and statements, that in every ton of coal ash that is 
wasted, we throw away from 100 to 150 lbs. of valuable 
materials, more valuable by far than an equal bulk of 
our ordinary manures, we perceive plainly that the farm¬ 
ers have not understood their true interest in letting this 
waste go on. 
These ashes ean be applied with advantage as a top 
dressing on grass land, or as mixed in a compost; they 
would also be of service when thrown into tanks and 
hollows, to absorb liquid manures. 
Having thus called attention to this subject, it is to be 
hoped that our farmers who are able to obtain quantities 
of coal ash, will experiment on a large scale, and add 
practical to theoretical proofs of its value. Yours truly. 
John P. Noetoat. 
DOMESTIC ECONOMY. 
Treatment of Scarlet Fever. 
The following communication comes from a gentle¬ 
man, in whose judgment we have entire confidence: 
Cleanse the stomach by a mild emetic, such as warm 
water or Ipecac, (but not emetic tartar—it is too pros¬ 
trating for this disease.) 
When the fever rises, wash the patient all over in 
warm water, rendered a little slippery between the 
thumb and finger, by white ley or sal eratus. As fre¬ 
quent washings will be required,—that is, as often as the 
fever rises,-—a soft towel should be used, and very gently, 
so as not to make the skin sore. On this account, when 
the skin is thoroughly cleansed, less ley should be used; 
and if the patient becomes sore, a little rich milk in the 
water, may be substituted. The feet should also be 
bathed in warm weak ley. 
Such washings operate like a charm ; and have never 
failed under my observations, to put out the fever as 
water puts out fire—for a time ; but frequent repetitions 
will be necessary. A girl in my family , was washed ten 
times in one day; and a neighbor who was very weak 
before he came under my care, was washed twenty times 
in one night. The effect of these applications is most 
salutary and soothing. I have seen a child of five years 
old, who was taken from her bed crying and moaning, 
become playful as soon as she was washed. Another 
child, on whom the fever had risen high in the night,— 
was cooled off by the same process in a few minutes. 
Warm water is more soothing and agreeable than cold 
water—which (latter) ought not to be applied in this 
disease, on account of its inducing re-action. 
If the threat is much swelled, surround it with a cloth 
containing hops sprinkled with hot vinegar, and extend¬ 
ing upwards above the nose, so that the patient may 
breathe the fumes. Volatile liniment,—made by turn¬ 
ing aqua ammonia into sweet oil in a phial and shaking 
it well,—may also be applied round the throat, to irri¬ 
tate the skin as a rubefacient. 
The strength of the patient should be most carefully 
preserved, hence neither bleeding nor strong cathartics 
are admissible. Some indeed, live through such impro¬ 
per treatment, because scarlet fever is one of the most 
variable diseases in regard to intensity : on some being 
very light, and on others very severe. The more urgent 
the case, the greater is the danger from bleeding. The 
patient has not one drop of blood to spare —-no more 
than he would have in typhus; and strong purgatives 
are scarcely less improper. Only the mildest cathartics, 
like tamarinds, should be employed:; but as elder-flower 
tea is both sudorific and aperient, in most cases no bet¬ 
ter medicine need be sought.* 
After the fever has ceased, children often become pale 
and bloated; and a near neighbor lost a fine boy under 
the care of a regular physician, when the disease seemed 
over and past. In all cases however that have come to my 
knowledge^ dose of calomel when given,lias roused them 
from that torpid state, and they have rapidly recovered. 
Be very careful for many days after, not to take cold. 
* Decoctions of slippery elm, catnep, or sage, may be used where 
elder-flowers are not to .be had. 
