The other sample is still worse. This was sold as Saldana Bay guano, at $15 to $20 a ton. It was composed of
| Sand, | 48.81 |
| Phosphate of lime, | 10.21 |
| Gypsum, | 5.81 |
| Chalk, | 22.73 |
| Moisture, | 12.44 |
| —— | |
| 100.00 | |
| —— | |
| Ammonia, | a trace |
It would have been dear at half the price. But why? perhaps you inquire, do you give these samples of rascality in England? Just to show you what men are capable of doing there, they will probably do here—nay, have done. Here is the analysis of an article which was sold in the city of New York, under the name of prepared guano. The analysis was made by the lately deceased, highly respected, and eminent analytic chemist, Professor Norton, of Yale College, showing the following result.
| Water, | 4.35 |
| Alumina and phosphate of lime, | 7.82 |
| Organic matter, | 32.58 |
| Insoluble matter, | 26.05 |
| Carbonate of lime, | 28.76 |
| Magnesia, alkalies, and loss, | 0.43 |
| —— | |
| 100.00 |
This analysis was made by the request of the editor of the Genesee Farmer, by whom it is not only endorsed, but proof given of its utter worthlessness upon the land where it was applied. Professor Norton made the following remarks upon the subject.
"This is indeed a prepared article. You will observe that three tenths of the whole are water, or matter insoluble in acid, or nothing more than water and sand. More than another three tenths is organic matter; this contains scarcely a trace of ammonia or nitrogen in any form, being worth no more than common muck from a swamp. Thus we have six tenths of the guano made up of a mixture that as a gift, would not be worth carting. Nearly another three tenths is carbonate of lime, a valuable article it is true, but one which can be bought far more cheaply by the barrel, bushel or ton, than as guano. The remaining tenth contains a small quantity of phosphates, but not enough to make the mixture of much value. The parties engaged in this manufacture, should be widely exposed, for it is one of the most outrageous impositions I have ever known. Farmers should avoid everything of this nature unless it is certified to be equal to a copy of analysis shown. This stuff is not worth transporting any distance for your land. J. P. Norton."
We will now give the analysis of Peruvian, Patagonian, and Chilian guano, as determined by Dr. Anderson, chemist of the Royal Agricultural Society of Scotland, to be a fair average deduced, from a careful examination of many samples. The same results have been obtained in this country by such eminent chemists as Professor Norton, Dr. Antisell, and Dr. Higgins. We only give analysis of these three kinds, for the reason, no other of any consequence is now offered for sale in this country.
ANALYSIS OF GUANO.
| Peruvian. | Chilian Fine. | Chilian Inferior. | Patagonian. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water, | 13.73 | 6.06 | 15.09 | 24.86 |
| Organic matter and ammonical salts, | 53.16 | 54.51 | 12.88 | 18.86 |
| Phosphates, | 23.48 | 11.96 | 16.44 | 41.37 |
| Lime, | —— | 1.37 | 8.93 | 2.94 |
| Sulphuric acid, | —— | —— | —— | 2.21 |
| Alkaline salts, | 7.97 | 10.25 | 6.04 | 2.70 |
| Sand, | 1.66 | 15.85 | 40.62 | 7.56 |
| —— | —— | —— | —— | —— |
| 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | |
| Ammonia, | 17.00 | 18.80 | 2.11 | 2.69 |