The Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1845 edition. Excerpt: ...of lime 17, magnesian phosphate of ammonia 5'5, silica 0'7, and combustible organic matter 10'6. The ammonia in the soluble portion was in the state chiefly of phosphate; there was merely a faint trace of oxalate of ammonia. E. African Guano.--Among the many samples of African guano which I have had occasion to analyze for the importers, none has contained any appreciable quantity of uric acid, or of consequence of potential ammonia. The best afforded me 10 per cent. of ready-formed ammonia, existing chiefly in the state of a phosphate, though they all contain carbonate of ammonia, and have of consequence an alkaline reaction. The said sample contained 21 '5 of moisture, separable by a heat of 212 F. Its specific gravity was so low as 1'57, in consequence of the large proportion of moisture in it. It contained 23 per cent. of subphosphate of lime, 3 of magnesian phosphate of ammonia, 1 of silica, and 1'5 of alkaline sulphate and muriate. The remaining 50 parts consisted of decayed organic matter, wilh phosphate of ammonia, and a little carbonate, equivalent to half a grain of ammonia, which is the largest quantity in such guanos. Other African guanos have afforded from 24 to 36 of moisture; no uric acid; no potential ammonia; but decayed organic matter; from 5 to 7 of ready formed ammonia in the state of phosphate, with a little carbonate; from 25 to 35 per cent. of subphosphate of lime; 5 or 6 of the magnesian phosphate of ammonia; more or less oxalates from the decomposition of the uric acid, and 3 to 5 per cent. of fixed alkaline salts. F. The Chilian Guano gathered on the coast contains a remarkable proportion of common salt, derived probably from the sea spray. The following is the General Report of the chemical examination of several sample...