To test the quality of Guano.—The best test is the price. Unlike other merchandise, this article is not subject to fluctuations. Being a government monopoly, the price at which the agents are to sell here is fixed in Peru, and that price may be easily known; therefore, if any dealer offers you Peruvian guano at "a reduced price," you may be sure the quality is reduced also. Remember, that the lowest price by the ship load, it can be procured for of the agents in Baltimore or New York is $46 per ton of 2240 lbs. To this, every fair, honest dealer, must add freight, insurance and profit. Every man who sells without such addition, you may be sure will make his profit by short weight or adulteration.

The next best test is its appearance. Good Peruvian guano is an impalpable powder, perfectly dry to the touch, of a uniform brownish yellow color, with a strong smell, like that of spirits of hartshorn, contained in ammoniacal smelling bottles. But the smell is no test; that which smells strongest may be worst, as the ammonia may be disengaged by moisture or by the addition of lime or salt.

The adulteration of guano is carried to a great extent in England, and probably will be in this country. The principal adulterations are made by the addition of loam, marl, sand, plaster, old lime, ashes, chalk, salt, moisture, and by mixture with other guano of a cheaper quality. The farmer need not depend upon the assertion, "this is a genuine article—here is the inspector's certificate." We would not give a straw for a corn basket full of certificates of analysis. The buyer must analyse for himself. Mr. Nesbit, analytical chemist, London, has just published a pamphlet from which we have condensed some very plain, short, simple rules for testing the quality of guano. As the adulterating substances are generally heavier than the guano, they may be detected by a comparison of weight and measure. To do this, get a small glass tube closed at one end, and weigh accurately an ounce of pure guano, put it in the tube and carefully mark the hight it fills—try several samples—if there is any difference, mark it. Now weigh an ounce from a sample adulterated with one fourth its bulk of any or all the preceding list of articles used for that purpose, and you will find the difference of bulk between that and the genuine, very perceptible.

Test by Burning.—Guano burnt to ashes at a red heat will leave an ash of a pearly white appearance, not varying in weight from 30 to 35 per cent. of the quantity burnt. If it is adulterated with marl, sand, clay, &c., the ash will be about 60 or 65 per cent, of the weight tested, and be colored with the iron always present in the adulterating substances, and which is never found in pure guano. This test, to be accurate, must be done with a nice pair of scales and a platinum cup, which may be heated over a spirit lamp. Ten grains of the guano are placed in the platinum cup, which is held by the tongs in the flame of the spirit lamp for several minutes, until the greater part of the organic matter is burnt away. It is allowed to cool for a short time, and a few drops of a strong solution of nitrate of ammonia added, to assist in consuming the carbon in the residue. The cup is again heated, (taking care to prevent its boiling over, or losing any of the ash,) until the moisture is quite evaporated. A full red heat must then be given it, when, if the guano be pure, the ash will be pearly white, and will not exceed 3-1/2 grains in weight. If adulterated with sand, marl, &c., the ash will always be colored, and will weigh more than 3-1/2 grains. Even the simple burning of a few grains of guano, on a red hot shovel, will often indicate by the color whether a fraud has been committed; but we cannot particularly recommend this method, as the iron of the shovel itself will sometimes give a tinge to the ash. This might be obviated by burning the sample on a common earthen plate.

If the adulteration of guano has been made by sand, it can be detected by dissolving the ashes in muriatic acid. The sand will remain—if it is more than one per cent., it has probably been added fraudulently. As iron exists in loam, it will show in the color of the ash if that is the substance used for adulteration. If lime has been added, it can be detected by dissolving the ash in muriatic acid and separating the sand, loam and iron, if present, by filtration, and then adding oxalate of ammonia to the liquid. If it shows more than a mere trace of lime, it has been falsified.

Test by salt.—Saturate a quart of water and strain it; pour some in a saucer and sprinkle guano upon the surface. Good guano sinks immediately, leaving only a slight scum. If it has been adulterated by any light or flocculent matters, they will be seen upon the surface of the brine.

Test by Acid.—Put a teaspoonful of guano in a wine glass and add a little vinegar or dilute muriatic acid. If ground limestone or chalk have been added, the effervessence will show it. A genuine article will only show a few bubbles.

Test by Water.—The following simple plan will easily detect all the ordinary adulterations of guano. Procure a wide mouthed bottle, with solid glass stopper; fill with water and insert the stopper; let the exterior be well dried. In one pan of accurate scales, place the bottle; counterpoise by shot, sand or gravel. Pour out two thirds of the water, and put in four ounces avoirdupois of guano. Agitate the bottle, add more water; let it rest a couple of minutes, and fill with water, so the froth all escapes; insert the stopper, wipe dry, and replace the bottle in the scale. Add now to the counterpoised scale, one and a half ounces avoirdupois, and a fourpenny piece; if the bottle prove the heavier, the guano is, in all probability, adulterated. Add in addition a three-penny piece, and if the bottle is still heaviest the guano is undoubtedly adulterated. By this simple experiment, a very small amount of sand, marl, &c., is detected.

If farmers will not use some of these simple tests, or employ a chemist to detect suspected adulteration; or if they will buy guano of men who have no character to lose, and who offer to sell below a price to afford them a living profit, they cannot be pitied if they are cheated.

Prepared Guano.—Never buy anything bearing that name, unless you wish to verify the adage of "the fool and his money are soon parted."

Analysis of Prepared Guano.—We give an analysis of one sample of domestic manufacture, and two British. No. 1. was offered in London and actually sold as Peruvian guano, to farmers in the south of England; just because they were so neglectful of their own interests as not to inform themselves that an article sold for $35 a ton, could not be genuine, while the regular government price remained fixed at $47. It may readily be seen by the analysis, how they were cheated into paying that price for an article of which 74 per cent. is plaster, and only half of one per cent. ammonia.

No. 1. Gypsum, 74.05

Phosphate of lime, 14.05

Sand, 2.64

Moisture and loss, 9.26 ——— 100.00 ——— Ammonia, 0.51

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 Chilian Patagonian Fine. Inferior. Water, 13.73 6.06 15.09 24.86 Organic matter and} 53.16 54.51 12.88 18.86 ammonical salts, } 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

It will readily be seen there is a vast difference in the value of the Chilian, and though not stated, there is as great a difference in the Patagonian, while that from Peru, owing to the fact that it never rains upon the depository, is of a uniform quality. As the principal value of guano consists of the ammonia and phosphates, it is easily calculated.

17 per cent. of ammonia is equal to 340 lbs. in a ton of 2,000 at 12-1/2 cents, $42.50

23.48 per cent. of phosphates is equal to 470 lbs. in a ton at 1-1/2 cents, 7.05

Alkaline salts, 5.00 _ Value of a ton of Peruvian guano, $54.55

To this may be added the advantage of having these valuable substances in the best possible condition, so finely pulverized they are ready prepared for the use of plants.

It may be taken as an incontrovertible fact then, that guano is a cheap and good manure for any land and any crop which would be benefitted by the best quality of farm yard manure and ground bones. It is most beneficial on poor sandy loam, absolutely unproductive; and most profitable when applied to any land which cannot be otherwise manured on account of distance and transportation of grosser articles. The better the land is kept in tilth, the better will be the effect of an application of guano. The public may also be assured of another fact; if the guano is bought direct from the agents of the Peruvian government in this country, or of reliable merchants, who get their supplies direct from them, it will be of a uniform quality and value, as indicated by the analysis just given.

They may also rest assured, and the author of this pamphlet believes his reputation will warrant the assertion and belief, that he could not be hired to puff an unworthy article, or write a book to induce American farmers, to purchase an article which would not prove highly beneficial to their best interests.

The author does know that the introduction of guano into this country is a blessing to the nation. Its general use will not only increase the wealth of individuals, but that of the body politic. Let us illustrate this point by a statement of an English writer of its advantages to that country. He says—"The importance of this question may be easily illustrated. We grow in this country about 4,000,000 acres of wheat annually. An application of two hundred weight of guano to each acre would increase the produce by six bushels, or raise the average of England from 26 to 32 bushels an acre, giving a total increase to our home produce of 3,000,000 quarters of wheat, which is of itself equivalent to a larger sum than the whole diminution of rent stated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to have been occasioned by free trade in corn. But this is only one use to which guano would be applied, for its effects are even more valuable to green crops than to corn."

The proportionate advantage to this country would be almost inconceivably greater as our average product is far less, and the increased number of bushels per acre, far more; the produce of land as stated by Mr. Newton and others, having been raised from 3 to 15 or 20 bushels per acre.

The estimation in which it is held by some of the best farmers in the world may be judged by the increased demand in England.

The quantity of Peruvian guano annually imported has risen from 22,000 tons in 1846 to 95,000 tons in 1850, but has increased during the last year to about 200,000 tons. If the price were reduced by L2 to L3 a ton, even the present large supply would be found greatly short of the increased demand. In a single season, in 1845, when the price of Ichaboe guano ranged from 6L to 7L a-ton, the importation with an open trade rose to 220,000 tons. A reduction of 2L to 3L a ton would be followed by an extraordinarily increased consumption. Twice the present importation might be taken advantageously for the wheat crops alone. It seems to be held by the Government that the right of Peru to the Lobos Islands is unquestionable. It is, in that case, only by friendly negotiation that anything can be done. Considerations should be pressed on the present Ministry, pledged as they are to promote the landed and shipping interests. If they can persuade the Peruvian Government, by friendly negotiation, that the interests of that country as well as ours will be benefited by opening the guano trade, they will confer an important service on this country; a full supply would contribute materially to restore the prosperity of the landed interest by increasing their produce at diminished cost; and it would give regular employment to about one-tenth of the whole mercantile navy of England.

Undoubtedly! an increased supply, or rather an increased consumption, would tend materially to restore, in England and in America, to build up the landed interest, by increasing the product of the land at diminished cost. If farmers could buy guano at lower prices, it is argued all would use it. Undoubtedly again! Because their profits would be greater. So great in fact, the temptation to make money out of the purchase and use of guano few could withstand "such a chance for a speculation."

But as they cannot induce the Peruvians to let them have it at a lower price, and as they can make money out of it at the present price, is it not a suicidical measure upon the part of the owners of unprofitable land, to refuse to use guano, because they cannot get it at their own price, while they can certainly profit by its use at present prices.

The Guano Monopoly.—Much prejudice has been excited against the agents and principal dealers in this country by the cry of monopoly. Are those who cry wolf the loudest, entirely clear themselves, of a fondness for fat mutton? The following extract from a letter of Edward Stabler of Maryland, gives a more fair, impartial view of the subject. He says; "Odious and grinding as monopolies usually become, and hard as this one seems to bear upon the agriculturist's interests, it still appears to be about as fair as ordinary mercantile transactions. The Peruvians may be considered the producers, and like our farmers and planters, may at times require advances from the commission merchant; and in proportion to the prices obtained, are his profits increased; nor does any one censure the merchant for selling at the highest price he can. Dealers, or speculators, if you please, are always censured for raising the price of guano. Is not the same thing done every day, and every hour in the day, by the purchase and sale of flour, wheat, corn, and tobacco—and is not the price of almost every article of commerce regulated in a great degree by the supply and demand? Most certainly; and so long as there is a probability of profit by the purchase and sale of this article, and just so long, and no longer, will the 'trade in second hands' continue. If the present supply is inadequate to the demand, by an almost undeviating rule in commerce, the price is enhanced, until at a point to drive the consumer from the market. This however, is not quite so soon attained with guano, under the present excitement, as with many other things. I have viewed this matter in a different light from some others, though erroneous as some may suppose, and do not think that censuring the dealers will cover the true ground of complaint, or at all tend to remove the existing difficulty. Their agency is, if I may use the term—but in no offensive sense—a kind of necessary evil; for the importer will not retail, and it suits but few of the consumers comparatively, to club together, and purchase in large quantities. The price of guano is owing mainly, if not entirely, to this monopoly in the import trade; and it would be the same thing, and a monopoly still, whether in the hands of English or American merchants; with also, about the same amount of liberality to be looked for, from one as from the other."

Is there anything so unfair in this, that we should cry out "wicked monopoly." The Peruvian government, after the revolution, finds itself deeply in debt, and greatly in want of money, and in possession of one of the most valuable fertilizing substances in the world, which the people of other governments are in want of, or rather, may profit by the use of, which she offers to sell at what she deems a fair price; and for the purpose of enabling her to borrow money for immediate necessities, as well as to pay the war debt, she has given some of her citizens—rich merchants, who can advance money, certain privileges and advantages in the guano trade, upon condition that they will send a supply to all the countries where it can be sold, and in as great quantities as they will buy at fixed prices. This is the monopoly. A parallel case can be found nearer home. The government of the United States, also incurred a revolutionary war debt, and also came in possession of an article which the people of all other countries want, and unlike that possessed by Peru, an article which they must have. Upon this necessity of life, our government has fixed a price, which any one may pay or let it alone—buy or not, just as he pleases. The government will neither sell to citizens or strangers at half price, nor let them have the use of it without pay; in fact, will not let us carry away anything of value from this property, although it might not materially injure the sale of the principal and most valuable portion, which is immovable. Such is the "guano monopoly" of one government, and such is the "land monopoly" of the other. Which is most wicked?

Of the right of each government, no honest man will dispute. That Peru has as much right to the guano upon her desert islands, as the United States has to the live oak timber in the deserts of Florida; or as England has to the codfish in the waters of Newfoundland, seems to be as clear as any right ever exercised by any power on earth. Each protect their own by hired agents, so far as they are able, to prevent dishonest men from carrying away that which each considers valuable.

If English and United States citizens have a right to go and seize upon the guano and bring it off in defiance of Peru, because the guano islands are not inhabited, then have we a right to seize all the codfish in the waters of the sea, because nobody lives there—they cannot live there—they only live on the lands adjacent, and therefore have no right to anything except what they stand upon. Then by the same rule may the lands of the United States be seized upon, because they are unoccupied.

By virtue of decrees now in force, no vessel, either under the national or any foreign flag, has a right to go to the Peruvian guano deposits, without first obtaining permission from the Peruvian Government under penalty of confiscation.

Foreign vessels, furnished with government licences, are allowed to load at the Chinche Islands only.

Finally, any attempt to load vessels without the proper licences, would subject them to be seized by the Government vessels appointed to cruise off, and visit the different guano deposits, in order to prevent not only the illegal extraction of guano by foreign trading vessels, but also to prevent the natives of Peru from violating the Government orders against visiting those localities, and destroying or disturbing the birds.

Notwithstanding this cuts off the free trade in the article, it goes to show what we have always endeavored to impress upon the minds of American farmers, that the supply is inexhaustible—at least in this age and generation—and as every one grows wiser and wiser, it is probable the next will have no occasion to use such an old fashioned article as bird dung for manure. During the present, however, our advice is to every person occupying land which needs something to improve its fertility, to use guano—genuine Peruvian guano—purchased of reliable merchants—and the fewer the better between the importer and consumer.

The Quantity inexhaustible.—By those surveys, the quantity was ascertained to be upwards of TWENTY MILLIONS OF TONS. As this must appear so enormous as to be almost incredible, we present the annexed cut, supposed to represent a vertical section of one of the Chincha islands and the depth of the deposit according to the government surveys. The paralel lines at the bottom represent the level of the water—the crooked line above, the surface of the rock; its position having been ascertained by boring and observations of the surveyors. The rounded line is the surface of the island as it now appears; all between that and the rock being guano. The almost perpendicular line at the left hand, 100 feet high, is the rock at which ships lay to take in cargo. The space under the dotted line show a comparison of the quantity taken away, as it relates to the whole upon the island. The well hole represented in that section was dug some fifty feet deep to prove the guano was of equal quality at the bottom.

The Chincha Islands are three in number; not remote from each other or differing very materially in size or general feature. The Geological formation presents the appearance of masses of rock jutting out above the surface of the ocean—and occasionally rising nearly perpendicularly to a height of from 50 to 100 feet. At a distance, the islands present to the eye a somewhat conical form; owing probably to the greater deposits of guano in the centre; and all appear equally rich in quantity and quality.

The "North Island" is estimated to be about 300 feet at its greatest elevation; it is about 1-1/2 miles in length, and from 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile average width. In sailing round them, the guano appears to many places to extend to the water's edge.



All the guano islands are uninhabited, except by the laborers, mostly Indians or poor Chinamen, who are employed in the work of digging, carrying and loading the guano into the ships. When a vessel is ready to take in cargo, she is moored alongside of the rocks almost mast head high, from the top of which the guano is sent down through a canvass shute directly into the hold of the ship. Thus several hundred tons can be put on board in a day. The trimming of the cargo is a very unpleasant part of the labor. The dust and odor is almost overpowering; so the men are obliged to come often on deck for fresh air. The rule is to remain below as long as a candle will burn; when that goes out, the air is considered unfit for respiration. If the labor had to be performed by a Yankee, he would think it unfit at first; and thereupon set his ready wit at work to construct a machine to spread the guano as it fell, from one end of the hold to the other. The guano in position upon the island, is so compact it has to be dug up with picks. It is then carried to a contrivance made of cane, at the edge of the rock, which conveys it into the canvass conductors. The mass is cut down in steps, receding and rising from the point of commencement, and has not yet attained a depth of 100 feet, and with all the labor of hundreds of men digging, and numerous ships carrying away to the several countries using it, there is but a bare beginning of removal made upon the mass upon one island only, as may be seen by reference to the diagram.

Supposing like many others, the supply of Peruvian guano was like the Ichaboe, destined to run out—that is all be dug up and carried away; we inquired of an intelligent captain of a ship just returned with a load, how long it would be before the supply would be exhausted. "Exhausted!" said he, with a look over the gangway, as much as to say how long would it take to exhaust the ocean with a pint cup; "why not in one hundred years, if every ship afloat should go into the trade, and load and unload as fast as it would be possible to perform the labor; no, not from the Chincha islands alone. Exhausted! they never will be exhausted." With due allowance for the captain's enthusiasm, we may be very certain from the government surveys, the quantity is so great, that no probability exists of the supply being exhausted until all the present inhabitants of this earth have ceased to move upon its surface. We may be certain of another fact; that unless we commit a great national wrong upon Peru, by seizing upon some of her guano territory; a thing which the sober second thought of this nation will never sanction; we shall not be able to obtain the article only through her government agents, at such prices as her rulers think proper to affix to it. While the demand and the result of the use of guano continues as at present, there is not much probability of any material change.

The Peruvian Government are, of course, anxious to sell all that the world want, and are willing to pay for at remunerating prices. The Peruvian minister, in reply to the Secretary of State at Washington says:—"The Peruvian Government, in leasing out its rights and interests, as a proprietor of the article, adopted the only system that was supposed likely to create a demand for guano; while, on the other side, it was bound to leave the consignment as security, in the hands of those persons who had hazarded their capital in meeting the heavy expenses attending the process of freighting, and in making the advances which were required to facilitate the exportation and construct the depots. Far from establishing a selfish monopoly, which would have proved injurious to its own interests, or fix a high, deliberate, and conventional price upon the article, it has only aimed to secure a net profit, reduced to the lowest possible standard, exceeding very little the actual amount of expenses; and there have been accounts of sales rendered exhibiting both loss and damage.

"The guano, therefore, is not monopolized; the government as the proprietor, has forwarded it, on its own responsibility, to those markets where it was in demand; selecting as consignees, as it was natural and proper it should do, those persons or houses who have advanced the capital necessary to defray the expenses; and, as these are much greater in all cases of remittances to England, and it follows that the sale of the article in this country is at the rate of ten pounds sterling per ton, the net profit has been less than what is realized in the United States, where the farmers obtain it at lesser prices. Nor has my government imposed any restrictions, duties, or determinate value on the exportation of guano, although it might and could do so with perfect propriety; because such action would have militated to the detriment of its own interests as the proprietor of the article. Its object has been to send it to those markets where it was in demand; because, as it had not yet become an object of decided and positive interest to the consuming world, and there being no certainty of its attaining saleable prices, to create a market as it was impossible for individuals to send to Peru for supplies, with any prospect of even moderate profit."

This is a fair statement of the case; and ought to be perfectly satisfactory to the consumers. The disposition of some men to create prejudice against the government of Peru, or the agents who sell guano in this country, because the price is too high, is a wicked one. Men can make money by purchasing at the present prices; and the owners of the article think they cannot make it by selling at a lower price. We have heard it urged as a reason why it should be sold at lower prices, that the agents and merchants engaged in its sale are making fortunes. So are flour merchants—so are farmers who grow the wheat—but that is no reason why it should be sold lower.

With all our heart, we wish the Peruvians would give us guano at half price; but because they will not, there is no reason why the people of this country should refuse to use an article which will most assuredly make them grow rich faster than those who are engaged in selling it.

WHAT IS GUANO?—ITS HISTORY AND LOCALITY.—AMOUNT AND VALUE.

Guano is the concentrated essence of fish-eating birds excrements. It, is found in the condition of a dry powder, of a brownish yellow color, not unlike in appearance to Scotch snuff; with a pungent strong smell of ammonia, distinguishing it from any other substance. It is found in various parts of the world, upon desert headlands and islands of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, where the birds have had undisputed possession for countless ages of time. The island of Ichaboe, on the Coast of Africa, furnished a good many cargoes, a few years since, most of which were taken to England; a small supply was imported into the United States, and sold and known as African guano. The quality was fair The deposit upon that island is quite exhausted—in fact it was all carried away within a few months after it became generally known—some of the last cargoes being of little more value than rich earth. It is said that a new deposit, which is nothing more than dry bird dung, has already been gathered and taken to England. No doubt cargoes of similar manure might gathered from the Florida keys; and although it would be a valuable manure, it is not guano—that is formed by the chemical action of a dry atmosphere, during time's long ages.

Anagamos Guano.—This is also of a character similar to "new Ichaboe." It is rich in ammonia, but contains no lime or sulphuric acid, and less phosphates and alkaline substances than Peruvian, and more sand. The supply of this must be very limited, as it is a recent deposit and has to be gathered by hand from the rocks.

Bolivian Guano.—This as its name indicates, is from the coast of Bolivia, on the west side of South America. It was thought at one time to be fully equal in value to Peruvian, but some subsequent importations of almost worthless cargoes, have proved the deposit to be very variable in quality, or else purposely adulterated, which has had the effect to destroy confidence in all bearing that name. The belief of the writer is, that it was not adulterated, but owing to the fact that it is found in a latitude where it does sometimes rain, or where it is liable to be drenched by sea spray, that portions of it are injured in that way; so that a ship may have one portion of her cargo of the best kind, while the remainder is hardly worth the freight. The deposit is not large.

Chilian Guano.—The most of that imported into this country under this name, has been of a very inferior quality, and having been recommended by those interested in its sale, as having come from the same coast as that of Peru, and of equal value, and proving almost worthless, has deterred many from making another trial. Although there is a small supply of Chilian Guano, which is gathered from the rocks in pale yellow masses, some of which has been sent to England and this country, which is equal to any ever discovered in any part of the world, yet the great bulk of the deposit is so inferior that Chilian guano will never meet with universal favor. In fact, some of the stuff which has been sold under that name, is unworthy to be called guano.

Patagonian Guano.—Of this kind, larger quantities have been imported than any other beside Peruvian; and it has generally been sold at higher prices than its value as a fertilizer would warrant. Owing to the fact of its being deposited in a latitude of sunshine and showers, both of the utmost intensity; it never comprises the valuable qualities always found in that where rain never was known to fall. Besides the deterioration of the elements, samples of some cargoes of this guano have been found to contain upwards of 30 per cent of sand—in one case 38 per cent. It is said, however, that some of the deposits contain considerable quantities of crystalized salts of ammonia, magnesian phosphates, rich in ammonia, but which have been rejected by masters of vessels taking in cargoes, under the supposition of its being sea salt and calculated to injure the sale and value of the guano. It is believed that there is a a larger supply of this than any other guano, except Peruvian, but as no certain reliance can be placed upon its quality or value, it never will be extensively imported into the United States.

Saldana Bay Guano.—Considerable quantities of guano under this name have been taken to England, and upon land and crops requiring phosphates more than ammonia, has been pronounced a superior article. But the fact is, it is found in a climate similar to the Patagonian, and, consequently, like that, must have a great portion of its ammonia washed out, leaving almost its only value as fertilizer, in its phosphates; which undoubtedly exist in large proportions, but not as cheap as may be procured from other sources. The foregoing comprises all the kinds of guano known in commerce, except the Peruvian, to which we shall devote an entire chapter.

PERUVIAN GUANO—ITS LOCATION—OWNERSHIP—QUANTITY—VALUE—HOW PROCURED.

This is not only the most valuable, but is found in the largest quantities of any other guano known. That which has been sent to this country and England, in such quantities within the last ten years, was taken from the Chincha Islands, which are situated between latitude 13 deg. and 14 deg., and at about twelve miles from the coast of Peru, in the bay of Pisco. The great value of the Peruvian guano, arises from the fact, that rain never falls upon the islands where guano is found. The air is always dry, and the sun shines with intense power, sufficient to evaporate all the juices from flesh, so that meat can be preserved sweet without salt. The waters surrounding these islands may be said to be literally alive, so full are they of fish. Almost as numerous as the fish, are the birds which satisfy their voracious appetites upon this finny multitude, until they can gorge no more, when they retire to the islands to deposit their excrement, composed of the oily flesh and bones of their only food, until the mass which has been accumulating for thousands of years, is so great as almost to exceed human belief.

Humbolt, in his history of South America, states, some of these deposits are 50 or 60 feet thick. Many have thought this the "romance of history," but the actual surveys made by the Peruvian government five or six years ago, have proved that the guano in many places is more than twice that depth; and as there is good reason to believe, and as may be seen by the diagram on page 79, it is probably 300 feet thick in some of the depressions of the natural surface. And this has been accumulated by an annual aggregation, so slow as to be scarcely visible from year to year, until the quantity now exceeds 20,000,000 of tons.

As before stated, the Chincha islands are three in number; the Lobos islands two; these are situated off the north part of the coast of Peru.

If the right of Peru to the guano is to be disputed, let it be done by national vessels and not by armed privateers. If farmers are convinced that we have made true statements of the value of guano in renovating the poor and worn out fields of America, let them purchase at once. The only question to ask is not whether we can go to the Lobos Islands to get guano—nor whether it would be better to buy it of government agents, or speculators on private account, but

DOES GUANO PAY?

Because, if it does pay, that is, if the farmer can buy guano at present prices, and realise an increase of crops more than enough to pay the expense, it does pay. We think we have shown this fact by incontrovertible evidence. If the first crop pays for the guano and no more, the farmer has a certain profit in the improved condition of the land. If the first crop does not pay, the land will be enough better to pay cost. Upon this point, Mr. Mechi, of England, whose name has become world wide known as an improver of the soil, says; "Whether guano will pay, depends upon the condition of the soil. On poor exhausted soil it is a ready and cheap mode of restoring fertility. I used it extensively when I first began farming, and when applied to the grain crops at the rate of two to three cwt. per acre, it paid well; but now it has lost favor with my bailiff, which is easily accounted for; my land being at present so well filled with manure, nitrogen or ammonia, that we can grow ample crops without it. When the land only yielded two to two and a half quarters of wheat per acre, it was grateful for guano; but now, with a produce of five quarters, there is no necessity for its use. Or rather, the increased supply of farm manure supplies that necessity."

This is exactly what we have aimed to impress upon our readers; that it will pay in the crop to which it is applied—it will more than pay in the soil, because it will bring it into a condition of permanent fertility. It will pay best upon the poorest soil; because that which was absolutely barren, becomes fruitful as soon as dressed with guano. It will always pay whenever and wherever applied to any soil in a fit condition to be benefitted by manure. It will make not only the soil rich, but whoever uses it to any considerable extent. It will pay best when used in the condition in which you buy it, with no additional labor or expense except breaking the lumps. If it is sown broadcast, not to exceed 400 lbs. per acre, and plowed in so deep it will not be disturbed by any subsequent cultivation of the crop to which it is applied, it will most certainly pay in that crop or the succeeding one. It will pay upon all plants to which it has ever been applied. Notwithstanding it will pay best in the soil, it will pay well on it as a top dressing, if combined with absorbents of ammonia as directed in these pages.[2] That it has paid in ninety nine cases out of every hundred where it has been used, the author is well convinced, and equally well convinced that many may profit by reading what he has here said upon the subject, and with that feeling, these pages are commended to all the cultivators of American soil.

[Footnote 2: Upon this point, see Mr. Burgwyn's letter in the appendix.]

* * * * *

APPENDIX.



SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENTS WITH GUANO ON LONG ISLAND.

Since the body of this work was in type, the following letters have been placed in our hands. They contain so much valuable information we are induced to append them. It will be seen by the dates, that they give the results of the most recent experiments. The names of the writers will be recognized as those of reliable, practical men.

LETTER FROM SETH CHAPMAN ESQ., OF JAMAICA.—700 lbs. of guano to the acre, profitable—Lasting benefits of one application—Advantage of top dressing grass lands with guano—Benefit of guano to all Long Island soil—Great benefit on turnips.

"Jamaica, L. I., Sept. 13, 1852.

MR. THEO. RILEY, ESQ., Dear Sir:—In reply to your inquiry relative to the use of Peruvian guano on Long Island, I would say, forming my opinion from experience and observation that the mode of tillage—the rotation of crops, and the way of applying guano—are about as follows: Commence with corn, which is usually on green sward, after being mowed and pastured from four to six years. First, plow in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground, which is generally about the 20th of March. Prepare the ground for planting the 1st of May, by harrowing well two or three times. Before the last time harrowing, apply about 250 or 300 lbs. of guano to the acre, sown broadcast, and then mark out with plow, or lace, about four and a half feet apart, each way; apply a small quantity to the hill, one third of a gill is as much as will be safe, and that should be in the form of a ring about a foot in diameter, and the corn dropped in the center, otherwise it will be likely to kill the corn by the sprouts coming in contact with the guano when they first start. It will not do to put the guano in the hill and plant the corn upon it. It was not uncommon for farmers to have to plant their corn all over before they become acquainted with its effects; but as using it in the hill, in a pure state, is generally attended with some risk, it is the practice in this vicinity to use yard manure, at the rate of one third or half a shovelful to the hill; but as that manure is generally weak, they have adopted the very excellent plan of sprinkling say 50 lbs. of guano to a wagon load (30 bushels) of manure. As we cart the manure in the fall to the field where it is intended to be used the following spring, (1) the guano can be mixed through it with but little trouble, when it is turned and broken up just before use. It adds very much to the value of the manure, as the difference of harvesting plainly shows. Muck or pond dirt could be used in the same way, in place of manure. Some apply it about the hill at the time of hoeing. It should not be thrown on top, but sprinkled around the corn at the rate of half a gill per hill. After corn, we sow oats, or barley, or plants potatoes; if oats, plow once, sow 150 or 200 lbs. of guano, and two bushels of oats to the acre, and harrow in together. It pays well to use guano for oats, as the crop of oats will be doubled on ordinary lands; 50 and 60 bushels is frequently obtained, and the difference in the straw, is worth the expense of the guano.[2] Barley is not much sown; it would require a little more guano, say 50 lbs. additional. Potatoes, (Mercers) we plant from middle of March to first of May, after sowing broadcast from 400 to 600 lbs. of guano per acre, plowed in and harrowed over; then mark out with plow three feet apart, drop in drills about a foot apart. Some prefer it in the drills, at the rate of what they can grasp in one hand to a pace of two and a half feet; it should be sprinkled so too much will not come in contact with the seed. After oats or potatoes, sow wheat, about first of October; if on oats, plow as soon as the oats are off; when ready to sow, apply from 500 to 700 lbs. of guano per acre, cross plow, and your ground is ready for the seed. As to the varieties of wheat, there are several kinds used; the Mediterranean is the most popular at present—one and a half bushels is generally sown to the acre, and the land laid down to grass, with timothy and clover. Some apply less at time of sowing, and add 100 or 150 lbs. per acre in the spring, just as the grass is starting, say first of April. If wheat is sown after potatoes, about the same treatment is given, except 100 lbs. less guano will answer. Some harrow in guano, instead of plowing it under; but experience shows that it is much the best to plow it in, as the virtue remains in the ground much longer, by being covered deep. Peruvian guano will produce the best wheat of anything we can use, even if we should go to double the expense with other manures. Crops of 30 and sometimes 40 bushels have been obtained to the acre with guano. The average crop of wheat on the Island, is not over 18 bushels per acre, and with 700 lbs. of guano plowed in pretty deep, the land can be mowed about as long as from an application of stable manure. But as hay is a most important crop, after it has been mowed for two or three years, it is considered profitable to top dress with about 150 lbs. per acre; this will increase the crop from one ton to two per acre, if a fair season, and can be mowed two or three years longer. Rye is sown in many instances, in place of wheat; it gets the same treatment, except half the quantity of guano is only used. Buckwheat requires about 100 lbs. of guano to the acre, more or less, according to the state of the land.

For ruta baga turnips, there should be 600 lbs. sown to the acre; plow twice and harrow well after sown. After you have hoed them out, give them a light top dressing of more guano. I have raised at the rate of 700 bushels, managed in that way, to the acre. We have had one of the most extreme drouths the present season I ever remember. Crops on which guano was used, have suffered less, and are now yielding better than where stable manure has been used. This is quite different from the opinion that some have formed, as to guano requiring a wet season. To prepare guano for use, it should first be sifted, to separate the lumps, so that they may be pulverized, then dampen by sprinkling with water, and mixed through with a shovel. This should be done a few days before you wish to use it, so as to allow the dampness to strike through uniform. (3) I have not had any experience with compost, or using it on garden vegetables, or plants, except I know it should be used in homeopathic doses, or it will destroy more than it will produce. As to the soil, guano answers well anywhere on Long Island, although some parts of the Island has a very different soil from others, with one exception; that is, it is all hungry for manure. I therefore do not know the kind of soil it is most applicable to, since it seems to suit all kinds.

SETH CHAPMAN."

NOTE 1. This practice of hauling manure to the field in the fall, is the worst of all the foolish old fashions of farmers. To preserve the virtue, of manure, it requires housing about as much as hay. In fact, it is doubtful which would lose virtue fastest, a pile of hay or a pile of manure, exposed to the storms of winter. It is no wonder that it becomes necessary to mix guano with it, to replace that which has evaporated during its long exposure to sun and storm.

NOTE 2. This increase of straw, is seldom taken into account in speaking of the advantage of an application of guano; yet, as Mr. Chapman says, it is worth enough in the vicinity of a market, to pay the whole expense. It is also valuable in the interior for forage and manure.

NOTE 3. This is an error. Guano should not be damped unless with water saturated with salt, copperas, or a liberal sprinkle of plaster over the pile.

LETTER FROM SETH RAVNOR, OF MANORVILLE TO MR. CHAPMAN.—Successful experiments on grass, oats, corn, wheat and rye.

"Manorville, Sept. 8, 1852.

S. CHAPMAN, ESQ.—Dear Sir;—I have received your circular proposing to gather information from practical farmers of the results from the use of guano, and to have the same published for general circulation. Conceiving the object to be a very laudable one, I will give the result of a few experiments tried with Peruvian guano by myself, and others which have come under my observation; but in doing so I think it would be of great utility to state what kind of soil the guano was applied to. Not being a professor of geology, I can only use such terms as are familiar with farmers generally. The soils in this vicinity are heavy loam, sandy loam, sandy, and occasionally some heavy clayey soils.

First, as to the nature of guano. It is generally considered to be more of a stimulant than an enricher of the soil, if applied in its natural state, and much more durable to be plowed in than to be harrowed in; and as far as I have tried it, I have not found it to be injurious to soils—or as some call it, 'kill the soil.' In the year '49 I applied on the first of April, 176 lbs. per acre on sandy loam grass ground—yield, about half a ton more than the acre adjoining. Same year applied about 150 lbs. to the acre, on four acres of oats, same kind of soil, and the estimated increase was 20 bushels to the acre. In 1850 plowed under 400 pounds per acre, for corn, estimated increase, 15 bushels of ears. The season was rather unfavorable for corn. In '51 composted six bushels charcoal dust to 100 lbs. guano, and plowed under for wheat, at the rate of 500 lbs. of guano so composted, to the acre, and top dressed with 100 bushels of leached ashes—yield, 20 bushels. One of my neighbors applied for three years in succession, 100 lbs. harrowed in with rye, on two acres light sand—yield, 14 bushels to the acre; 10 bushels more than the acre adjoining. On the fourth year he sowed the same ground without guano—- yield, 4 bushels to the acre. We see by this, that the crop used the whole strength of the guano. Another neighbor applied one ton to two acres, heavy loam; plowed under and sowed with turnips (common Russian)—yield, 1,300 bushels—estimated increase from the guano, 600 bushels. People in this section of the Island are agreed in this—plow under guano for durability, and harrow in for present benefit, or present crop. For wheat, 500 lbs. plowed in is considered a full dressing per acre. The same for corn. For oats, 200 lbs. harrowed in. For buckwheat, 100 lbs., and 200 for barley. One tablespoonful applied in a hill, for corn, is quite enough, and that requires to be put some six inches from the seed; otherwise it will kill it. Some have lost acres by putting their corn on that little quantity; the only safe way to apply in the hill for potatoes, is the same as for corn. I have come to the conclusion from what experience I have had with the article, that it answers the best purpose to use it for spring crops, in the manner above stated, or compost it with charcoal dust, or well decomposed pond mud, to absorb and retain the ammonia, it being very volatile in its nature. I have not written this for publication; I have only thrown out a few hints for you to embody.

SETH RAYNOR."

Although the above was not written for publication, we prefer to give it just as it was written, in the plain style of one farmer to another.

INTERESTING LETTER FROM EDWARD H. SEAMAN, ESQ., SEC. OF QUEENS CO. AG. SOC.—Successful experiments since 1847—Great increase of straw and wheat—Harrowing in guano, 300 lbs. to the acre, produced 41 bushels of wheat. Increase, seven bushels for each 100 lbs—Thirty bushels of wheat per acre on an old worn out buckwheat field—Advantage of guano in drouth—astonishing effects from top dressing grass.

Cherrywood, Sept. 11th, 1852.

MR. SETH CHAPMAN—Dear Sir,—I forward according to request, the results of several years use of Peruvian Guano, upon my farm at Jerusalem, Long Island.

The first decisive benefit from guano that I shall notice, was obtained from using it for wheat, as a top-dressing. In 1847, October 1st, I took a field containing 6 acres of oat stubble, on which I used some manure, all over the field; top-dressed with Peruvian guano, at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre, sown (fortunately just before a storm,) upon the furrow and harrowed in with the wheat. Four acres of the field were sown with the old-fashioned red flint wheat, which requires more manure than any other kind among us. The rest of the field was sown with a soft white hulled wheat, the name of which I do not remember. July 5, 1848.—Harvested said field—Red wheat yielded well from straw, 14 sheaves to the bushel—white wheat 20 sheaves to the bushel—straw very large and thick. Had 164 bushels of wheat, or 41 bushels per acre; and 58 bushels of white wheat or 29 bushels per acre; without the guano I think I could not have obtained much over 20 bushels per acre.—1848, Oct. 2. Again sowed wheat upon a six acre lot of oat stubble; seed red flint wheat—manured about the same as previous year—used 300 lbs. guano per acre, as top-dressing for 4 acres and moss bunker fish dirt at the rate of 10,000 per acre upon the two acres, sowed upon the furrow, and harrowed in just previous to a storm—Harvested the 10th of July 1849. The straw very large, and wheat heads long, but grain very much injured by fly or weevil—very little difference between fish and guano top-dressing; yield 188 shocks—175 bushels; not quite 30 bushels per acre. Same ground would not have produced more than 18 to 20 bushels wheat per acre without the guano—or some other more expensive manure. 1849. Oct. 3. Sowed wheat upon oat stubble field; soil thin and gravelly upon part of the field—used some barnyard manure, but not as much as previous year. Top-dressed with 300 lbs. guano and 12 bushels ground bones per acre—Harvested 12th July 1850—Yield of 5-1/2 acres 160 shocks; injured some by weevil, and shrunken, but had 145 bushels or twenty-six bushels per acre. This ground would not have yielded fifteen bushels per acre without the guano. But the most decisive result was obtained the next year, upon an oat stubble field of six acres, a part of which had been cropped, for perhaps 15 years, nearly alternately with rye and buckwheat; (sometimes a crop of each in one year.) The whole field seemed so far exhausted that we had failed to get a crop of corn or oats from it after two different trials; and I underwent no small share of ridicule from my neighbors, while preparing it for wheat. Remarks like the following were of daily occurrence—"Ah! Seaman you will fail this time." "You have not got your old highly manured fields to exhaust this time by your stimulating stuff!" "We shall now see whether guano is good for anything—this will be a fair test, because the land will not produce anything without it, &c." "You may get about 12 bushels of wheat per acre; we shall see." All agreed however, that if wheat did grow, guano should have the credit for it.

Well, we prepared the ground in about the usual manner, except perhaps plowing a little deeper than in former years. A small quantity of manure was plowed under, and a top dressing of ground bones given and sowed about the last of September—2 acres with Mediterranean and 4 acres with the red flint wheat—but owing to a scarcity of the article, could only get about 420 lbs. of guano, which was sown across the field upon not quite 3 acres, covering some of each kind of wheat; it was sown upon the furrow, and harrowed in with the wheat as usual. In 1851, April 11th, top dressed the whole field with guano, at about 200 lbs. per acre; harvested about the 8th July. The 2 acres of Mediterranean yielded 61 bushels; flint wheat straw very large, and thick upon the ground, but grain much injured by the weevil; yielding an average of 23 bushels per acre. I may remark, that where the guano was applied in the autumn, the crop was quite one third greater than where it only received the spring dressing. The last year I managed much in the same way, except that I fell short of manure, and depended entirely upon guano and bone upon a part of the field, from which part, though I have not yet threshed it, I think I shall get 18 to 20 bushels. The rest of the field was very large and considered the best between this place and Brooklyn, on a road of 25 miles in length.

My good luck(1) at wheat growing is now a conceded point. Now for other crops—for corn I have not been very successful; generally mixing some guano with earth in the hill at the time of planting and getting but few plants to stand; these, however, generally have been heavily eared. By mixing previously with charcoal dust I think this burning of the seed might be avoided.(2)

For buckwheat, I used 120 to 150 lbs. per acre, sown upon the furrow and harrowed in with the grain. For barley, 150 to 200 lbs. per acre; oats 100 to 120 lbs; turnips, 600 to 700 lbs. plowed under a short depth, previously to forming the drill; and I find a decided profit in using guano for all the above crops. I have seen a field of corn the present season very greatly improved in earing by the application of about 150 lbs. of guano, mixed with 5 parts charcoal dust, and thrown around the hills a few weeks since during a rain storm.

I have also used guano and charcoal dust, five parts coal to one of guano, in my garden, the past season, and found the beds thus dressed stood the extreme drought better than other parts of the garden. One more case of my own and I am done. In 1851, I sowed about 90 lbs. of guano, on a piece of meadow or mowing ground, covering a little more than half an acre, from which the timothy and clover was nearly gone; I took 3 lands across the lot, leaving about 20 feet between each land. Where the guano was sown, the timothy grew large and thick and bore the drought, and yielded about one and a half tons per acre; while the rest of the field did not produce more than half that amount, and that of an inferior quality of grass. The corn upon the same field the present season, shows plainly a better yield from the above top-dressing. From observation and experience, I would recommend the mixing of guano with charcoal dust, equal parts, or five parts coal to one guano, It is much more pleasant to handle when thus mixed, being completely deodorized and rendered much more enduring as a manure, by retaining the ammonia for several years, instead of allowing the greater part to pass off the first season, as is the case when applied in a crude state, especially as a top dressing.

Prepared or decomposed muck if used with guano as a retainer of the volatile gases, in all cases where it can be conveniently obtained especially in soils where evaporation is so rapid as it is in most parts of Long Island, will pay.

That like produces like, is a favorite maxim with me—that it is necessary to replace the matter, both organic and inorganic, which we take from the soil in the form of crops, of various kinds—that by supplying the necessary chemical ingredients, we shall be able to draw a great proportion of our crops from atmospheric agents—that the necessity for using such an immense amount of organic matter as we now use in the shape of barn yard and stable manure will be partially overcome—that a great saving of expense will thereby ensue—that guano is one of the most active agents to effect such a result I am fully satisfied, not sufficient perhaps of itself, but highly useful even in a crude state—and capable when skillfully combined with others, to effect an entire revolution in our system of agriculture.

If you think the above worth an insertion in the pamphlet you spoke of, you are at liberty to insert it—if not, you will please return the letter to me, as soon as convenient, and if you think it will pass off any better, you may affix the following signature to the communication.

EDWARD H. SEAMAN, Recording Secretary, Queen's Co. Agricultural Society.

NOTE 1.—Yes, that is the word—good luck—it is all good luck. It is astonishing how many farmers there are in this country who will stand with their hands in their breeches pockets, fumbling idle dollars, while a neighbor expends his for guano, and produces a fine crop of wheat upon an old worn out buckwheat field; at which they stare in stupid wonder at the good luck of the thing.

What a pity it had not been the good luck of such men to have been born with common sense enough to profit themselves by their neighbors good luck.

NOTE 2.—It would be far better to sow the guano broadcast and plow it in, or scatter it in drills and turn a light furrow on it before planting.

"Hempstead, Aug.27, 1852.

SETH CHAPMAN, ESQ.—Dear Sir:—I believe I was the first person in Queens County using guano; having imported some from England in the ship Yorkshire, in 1842. This was from the Ichaboe Islands. I have since used nearly all the varieties, and consider the Peruvian the cheapest and best.

In applying guano, I think by making a compost, the greatest benefit is derived; say one peck of plaster, one bushel of loam, two of saw dust, mixed up a month or six weeks before using. From 100 to 200 lbs. of guano is enough for a crop of oats or buckwheat. I have not found it to succeed with corn or potatoes; probably from being accompanied by a dry season. The best wheat I ever raised was from using 350 lbs. to the acre, composted. This was on a light soil, and returned 31 bushels to the acre, on seven acres, weighing 62 lbs. The grass was poor after it. As a top dresser, I have used 200 lbs. per acre, very early in the spring, on half a lot, which mowed more than half as much again as the part not dressed. One of my neighbors has used 300 lbs. per acre, plowed in for potatoes; the yield, good, so far, having just commenced digging.

JOHN HAROLD."

We might give much more evidence of the same kind, to prove that every barren acre upon Long Island, might be made productive by a judicious and profitable application of guano; but if there are any persons, who, after reading these pages, are still doubting, we must say they are most incorrigably determined not to profit by the experience of others. To such it would be useless to say more.

Successful Experiment with Guano as a Top Dressing on Wheat, in North Carolina.—On page 17, we gave some account of the application of guano by Henry K. Burgwyn, Esq., since which, we have been favored with the following letter from his brother, T. Pollock Burgwyn, written, as will be seen, not for publication, but simply to give the party from whom he purchased the guano, a detail of his success.

"New York, Sept. 20, 1852.

MESSRS. A. B. ALLEN &. Co.—Dear Sir:—Having promised that I would furnish you with the result of my application of the 21 tons of guano which I purchased of you last winter, I proceed now to do so, and give you full liberty to quote my experience in favor of the use of that most invaluable manure, to all who are anxious to profit by the experience of others without incurring any risk of their own. My object, and it should be that of every one who has used guano, is to extend the knowledge of its great value to any owner of poor soil, like the worn out plantations of North Carolina. I applied 20 tons of this guano as a top dressing to a field of 200 acres, which had been seeded in wheat under most unfavorable circumstances. At the time of application, so unpromising was the appearance of the growing wheat, that my manager and myself thought it almost a waste of money and labor to try this experiment,(1) but as the rest of my crop did not require any manure, I resolved to see what would be the effect. I am confident the field would not have averaged, without the top dressing, seven bushels per acre—it yielded rather over 13 bushels, besides securing to me a full setting of clover.(2)

My mode of application was as follows; to each 200 lbs of guano I added two bushels of ashes and a bushel of plaster mixed intimately, and then sown broadcast, at the rate of six and a half bushels per acre, harrowed in with a light harrow. This application was made in March, and the early part of April, and in less than three weeks after the application, the wheat had undergone an entire change, from a yellow, sickly color, to a dark luxuriant green. The application had evidently infused new life and vigor into the plants, and as the result proved, very nearly or quite doubled its product. So much for the crop of wheat; but what was still more valuable to me, in my system of farming, it likewise secured for me a full crop of clover, which would certainly have failed but for this application. I also applied one ton of this guano mixed in the same way, to a small field of oats. I plowed this under with a small plow, together with the oats; the result was equally gratifying. My chief object in this last experiment, was to secure me a small field of clover, near my stables, and in this I fully succeeded; which I feel assured I should not have done but for the guano. My brother and myself have made various experiments of late years, with guano, and concur in the testimony of all those who have tested its value, carefully and judiciously, in pronouncing it to be the most expeditious renovater of the soil within the farmer's reach; and exclusive of the farm yard, the most economical of all manures. In proof of my conviction of its value to me, I shall this fall give you an order for 20 or 30 tons more. I will only add that I consider every wheat grower who would study his own interest, will find it by trying similar experiments.

T. POLLOCK BURGWYN."

NOTE 1. In a subsequent conversation with Mr. Burgwyn, he stated a fact which makes this point much stronger. After ordering the guano, he left home, giving his farm manager orders to apply if to that particular piece of wheat as soon as it arrived. Owing to the fact that the seed was injured—that the land was in a very unfit condition from poverty and drouth to produce a crop of wheat, it had assumed such a miserable appearance before the arrival of the guano, that the manager wrote to Mr. B. his opinion of the utter folly of applying anything so expensive to a crop already struck with death. Not imagining how very unpromising was the prospect of success, Mr. B. immediately wrote to him to go ahead as directed. Before the application was completed he returned home, and his first impression was to stop the work at once and give up the field as lost; but on examining the effect upon that part where the guano was first applied, he found it had already infused new vigor into the plants, for they had put off their sickly yellow color, and taken on a vigorous green; and therefore he decided at once to go on, which as will be seen by the result, was a most valuable decision.

NOTE 2. From personal knowledge of this very field, we are confident it would not have yielded without the guano, one half of seven bushels. It is a flat surface, clayey loam, and badly affected by winter rains, and such freezing and thawing as it had during the last severe winter. Besides it was a few years since, when it came into the possession of Mr. Burgwyn, one of those old worn out, skinned-to-death places, so common in that State, which all the deep plowing and good farming of that gentleman had not been able to restore, until he luckily hit upon guano; which notwithstanding the most unfavorable circumstances, has given him conclusive proof of its inestimable value. To say nothing of the ten bushels of wheat per acre, which we are confident he gained, the clover is worth more than the guano cost; and without it, one might almost as soon expect to grow clover upon Coney Island beach, as upon that field.

This letter contains testimony of inestimable value. It comes from a gentleman of intelligence and careful observation, who is devoted to his profession of a farmer, and who has been one of the most successful renovators of worn out plantations in the south, and it comes very opportunely to give our work an appropriate FINALE.

THE END