HIBRARY OF CONGRESS, f ■^f ^I«p.ê.^...:|cpBri9M|a. I 1 ! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. | m SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANUEES VINCENNES. AL MANURES. See Page 50. MATTER. GROUND WITHOUT MANURE. THE SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES; OR ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES IN THE USE OF FERTILIZING AGENTS. FROM THE FRENCH OF / -COPyHlGH M. GEORGE VILLE, V A S BY (A^ A. A. FESQUET, 1 CHEMIST AND ENGINEER, PHILADELPHIA: HENRY CAREY BAIRD, INDUSTRIAL PUBLISHER, 406 Walnut Street. 1872. TK MANtJlîI' EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS OF VINCENNES CULTURE OF WHEAT WITH CHEMICAL MANURES. See Page 50. NirnOGF.NI/,F.I> MANURE WITHOUT MINEUALS. MINERAL MANURE WITHOUT NITROGENIZED MATTER. GROUND WITHOUT MANURE. Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by HENRY C. BAIRD, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Collins, Printer, 705 Jayne St., Philada. PEEFACE. After the long controversies of the opposite schools of nitrogenized manures vei^sus mineral cues, and conversely, it is refreshing to find that they may be agreed upon the common platform — that every plant needs nitrogen as well as mineral substances for its food. This important result, as well as the rational manner of determining the natural fertility of the soil and the dominant substances for the food of plants, has been de- monstrated by Professor Geo. Yille after thirty 3'ears of comparative experiments conducted in the field and in the laboratory, and checking each other. Moreover, at the present time, several hundred farmers in Europe and in the colonies follow the advice of the learned professor of vege- table physiology, and by their correspondence confirm the truth of his teachings. Chemical manures do not mean strange and unknown substances, new to the farmer; they simply include phosphorus, lime, potassa, and 1* VI PREFACE. nitrogen, that is to say, the useful substances found in any serviceable manure, compost, etc., from time immemorial. They are in a condensed form, nearly constant in composition, and may be readily mixed in various proportions to suit the nature of the desired crop, or the degree of the natural fertility of the soil. Moreover, with them, the farmer will be less exposed to frauds than when he buys manures already mixed, which, too often, are but nondescript compounds. Manuring with chemicals alone has been proved by Prof. Yille and his followers to be profitable ; nevertheless, other manures and compounds may be used in connection with them, but their useful- ness as plant food will be in the ratio of the phos- phorus, lime, potassa, and nitrogen which they contain in the soluble or available state. When once the farmer has arrived at a know- ledge of the natural fertility of his farm by the aid of experimental fields, as explained in this work, he will be able to compound his manures for each desired crop, without expending money for what is already in the soil, or omitting what is wanting. How much more desirable to do so, and to work with certainty, than to buy already mixed manures from the manufacturer, who, sup- posing that he is honest, can certainly know little, PREFACE. Vil if anything, about the natural fertility of the soil, the previous manuring, or the rotation of crops on the farm of the purchaser. This little book, written in a familiar dialogistic form, and intended for popular use, is a resume of several larger works by the same author. We hope that it will be found interesting and useful, not only by farmers, but also by all those persons who have a fondness for agriculture. A. A. F. Philadelphia, June, 1872. Note. The French metric decimal weights, measures, and values have been retained in this translation for the sake of clearness and facility in comparing together the various ■ formulae and results of experiments. Moreover, the money values given in this work, if translated into Ame- rican currency, would not answer the American market prices of the various substances. For those desirous of transforming into English the French weights, measures, and values mentioned in this work, we give the following tables : — 1 centimetre =0.3937 inch. 1 metre = 8.2809 feet. = 1.0936 yard. 1 square metre = 10.7643 square feet. = 1.196 square yard. 1 are = 100 square metres. = 119.6033 square yards. 1 hectare := 100 ares. = 2.4711 acres. VUl PREFACE. 1 hectolitre = 8.5316 cubic feet. = 2.8379 U. S. busliels of 2150.42 cubic iucbes. 1 kilogramme = 2.2055 lbs. avoirdupois. 1 tonne (^ton) = 1000 kilogrammes. = 2205.486 lbs. avoirdupois. 1 franc = about $0.19 (gold). As a means of converting quantities and values as ap- plied to the hectare into the corresponding quantities and values per acre^ the following table will be found useful : — Per Hectare. Per Acre. 100 kilogrammes = 89.291 lbs. avoirdupois. 1 tonne {ton) = 892.91 " " 1 hectolitre = 1.1489 U. S. bushel. 100 francs = $7.69 (gold). 1 franc per kilogramme = 8.61 cents (gold) per lb. avoirdupois. 1 franc per 100 kilogrammes = 8.61 cents (gold) per 100 lbs. avoirdupois. 10 francs per 100 kilogrammes = $0,861 (gold) per 100 lbs. avoirdupois. CO]SrTE]N^TS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Formation and composition of plants . . .13 Fertility and sterility of soils 14 Farm-yard manure and cliemical manure ... 17 Complete chemical manure 17 CHAPTER II. The particular action of each of the substances of the complete manure 18 The suppression of one of these substances is suffi- cient to considerably diminish and even annihilate the power of the others 19 CHAPTER III. Aptitude of certain plants for extracting from the air the necessary nitrogen, which, therefore, may be dispensed with in the chemical manure ... 21 With these plants the mineral manure possesses as much efficacy as the complete manure ... 21 CHAPTER IV. Assimilability of manures in general ... 25 CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. PAGE Each of the four constituent parts of the complete manure has in its turn a preponderating or subordi- nated action ........ 34 CHAPTER YI. The bases for profit in agriculture .... 50 Manures are the raw materials of the crops . . 51 Yields obtained with an expense of 150 to 200 francs of chemical manure per hectare . . . .53 APPEITDIX. Ploughing and preparing the soil . ... .59 Methods of using chemical manures .... 62 FORMULA OF MANURES. Wheat . 67 Barley, oats, rye, natural pastures . . . .67 Hemp, rape-seed (colza) 68 Beets, carrots, cabbages, hops, gardening . . 68 Potatoes . .69 Grape-vines and small trees . . . ... 70 Turnips, rutabagas, Jerusalem artichokes, sorgho, sugar-cane, maize 70 Beans, horse-beans, peas, clover, sainfoin, vetches, lucern 71 CONTENTS. XI ROTATION OF CROPS. FIRST CASE. The chemical manures are employed alone without admixture of stable manure . , . . Exclusive culture of wheat .... Alternate culture of rape-seed (colza) and wheat Rotation of four years, comprising : potatoes, wheat clover, wheat Rotation of four years, comprising: beets, wheat clover, wheat Rotation of five years, comprising: potatoes, wheat clover, colza, w^heat Rotation of two years, comprising: maize, wheat Rotation of six years, comprising : flax, beets, wheat colza, wheat, and oats, rye, or barley Rotation with fodder plants .... Manures for pasture (forages) .... SECOND CASE. The chemical manures employed as auxiliary to farm yard manure Rotation comprising : potatoes, wheat, clover, wheat oats ; . Rotation comprising : beets, wheat, clover, wheat, oats Rotation comprising: colza, beets, wheat, clover wheat Rotation of six years, comprising : flax, beets, wheat colza, wheat, and oats, rye, or barley Experimental fields Experimental field for a primary school Culture of wheat Composition of the manure intended for the experi mental fields of a primary school ... PAGE 72 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 81 82 83 84 86 87 89 91 92 92 95 Xll CONTENTS. PAGE Experimental field for the analysis of the soil . . ' 97 Series for wheat 100 Series for beets . 102 YOCABULARY OF CHEMICAL MANURES. Nitrogenized substances . 105 Sulphate of ammonia .... 106 Nitrate of soda . 107 Nitrate of potassa . . 108 Phosphate of lime . 109 Sulphate of lime . Ill THE SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. CHAPTER I. Formation and composition of plants — Fertility or sterility of soils — Farm-yard manure and chemical manures — The complete chemical ma- nure. The Professor. The objects of ag- riculture are to produce and multiply the useful plants and animals. Therefore, agriculture is of the first importance in social economy, since we rely upon it for food, raiment, and those animals which aid us in our daily labors. We shall examine in the following pages only that which relates to the for- mation of plants, and to the processes by which they are profitably grown. 14 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. During the first period of their ex- istence, plants find in the seed the substances necessary to their growth. Afterwards they borrow from other sources, and from that time we shall follow their development. QuESTiOî^. From whence come the substances necessary to the formation of plants? Answee. We have already said that, during germination, the primary food is entirely derived from the seed. Later, the air, water, and soil furnish the nour- ishment. Plants extract that nourish- ment from the air by their leaves, and from the soil by their roots. Q. Can plants extract from the air all that is necessary for their growth? A. Never; they must also take from the soil certain substances which are found there only. Q. Is the soil always provided with those substances necessary for vegeta- tion? A. Far from it ; they are often want- ing, "Whereas the composition of the • FERTILITY OR STERILITY OF SOILS. 15 air is constant everywhere, that of the earth is exceedingly variable, and there- fore modifies its fertility and properties. Q. Is it possible always to obtain fine crops from the same soil which is simply tilled, and mechanically prepared, ac- cording to practical routine ? A. 1^0, Under such a regimen the crops rai^idly diminish, and the soil grows poorer. Q. Crops therefore exhaust the soil ? A. It is a fact demonstrated by uni- versal experience. Q. "What is the difference between a soil naturally barren, and one exhausted by culture? A. There is no difference. Both will produce bad crops, because they are equally wanting in those substances without which plants cannot thrive. A naturally barren soil has never possessed these substances, and the exhausted one has lost them in the crops grown upon it. Q. What is then to be done to preserve the fertility of the soil ? A. Restore to it, under certain forms, 16 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. those elements which have been bor- rowed from it by successive crops, and without which, we repeat, there is no durable production. Q. And for rendering fertile a soil which is naturally barren? A. We must enrich it with the same substances which we restore to worn-out soils. To sum up, we must mamire. Q. How is soil generally manured? A. By mixing with it the excretions and litter of animals, which are known under the name of farm-yard manure. Q. How does such a manure act upon the soil? A. It acts by its nitrogenized matter^ phosphate of lime^ potassa^ and lime^ which are the indispensable agents for keeping up the fertility of soils, and obtaining all kinds of crops. Q. Does farm-yard maniire contain but these four substances ? A. It contains at least ten more, which it is not necessary to consider, since plants always find them in the earth and in the air. COMPLETE CHEMICAL MANURE. 17 Q. Barren or exhausted soils are there- fore wanting in nitrogenized matter, phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime? A. Precisely so. Q. "With these four substances, is it always possible to render a soil fertile? A. Yes, it is always possible to obtain fine crops. Q. Is it necessary, for their efficacy, that these four substances should be in the shape of farm-yard manure? A. It is not necessary. ' Their mixture in the form of chemical products pos- sesses the same properties. Practically, the chemical manure is more powerful than that of the farm-yard. This will be easily understood, since in the farm-yard manure the four substances are mixed with foreign matters which hinder their action. On the other hand, the chemical manure is composed only of substances which act directly, and the absorption of which by the plants is rapid and certain. Therefore, in order to re- member the certainty of its action, we shall call it the comj^lete manure, 18 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. There is the same difference between the complete manure exclusively formed of chemical products, and the farm-yard manure, as there is between a metal and its ore, or pure quinine and the bark from which it is extracted. The ore contains the metal mixed with earthy matters; and the cinchona bark holds quinine amid a quantity of worthless ligneous substances. The chemical manure is a manure without useless materials. CHAPTER IL The particular action of each of the substances of the complete manure — The suppression of one of these substances is sufficient to considerably diminish, and even annihilate, that of the three others. Question. In order to obtain fine crops, is it absolutely necessary that the soil should contain nitrogenized matter, phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, ACTION OF SUBSTANCES. 19 that is to say, the four substances of the complete manure? Aî^swER. It is absolutely necessary. Q. "What will happen, should the soil be wanting in one of these four sub- stances ? A. !N"otwithstanding the presence of the other three, the vegetation remains languid, and the crops are poor. Q. How can we ascertain that it is so? A. It is very easily proven. In the experimental fields of Vincennes, for in- stance, a soil of inferior quality was chosen, and cultivated for several years, without any manure, until the crops had dwindled to next to nothing. Then the ground was subdivided into six parcels each equal to an are (about 119 square yards), and contiguous to each other. The first parcel received no manure whatever, and there was scarcely any crop. Potassa was added to the second, with- out better results. The third parcel received phosphate of lime, and the crops were equally poor. 20 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. The same results were observed with the fourth and fifth parcels, one of which had received lime, and the other nitro- genized matter. The sixth was provided with the mix- ture of nitrogenized matter, phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, that is, the complete manure, resulting in a splendid growth, and a crop superior in quality and quantity. But that was not all : a seventh parcel of the same ground was manured with phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, that is to say, the complete manure without nitrogenized substance, and the results were as poor as if only one of the three substances had been employed. The superiority of the complete manure proves that its results are essentially due to the collective action of the four asso- ciated substances. And in terminating this chapter, we would say that by the mineral manure we mean the reunion of phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, that is, the complete manure less the nitro- genized matter. NITROGEN. 21 CHAPTER III. Aptitude of certain plants for extracting from the air the necessary nitrogen which, therefore, may be dispensed with in the chemical manure — With these plants the mineral manure possesses as much efficacy as the complete manure. QuESTiOî^. If it be true that the com- plete manure is the only efficient one, because it contains all the substances re- quired for the life of plants, does it not follow that the mineral manure, deprived of nitrogenized matter, will be of little value ? Answer. This is true, indeed, for the majority of vegetables ; there are, how- ever, certain plants which thrive as well with the mineral as with the complete manure. Q. Which are these plants? A. Peas, beans, lucern, clover (trefo- lium), sugar-cane, etc., are among the most important ones. 22 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. Q. These plants, then, do not cpntain nitrogen ? A. On the contrary, they hold a great deal of it. A crop of lucern, for instance, contains two or three times as much ni- trogen as a wheat crop. Q. Well, then, where does the nitrogen of these plants come from? A. From the air, which consists of four-fifths nitrogen. Q. Why is nitrogen made a part of manures, since the air holds so much of it? A. Because most of the plants do not possess the property of extracting it from the air. In regard to this, plants may be divided into two groups : the first com- prises those plants which draw their ni- trogen from the air, and the second those which take it preferably from the soil. The organization of vegetables presents this contrast, and in the practice of ma- nuring we are obliged to distinguish plants requiring the complete manure, from those the development of which is complete with the mineral manure. NITROGEN. 23 Q. Will plants, requiring a nitrogen- ized manure, also draw nitrogen from the air? A. Yes, but in smaller proportion, and provided that the soil be supplied with nitrogenized matter, which insures their first development. Q. Is it known in what proportion the soil and air furnish nitrogen for the prin- cipal crops? A. Here are the proportions indicated by carefully made experiments. Nitrogen From tlie air From the soil. Clover The whole none Barley ...... 80 p. c. 20 p. c. Rye 80 " 20 " Wheat 50 " 50 " Beets 60 " 40 " Rapeor cole-seed (Colza) to " 30 '• Q. How can we prove that it is so, and that clover or peas, for instance, take no nitrogen from the earth, and draw it all from the air? A. It may be proved in two different ways : by laboratory experiments, and by culture in the field. Let us speak first 24 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. of the laboratory experiments, because the results are simple and certain. A sample of earth was calcined in a porcelain furnace, in order to destroy all nitrogenized substance which may have existed in it ; this earth was then mixed with phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, and watered with pure distilled water. Clover, sown in it, grew perfectly well, and the crop being analyzed demon- strated the presence of a large proportion of nitrogen, evidently due to the air, since there was none in the soil. The practical proofs are not less cer- tain. When a soil is cultivated without manuring, the crops become poor very rapidly. When wheat is grown every other year, the crop is better; if wheat alternates with horse-beans, which con- tain a great deal of nitrogen, the yield of wheat does not diminish. Indeed, the rotation with horse-beans is nearly as favorable to wheat as a year of fallow land. Why is it so? Because horse- beans draw their nitrogen from the air, whereas wheat extracts it from the soil. ASSIMILABILITY OF MANURES. 25 CHAPTER lY. Assimilability of manures in general. The Professor. Manures are said to be assimilable, or available, when the plants are able to absorb them ; and plants will absorb them only when the substances are soluble. It is generally acknowledged that farm-yard manure will produce all its effect only when sufficient dampness in the soil causes its decomposition. QuESTio^sr. It may then happen that substances holding nitrogen, phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, in large pro- portions, will be without action upon vegetables ? Answer. "We will demonstrate it by an example relating to nitrogenized mat- ters. Agriculture has, for a long time, utilized the waste of horn and woollen rags; but it has been ascertained that large pieces of horn have scarcely any 26 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. effect, because they are too slow of de- composition, and their nitrogen does not become soluble. Only finely divided horn is now employed, which is rapidly decom- posed. Another striking instance is leather, that is to say, skin rendered insoluble and durable by the tanning 23rocess. The nitrogen of the skin is available, while that in leather is not. Skin is a good manure, and leather is a poor one. Q. Is it the same in regard to phos- phate of lime, potassa, and lime? A. The good effects of these three pro- ducts are subordinated to their solution. There are a great many substances, hold- ing phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, and which however do not act as manures, because they are not assimilated by the plants. For instance, there are large natural deposits of phosphate of lime, which cannot be used, unless it has been rendered assimilable by treatment with sulphuric acid. The same observation may be applied to granite and porphyry, wâth which whole mountain ranges are ASSIMILABILITY OF MANURES. 27 formed, and which cannot be employed as manm^es, notwithstanding their large per- centage of potassa and lime, since these substances are in an insoluble state, and, therefore, without action upon plants. Q. We may then go so far as to con- ceive a soil rich in nitrogen, phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, and still be sterile however ? A. There is a great deal of correctness in this supposition, because natural soils hold a great portion of their elements of fertility in the insoluble state, and with- out any more effect upon crops than sand, clay, and gravel. Q. Shall we, however, consider as en- tirely useless these natural elements of fertility which are not assimilable ? A. No, because by the combined action of light, heat, air, dryness, frost, etc., these elements are slowly decomposed and become soluble, but not sufficiently so to produce good crops. This explains the usefulness of fallow lands. The ele- ments of the soil which have become soluble, during the fallow year, are ab- 28 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. sorbed by the ^Dlants grown the ye^r after. Q. Which are the commercial products holding assimilable nitrogen, and which may be used in agriculture ? A. The sulphate of ammonia, nitrate of soda, nitrate of potassa, and substances of animal origin, such as poudrette, blood and flesh dried, horn, woollen rags, etc. Q. What is the percentage of nitrogen in these various products ? A. Sulphate of ammonia holds about twenty per cent, of nitrogen, nitrate of soda fifteen, and nitrate of potassa four- teen. We shall not mention the animal substances, because they have been sub- ject to so many frauds that their yield is exceedingly variable. Q. Is it indifferent whether we employ the sulphate of ammonia, or the nitrates, as nitrogen compounds ? A. We may, as a rule, employ either ; but agricultural practice teaches us to prefer the nitrates for beets and potatoes, ASSIMILABILITY OF MANURES. 29 and the sulphate of ammonia for rape- seed and the cerealia. Q. May we indifferently employ nitrate of soda, or nitrate of potassa ? A. 'No, because soda is without action upon the plants, whereas potassa is very important. The nitrate of soda is useful as far as the nitrogen it contains, while the nitrate of potassa is also valuable on account of its potassa. Q. With an equal amount of nitrogen, are animal substances as valuable as the sulphate of ammonia and the nitrate of soda ? A. ■ !N^o, because during their decompo- sition a certain proportion of their nitro- gen escapes in the air in the form of nitrogen gas, with which the atmosphere is already abundantly provided. Q. That portion of nitrogen from ani- mal substances, which acts upon plants, — in what form is it absorbed? A. In the form of a nitrate or of some ammoniacal salt. Q. What is the proportion of lost ni- 8* 30 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. trogen during the decomposition of animal substances? A. About 30 per cent, of the whole of the nitrogen. Q. What are the chemical products holding phosphate of lime? A. Bone dust, bone black from sugar- houses; and the superphosphate, or acid phosphate, of lime. Q. What is the percentage of phos- phate of lime in bone dust? A. About 60 per cent. Q. Where does the bone black come from? A. From sugar-refineries, which em- ploy it for decolorizing raw sugar. Q. What is its origin? A. The bones of animals which have been calcined in closed vessels. Q. How much phosphate of lime is there in bone black from sugar-houses ? A. Its yield varies between 45 and 60 per cent. Q. What is the meaning of acid phos- phate of lime (superphosphate)? A. Any kind of phosphate which has ASSIMILABILITY OF MANURES. 31 become soluble by treatment with sulphu- ric acid. Q. What is the proportion of soluble phosphate in the commercial acid phos- phates ? A. About 40 per cent. Q. In what form does phosphate of lime produce the best effects? A. In that of acid phosphate, which is also called superphosphate of lime. Q. Which are the commercial products holding potassa, and which may enter into the composition of chemical ma- nures ? A. The nitrate of potassa, also known under the names of nitre and saltpetre, and which is preferable to all others. Q. Have you not already mentioned this product as one of the best nitrogen compounds ? A. Yes, because it contains 14 per cent, of nitrogen and 47 per cent, of po- tassa, either of which is assimilable, and their union increases their mutual efficacy. Q. Are there no other potassa mate- rials but saltpetre? 32 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. A. "We have the potassa of wood-ashes^ and the refined potassas of various origins. Q. What are the characteristics of re- fined potassa? A. It is a white substance, very solu- ble in water, attracting the dampness of the air, and absorbing it in large propor- tions. Q. What is the yield of refined po- tassa? A. About 52 per cent, of real potassa. Q. Which is to be preferred, nitrate of potassa or refined potassa? A. ^Nitrate of potassa is preferable, because its potassa costs 0.75 franc per kilogramme, whereas that of the refined potassa amounts to 1.50 franc per kilo- gramme. Q. Is not the nitrogen of the nitrate of potassa sometimes objectionable? A. Practically, never. Q. Have you not already said that there are vegetables which thrive just as well upon the mineral as upon the com- plete manure? A. It is true; but even with these ASSIMIL ABILITY OF MANURES. 33 vegetables, it is preferable to employ ni- trate of potassa instead of refined potassa, because its price is lower, and its propor- tion of nitrogen too small to be objection- able. Q. Which are the substances contain- ing lime in an assimilable state, and which may enter into the composition of the complete manure? A. The sulphate and carbonate of lime, that is, plaster of Paris and chalk. Q. "Which of the two is preferable? A. Plaster of Paris (sulphate of lime). Q. How so? A. Because it is more soluble. Q. Are the good effects of commercial manures due to the four substances of the complete manure? A. They are due to these substances. Q. Why should we prefer chemical manures to them? A. We have already given the rea- son. They are entirely soluble, and, con- sequently, more certainly and rapidly absorbed by the vegetables. To this advantage we shall add that, their com- 34 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. position being fixed and invariable, they, cannot be falsified without risk of judicial proceedings, which is a guarantee for the farmer. CHAPTER Y. Each of the four constituent parts of the complete manure has in its turn a preponderating or sub- ordinated action. QuESTioisr. Each of the constituent parts of the manure is equally important for every kind of plant, is it not ? Answer. Far from it : each constitu- ent part has such a predominating action over the other three, in regard to certain plants, that it will regulate the produc- tion. Q. Does this regulating and predomi- nating action continue even in the ab- sence of the other constituent parts of the manure? A. Yes and no. Yes, if the soil be naturally provided with the substance CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 35 which is wanting in the manure; and no, if the soil itself does not contain it. Q. In other words, may we not say that the predominating action ceases when the other constituent parts of the manure are absent ? A. Precisely so. Q. The degree of importance of each substance of the complete manure is there- fore subordinated to the nature of the plants to which it is applied, is it not ? A. Yes, and in order to remember this remarkable effect, we shall call Dominant that of the four substances, the action of which predominates over the other three for a given plant. Q. What are the plants upon which nitrogenized matter has a predominating action ? A. Wheat, and generally all the cerea- lia, such as barley, oats, rye, to which we add rapeseed (colza), beets, hemp, etc. Q. What are the plants most influenced by potassa? A. Peas, beans, horse-beans, clover, sainfoin, vetches, lucern, flax, potatoes, etc. 36 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. Q. What are the vegetables upon which the action of phosphate of hme is greatest? A. Maize, Jerusalem artichokes, ruta- bagas, turnips, radishes, sugar-cane, etc. Q. And lime? A. It does not appear to possess a marked preponderating action upon plants, although it is necessary everywhere. Q. What conclusion do you draw from these indications? A. That, in practice, we should reduce to their minimum the proportions of the subordinated substances, and increase that of the dominant substance. Q. Could you give more weight to these indications by some example of agricultural practice ? A. We are able to do so. We have been taught by experience that with the following manure : — Per hectare. Acid phosphate of lime . . . 400 kilogrammes Nitrate of potassa 200 " Nitrate of soda 300 " Sulphate of lime 400 " ^ CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 37 in which the nitrogen, represented by the nitrates of potassa and soda, amounts to 73 kilogrammes, we were able to obtain 47,323 kilogrammes (47.323 tons) of beets per hectare. If the proportions of phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime be increased, the yield remains the same, no more, no less. On the other hand, by raising the proportion of nitrogen from 73 to 100 kilogrammes, the crop is increased from 47.323 to 51 tons. Should the proportion of nitrogen be still greater, 130 kilogrammes for in- stance, we gather 59.660 tons of beets. Q. But, in balancing accounts, is there any proJât in so increasing the proportion of nitrogen? A. The advantage is great. Q. Could you prove it by means of figures ? A. "With the manure holding 73 kilo- grammes of nitrogen we obtain 47.323 tons of beets, and 59.660 tons with a proportion of 130 kilogrammes of nitro- gen. Therefore, with an increase of about 60 kilogrammes of nitrogen, value 120 38 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. francs, we obtain an overplus of 12.337 tons of beets, the value of which is 247 francs. Q. What you have said about beets is also true in regard to other plants, is it not? A. It is perfectly true, and here is an- other proof; with the following manure :— Per hectare. Acid phosphate of lime ...... 400 kilo. Nitrate of potassa (nitrogen 28 kilo.) . 200 " Sulphate of lime . 400 " in which the nitrogen amounts to 28 kilogrammes, there has been obtained at the Guadeloupe 40 tons of sugar-cane (without the leaves). By raising the proportion of phosphate of lime from 400 to 600 kilogrammes, the yield went up from 40 to 84.782 tons of sugar-cane. Therefore, with an addi- tional quantity of 200 kilogrammes of phosphate of lime, price 32 francs, the overplus of the crop was such as to amount to 800 francs. Q. The nitrogenous matter being the dominant substance in manures for cerea- CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 39 lia, there should be great advantage in applying large doses of it ? A. The advantage is evident, provided, however, that we should remain within certain limits, otherwise it may cause real injury. Q. How can large proportions of ni- trogen be injurious? A. By causing such a luxurious growth that, should the season be a rainy one, the cerealia will be lodged, and the result will be a great deal of straw and little grain. Q. It becomes evident that it is highly important that the proportions of chemi- cal manures should be accurately deter- mined. Therefore, what should be the manure for wheat? A. The complete manure ^o. 1, the composition of which is as follows : — Per hectare. Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 kilogrammes. Nitrate of potassa .... 200 " Sulphate of ammonia . . . 250 " Sulphate of lime 350 " Q. Is this manure equally suitable for beets ? 40 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. A. A good crop would certainly be. obtained with it. However, it is prefera- ble to replace the 250 kilogrammes of sulphate of ammonia by 300 kilogrammes of nitrate of soda, and we then have the complete manure 'No. 2: — Per hectare. Acid phosphate of lime . . . 400 kilogrammes. Nitrate of potassa .... 200 " Nitrate of soda ...... 300 " Sulphate of lime 300 " Q. And for potatoes? A. "We should suppress the nitrate of soda of the preceding manure, and in- crease one-half the proportion of nitrate of potassa. We then have : — Per hectare. Acid phosphate of lime . . . 400 kilogrammes. Nitrate of potassa .... 300 " Sulphate of lime .• ... 300 " Q. And for maize, which is such an important crop for the south of France? A. We should employ more phosphate of lime than with the potato crop, and reduce the proportion of nitrate of potassa to 200 kiloo-rammes. Thus: — CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 41 Per hectare. Acid phosphate of lime . . . GOO kilogrammes. Nitrate of potassa .... 200 " Sulphate of lime 400 " But, as it is difficult to set down figures during a conversation, we would sug- gest that all similar questions on manure should be referi-ed to the ajD- pendix of this work, which contains a special chapter where we have gathered all the formulae from our own experience, and where the chemical manures are considered either alone or in connection with stable manure. Q. One word more. With the em- ployment of chemical manures, what are the expenses and profits ? A. Takinof as an averao^e a rotation of crops of four years' duration, and com- posed of the following cultures : — - 1st 3'ear, potatoes, 2d " wheat, 3d " clover, 4th " wheat. The annual expense in manures varies from 180 to 200 francs per hectare, and the profit from 200 to 300 francs, 4^ 42 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. Q. Can these formulae be applied to all kinds of soils indifferently? A. It is possible, as a general rule. Indeed, we should not deviate from them at the beginning. But, later, when we have become conversant with the laws of the production of vegetables, it is pre- ferable to take into consideration the natural richness of the soil in phosphate of lime, potassa, lime, and nitrogenized sub- stances ; for, should one or several of these elements be in abundance already, it is evident that their proportion may be reduced, and even dispensed with, in the chemical manures, without decreasing the yield of the crop. Q. How can we ascertain what is already in a soil, or what is wanting ? A. Nothing is more easy. It has often been thought that chemical analysis would furnish the proper indications, but we are now obliged to give up this hope. The four substances, to which a soil owes its fertility, are there found in various states : soluble and active, insoluble and inactive. As chemistry has not yet sue- CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 43 ceeded in making these necessary dis- tinctions, its testimony is not a sufficient guide for agricultural practice. There- fore, we do not recommend chemical analyses, but shall refer to the testimony of simple trials of culture made in small experimental fields, and which every one may perform. Is it desired to know whether a soil is already provided with nitrogenized ma- terials ? Remembering what we have said of plants getting their supply of nitrogen from the air, and of plants drawing theirs from the soil, it is suffi- cient to sow a handful of wheat upon a small square of ground, which has been manured with the mineral substances only. Without the aid of nitroo^enized matter, the mineral manure has scarcely any effect upon wheat. Therefore, if this small square of ground gives a rapid and healthy vegetation and a good crop, we have the proof that the earth had a sufficient supply of nitrogen. Indeed, it cannot be otherwise, since the manure had no nitrogen. 44 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. On the other hand, have we to ascertain whether the soil contains the three ele- ments of the mineral manure, phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime? A small plot sown with peas or horse-beans, and without any manure, will give the de- sired answer. "We know the great influ- ence of the mineral manure upon legu- minous plants ; therefore, if the peas flourish, we may be sure that the soil is provided with phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime. Two experiments, requiring but a small area of ground, are then sufficient to obtain the indications necessary to a judicious system of culture. Q. The preceding indications refer only to the case of mineral substances employed together; and there may be lands possessing phosphate of lime, and wanting in available potassa. How shall we ascertain these facts ? A. We may arrive at that knowledge by other similar experiments. For in- stance, we shall grow wheat in five small CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 45 plots of ground, contiguous one to the other. The first plot will receive the comi)lete manure ; The second, the same manure without nitrogen ; The third, a manure without phosphate of lime ; The fourth, a manure without potassa ; The fifth, a manure without sulphate of lime. The comparison of the five crops will immediately indicate what is wanting in the soil. Since we have demonstrated that the complete manure is alone able to realize all the conditions necessary to the life of plants, such manures as contain but a portion of the substances of the complete manure, will not give the same results, unless the soil supplies the substance which was wanting. The variable yield of the different crops, compared with that obtained from the complete manure, will measure the rich- ness of the soil. 46 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. We shall here point out how decisive the testimony is, and how absolute the indication. 'No better example can be taken than the following results obtained in the exj)erimental fields of Vincen- nes : — Yield per hectare in 1864 Hectolitres of wheat. Complete manure 39 " " without lime . . " " without potassa " " without phosphate " " without nitrogen Land without manure .... 37 28 24 13 11 The correlativeness is evident, although the soil in 1864 had not been brought to the same degree of exhaustion to which it has since been purposely reduced ; mineral, and especially nitrogenized, substances were already wanting. Q. This process is ingenious and prac- tical; nevertheless it seems long and complicated, and it is doubtful whether farmers will make such experiments, which, in order to be useful, ought to be made by series of six or seven at a time,^ and will give indications only after five or six months, or even a year. CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 47 A. A moment of consideration will bring a more correct appreciation of the real state of things. Is this method of investigation objectionable by reason of its slowness ? All the preceding notions and data permit us readily to foresee the results from all we may observe around us. For instance, lucern succeeds in one field, and does not thrive in another. From what we have said about the pre- dominating action of potassa in regard to lucern, we have the proof that the deeper layers of the first soil contain potassa, which is wanting in the second. Peas and horse-beans thrive in another field, whereas lucern is but half success- ful. This contrast teaches us that the superficial layers, beyond which the roots of peas and beans do not go, are provided with potassa, whereas the subsoil reached by the roots of lucern is without it. Upon a fourth piece of ground, and with slight manures, wheat has a ten- dency to become lodged ; we know therefore that the soil contains nitrogen. These primary indications greatly sim- 48 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. plifj the experimental culture, and re- duce the series to two or three combina- tions of manuring substances. But, notwithstanding then* usefulness, these primary indications are not suffi- ciently precise to be entirely relied upon in practice. As for the experiments necessary to complete them, he who is afraid of them must possess a religious faith in routine. How is it possible that three or four plots of ground, each with an area of a few square metres (a few square yards), will be m the way of the regular work on a farm ? Agriculture requires decision coupled with judgment, and a constant attention to the smallest details. What would be thought of a mariner who should neg- lect to consult every day his compass and barometer, and to determine the po- sition of his ship by astronomical obser- vation? Such a man would be thought little of, and rightly so. Indeed, the more tho- roughly we examine agricultural ques- CONSTITUENT PARTS OF MANURE. 49 lions, and endeavor to unravel the mys- teries of the science, the more we become satisfied that experimental fields will de- cide the agricultural revolution which has already begun. The appearance of an experimental field cannot be resisted ; in the sight of the contrasts it presents, practical men instinctively feel that there is a power which has been underrated or misapplied. They understand that, instead of unclean manures which are so often without the expected effect, it is infinitely more ad- vantageous to employ less complex sub- stances, having a constant composition, and the proportions of which may be regulated to suit the wants of their fields. Those who avoid labor, should leave agriculture alone. Husbandry has been called the first of the arts because it is a perpetual combat. It is influenced by everything ; rain, sunshine, wind, drought, the nature of the soil, local customs, etc. In agriculture, common sense is better than wit; and common sense says that, in order to obtain good crops with economy, 50 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. we must know in advance the natural riches of our lands. 'No labor should be spared to arrive at this knowledge, which is of the first importance, since without it we proceed only by guesswork, always ending in failure. We should still con- sider ourselves fortunate, if we were enabled to repair our mistakes by a dearly bought experience. As a last proof, we refer to the frontis- piece, and ask if nature ever spoke to agriculturists in a more striking lan- guage. CHAPTER yi. The bases for profit in agriculture — Manures are the raw material of the crops — Yields obtained with an expense of 150 to 200 francs of chemical manures per hectare. Question. Where does the profit in agriculture come from? Answer. From an abundance of manures. PROFIT IN AGRICULTURE, 51 Q. Why? A. Because manure is the raw material of crops: no manure, no crops; little manure, small crops. Q. It is true that manure acts upon the yield of crops, but how is it that manure is the cause of profit, since, if the crops are larger, the expenses are also in- creased ? A. In order to make this truth more apparant, let us figure the cost of a cul- ture of wheat, yielding 14 hectolitres per hectare, which is the average in France. The expenses of culture are of two kinds, those which are constant and those which are variable. The constant expenses are, the rent of the land, tillage, general expenses, and the seed. "Whether the yield be great or small the crop will have to bear all these expenses, since we must always pay for the rent of the land, the taxes, the labor, and the seed. Therefore, these expenses being con- stant, the more hectolitres we gather the 52 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. smaller will be the cost for each hecto- litre. Q. "We begin to understand; but be- fore proceeding further, what is the mean- ing of general expenses? A. They are the expenses of adminis- tration, the interest on the capital repre- sented by the buildings on the farm, the taxes, and all such expenses which can- not be classified otherwise, such as the board of the men, fuel, light, repairs, etc., etc. Q. This is understood. It has been said that the more hectolitres or bushels of w^heat per hectare or acre, the less is the cost of production for each hetolitre or bushel. Is it convenient to figure these expenses? A. We may do so. The following figures correspond to the average culture in France: — Per hectare. Rent . . . .45 francs. General expenses . . 52 " Ploughing and tilling . 43 " Seed .... 46 " 186 PROFIT IN AGRICULTURE. 53 Q. 186 francs for what productions? A. 14 hectolitres of grain and 2000 kilogrammes (2 tons) of straw. Q. What is then the cost of the hecto- litre of wheat? A. 9.70 francs, without calculating the other expenses. Q. "What are these other expenses? A. They are the cost of manuring and harvesting, which we call variable ex- penses^ because, in regard to manures, every one manures as he is able or willing to do, and because the cost of harvesting, transporting, and threshing the grain is variable with the yield of the crop. Q. We understand this; but how is the account completed? A. To the 186 francs of constant ex- penses we should add : — Per hectare. Stable manure , 74 francs Harvesting, threshing, etc. . 34 " Or, Constant expenses . 186 francs, Variable expenses . . 108 '' 294 54 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. We should, however, deduct 50 francs from the 294, for the value of the straw, and the total expenses become 244 francs, or 17.43 francs per hectolitre of wheat. Q. "We understand more and more clearly; nevertheless, it seems curious that, by expending more money on ma- nures, the cost of the hectolitre is dimi- nished. A. We have already said that the crops result from the manures ; and it is evident that a field receiving twenty cart loads of stable manure will produce more than if it had received ten only. Let us now put down a few figures : — With 74 francs of farm-yard manure, the yield is 14 hectolitres of wheat; with 194 francs of the same manure, the yield becomes 31 hectolitres. In order to produce 31 hectolitres, the taxes are the same ; the rent of the ground is not changed; the labor for ploughing and tilling is not increased; and we em- ploy the same amount of seeds. The question may then be summed iTp as fol- lows : — PROFIT IN AGRICULTURE. 55 Overplus of wheat pro- duced . . . .17 hectolitres. Increase in expense for manure , . . 120 francs. The cost of each additional hectolitre of wheat is 7.05 francs, and that of the hectolitre for the whole crop is 11.74 in- stead of 17.43 francs. Q. How is it that no account has been taken of the greater expenses of harvest- ing and threshing, caused by the over- plus of 17 hectolitres? A. Because the overplus of straw covers these expenses, and over, leaving a profit of 29 francs. Therefore the cost of the hectolitre of wheat is reduced to 11.12 francs, as may be seen by a com- parison of the two accounts : — With an expense of 74 francs for stable manure per hectare, we find : — 56 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. Francs., f Rent ... 45 Constantexpenses^ ^^'^^^•'''^^^P^"^^^ • ^^ Ploughing, etc. . 43 Seeds . . .46 — 186 r Manure . . .74 Variable expenses -l Harvesting and (. threshing . . 34 ~ 108 Total expense . . . ... 294 From which we deduct for straw . . 50 It remains 244 Or, 17.43 francs per hectolitre for a pro- duction of 14 hectolitres. On the other hand, with an expense of 194 francs for stable manure, per hectare, the expenses of production become : — Francs. Constant expenses: The same as before 186 C Manure . . . 194 Variable expenses -i Harvesting and V threshing . . 60 254 Total expenses . . . . . 440 From which we deduct for straw . . 95 It remains 345 MANURES THE RAW MATERIALS OF CROPS. 57 Or, 11.12 francs per hectolitre for a pro- duction of 31 hectolitres of wheat. Q. Then, we may grow rich by agri- culture? A. YeSj by thoroughly manuring the soil. Q. What is to be done when there is not a sufficiency of stable manure? A. Employ chemical manures. There is the same difference between chemical and stable manures, as between quinine and the bark from which it is extracted. Q. "What is the profit to be derived from the employment of chemical ma- nures alone, or associated with stable manure? A. From 200 to 300 francs per hectare. Q. Then it is an entire revolution? A. Certainly, and one which ought to double the income of France, and allow of the gradual reduction of tuxes, at the same time that the people live better. This generation will be the first to pro- fit by it. APPENDIX. PlougMng and Preparing the Soil, In order that stable and chemical ma- nures should produce all their effect, the soil should be well prepared. It has been ascertained that deep ploughing is an essential condition for success in agri- culture, and that the mere scraping of the ground is highly objectionable. We cannot do better, in order to point out the advantages of deep ploughing, than to reproduce the excellent observa- tions of Mr. Schattenmann. "In the Bas Rhin, and doubtless in many other departments, ploughing is but superficial, and not deeper than from 8 to 12 centimetres (3 to 5 inches). This thickness is evidently insufficient, and should be increased to 30 or 40 cen- 60 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. timetres (12 to 16 inches), in order that the plants may thrive. The proportion of mineral substances in the soil is in the ratio of the thickness of the tillable layer, and will be doubled or trebled by deep ploughing. A system of rotation of crops becomes at the same time more easy. The great majority of agricul- turists who persist in superficial plough- ing, do so for fear of bringing to the surface sterile soils. It is a mistake, since a good subsoil plough allows of the simple stirring and gradual incorporation of the under layers, without bringing them to the surface. Experience has, however, demonstrated that deep plough- ing is always advantageous and without the fancied inconveniences. We should fight such prejudices. " The arable layer, when its thickness is no greater than from 8 to 15 centimetres (3 to 6 inches), is insufiicient for the de- velopment of the roots of plants, and does not protect them against the influ- ence of an excess of dryness or dampness. As the tendency of plants is to grow as PLOUGHING AND PREPARING THE SOIL. 61 much below as above the surface, it is evident that they cannot expand prop)erly in a thin layer. Therefore, the principal condition of a deeply tilled ground is seldom met with, principa^lly for tobacco, rape-seed (colza), horse-beans, lucern, beets, carrots, and other plants sending their roots deeply into the ground. Even cerealia, which are believed to vegetate at the surface of the soil, will have deep roots in properly prepared ground. " With an arable layer of 8 to 15 cen- timetres (3 to 6 inches) thickness, the roots of plants will not acquire their natural growth, and will greatly suffer by the inclemency of the weather. An abundant rain will flood the plants, and Avhen the water escapes over the surface of the field, it will carry away the soluble and more fertilizing substances. By drying, the damp earth will become com- pact, and will compress the roots, the development of which will thus be hindered. After a long drought, the plants which have their roots near the 62 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. surface of the soil, finding no dampness, remain stationary, or even perish. " On the other hand, and in arable layers 30 to 40 centimetres (12 to 16 inches) thick, plants are able to penetrate and to grow properly, and are protected against drought and the inclemency of the weather. An arable layer of this thickness easily absorbs water; during an abundant rain, water penetrates and is drained through the bottom, without carrying away any earth or manure. "When the rain ceases, the surface of the soil is quickly dried, and does not become compact, as is the case with too wet grounds. Should a drought take place, the roots of plants which have penetrated sufiiciently deep, find there enough damp- ness to continue to thrive." Methods of using Chemical Manures, The employment of chemical manures requires special care. The same as with improved weapons, they show the full measure of their power only to those who understand their use. USING CHEMICAL MANURES. 63 Chemical manures should be distri- buted as regularly as possible, immedi- ately after the last ploughing. The operation resembles broadcast sowing, and is followed by a careful harrowing, which mixes the substances with the soil. A misty and not windy day ^s to be preferred. A strong wind is objection- able by causing the loss of part of the manure. When the spreading is per- formed by hand, it will be more uniform if the manure be mixed with its own volume of fine and dry earth. The mix- ture is first deposited on the ground, in the shape of small heaps regularly dis- tributed. In large farms it is preferable to em- ploy the excellent machines at our dis- posal for spreading pulverulent manures. A good distribution of manures is suffi- cient to increase the yield of the crop from two to thi-ee hectolitres per hectare. We operate difierently for grape-vines : half of the manure is spread in a band 30 centimetres (12 inches) wide, and 20 64 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. centimetres (8 inches) distant from the rows of vines. This manure is then buried deep with a spade; and the re- mainder of the manure is spread at the surface of the ploughed ground. We may also, by means of the plough, and at the same distance from the rows of viuQ^, dig two parallel trenches 30 centimetres (12 inches) deep, and fill them with one-half of the manure. After covering these trenches, the other half of the manure is distributed over the surface. Grape-vines should be manured in thç fall. ^ "Without repeating what has already been said about the great efficacy of chemical manures, we shall, however, point out how powerful they are for con- tending against the effects of an unfa- vorable year. After a severe and protracted winter, wheat, and, in general, all gramineous plants, are very much enfeebled. With from 100 to 200 kilogrammes of sulphate of ammonia, or 150 to 250 kilogrammes USING CHEMICAL MANURES. 65 of nitrate of soda mixed with 200 kilo- grammes of plaster of Paris, employed as a tojD dressing at the beginning of March (latitude of Paris), we are ena- bled to change in a few days the sickly state of the plants, and 'to insure the crop. The effect of top dressing with chemical manures is extraordinary. We should, however, be careful, not to wait longer than the latter part of March. Applied in April or May, these top dress- ings hasten the vegetation so much that straw preponderates, and the grains are small and few. When, from a rainy fall, the sowing is late, a top dressing of manures may be made immediately after the complete shooting forth of the grain. A windy day should be avoided. With the ordi- nary stable manure such top dressings are nearly impossible. In the spring, sulphate of ammonia or nitrate of soda is generally sufficient. Nevertheless, we prefer mixing them with 200 kilo- grammes of acid phosphate of lime, and 200 kilogrammes of plaster of Paris. 66 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. We shall now examine the formulae of manures ada]3ted to systems of rotation of the principal crops, and shall consider two cases : first, when the chemical manures are employed alone; second, when they are associated with farm-yard manure. The prices of the substances employed in chemical manures, are on an average (France, 1869) :— Acid phosphate of lime 16 francs per 100 kilog. Nitrate of potassa . . 62 '' " Nitrate of soda ... 35 ' " " Sulphate of ammonia .45 " " Sulphate of lime , . . 2 " " FORMULAE OF MANURES. 67 FORMULAE OF MANUEES. Wheat. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 1 . • 1200 That is: Acid pliospliate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of ammonia . . 250 1^2.50 Sulphate of lime 350 7.00 Total .... 1200 307.50 Barley, Oats, Eye, Natural Pastures. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 1 . • 600 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 200 32.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 100 62.00 Sulphate of ammonia . • 125 56.25 Sulphate of lime ... 175 3..50 Total. ... 600 153.75 In the case of natural pastures, the manures may be employed in two different ways, that is, spread entirely in the fall, or 300 kilogrammes (one-half) in the fall, and 800 kilogrammes in the spring after the first cutting. 68 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. Hem'p^ Bape-seed {Colza). Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 1 . . 1200 And should the rape-seed (colza) be followed by wheat: Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 6 . . 1300 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa . . . 120 74.40 Sulphate of ammonia . . 400 180.00 Sulphate of lime ... 380 7.60 Total .... 1300 326.00 Beets, Carrots, Cabbages, Hops, Gardening, Complete Manure No. 2 Kilogrammes. Franca. . 1200 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . Nitrate of potassa . Nitrate of soda Sulphate of lime . 400 . 200 . 300 300 64.00 124.00 105.00 6.00 Total .... 1200 299.00 When it is desired to have the greatest yield of beets, it is preferable to substitute for the complete manure îsTo. 2, the complete manure 'No. 2 bis, and still better, the intense complete manure No. 2. FORMULA OF MANURES. 69 Complete Manure No. 2 his That is : Acid phosphate of lime Nitrate of potassa . Nitrate of soda Sulphate of lime Total . Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes . Francs. . 1300 400 64.00 200 124.00 400 140.00 300 6.00 1300 334.00 Kilogramm.es. Francs. Complete Manure [intense) No. 2 1600 That is : Acid phosphate of lime Nitrate of potassa . Nitrate of soda Sulphate of lime Total . 600 400 300 300 . 96.00 248.00 105.00 6.00 1600 4.55.00 Potatoes. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 3 . 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa . 300 186.00 Sulphate of lime 300 6.00 Total 1000 256.00 With worn-out soils, it is preferable to em- ploy 1200 kilogrammes of the complete manure ITo. 2. 70 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. Grajpe- Vines and Small Trees. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 4 . . 1500 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 600 96.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 500 310.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 Total .... 1500 414.00 The complete manure înTo. 2 gives very good results with grape-vines, and we recommend its use for vineyards giving products of ordi- nary quality. Turnips^ Rutabagas^ Jerusalem Artichokes^ Sorgho^ Sugar-Cane^ Maize. Kilogrammes . Francs. Complete Manure No. 5 • . 1200 That is: Acid phosphate of lime . . 600 96.00 Nitrate of potassa . . • . 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 Total .... 1200 228.00 FORMULAE OF MANURES, 71 Beans ^ Horse-Beans^ Peas^ Clover , Sainfoin^ Vetches, Lucern. Per Hectarb. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 • 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 Total .... 1000 196.00 Theoretically, this manure should not con- tain any nitrogen, and the potassa should be in the form of carbonate. The nitrate has been substituted because it is notably cheaper. Moreover, the proportion of nitrogen in the nitrate of potassa amounts only to 28 kilo- grammes per hectare, which quantity is en- tirely too small to be injurious. When the chemical manures are associated with those from the farm-yard, the preceding formulae may be reduced one-half. The farm-yard manure is deeply buried, and the chemical manures are spread over the sur- face of the soil after the last ploughing. 72 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. ROTATION OF CROPS. First Case. The chemical manures are employed alone, without admixture of stable manure. EXCLUSIVE CULTURE OF WHEAT. FIRST YEAR. Wheat Per He CTARE. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes . Francs, Complete Manure No. 1 . 1200 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa . 200 124.00 Sulphate of ammonia 250 112.50 Sulphate of lime 350 . 1200 7.00 Total . 307.50 SECOND YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes . Francs. Sulphate of ammonia 300 135.00 THIRD YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. . Francs. Complete Manure No. 1 . 1200 That is: Acid phosphate of lime . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa . 200 124.00^ Sulphate of ammonia 250 112.50 Sulphate of lime 350 7.00 Total .... 1200 307.50 ROTATION OF CROPS. 73 FOURTH YEAR. Wheat. Per He( :tare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes . Francs. de of ami tnonia for four years 300 • • 135.00 Expense 885.00 Expense for one year . 221.25 The exclusive culture of wheat unavoidably results in a multiplication of weeds, and to such an extent that, in order to maintain the yield of the crops, it is necessary to go every year to the expense of several hoeings. This inconvenience is avoided by replacing the third crop of wheat by a culture of potatoes or clover. If we decide on the potatoes, we should employ the following manure : — Kilogrammes. Francs. Acid phosphate of lime . 400 64 Nitrate of potassa . 300 186 Sulphate of lime 300 6 Total .... 1000 256 This change reduces the expenses of the third year 51.50 francs, and the yearly expenses be- come 208.37 instead of 221.25 francs. Should clover be preferred, we reduce the proportion of nitrate of potassa down to 200 kilogrammes, and the expense of the third year becomes 196 francs. 7 74 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. ALTERNATE CULTURE OF RAPE-SEED (COLZA) AND WHEAT. FIRST YEAR. Rape- Seed {Colza). Per He( DTARE . Qaantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 6 1300 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa . 120 74.40 Sulphate of ammonia 400 180.00 Sulphate of lime 380 7.60 Total ... . 1300 326.00 SECOND YEAR. Wheat KUogram,mes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia 300 135.00 Total expense 461.00 Expense per year . . 230.50 The straws and capsules of the rape-seed (colza) are burned upon the field, and their ashes are spread upon the soil after the first plough- ing. The sulphate of ammonia is distributed after the second ploughing. Instead of burn- ing the straws and capsules of the rape-seed (colza), it is more advantageous to decompose them in the manner indicated in our Mitretiens Agricoles, vol. i. p. 148. ROTATION OF CROPS. 75 ROTATION OF FOUR YEARS, COMPRISING : Potatoes, Wheat, Clover, Wheat. FIRST TEAR. Fotatoes. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 3 . . 1000 That is : Acid pliosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 300 186.00 Sulphate of lime ... 300 6.00 256.00 SECOND YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 THIRD YEAR. Clover, Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 . • 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 196.00 FOURTH YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 Total expense .... 722.00 Expense per year .... 180.50 76 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. EOTATION OF FOUR YEARS, COMPRISING: Beets, Wheat, Clover, Wheat. FIRST YEAR. Beets. Per He( Quantities. 3TARE. Price. Complete Manure No. 2 his . Kilogrammes . 1300 . Francs. That is : Acid phosphate of lime . Nitrate of potassa . Nitrate of soda . . . Sulphate of lime 400 200 400 300 64.00 124.00 140.00 6.00 334.00 SECOND YEAR. Wheat. Sulphate of ammonia Kilogrammes 300 . Francs. 135.00 THIRD YEAR. Clover. Incomplete Manure No. 2 . Kilogrammes. . 1000 F)-ancs. That is : Acid phosphate of lime . Nitrate of potassa . Sulphate of lime 400 200 400 64.00 124.00 8.00 196.00 FOURTH YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 Total expense . . . 800.00 Expense per year . . 200.00 ROTATION OF CROPS. 77 ROTATION OF FIVE YEARS, COMPRISING: Potatoes, Wheat, Clover, Colza, Wheat. FIRST YEAR. Potatoes. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Franca. Complete Manure No. 3 . . 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 300 186.00 Sulphate of lime ... 300 6.00 256.00 SECOND YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 THIRD YEAR. Clove7\ Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 • . 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 196.00 FOURTH YEAR. Colza. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 400 180.00 7* 78 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. FIFTH YEAR. Wheat. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs, of ammonia 300 135.00 Total expense 902.00 Expense per year 180.40 ROTATION OF TWO YEARS, COMPRISING Maize, Wheat. FIRST YEAR. Maize. Complete Manure No. 5 That is : Acid phosphate of lime Nitrate of potassa . Sulphate of lime Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogramm,es. Francs. . 1200 600 96.00 200 124.00 400 8.00 228.00 SECOND YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 Total expense Expense per year 363.00 181.50 ROTATION OF CROPS. 79 ROTATION OF SIX YEARS, COMPRISING : Flax, Beets, Wheat, Colza, Wheat, and Oats, Eye, or Barley. FIRST YEAR. Flax. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 • 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 196.00 SECOND YEAR. Beets. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 2 . • 1200 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Nitrate of soda ... 300 105.00 Sulphate of lime ... 300 6.00 299.00 THIRD YEAR. Wheat Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 80 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. FOURTH YEAR. Colza. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 6 . 1300 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . .400 64.00- Nitrate of potassa . 120 74.40 Sulphate of ammonia 400 180.00 Sulphate of lime 380 7.60 326.00 FIFTH YEAR. Wheat Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia 300 135.00 SIXTH YEAR. Oa^5, Rye^ or Barley. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 200 90.00 Total expense . . . 1181.00 Expense per year . . 196.83 ROTATION OF CROPS. 81 ROTATION WITH FODDER PLANTS. FIRST YEAR. Wheat. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 1 • • 1200 That is : - Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of ammonia . . 250 H^-^JJ Sulphate of lime 350 7.00 307.50 SECOND YEAR. Clover, Kilogrammes. Franca. Incomplete Manure No. 2 • • 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 196.00 THIRD YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 FOURTH YEAR. Vetches^ Horse-Beans^ Maize mixed. Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 • • 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 196.00 82 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. FIFTH YEAR. Wheat. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 SIXTH YEAR. Vetches, Horse-Beans, Maize mixed. Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 . 1000 That is : Acid jDhosphate of lime . . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime . , . 400 8.00 196.00 Total expense . . . 1165.50 Expense per year . . 194.25 MANURES FOR PASTURE (FORAGES). FIRST YEAR. Per Hectare. Qunntities. Price. Kilo grammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 . . 1000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime ... 400 8.00 196.00 SECOND YEAR. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 Total expense . . . 331.00 Expense per year . . 165.50 ROTATION OF CROPS. 83 Second Case. The chemical manures are employed as auxiliary to farm-yard manure. When chemical manures are used as adjuncts to the farm-yard manure, the latter should be considered as equivalent to a certain amount of richness acquired by the soil. Therefore, the chemical manure should be composed prin- cipally of those substances which act the more favorably upon the culture of the year. It then becomes of the highest importance to know the dominant substance for each plant, and the following table will furnish this pre- cious indication: — Nature of the Cultures. Dominant. Beets Colza ..... Wheat Barley Oats Rye Natural grasses Peas Beans Horse-beans . . . Clover Sainfoin .... Vetches .... Luceru .... Flax Potatoes .... Turnips .... Rutabagas . . . Jerusalem artichokes Maize Sorghum .... Sugar-cane . . . Nitrogen. >■ Potassa. Phosphate. Corresponding Substances. Sulphate of ammo- nia. Nitrate of soda. Nitrate of potassa. Nitrate of potassa. Purified potassa. Silicate of potassa. Bone-black from sugar-houses. Bone-dust. Superphosphates (acid phosphates). 84 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. On the supposition that 50,000 kilogrammes (50 tons) of stable manure are employed per hectare every five years, we now indicate the chemical manures which should be used con- jointly. ROTATION, COMPRISING: Potatoes, Wheat, Clover, Wheat, Oats. FIRST YEAR. Potatoes, Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Stable Manure 50,000 COMPLEMENTARY CHEMICAL MANURES, Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 . . 500 That is: Acid phosphate of lime . 200 32.00 Nitrate of potassa . 100 62.00 Sulphate of lime 200 4.00 98.00 SECOND YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia 200 90.00 ROTATION OF CROPS. 85 THIRD YEAR. Clover, Per Hectare. Quantities. Price, Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 . . 1,000 That is: Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa . . . 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime . . , 400 8.00 196.00 FOURTH YEAR, Wheat Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia , . 200 90.00 FIFTH YEAR, Oats, Kilogrximm,es. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 Total expense . , , , 609.00 Expense per year . . . 121.80 86 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. ROTATION COMPRISING: Beets, Wheat, Clover, "Wheat, Oats. FIRST YEAR. Beets. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Stable Manure 50,000 COMPLEMENTARY CHEMICAL MANURES. Kilografnmes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 2 « . 600 That is: Acid phosphate of lime . . 200 32.00 Nitrate of potassa . . . 100 62.00 Nitrate of soda ... 150 52.50 Sulphate of lime ... 160 3.00 149.50 SECOND YEAR. Wheat Kilogrammes. Francs^. Sulphate of ammonia . . 200 90.00 THIRD YEAR. Clover. Kilogrammes. Francs. }mplete Manure No. 2 . . 1,000 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 Nitrate of potassa . . .. 200 Sulphate of lime . . . 400 64.00 124.00 8.00 196.00 FOURTH YEAR. Wheat. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammoma . , 200 90.00 ROTATION OF CROPS. 87 FIFTH YEAR. Oats. Per Hectautb. of ammonia Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. 300 135.00 Total expense . Expense per year . 660.50 . 132.10 ROTATION COMPRISING: Colza, Beets, Wheat, Clover, Wheat. FIRST YEAR. Colza. Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. France Stable Manure . • 60,000 COMPLEMENTARY CHEMICAL MANURES. Kilogrammes. Franca. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 SECOND YEAR. Beets. Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 [intense) 800 That is: Acid phosphate of lime . . 300 48.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Nitrate of soda ... 150 52.50 Sulphate of lime ... 150 3.00 227.50 88 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. THIRD YEAR. Wheat Sulphate of ammonia Per Hectare, Quantities. Price, Kilogrammes. Francs. 200 90.00 FOURTH YEAR. Clover. Incomplete Manure No. 2 . That is: Acid phosphate of lime . Nitrate of potassa . Sulphate of lime Kilogrammes. . 1,000 400 200 400 Francs. 64.00 124.00 8.00 196.00 FIFTH YEAR. Wheat. Sulphate of ammonia Kilogrammes. 200 Francs. 90.00 Total expense . Expense per year 738.50 147.70 ROTATION OF CROPS. 89 ROTATION OF SIX YEARS, COMPRISING : Flax, Beets, Wheat, Colza, Wheat, and Oats, Rye or Barley. FIRST YEAR. Flax. Per Hectahe. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Incomplete Manure No. 2 1,000 That is: Acid phosphate of lime . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa - 200 124.00 Sulphate of lime 400 8.00 196.00 SECOND YEAR. Beets. Kilogrammes. Francs. Stable Manure (in the fall) 50,000 In the spring : Complete Manure No. 2, his . . 650 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . 200 32.00 Nitrate of potassa . 100 62.00 Nitrate of soda 200 70.00 Sulphate of lime 150 3.00 167.00 THIRD YEAR. Wheat. Sulphate of ummonia Kilogrammes. Francs. 300 135.00 8* 90 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. FOURTH YEAR. Colza, Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Complete Manure No. 6 • 1,300 That is : Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 120 74.40 Sulphate of ammonia . . 400 180.00 Sulphate of lime . . . 380 7.60 326.00 FIFTH YEAR. Wheat Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 300 135.00 SIXTH YEAR. Oats, Rye, or Barley. Kilogrammes. Francs. Sulphate of ammonia . . 200 90.00 Total expense . . . 1049.00 Expense per year . . 174.83 Instead of beginning by experiments on a large scale, we prefer trying the chemical manures on small experimental fields, at an expense of from 20 to 25 francs (4 to 5 dollars). We will gain by them positive data on the nature of the fertilizing agents which are especially wanting in the soil. We will know, at the same time, the maximum yield which may be obtained. EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS. 91 EXPERIMEÎTTAL FIELDS. An experimental field may furnish the de- monstration of the fundamental data upon which the doctrine of chemical manures is based. It will also indicate the fertilizing substances which are in a soil, and those which are missing. According to the object in view, its mode of working should be different. An experimental field for a school, being intended especially for explaining the laws of the production of vegetables, should be worked so as to explain the fundamental data of the doctrine of chemical manures. For one culture, and three or four combina- tions of manures, one are (about 119.6 square yards) is sufficient. But, if it were possible to set apart three or four ares for experiments, it would be proper to repeat the same combina- tions of manures upon two or three different plants. 92 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. EXPERIMENTAL EIELD FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL, Culture of Wheat The field will be disposed as follows: N". 1. Complete manure. N^ 2. Mineral manure. N°. 4. Soil without any manure. N". 3. Nitrogenized manure. The area of each plot is about 35 square yards. "What is the meaning of these four plots? Plot ÎTo. 1 will demonstrate that splendid crops are obtained with the complete manure. Plot InTo. 2 will show that the mixture of the three mineral substances, phosphate of lime, potassa, and lime, gives but meagre re- sults, unless the soil be naturally provided with nitrogen. Plot 1^0. 3 will prove that nitrogenized mat- ters alone are more powerful than the three EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS. 93 mineral substances of No. 2, without being equal in yield to that obtained with the com- plete manure. Plot 'No. 4, without any manure, will deter- mine the natural fertility of the soil. With another are of ground, divided as fol- lows, we may cultivate peas or horse-beans: — N". 1. Complete manure. N°. 2. Mineral manure. N°. 4. Soil without any manure. N°. 3. Nitrogenized manure. In this case, the crop obtained upon the plot No. 2, which has received only mineral sub- stances, will be at least equal to that of No. 1 with its complete manure, holding nitrogen. It will be a proof that nitrogenized substances are without action upon peas or horse-beans, and that we were perfectly right in separating the plants drawing their nitrogen from the air, from those which extract it from the soil. This conclusion will be still more fully cor- 94 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. roborated by the inferior crop of the plot ^o. 3, which contains only nitrogenized materials. Lastly, if it were possible to devote one are more of ground to the culture of potatoes, we might demonstrate that the sickness of these tubers may be diminished, if not entirely pre- vented, by the choice of manures. This third are is disposed as the other two. N". 1. Complete manure. N». 2. Mineral manure. N°. 4. Soil without any manure. K". 3. Nitrogenized manure. Upon the plot ISTo. 1, the crop will be abun- dant and healthy. Upon 'No. 2, satisfactory and healthy crop. Upon No. 3, small and sickly crop. Upon No. 4, small and sickly crop. These results will prove that the mineral manure contains the dominant substance, and that the wearing out of a soil in mineral ele- ments predisposes, if it does not determine, the sickness. EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS. 95 "Witli an experimental field for three cultures, the following disposition is advantageous : — Wheat, Peas. Potatoes. N°. 1. N°. 2. N". 1. N°. 2. No. 1. N». 2. No. 4. N°. 3. N°. 4. N°. 3. N». 4. No. 3. Each plot is separated from the others hy an alley way 1 to 2 metres (1 to 2 yards) wide. COMPOSITION OF THE MANURES INTENDED FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS OF A PRI- MARY SCHOOL. Each plot containing 25 square metres, that is to say, the fourth part of an are, here are the composition and proportions of manure for them: — (Plot No. 1.) Complete Manure.* Acid phosphate of lime Nitrate of potassa Sulphate of ammonia . Sulphate of lime . Total . Kilogrammes. 1.000 0.500 0.625 0.875 3.000 * By doubling the figures of these formulae, the result will be reckoned in pounds avoirdupois and decimal frac- tions, which will answer for experimental plots holding each 25 square yards. — Trans. 96 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. (Plot No. 2.) Mineral Manure. Kilogrammes, Acid phosphate of lime . . . 1.000 Carbonate of potassa . . . . 0.500 Sulphate of lime 0.875 Total 2.375 (Plot No. 3.) Nitrogenized Manure. Kilogrammes. Sulphate of ammonia .... 1.375 The above manures will be employed during the first year. During the second year, the plots lN"os. 1 and 3 will receive a top dressing of 0.750 kilogramme of sulphate of ammonia; I^os. 2 and 4 will receive nothing. The regu- lar quantities will be employed for the third year. EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS. 97 EXPERIMENTAL FIELD FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THE SOIL. When an experimental field is intended for the analysis of the useful substances contained in a soil, it should be subdivided into a greater number of plots. On a large farm it will be wise to have seve- ral such fields, and one of them, the principal one, should contain all the plants of a rotation. The position of the experimental field is very important, and we should, as far as practicable, choose a piece of ground which, by its expo- sure, degree of fertility, and nature, is a good average of that portion of the farm. The principal field should contain ten plots of one are each, and separated by alleys 1 metre wide. We have said that all, or at least the princi- pal, cultures of the rotation should be made, and this requires at least two or three parallel series of culture. Among the plants which are to be preferred, if all cannot be tried, we shall state wheat, colza or beets, and peas or beans. Wheat and peas will indicate the na- ture of the superficial layers of the soil, and that of the subsoil or deeper layers will be demonstrated by colza or beets. These two 9 98 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. data are of the greatest importance when we desire to cultivate with intelligence and profit. We have also said that each plant should be submitted to ten different modes of manuring upon ten separated plots; we now give these manures : — Wheat l^o. 1. Stable manure, 60 tons per hec- tare. 'No. 2. Stable manure, 30 tons per hec- tare. No. 3. Complete chemical manure (in- tense.) No. 4. Complete chemical manure. !N'o. 5. Chemical manure without ni- trogen. ITo. 6. Chemical manure without phos- phate of lime. 1^0. 7. Chemical manure without po- xassa. No. 8. Chemical manure without lime. No. 9. Nitrogenized manure without mineral substances. No. 10. Natural soil without any ma- nure. On large farms, one field is not suflacient, because there may be great variations in the composition of the soil of different parts of the property. We should therefore multiply the trials, but on a smaller scale. One are^ divided into four parts, is sufficient for these auxiliary EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS. 99 fields, each part receiving one of the following manures: — 'No. 1. Complete chemical manure. No. 2. Chemical manure without nitrogen. No. 3. ÎTitro2:en manure without mineral sub- stances. IsTo. 4. The natural soil without any manure. A few plots of ground, set apart for these experiments, will not interfere with the regu- lar farming operations, and they will point out, for each subdivision of the property, the precise time when nitrogenized or mineral manures are needed. There may be persons who will feel alarmed at the prospect of so many trials; we shall answer them that, in every farm where the chemical manures are employed, the owner, tenant, or manager is always proud of his ex- perimental fields, delights in showing them to his visitors, and, after a little hesitation, fin- ishes by regulating the composition and pro- portion of chemical manures from their teach- ings. Let us now consider the preparation of the manures intended for the analysis of the soil in experimental fields. The proportions indi- cated are intended for one hectare; but we have found out by practice that plots of one are are convenient and sufficient. 100 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. SERIES FOR WHEAT. (Plot No. 1.) KilogramTties. Farm-yard Manure . . 60,000 (60 tons.) (Plot No. 2.) Kilogrammes. Farm-yard Manure . . 30,000 (30 tons.) Complete Manure, intense. (Plot No. 3.) Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Acid phosphate of lime . . 600 96.00 Nitrate of potassa . . .400 248.00 Sulphate of ammonia . . 250 112.50 Sulphate of lime . . . 350 7.00 463.50 Complete Manure. (Plot No. 4.) Kilogrammes. Francs. Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of ammonia . . 250 112.50 Sulphate of lime ... 350 7.00 307.50 Manure -without Nitrogen. (Plot No. 5.) Kilogrammes. Francs. Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Carbonate of potassa . . 150 120.00 . Sulphate of lime . . 350 7.00 191.00 EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS. 101 Manure without Phosphate. (Plot No. 6.) Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Nitrate of potassa . 200 124.00 Sulphate of ammonia 250 112.50 Sulphate of lime 350 7.00 243.50 Manure "without Potassa. (Plot No. 7.) Kilogrammes. Francs. Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Sulphate of ammonia . . 400 180.00 Sulphate of lime ... 200 4.00 248.00 Manure without Lime. (Plot No. 8.) Kilogrammes. Fh-ancs. Precipitated phosphate of lime 400 G4.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Sulphate of ammonia . . 250 112.50 300.50 Manure w^ithout Minerals. (Plot No. 9.) Kilogrammes, Francs, Sulphate of ammonia . . 400 180 9* 102 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. SERIES FOR BEETS. (Plot No. 1.) Kilogramm,es. Farm-yard Manure . . 60,000 (60 tons.) (Plot No. 2.) Kilogramm,es. Farm-yard Manure . . 30,000 (30 tons.) Complete Manure, intense. (Plot No. 3.) Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Acid phosphate of lime . Nitrate of potassa . Nitrate of soda Sulphate of lime Kilogrammes. Francs. 600 96.00 400 248.00 300 105.00 300 6.00 455.00 Complete Manure. (Plot No. 4.) Kilogrammes. Francs. Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Nitrate of soda ... 300 105.00 Sulphate of lime ... 300 6.00 299.00 Manure -without Nitrogen. Acid phosphate of lime Carbonate of potassa Sulphate of lime Plot No. 5.) Kilo g rammes. Franci lime , ^ 400 64.00 !sa • • 150 350 120.00 7.00 191.00 EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS. 103 Manure without Phosphate. (Plot No. 6.) Per Hectare. Quantities. Price. Kilogrammes. Francs. Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Nitrate of soda ... 300 105.00 Sulphate of lime ... 300 6.00 235.00 Manure without Potassa. (Plot No. 7.) Kilogrammes. Francs. Acid phosphate of lime . . 400 64.00 Nitrate of soda ... 450 15^50 Sulphate of lime ... 350 i.m 228.50 Manure without Lime. (Plot No. 8.) Kilogrammes. Francs. Precipitated phosphate of lime 400 64.00 Nitrate of potassa ... 200 124.00 Nitrate of soda ... 300 105.00 293.00 Manure without Minerals. (Plot No. 9.) Kilogrammes. Francs. Nitrate of soda ... 450 157.50 In order that the indications given hy exper- imental fields should be thoroughly useful, in regard to the real nature of a soil, the ground should not have been manured for several years, otherwise the yields of the different plots will present no marked differences. The con- 104 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. trasts obtained at Vincennes are produced only after two or three years of culture. But such an occurrence is none the less instructive, since it demonstrates that the soil is provided with the elements of the complete manure. This indication is capital in practice, because we are sure that, with such a soil, we may temporarily use incomplete manures, or simply the dominant substances for a given culture. It is the manner of obtaining the greatest yield with the minimum of expense. Note. — In large experimental fields the nitrate of potassa will be cheaper than the carbonate, and the proportions of the former will be found in previous formulae for a given crop. But, for small experimental plots of a few square yards, it is preferable to use carbonate of potassa. Manure without lime means a manure without sulphate of lime, or any other lime compound, else than the tribasic phosphate of lime (precipitated phosphate), which is ob- tained by adding to the solution of soluble acid phosphate of lime, just enough lime to saturate the excess of phos- phoric acid. The other phosphates without lime are too expensive. — Trans. VOCABULARY. 105 VOCABULARY OF CHEMICAL MANURES. NITROGENIZED SUBSTANCES. We designate under this head the products of vegetable or animal origin which contain nitrogen. Blood, albumen, horn-waste, woollen-waste, excrements, litters, seed-cakes, etc., are nitro- genized materials. In order to act upon the vegetation, such substances should be decom- posed in the soil ; and without this previous decomposition they possess no action upon plants. When nitrogenized substances become de- composed, a part of their nitrogen is trans- formed into ammonia or a nitrate. On this account, we classify among the nitrogenized products convenient for agricultural pur- poses : — Sulphate of ammonia, Nitrate of potassa. And nitrate of soda. 106 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. These substances are chemical salts, holding nitrogen as a constituent part. In the sulphate of ammonia the nitrogen belongs to the am- monia. In the nitrates of potassa and soda, the nitrogen is found in the acid of the salt. SULPHATE OF AMMONIA. This salt is composed of sulphuric acid and ammonia, as follows: — Sulphuric acid ..... 60.60 Ammonia 25.76 Water 13.64 100.00 And, as the composition of ammonia is Nitrogen 14 Hydrogen 3 17 It follows that chemically pure sulphate of ammonia contains 21.21 per cent, of nitrogen. The commercial salts yield at most 20 per cent, of nitrogen. Ammonia is extracted from the liquors of cesspools, and from the watery liquid con- densed during the distillation of bituminous coal in gas works. But it appears that eventu- ally the most important supply of ammonia will be derived from volcanoes, when they VOCABULARY. 107 have reached that stage of quietness when steam only is disengaged. In 1866 (in France) the sulphate of ammonia was worth 35 francs per 100 kilogrammes. At the present time (1869) its value is 45 francs; but there is every reason to believe that it will be lowered in price. NITRATE OP SODA. Nitrate of soda is formed of nitric acid and soda. Its exact composition is : — Nitric acid 63.53 Soda 36.47 100.00 And, as nitric acid itself is formed of Nitrogen ....... 14 Oxygen 40 64 It follows that chemically pure nitrate of soda contains 16.4 per cent, of nitrogen. The com- mercial article holds only from 14 to 15 per cent, of nitrogen. ITitrate of soda comes from Peru, where it exists in the form of compact masses, mixed with sand and common salt. The earthquakes which took place this year (1869) on the coast of Peru, have reduced the exportation of this product, and its price rose to 40 francs per 100 kilogrammes, instead of 108 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. 35 francs which was its cost the preceding year. NITRATE OF POTASSA. This salt, also known under the names of nitre or saltpetre^ is formed of nitric acid and potassa. Its composition is: — Nitric acid 53.41 Potassa 46.59 100.00 And, with the ratio of 14 parts of nitrogen to 54 parts of nitric acid, it results that the proportion of nitrogen is 13.8 per cent, of the chemically pure nitrate of potassa. That in the commercial, salt varies from 12 to 13 per cent. Nitrate of potassa is ohtained hy the decom- position, under large open sheds, of materials of animal origin mixed with earths holding clay and limestone, and which are afterwards lixiviated in order to extract the nitre. This salt, for a long time, was produced from old building materials. It is now manufactured by decomposing chloride of potassium with nitrate of soda, and the resulting products are chloride of sodium (common salt)^ and nitrate of potassa, which are easily separated one from the other by crystallization. VOCABULARY. 109 Nitrate of potassa, of all potassic compounds, is that which should be preferred for agricul- tural purposes. Its price, at the present time (1869, in France), is 62 francs per 100 kilo- grammes. PHOSPHATE OF LIME. Quite a number of different products are known under the denomination of phosphate of lime. For a long time the only phosphate of lime used in agriculture was that of bones, which is combined with a certain proportion of carbonate of lime, l^ow the greater por- tion of the phosphates for manures comes from the mineral kingdom, where inexhaustible de- posits are found. All the phosphates are formed of phosj^horic acid and lime, and the phosphoric acid itself is composed of phosphorus and oxygen, as fol- lows : — Phospliorus 31 Oxygen 40 71 In phosphates, phosphoric acid is the active compound. Chemists represent phosphoric acid by the symbol PhO^ or PO^ PhO^ or 71 of phosphoric acid being con- 10 110 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. stant in composition, we know three principal combinations of phosphate of lime. The First is PhO^ \ ottq which is composed of— Phosphoric acid . - , . . 60.68 Lime (CaO) 28.93 Water (2H0) 15.39 100.00 This product is the acid phosphate of lime. In the arts, it is prepared by the reaction of sulphuric acid upon bones, or mineral phos- phates. The acid phosphate is therefore mixed with sulphate of lime, and, in that shape, is called sui)erphosphate of lime. It contains from 15 to 18 per cent, of phos- phoric acid, and is sold at 16 francs per 100 kilogrammes (France, 1869). The Second phosphate is represented by the formula PhO^ ] ttq or Phosphoric acid 52.20 Lime(2CaO) 41.18 Water (HO) 6.62 100.00 It differs from the former in the proportion of lime, which is greater. This phosphate possesses remarkable properties, which it is useless to mention, since it is not found in the trade. VOCABULARY. Ill The Third phosphate has for symhol PhO^ 30aO, and its composition is: — Phosphoric acid 45.81 Lime 54.19 100.00 We see that the proportion of phosphoric acid, in these three phosphates, is represented by — 1 .... 60.68 per cent. 2 52.20 3 45.81 The last, and poorest in phosphoric acid, is the bone phosphate. It is also naturally found in the form of nodules, and of apatite. In the nodular state, the phosphate is mixed with from 40 to 50 per cent, of foreign mat- ters, and is sold, powdered, at 6 francs per 100 kilogrammes. Calcined and powdered hones are worth 16 francs. In regard to apatite, it is so compact that it cannot be employed in the natural state, and is reserved for the manufacture of acid phosphate of lime. SULPHATE OF LIME. Sulphate of lime is nothing else hut plaster of Paris, that is, a combination of sulphuric acid and lime, which is naturally found in the 112 SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL MANURES. hydrated state, and forms large deposits. ■ Its composition is: — Sulphuric acid 46.51 Lime 32.56 Water 20.93 100.00 Heated at a temperature of 120° to 130° C, it loses its water and becomes anhydrous, or plaster. We advise the employment of the anhydrous sulphate of lime, which, in that state, is worth 2 francs per 100 kilogrammes. INDEX. ACID phosphate of lime, 30, 36, 38 Agriculture, objects of, 13 the demands of, 48, 49 Air, nitrogen extracted from the, by certain plants, 22 Air, the, 14 Ammonia, sulphate of, 106 Analysis of soils, experimental fields for, 97 Animal substances holding as- similable nitrogen, 28, 29 Artichokes, manure for, 70 Assimilability of manures, 25 BARREN or exhausted soils, 17 Barley, 23 oats, rye, natural pas- tures, manure for, 67 Basis of profit, 80 Beans, manure for, 71 Beets, 23, 37 and potatoes, nitrates for, 28 experimental series for, 102 manure for, 40, 68 Bone black. 80 dust, 30 CABBAGES, manure for, 68 Carbonate and sulphate of lime, 33 Cerealia, 29 nitrogen for, 38 Chalk, 33 Chemical manure, 17 manures auxiliary to farm manure, 83 modes of using, 62- 66 Clover, 23, 24 manure for, 71 Complete manure, 17, 39 and mineral manure, ■when used, 22 Constituent parts of manure, action of, 34 Colza, manure for, 68 Corn, Indian, manure for, 70 Crops, rotation of, 73-90 substances necessary for obtaining, 17, 18 DECOMPOSITION, effects of light, heat, etc., in pro- ducing, 27 necessary in manures, 26 Deep ploughing, 59-62 EXHAUSTED or barren soils. Exhaustion of soil, 15 Expenses and profits with chemical manures, 41 114 INDEX. Expenses — constant, 51 general, 52 Experimental fields for the analysis of soils, 97 fields, 43-50, 91-104 importance of, 91 of Vincennes, 19, 46, 104 FALLOW land, 27 Farm-yard manure, 16, 17 Farm-yard manure, foreign substances in, 17 Fertility of the soil, preserva- tion of, 15 Foreign substances in farm- yard manure, 17 Formation of plants, 18, 14 Formulae of manures, 67-71 GARDENING, manure for, 68 Germination, 14 Grape-vines, manure for, 70 manuring, 63 KEMP, manure for, 68 Hops, manure for, 68 Horn and woollen rags, 25 Horse-beans, 24 manure for, 71 I NDIAN corn, manure for, 70 LABORATORY experiments as to nitrogen, 23 Lime, 16, 18, 26. 36 phosphate of, 109 Lim e — sulphate of, 111 Lucern, manure for, 71 MAIZE, manure for, 40, 71 Manure, action of the constituent parts of, 34 Manure, complete, 17, 39 for beets, 40 for maize, 40 for potatoes, 40 mineral, 20 the raw material of crops, 51, 57 Manures, assimilability of, 25 composition of, for ex- perimental fields of a primary school, 95 decomposition necessary in, 26 formula of, 67-71 spreading, 63 the bases of profit in agri- culture, 50-57 Manuring, 16 Mineral manure, 20 and complete ma- nure also used, 22 NATURAL pastures, manure for, 67 Nitrate of potassa, 28, 29, 31, 32, 36, 38, 108 soda, 36, 127 Nitre, 31 Nitrogen, assimilable, 28, 29 aptitude of certain plants for extracting from the air, 21 compounds, best, 31 furnished by the air and the soil, 23 in crops, 22 Nitrogenized matter, 16, 18, 25, 85 INDEX. 115 Nitrogenized — substances, 105 Nitrogen not extracted from the air in sufficient quantity by most crops, 22 of nitrate of potassa, 32 .profits in, 37 Nitrogenous matter the domi- nant substance in manures of cerealia, 38 Nourishment of plants, 14 ATS, barley, rye, and natu- ral pastures, manure for, 67 PEAS, manure for, 71 beans, lucern, clover, 21 Phosphate of lime, 16, 18, 26, 30. 31, 36, 38,109 Plants, formation of, 13, 14 having an aptitude for ex- tracting nitrogen from the air, 21 nourishment of, 14 Plaster of Paris, 33 Ploughing and preparing the soil, 59, 62 superficial, 59 Potassa, 16, 18, 26, 31, 35 nitrate and carbonate of, 104 nitrate of, 108 of wood-ashes, 32 Potassas, refined, 32 Potatoes and beets, nitrates for, 28 manure for, 40, 69, Preparing the soil, 59-62 Primary school, experimental field for, 92 Profit, basis of, 50, 57 Profit— and expenses with chemi- cal manures, 41 in nitrogen, 37 Poudrette, 28 RAPE-SEED, 23, 29 manure for, 68 Refined potassas, 32 Restoration of the soil, 15 Roots of plants, development of, 60 Rotation of crops, 24, 41, 73, 90 Rye, 23 oats, barley, and natural pastures, manure for, 67 SAINFOIN, manure for, 71 Saltpetre, 31 Schattenmann, Mr. 59 Seed, growth from, 14 Skin and leather, 26 Soda, nitrate of, 109 Soil, exhaustion of, 15 experimental field for analysis of, 97 preparing, 59-62 preservation of the fertil- ity of, 15 restoration of, 15 the, 14 Soils, chemistry unable to give the elements in, 42 elements in, 42 Solubility necessary in ma- nures, 25, 26, 27, 33 Sorgho, manure for, 70 Substances for formation of plants, 14 Sugar-cane, 38 manure for, 70 116 INDEX. Sulphate and carbonate of lime, 33 of ammonia, 28, 106 lime, 30, 36, 38, 111 Sulphuric acid, 31 Superficial ploughing, 59 TOP dressing with chemical manures, 65 Trees, small, manure for, 70 Turnips, manure for, 70 UNFAVORABLE year, ef- fects of chemical manures on, 64 Using chemical manures, 62- 66 VEGETABLES, certain, ac- tion of nitrogenized mat- ter upon, 35 Vegetables — certain, action of phos- phate of lime on, 36 certain, action of potassa upon, 35 which thrive upon mine- ral manure, 32 Vetches, manure for, 71 Vincennes, experimental fields of, 19, 46, 104 Vocabulary of chemical ma- nures, 105 WHEAT, 23, 24 experimental series for, 100 experiments with, 44, 46 manure for, 67 Wood-ashes, potassa of, 32 Woollen rags and horn, 25 CATALOGUE OF PRACTICAL AO SCIENTIFIC BOOKS, PUBLISHED BY HENRY CAREY BAIRD, INDUSTRIAL PUBLISHER, PHILADELPHIA. ^^ Any of the Books comprised in this Catalogue will be sent by mail, free of postage, at the publication price, |I3^ ^ÎY New and Enlarged Catalogue, 95 pages Svo., with full descriptions of Books, will be sent, free of postage, to any one wlio will favor me witli his address. A RMENGAUD, AMOUROUX, AND JOHNSON— THE PRACTICAL ■^ DRAUGHTSMAN'S BOOK OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, AND MACHINIST'S AND ENGINEER'S DRAWING COMPANION: Forming a complete course of Mechanical Engineering and Architectural Drawing. From the French of M. Armengaud the elder, Prof, of Design in the Conservatoire of Arts and Industry, Paris, and MM. Armengaud the younger and Amou- roux. Civil Engineers. Rewritten and arranged, with addi- tional matter and plates, selections from and examples of the most useful and generally employed mechanism of the day. By William Johnson, Assoc. Inst. C. E., Editor of "The Practical Mechanic's Journal." Illustrated by 50 folio steel plates and 50 wood-cuts. A new edition, 4to. . $10 00 ARLOT.— A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR COACH PAINTERS. Translated from the French of M. Arlot, Coach Painter; late Master Painter for eleven years with M. Ehrler, Coach Manufac- turer, Paris. With important American additions . . $1 25 A RROWSMITH.— PAPER-HANGER'S COMPANION : A Treatise in which the Practical Operations of the Trade are Systematically laid down: with Copious Directions Prepara- tory to Papering; Preventives against the Effect of Damp on Walls; the Various Cements and Pastes adapted to the Seve- ral Purposes of the Trade ; Observations and Directions for the Panelling and Ornamenting of Rooms, &c. By James Aekowsmith. 12mo., cloth $1 25 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. T)\IRD.— THE AMERICAN COTTON SPINNER, AND MANA- "^ GEE'S AND CARDER'S GUIDE: A Practical Treatise on Cotton Spinning ; giving the Dimen- sions and Speed of Machinery, Draught and Twist Calcula- tions, etc.; with notices of recent Improvements: together with Rules and Examples for making changes in the sizes and numbers of Roving and Yarn. Compiled from the papers of the late Robert H. Baibd. 12mo. . . . 5>1 50 B AKER.— LONG-SPAN RAILWAY BRIDGES : Comprising Investigations of the Comparative Theoretical and Practical Advantages of the various Adopted or Proposed Type Systems of Construction; with numerous Formulée and Ta- bles. By B. Baker. 12mo $2 00 ■pAKEWELL — A MANUAL OF ELECTRICITY— PRACTICAL AND -^ THEORETICAL : By F. C. Bakewell, Inventor of the Copying Telegraph. Se- cond Edition. Revised and enlarged. Illustrated by nume- rous engravings. 12mo. Cloth .... •DEANS —A TREATISE ON RAILROAD CURVES AND THE LO- CATION OF RAILROADS : By E. W. Beans, C. E. 12mo. , . . $2 00 ■pLENKARN.— PRACTICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF WORKS EXE- ■^ CUTED IN ARCHITECTURE, CIVIL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, AND IN ROAD MAKING AND SEWER- ING: To which are added a series of practically useful Agreement» and Reports. By John Blenkarn. Illustrated by fifteen large folding plates. 8vo $9 CO -DLINN.— A PRACTICAL WORKSHOP COMPANION FOR TIN, ■^ SHEET-IRON, AND COPPER-PLATE WORKERS : Containing Rules for Describing various kinds of Patterns used by Tin, Sheet-iron, and Copper-plate Workers ; Practical Geometry; Mensuration of Surfaces and Solids; Tables of the Weight of Metals, Lead Pipe, etc. ; Tables of Areas and Cir- cumferences of Circles ; Japans, Varnishes, Lackers, Cements, Compositions, etc. etc. By Leroy J. Bltnn, Master Me- chanic. "With over One Hundred Illustrations. 12rP0, S2 50 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. 3 DaOTH. -MARBLE WORKER'S MANUAL : Containing Practical Information respecting Marbles in gene- ral, their Cutting, Working, and Polishing ; Veneering of Marble ; Mosaics ; Composition and Use of Artificial Marble, Stuccos, Cements, Receipts, Secrets, etc. etc. Translated from the French by M. L. Booth. With an Appendix con- cerning American Marbles. 12mo., cloth . . $1 50 "pOOTH AND MORFIT.— THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMISTRY, ■^ PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL : Embracing its application to the Arts, Metallurgy, Mineralogy, Geology, Medicine, and Pharmacy. By James C. Booth, Melter and Refiner in the United States Mint, Professor of Applied Chemistry in the Franklin Institute, etc., assisted by Campbell Morfit, author of "Chemical Manipulations," etc. Seventh edition. Complete in one volume, royal 8vo., 978 pages, with numerous wood-cuts and other illustrations. $5 00 pOWDITCH.— ANALYSIS, TECHNICAL VALUATION, PTJRIEI- ^ CATION, AND USE OF COAL GAS : By Rev. W. R. Bowditch. Illustrated with wood engrav- ings. Svo $6 50 ■pox.— PRACTICAL HYDRAULICS : A Series of Rules and Tables for the use of Engineers, etc. By Thomas Box. 12mo $2 50 ■pOCKM ASTER.— THE ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL PHYSICS : By J. C. Buckmasteb, late Student in the Government School of Mines ; Certified Teacher of Science by the Department of Science and Art ; Examiner in Chemistry and Physics in the Royal College of Preceptors ; and late Lecturer in Chemistry and Physics of the Royal Polytechnic Institute. Illustrated with numerous engravings. In one vol. 12mo. . $1 50 pULLOCK.— THE AMERICAN COTTAGE BUILDER : A Series of Designs, Plans, and Specifications, from $200 to to ^20,000 for Homes for the People ; together with Warm- ing, Ventilation, Drainage, Painting, and Landscape Garden- ing. By John Bullock, Architect, Civil Engineer, Mechani- cian, and Editor of "The Rudiments of Architecture and Building," etc. Illustrated by 75 engravings. In one vol. 8vo $3 5. . . . $1 50 HENRY CAKEY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. pRAIK.— THE PRACTICAL AMERICAN MILLWRIGHT AND ^ MILLER. Comprising the Elementaiy Principles of Meclianics, Me- cLanism, and Motive Power, Hydraulics and Hydraulic Motors, Mill-dams, Saw Mills, Grist Mills, the Oat Meal Mill, the Barley Mill, Wool Carding, and Cloth Fulling and Dress- ing, V/ind Mills, Steam Power, &c. By David Ceaik, Mill- wi ight. Illustrated by numerous wood engravings, and five folding plates. 1 vol. 8vo. . . . . $5 00 ri.1MPIN.— A PRACTICAÏ. TREATISE ON MECHANICAL EN- ^ GINEESINGf Comprising Metallurgy, Moulding, Casting, Forging, Tools, Workshop Machinery, Mechanical Manipulation, Manufacture of Steam-engines, etc. etc. With an Appendix on the Ana- lysis of Iron and Iron Ores. By Francis Campin, C E. To which are added, Observations on the Construction of Steam Boilers, and Remarks upon Furnaces used for Smoke Preven- tion ; with a Chapter on Explosions. By Pt. Armstrong, C. E., and John Bourne. Rules for Calculating the Change Wheels for Screws on a Turning Lathe, and for a Wheel-cutting Machine, By J. La Nicca. 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By Simon De Graff, Architect. 4to $5 00 YER Ai^D COLOR-MAKER'S COMPANION : Containing upwards of two hundred Receipts for making Co- lors, on the most approved principles, for all the various styles and fabrics now in existence ; with the Scouring Process, and plain Directions for Preparing, Washing-off, and Finishing the Soods. In one vol. 12mo .$1 25 D D 12 HENRY Gars Y BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. pASTON.— A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON STREET OR HORSE- ^ POWER RAILWAYS : Their Location, Construction, and Management ; with General Plans and Rules for their Organization and Operation ; toge- ther with Examinations as to their Comparative Advantages over the Omnibus System, and Inquiries as to their Value for Investment; including Copies of Municipal Ordinances relat- ing thereto. By Alexander Easton, C. E. Illustrated by 23 plates, 8vo., cloth . . ... . . . $2 00 pDRSYTH.— BOOK 0? DESIGNS FOR HEAD-STONES, MURAL, *• AND OTHER MONUMENTS : Containing 78 Elaborate and Exquisite Designs. By Forsyth. 4to., cloth $5 00 *^* This volume, for the beauty and variety of its designs, has never been surpassed by any publication of the kind, and should be in the hands of every marble-worker who does fine monumental work. pAIRBAIRN.— THE PRINCIPLES OF MECHANISM AND MA- ^ CHINERY OF TRANSMISSION : Comprising the Principles of Mechanism, Wheels, and Pulleys, Strength and Proportions of Shafts, Couplings of Shafts, and Engaging and Disengaging Gear. By William Fairbairn, Esq., C. E., LL. D., F. R. S., F. G. S., Corresponding Member of the National Institute of France, and of the Ptoyal Academy of Turin ; Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, etc. etc. Beau- tifully illustrated by over 150 wood-cuts. In one volume 12mo. $2 50 pAIRBAIRN.— PRIME-MOVERS : Comprising the Accumulation of Water-power ; the Construc- tion of Water-wheels and Turbines; the Properties of Steam; the Varieties of Steam-engines and Boilers and Wind-mills. By William Fairbairn, C. E., LL. D., F. R. S., F. G. S. Au- thor of "Principles of Mechanism and the Machinery of Trans- mission." With Numerous Illustrations. In one volume. (In press.) niLBART.— A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON BANKING: By James William Gilbart. To which is added: The Na- tional Bank Act as now in force. 8vo. . . $4 50 pESNER.— A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON COAL, PETROLEUM, ^ AND OTHER DISTILLED OILS. By Abraham Gesner, M. D., F. G. S. Second edition, revised and enlarged. By Geokge Weltden Gesner, Consulting Chemist and Engineer. Illustrated. 8vo. . . $3 50 nEXRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. 13 n OTHIC ALBUM FOR CABINET MAKERS : Coraprisiug a Collection of Designs for Gothic Furniture. Il- lustrated by twenty-three large and beautifully engraved plates. Oblong $3 00 nRANT.— BEET-ROOT SÏÏGAR AND CULTIVATION OF THE ^ BEET : ByE. B.Grant. i:mo ^125 G LEGORY.— MATHEMATICS FOR PRACTICAL MEN : Adapted to the Pursuits of Surveyors, Architects, Mechanics, and Civil Engineers. By Olinthus Gregory. 8vo., plates, cloth $3 00 nRISWOLD— RAILROAD ENGHNEER'S POCKET COMPANION. Comprising Rules for Calculating Deflection Distances and Angles, Tangential Distances and Angles, and all Necessary Tables for Engineers ; also the art of Levelling from Prelimi- nary Survey to the Construction of Railroads, intended Ex- pressly for the Young Engineer, together with Numerous Valu- able Rules and Examples. By W. Griswold. 12mo., tucks. $1 75 riUETTIER.— METALLIC ALLOYS: Being a Practical Guide to their Chemical and Physical Pro- perties, their Preparation, Composition, and Uses. Translated from the French of A. Guettier, Engineer and Director of Founderies, author of "La Fonderie en France," etc. etc. By A. A. Fesquet, Chemist and Engineer. In one volume, 12mo. $8 00 TJATS AND FELTING : A Practical Treatise on their Manufacture. By a Practical Hatter. Illustrated by Drawings of Machinery, &c , 8vo. $1 25 TTAY.— THE INTERIOR DECORATOR : The Laws of Harmonious Coloring adapted to Interior Decora- tions : with a Practical Treatise on House-Painting. By D. R. Hat, House-Painter and Decorator. Illustrated by a Dia- gram of the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors. 12mo. S2 25 TTÏÏGHES.— AMERICAN MILLER AND MILLWRIGHT'S AS- ■^ S 1ST ANT : By Wm. Carter Hughes. A new edition. In one volume, 12mo .... $1 50 14 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. TTUNT— THE PRACTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHY. By Robert Hunt, Vice-President of the Photographic Society, LondoQ. With numerous illustrations. 12mo., cloth . . 75 TTTJRST.— A HAND-BOOK FOR ARCHITECTURAL SURVEYORS : Comprising Formulae useful in Designing Builders' work, Table of Weights, of the materials used in Building, Memoranda connected with Builders' work, Mensuration, the Practice of Builders' Measurement, Contracts of Labor, Valuation of Pro- perty, Summary of the Practice in Dilapidation, etc. etc. By J. F. Hurst, C. E. 2d edition, pocket-book form, full bound $2 60 piRVIS.— RAILWAY PROPERTY: A Treatise on the Construction and Management of Railways ; designed to afford useful knowledge, in the popular style, to the holders of this class of property ; as well as Railway Mana- gers, Officers, and Agents. By John B. Jervis, late Chief Engineer of the Hudson River Railroad, Croton Aqueduct, &c. One vol. 12mo., cloth . . . . . $2 00 JOHNSON.— A REPORT TO THE NAVY DEPARTMENT OF THE " UNITED STATES ON AMERICAN COALS : Applicable to Steam Navigation and to other purposes. By Walter R. Johnson. With numerous illustrations. 607 pp. 8vo., ... ... $10 00 JOHNSTON.— INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SOILS, " LIMESTONES, AND MANURED By J. W. F. Johnston. 12mo. .... 85 TT-EENE.— A HAND-BOOK OF PRACTICAL GAUGING, For the Use of Beginners, to which is added a Chapter on Dis- tillation, describing the process in operation at the Custom House for ascertaining the strength of wines. By James B. Eeene, of H. M. Customs. 8vo. . . . $î 25 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. 15 TTENTISH.— A TREATISE ON A BOX OF INSTRUMENTS, And the Slide Rule ; with the Theory of Trigonometry and Lo- garithms, including Practical Geometry, Surveying, Measur- ing of Timber, Cask and Malt Gauging, Heights, and Distances. By Thomas Kentish. In one volume. 12mo. . . $1 25 ITOBELL.—ERNI.— MINERALOGY SIMPLIFIED : A short method of Determining and Classifying Minerals, by means of simple Chemical Experiments in the Wet Way. Translated from the last German Edition of F. Von Kobell, with an Introduction to Blowpipe Analysis and other addi- tions. By Henri Erni, M. D., Chief Chemist, Department of Agriculture, author of "Coal Oil and Petroleum." In one volume. 12mo. ... . . $2 50 T ANDRIN.— A TREATISE ON STEEL : Comprising its Theory, Metallurgy, Properties, Practical Work- ing, and Use. By M. H. C. Landrin, Jr., Civil Engineer. Translated from the French, with Notes, by A. A. Fesquet, Chemist and Engineer. With an Appendix on the Bessemer and the Martin Processes for Manufacturing Steel, from the Report of Abram S. Hewitt, United States Commissioner to the Universal Exposition, Paris, 1867. 12mo. , . $3 00 T ARKIN.— THE PRACTICAL BRASS AND IRON FOUNDER'S -*-" GUIDE. A Concise Treatise on Brass Founding, Moulding, the Metals and their Alloys, etc. ; to which are added Recent Improve- ments in the Manufacture of Iron, Steel by the Bessemer Pro- cess, etc. etc. By James Labkin, late Conductor of the Brass Foundry Department in Reany, Neafie & Co.'s Penn Works, Philadelphia. Fifth edition, revised, with extensive Addi- tions. In one volume. 12mo $2 25 lb HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. T EAVITT.— FACTS ABOUT PEAT AS AN ARTICLE OF FUEL: V»'ith Pv,emarks upon its Origin and Composition, the Localities \n wliich it is found, the Methods of Preparation and Mqinu facture, and the various Uses to which it is applicable; toge ther with many other matters of Practical and Scientific Inte- rest. To which is added a chapter on the Utilization of Coal Dust with Peat for the Production of an Excellent Fuel at Moderate Cost, especially adapted for Steam Service. By H. T. Leavitt. Third edition. 12mo. . . . $1 75 TEROUX— A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE MANUFAC- •*-' TURÏÏ OF WORSTEDS AKD CARDED YARNS: Translated from the French of Charles Leroux, Mechanical Engineer, and Superintendent of a Spinning Mill. By Dr H. Paine, anl A. A. Fesquet. Illustrated by 12 large plates. In cue volume 8vo. . $5 00 TESLIE (MISS).— COMPLETE COOKERY: Directions for Cookery in its Various Branches. By Miss Leslie. 60th edition. Thoroughly revised, with the addi- tion of New Receipts. In 1 vol. 12mo., cloth . . $1 50 T ESLIE (MISS). LADIES' HOUSE BOOK : a Manual of Domestic Economy. 20th revised edition. 12mo., cloth . $1 25 TESLIE (MISS).— TWO HUNDRED RECEIPTS IN FRENCH ^ COOKERY. 12mo Ô0 T LEBER.— ASSAYER'S GUIDE: Or, Practical Directions to Assayers, Miners, and Smelters, for the Tests and Assays, by Heat and by Wet Processes, for the Ores of all the principal Metals, of Gold and Silver Coins and Alloys, and of Coal, etc. By Oscar M. Lieber. 12mo., cloth $1 25 T OVE.— THE ART OF DYEING, CLEANING, SCOURING, AND •^ FINISHING : On the most approved English and French methods ; being Practical Instructions in Dyeing Silks, Woollens, and Cottons, Feathers, Chips, Straw, etc.; Scouring and Cleaning Bed ^nd Window Curtains, Carpets, Rugs, etc.; French and English Cleaning, etc. By Thomas Love. Second American Edition, to which are added General Instructions for the Use of Aniline Colors. 8vo. . 5 00 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. 17 M M TWTAIN AND BROWN— QUESTIONS ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED ■LVl WITH THE MARINE STEAM-ENGINE : And Examination Papers ; with Hints for their Solution. By Thomas J. Maix, Professor of Mathematics, Royal Naval College, and Thomas Brown, Chief Engineer, R.N. 12mo., cloth $1 50 AIN AND BROWN.— THE INDICATOR AND DYNAMOMETER: With their Practical Applications to the Steam-Engine. By Thomas J. Main, M.A. F.R., Ass't Prof. Royal Naval College, Portsmouth, and Thomas Brown, Assoc. Inst. C. E., Chief En- gineer, R. N., attached to the R. N. College. Illustrated. From the Fourth London Edition. 8vo. ... . $1 60 AIN AND BROWN— THE MARINE STEAM-ENGINE. By Thomas J. Main, F. R. Ass't S. Mathematical Professor at Royal Naval College, and Thomas Brown, Assoc. Inst. C. E. Chief Engineer, R. N. Attached to the Royal Naval College. Authors of "Questions Connected with the Marine Steam-En- gine," and the '• Indicator and Dynamometer." With numerous Illustrations. In one volume 8vo. . . . • . $5 00 TWrARTIN.— SCREW-CUTTING TABLES, FOR THE USE OF ME- ■"'■*■ CHANICAL ENGINEERS : Showing the Proper Arrangement of Wheels for Cutting the Threads of Screws of any required Pitch ; with a Table for Making the Universal Gas-Pipe Thread and Taps. By W. A. Martin, Engineer. 8vo 50 TUriLES— A PLAIN TREATISE ON HORSE-SHOEING. With Illustrations. By William Miles, author of " The Horse's Foot" •jWrOLESWORTH.— POCKET-BOOK OF USEFUL FORMULiE AND ^^ MEMORANDA FOR CIVIL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. By Guilford L. Molesworth, Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Chief Resident Engineer of the Ceylon Railway. Second American from the Tenth London Edition. In one volume, full bound in pocket-book foi*m . . , . $2 00 OORE.— THE INVENTOR'S GUIDE: Patent OflBce and Patent Laws : or, a Guide to Inventors, and a Book of Reference for Judges, Lawyers, Magistrates, and others. By J G. MooRE. 12mo., cloth $125 ■jn"APIER.— A MANUAL OF ELECTRO-METALLURGY : Including the Application of the Art to Manufacturing Processes. By James Napier. Fourth American, from the Fourth London edition, revised and enlarged. Illustrated by engravings. In one volume, 8vo. . . . . • . • . $2 00 M' 18 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. N TyjAPIER.— A SYSTEM OF CHEMISTRY APPLIED TO DYEINS : By James Napier, F. C. S. A New and Thoroughly Revised Edition, completely brought up to the present state of the Science, including the Chemistry of Coal Tar Colors. By A. A. Fesquet, "Chemist and Engineer. "With an Appendix on Dyeing and Calico Printing, as shown at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1867, from the Reports of the International Jury, etc. Illus- trated. In one volume 8vo., 400 pages . . . . $5 00 in-EWBESY.— GLEANINGS FROM ORNAMENTAL ART OF ^^ EVERY STYLE; Drawn from Examples in the British, South Kensington, Indian, Crystal Palace, and other Museums, the Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862, and the best English and Foreign works. In a series of one hundred exquisitely drawn Plates, containing many hundred ex- amples. By Robert Newbery. 4to $15 00 ICHOLSON.— A MANUAL OF THE ART OF BOOK-BINDING: Containing full instructions in the different Branches of Forward- ing, Gilding, and Finishing. Also, the Art of Marbling Book- edges and Paper. By James B. Nicholson. Illustrated. 12mo. cloth . . . . . . . . . $2 25 TVrORRIS.— A HAND-BOOK FOR LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND ^^ MACHINISTS: Comprising the Proportions and Calculations for Constructing Locomotives ; Manner of Setting Valves ; Tables of Squares, Cubes, Areas, etc. etc. By Septimus Norris, Civil and Me- chanical Engineer. New edition. Illustrated, 12mo., cloth $2 00 •fTYSTROM. — ON TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS AND SCREW PROPELLERS : For Naval and Marine Engineers. By John W. Nystrom, late Acting Chief Engineer U. S. N. Second edition, revised with additional matter. Illustrated by seven engravings. I2mo. $2 60 'NEILL.— A DICTIONARY OF DYEING AND CALICO PRINT- ING: Containing a brief account of all the Substances and Processes in use in the Art of Dyeing and Printing Textile Fabrics : with Prac- tical Receipts and Scientific Information. By Charles O'Neill, Analytical Chemist; Fellow of the Chemical Society of London; Member of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester ; Author of " Chemistry of Calico Printing and Dyeing." To which is added An Essay on Coal Tar Colors and their Application to HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. 19 Dyeing and Calico Printing. By A. A. Fesqtjet, Chemist and Engineer. With an Appendix on Dyeing and Calico Printing, as shown at the Exposition of 1867, from the Reports of the Interna, tional Jury, etc. In one volume 8vo., 491 pages . . $6 00 ,S BORN.— THE METALLURGY OF IRON AND STEEL: Theoretical and Practical : In all its Branches ; With Special Re- ference to American Materials and Processes. By H. S. Osborx, LL. D., Professor of Mining and Metallurgy in Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. Illustrated by 230 Engravings on Wood, and 6 Folding Plates. Svo., 972 pages $10 00 SB ORN.— AMERICAN MINES AND MINING : Theoretically and Practically Considered. By Prof. H. S. Os- BORN, Illustrated by numerous engravings. Svo. {In preparation.) PAINTER, GILDER, AND VARNISHER'S COMPANION : Containing Rules and Regulations in everything relating to the Arts of Painting, Gilding, Varnishing, and Glass Staining, with numerous useful and valuable Receipts ; Tests for the Detection of Adulterations in Oils and Colors, and a statement of the Dis- eases and Accidents to which Painters, Gilders, and Varnishers are particularly liable, with the simplest methods of Prevention and Remedy. With Directions for Graining, Marbling, Sign Writ- ing, and Gilding on Glass. To which are added Complete Instruc- tions FOR Coach Painting and Varnishing. 12mo., cloth, $1 50 pALLETT.— THE MILLER'S, MILLWRIGHT'S, AND ENGI- ^ NEER'S GUIDE. By Henry Pallett. Illustrated. In one vol. 12mo. . $3 00 PERKINS.— GAS AND VENTILATION. Practical Treatise on Gas and Ventilation. With Special Relation to Illuminating, Heating, and Cooking by Gas. Including Scien- tific Helps to Engineer-students and others. With illustrated Diagrams. By E. E. Perkins. 12mo., cloth . . . $1 25 pERKINS AND STOWE.— A NEW GUIDE TO THE SHEET-IRON ^ AND BOILER PLATE ROLLER: Containing a Series of Tables showing the Weight of Slabs and Piles to Produce Boiler Plates, and of the Weight of Piles and the Sizes of Bars to Produce Sheet-iron ; the Thickness of the Bar Gauge in Decimals ; the Weight per foot, and the Thickness on the Bar or Wire Gauge of the fractional parts of an inch ; the Weight per sheet, and the Thickness on the Wire Gauge of Sheet- iron of various dimensions to weigh 112 lbs. per bundle ; and the conversion of Short Weight into Long Weight, and Long Weight into Short. Estimated and collected by G. H. Perkins and J. G- Stowe * 20 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. pHILLIPS AND DARLINGTON.— RECORDS OF MINING AND ■*• METALLURGY : Or, Facts and Memoranda for the use of the Mine Accent and Smelter. By J. Arthur Phillips, Mining Engineer, Graduate of the Imj^erial School of Mines, France, etc., and John Darlington. Illugtrated by numerous engravings. In one vol. 12mo. . $2 00 pRADAL, MALEPEYRE, AND DUSSAUCE. — A COMPLETE ■*■ TREATISE ON PERFUMERY : Containing notices of the Raw Material used in the Ait, and the Best Formulae. According to the most approved Metliods followed in France, England, and the United States. By M. P. Pradal, Perfumer-Chemist, and M. F. Malepeyre. Translated from the French, with extensive additions, by Prof. H. DussAUCE. 8vo. $10 pROTEAUX.— PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR THE MANUFACTURE ■'• OF PAPER AND BOARDS. By A. pROTEAUX, Civil Engineer, and Graduate of the School of Arts and Manufactures, Director of Thiers's Paper Mill, 'Puy-de- Dômé. With additions, by L. S. Le Normand. Translated from the French, with Notes, by Horatio Paine, A. B., M. D. To which is added a Chapter on the Manufacture of Paper from Wood in the United States, by Henry T. Brown, of the "American Artisan." Illustrated hj six plates, containing Drawings of Raw Materials, Machinery, Plans of Paper-Mills, etc. etc. 8vo. $5 00 pEGNAULT.— ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY. By M. V. Regnault. Translated from the French by T. For- rest Benton, M. R. , and edited, with notes, by James C. Booth, Melter and Refiner U. S. Mint, and Wm. L. Faber, Metallurgist and Mining Engineer. Illustrated by nearly 700 wood engravings. Comprising nearly 1500 pages. In two vols. 8vo., cloth $10 00 pEID.— A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE MANUFACTURE OF ^ PORTLAND CEMENT: By Henry Reid, C. B. To which is added a Translation of M, A. Lipowitz's Work, describing anew method adopted in Germany of Manufacturing that Cement. By W. F. Reid. Illustrated by plates and wood engravings. Svo. . . . . . $7 00 piFFAULT, VERGNAUD, AND TOUSSAINT.— A PRACTICAL ^ TREATISE ON THE MANUFACTURE OF COLORS FOE PAINTING : Containing the best Formulae and the Processes the Newest and in most General Use. By MM. Riffault, Vergnaud, andTous- SAINT. Revised and Edited by M. F. Malepeyre and Dr. Emil WiNCKLER. Illustrated by Engravings. In one vol. Svo. (//; j:/ep(7rat/on.) HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. 21 pIFFAUir, VERGNAUD, AND TOUSSAINT.— A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE MANUFACTURE OF VARNISHES : By MM. RiFFAULT, Vergxaud, and Toussaint. Revised and Edited by M. F. Malepeyre and Dr. Ejiil Winckler. Illus- trated. In one vol. 8vo. {Li preparation.) OHUNK.— A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON RAILWAY CURVES ^ AND LOCATION, FOR YOUNG ENGINEERS. By Wii. F. Snu>'K, Civil Engineer. 12mo., tucks . . $2 00 OMEATON.— BUILDER'S POCKET COMPANION: Containing the Elements of Building, Surveying, and Architec ture ; with Practical Rules and Instructions connected with the sub- ject. By A. C. Smeaton, Civil Engineer, etc. In one volume, 12mo $1 50 «MITH.— THE DYER'S INSTRUCTOR: Comprising Practical Instructions in the Art of Dyeing Silk, Cot- ton, AVool, and "Worsted, and Woollen Goods : containing nearly 800 Receipts. To which is added a Treatise on the Art of Pad- ding ; and the Printing of Silk Warps, Skeins, and Handkerchiefs, and the various Mordants and Colors for the diiferent styles of such work. By David Smith, Pattern Dyer, 12mo., cloth $3 00 OMITH.— THE PRACTICAL DYER'S GUIDE: Comprising Practical Instructions in the Dyeing of Shot Cobourgs, Silk Striped Orleans, Colored Orleans from Black Warps, ditto from White Warps, Colored Cobourgs from White Warps, Merinos, Yarns, Woollen Cloths, etc. Containing nearly 300 Receipts, to most of which a Dyed Pattern is annexed. Also, a Treatise on the Art of Padding. By David Smith. In one vol. Svo. $25 00 OHAW.— CIVIL ARCHITECTURE: Being a Complete Theoretical and Practical System of Building, containing the Fundamental Principles of the Art. By Edward Shaw, Architect. To which is added a Treatise on Gothic Archi- tecture, &c. By Thomas W. Silloway and George M. Hard- ing , Architects. The whole illustrated by 102 quarto plates finely engraved on copper. Eleventh Edition. 4to. Cloth. $10 00 qLOAN.— AMERICAN HOUSES : A variety of Original Designs for Rural Buildings. Illustrated by 26 colored Engravings, with Descriptive References. By Samuel Sloan, Architect, author of the "Model Architect," etc. etc. Svo. $2 50 CjCHINZ.—RESEARCHES ON THE ACTION OF THE BLAST. ^ FURNACE. By Chas. Schinz, Seven plates. 12mo. . . $4 25 22 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. OMITH— PARKS AND PLEASuRE GROUNDS : Or, Practical Notes on Country Residences, Villas, Public Parks, and Gardens. By Charles II. J. Smith, Landscape Gardener and Garden Arcliitect, etc. etc. 12mo. , , . . $2 25 HTOKES.— CABINET-MAKER'S AND UPHOLSTERER'S COMPA- ^ NION: Comprising the Rudiments and Principles of Cabinet-making and Upholstery, with Familiar Instructions, Illustrated by Examples for attaining a Proficiency in the Art of Drawing, as applicable to Cabinet-work ; The Processes of Veneering, Inlaying, and Buhl-work ; the Art of Dj'eing and Staining Wood, Bone, Tortoise Shell, etc. Directions for Lackering, Japanning, and Varnishing; to make French Polish ; to prepare the Best Glues, Cements, and Compositions, and a number of Receipts, particularly for workmen generally. By J. Stokes. In one vol. 12mo. With illustrations $1 25 STRENGTH AND OTHER PROPERTIES OF METALS. Reports of Experiments on the Strength and other Properties of Metals for Cannon. With a Description of the Machines for Test- ing Metals, and of the Classification of Cannon in service. By Officers of the Ordnance Department U. S. Array. By authority of the Secretary of War. Illustrated by 25 large steel plates. In 1 vol. quarto . $10 00 qULLIVAN.— PROTECTION TO NATIVE INDUSTRY. By Sir Edward Sullivan, Baronet. (1870.) 8vo. . $1 60 ryiABLES SHOWING THE WEIGHT OF ROUND, SQUARE, AND "*■ FLAT BAR IRON, STEEL, ETC. By Measurement. Cloth ...... 63 rPAYLOR.— STATISTICS OF COAL: Including Mineral Bituminous Substances employed in Arts and Manufactures ; with their Geographical, Geological, and Commer- cial Distribution and amount of Production and Consumption on the American Continent. With Incidental Statistics of the Iron Manufacture. By R. C. Taylor. Second edition," revised by S. S. Haldeman. Illustrated by five Maps and many wood engrav- ings. Svo., cloth . . $6 00 rpSMPLETON.— THE FRACTICxlL EXAMINATOR ON STFIAM •^ AND THE STEAM-ENGINS : With Instructive References relative thereto, for the Use of Engi- neers. Students, and others. By Wji. Templeton, Engineer ]2mo. / $1 25 T HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. 23 HOMAS.— THE MODERN PRACTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHY. By R. W. Thomas, F.C.S. 8vo., cloth . ... 75 ••pHOMSON.— FREIGHT CHARGES CALCTTLATOR. By Andrew Thomson, Freight Agent . . . . $1 25 pURNING : SPECIMENS OF FANCY TURNING EXECUTED ON ■*■ THE HAND OR FOOT LATHE : "With Geometric, Oval, and Eccentric Chuck?, and Elliptical Cut- ting Frame. By an Amateur. Illustrated by 30 exquisite Pho- tographs. 4to. ... ..... $3 00 tpURNER'S (THE) COMPANION: Containing Instructions in Concentric, Elliptic, and Eccentric Turning; also various Plates of Chucks, Tools, and Instru- ments ; and Directions for using the Eccentric Cutter, Drill, Vertical Cutter, and Circular Rest ; with Patterns and Instruc- tions for working them. A new edition in 1 vol. 12mo. $1 50 TTRBIN — BRULL. — A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR PUDDLING ^ IRON AND STEEL. By Ed. Urbtn, Engineer of Arts and Manufactures. A Prize Essay read before the Association of Engineers, Graduate of the School of Mines, of Liege, Belgium, at the Meeting of 1SG5-6. To which is added a Comparison of the Resisting Properties OF Iron AND Steel. By A. Brull. Translated from the French by A. A. Fesquet, Chemist and Engineer. In one volume, 8vo. $1 00 TTOGDES.— THE ARCHITECT'S AND BUILDER'S POCKET COM- ^ PANION AND PRICE BOOK. . By F. W. VoGDES, Architect. Illustrated. Full bound in pocket- book form $2 00 In book form, 18mo., muslin . . , . . . 1 50 WARN— THE SHEET METAL WORKER'S INSTRUCTOR, FOR '''' ZINC, SHEET-IRON, COPPER AND TIN PLATE WORK- ERS, &c. By Reuben Henry Warn, Practical Tin Plate AYorker. I 'us- trated by 32 plates and 37 wood engravings. 8vo. . . $3 CO TTn-ATSON.--A MANUAL OF THE HAND-LATHE. ""'By Egbert P. Watsox, Late of the " Scientific American," Au- thor of "Modern Practice of American Machinists and Engi- neers," In one volume, 12mo. $1 50 24 HENRY CAREY BAIRD'S CATALOGUE. ■ÇrrATSON.— THE MODERN PRACTICE OF AMERICAN MA- '''' CHINISTS AND ENGINEERS : Including the Construction, Application, and Use of Drills, Lathe Tools, Cutters for Boring Cylinders, and Hollow Work Generally, with the most Economical Speed of the same, the Results verified by Actual Practice at the Lathe, the Vice, and on the Floor. Together with Workshop management, Economy of Manufacture, the Steam-Engine, Boilers, Gears, Belting, etc. etc. By Egbert P. Watson, late of the "Scientific American." Illustrated by eighty-six engravings. 12mo. $2 50 WATSON.— THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF THE ART OF " ' WEAVING BY HAND AND POWER : With Calculations and Tables for the use of those connected with the Trade. By John Watson, Manuflicturer and Practical Machine Maker. Illustrated by large drawings of the best Power-Looms. 8vo $10 00 WEATHERLY.— TREATISE ON .THE ART OF BOILING SU- GAR, CRYSTALLIZING, LOZENGE-MAKING, COMFITS, GUM GOODS, And other processes for Confectionery, &c. In which are ex- plained, in an easy and familiar manner, the various Methods of Manufacturing every description of Raw and Refined Sugar Goods, as sold by Confectioners and others . . . $2 00 W ILL.— TABLES FOR QUALITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS. By Prof Heinrich Will, of Giessen, Germany. Seventh edi- tion. Translated by Charles F. Himes, Ph. D., Professor of Natural Science, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. . . $1 25 tirriLLIAMS.— ON HEAT AND STEAM : Embracing New Views of Vaporization, Condensation, and Expan- sion. By Charles Wye Williams, A. I. C. E. Illustrated. 8vo. $3 50 WORSSAM.— ON MECHANICAL SAWS: From the Transactions of the Society of Engineers, 1867. By S. W. WoESSAM, Jr. Illustrated by 18 large folding plates. 8vo. $5 00 TyOHLER.— A HAND-BOOK OF MINERAL ANALYSIS. By F. WoHLER. Edited by H. B. Nason, Professor of Chemistry, Rensselaer Inetitute, Troy, N. Y. With numerous Illustrations. 12mo $3 00