The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1859-04-08
VOLUME X. NO. IA.
Farmers 9epaftmeQt.
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"Gather the Bones"

A dozen or moro letters have accumu'
lated, making inquiries about the value
treatment, etc., OF bones. We have, IN
former numbers aid volumes, answered 1
every question, but will sum up few hints
here. We firmly believe there is no Ter
tilizer so good for all crops, and on all al.
most all soils. as unburned bones. We
6uv no other manure. When immediate
benefit is desired, we use bone sa,Cings,
obtained from factories where bones are
worked in buttons, knire.handles and
other articles. This material costs us, de-
livered, 1915 per barrel Of about 800 OF
more pounds. 1t is packed solid, aud at
tracts moisture enough 10 keep damp. 1t
Is at tirst mingled with four or FIVE times
its bulk of fine dry surface soil, and well
mixed by mashing anc sitting. a hahd'
ful Of il is then scattered in 'he soil IN i'm.
mediate contact with and around the seed
sown and the roots Of plants Sc; out. II IS
delightful to witness the effect. We use 1t
for everything grown, with unvarying
good results. The quantity used varies
from two TO eight barrels per acre, ac'
cording to the previous good or poor quail
ity Of the soil. IL pays weH.
For fruit trees and grapevnes we use
large quantities Of good or broken bones
THE larger the pieces the slower will be
their decay, and the more lasting their ef-
fects. If bones merely broken with a
hammer are used, some Underground
bones or bone savings are added for more
immediate effect.
Bones crushed or ground in an ordinary
bone mill contain less fine material than
is required for immediate effect, unless
considerable quantities are used. IL Is
desirable 10 have them as near II pow
dered condition as possible. But, If freely
applied, the fine material will be mmedl-
ateiy beneficial, while the coarser portion
will continue 10 yield good results for
several years, according to the GOODNESS OF
warmth OF the soil, and their consequent
slow or rapid decay.
To Dissolve Bones.-If no mills are
accessible, bones may be dissolved in sui
phuric acid. For one hundred pounds OF
bones take about thirty pounds OF acid
1.-TWO gallons, and mix with it, say thirty
two pounds of wate, flour gallons. -
First, put the water into u strong wooden
hooped cask or barrel, and add the acid
slowly-stirring it as added with stick
Crack the. bones, or not, AS may be con
venient, and put them into and above the
fluid. Punch them down and stir them
occasionally, with stick. Let them
stand four, six, or eight weeks, until soft
ened and mostly dissolved.
Many assert that they cannot dissolve
whole bones, but they do not take time
enough. From repeated trials We know
they will dissolve. The time will dePent
upon the dryness Of the bones and thc
freedom from fat.
After standing two months, more o
less, mixed the mass thoroughly, with 81!
or eight times, or more, its bulk of muck
or even with common soil, if need be-
This makes an excellent fertilizer, worth
anywhere all it costs, and more. Sui
phuric acid, in carboys of one hundred
and twenty to one hundred and sixty
pounds, costs from two to three cents pei
pound, according to tine distance from the
manufactory. Itneeds to be handled will
care. as it is corrosive to the flesh anc
clothing.
The dissolving liquid will not freez
during the first week or two, at least. l
is not worth while to take any trouble t
KEGS il warm or cold.
Without any preparation except break
ing fine, unburned bones are worth fi(tee
to fifty cents per bushel, according to tn
necessities of the soil. the value Of th
products, AMI the cost Of other manure'
The best mode of using is to have ther
finely ground.
Where are the Bone Mills ITO answe
multitude of inquiries, we will publis
without charge list of allthe bone mill
in the country, (there are but few-ther
ought to be hundreds where there is one,
if the proprietors will send us their loca
tion, the fneness to which they reduc
bones, and the charge for grinding whe
customers bring in three hundred or NOR
pounds at a time.-Amer. Agriculturist