Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-03-10
Farm and Fzres1ae.
nov. TO PRBP.BRR BO.y'ES FOR
FERTILIZI.vfl USES.

nov. TO PREP.sRE BO.vEs FOR
FERTILIZE.vG USES.
We have repeatedly given information in |
the journal regarding the best and most |
convenient methods of preparing bone ma
torial for the farm and garden, but requests
still como for further or more specific in
structions. If n farmer has collected pile
of bones which he desires to utilize or fit
for plant food, he can accomplish the end
in two or three different ways: LIST, by dis
solving them in sulphuric acid in the raw
condition; I'd, by dissolving after burning
to whitencss; Sd, by dissolving them in
connection with caustic I've from ashes and
soda. Bones cannot be dissolved in acid
economically, unless they arc reduced to a
fine powder. Pounding them into small
fragments will not do, as but part of the
bone substance can be acted upon by the
acid when fragments are submitted to its
action. An insoluble coating of sulphate
of lime forms around each fragment after
the first action of the acid, and this arrests
further decomposition. As a matter of ex-
pertinent, we have submitted powdered
bones to the action of strong and dilute
acid for six months, and the solution at the
end of that time was far from being COM
plcte. Raw bones are very difficult to grind
in any mill accessible to farmers, and there
fore it will be best, if it is desired to make
superphosphate, to construct rough kiln
of stones, throw into it the bones, along
with sufficient wood to kindle them; and
by igniting the wood, the bones will readi-
ly take fire and burn to whteness. In Il is
state they are brittle, and can be ground in
bark, plaster, or grist-mill. The organic
matter, or the gelatine, is destroyed in this
process, and the bones lose about q per
cent in weight. To convert the bone ash
into superphosphate, procure two or three
good sound molasses casks, divide them in
the middle with a saw, and into each half
put 200 pounds of the powder moistened
with couple buckets of water. A common
hoe may be used to turn over and mix the
powder and water, and also it may be used
to stir up the mass after the acid is added.
Oil of vitriol or sulphuric acid should be
purchased in carboys, and the common
commercial strength is suitable, that of spe-
ciiic gravity 1.70, or 400 Twaddell. A stone
pitcher holding gallon is suitable vessel
in which to receive and measure the acid;
and in turning it out of the carboy, do not
be nervous or act in hurry. Turn it out
gently, and be careful that it docs not spat-
ter upon the face or clothing. Place the
carboy upon a low box, remove the stopper,
and, tipping the vessel, allow small,
smooth stream to fall into the pitcher. The
200 pounds of bone powder will require the
entire contents of the carboy of acid; in
fact "A little moro is needed to produce per-
feet decomposition. A carboy holds about
$50 pounds, and l75 will be appropriated by
the bone if the action is perfect and entire.
The contents of carboy, however, have
answered in our experience. The acid must
he added gradually, one gallon at n time,
stirring with the hoe, and waiting for the
eiicrvescence to subside before more is adj
ded. In fow hours the action will be over
and liquid resembling water will be seen
floating upon tho top of the powder. This
liquid is excessively sour, being free phos-
phoric acid, holding little soluble lime in
combination. Many who have tasted this
liquid have supposed that il was uncom-
bined oil of vitriol, and, fearing that it
would burn up their crops have been afraid
TO use tho mixture. To dry this pasty mass,
30 that 1t can be pulverized, is the most
troublesome and protracted part of the la
Dor. Suporphosphato should be made by
the farmer in the summer after hooing,
when the weather is warm. He should
provide 20 or 80 rough shallow boxes, in
which the moist mass can be placed and
put in the sun TO dry. They can be taken
under cover in wet weather. Before dry
ing, barrel of sifted loan should be mix
cd with the bone paste, and thoroughly
worked into 1t. This will greatly facilitate
the drying process. When the mass is dry
1t can be pounded fine with mallct, or il
can be ground in any kind Of mill. Tho
powder thus manufactured is most excel
lent, and when further diluted with two oil
more barrels of dry soil or loan, Is oqua
to the best suporphosphato found in tho
market. A handful put in each hill of corr
or potatoes at time of planting will give
fine results. This superphosphate must no
be mixed with lime or ashes, as from thei
new salts will be formed. 1t may be mixed
up with dry fish pomace, and form very
perfect and excellent fertilizer for all kinds
of crops.
The manipulation described above il
adapted to the preparation of suporphos
phate from ground raw bones. The onl.
variation is in the amount of acid needed
For raw bone powder, only half as mucl
acid should be used, or six gallons for
barrel of bone dust. The processes for it
manufacture are the same. Bones may b
dissolved in moistened wood ashes, If car
is taken to bring them completely unde
the action of the caustic lyo.
Toa accomplish this 1t is necessary to broal
the bones into fragments and pack them II
tight, shallow box, with an equal weigh
of good sound wood ashes. Mix with tn
ashes, before packing, 25 pounds of slake'
limb and ~ pounds of powdered sal sod
carbonate of Soda to every 100 pounds @
the ashes. The box In which to conduC
that process may DO made of rough boards
but IL must DO tight. and II should not b