The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-05-31
UTILIZATION OF COAL ASHES.


In the Farmer for March, l ex-
pressed my opinion of the value of
coal ashes, uncombined, as fertilizer,
and feel satisfied that my statements
are corroborated by practicable exper-
fence and chemical analysis.
But I think that they may be used
to better advantage by composing, or
manipulating, with other substances.
Coal ashes, we have stated, have
great affinity for ammonia and will alb
sorb it; it is therefore valuable addi-
ton to all fermenting and decomposing
heaps generating this gas so valuable
to the farmer.
Coal ashes is rarely obtained in sutfi-
GENTLY large quantities to mix with
large banks of barn-yard manure, but
for the earth closet, hen-house and kitch-
en- waste compost heap, any family
using one coal fire, can have moder-
ate supply to be used less sparingly
than if it were abundant.
For using under the hen roost it is
invaluable. Sift your ashes into a
barrel and remove to the henery every
day or two sprinkle the surface cover
ed by the droppings of the fowls, with
the ashes, according to the supply.
By this means all unpleasant and I'M
healthy odors are absorbed, and the
valuable plant food developed during
the process of slow fermentation, re-
tanned. Thus treated the house will
remain sweet and clean even during
the Summer months.
The compound of ashes and hen
manure will be found friable and easily
distributed at any time, and as valua-
BILE as the best guano Indeed, one
part ashes and one part hen dung is
better than the pure dung, if left in a
heap, as much of its valuable ingredi-
ents are lost in the active fermentation
which will undoubtedly take place if
not freely mixed with some absorbent.
In the Spring this accumulation can
be used with great profit upon corn,
roots or any crop, and act in manner
to surprise those who have never tried
it. ] have never been able to notice
any better results with Peruvian guano,
or the best commercial fertilizers.
For the earth closet nothing is bet
ter, nothing more readily obtained, than
coal ashes, for those who burn coal.
In view of great convenience in their
use and the great saving of n great
waste, I may be justified in urging
upon all the simple means by which
they may effect perfect deterioration
and disinfection of human faces, and
convert what is usually a great source
of annoyance and waste into valua-
bic manure and source of profit.
One great obstacle to the rapid in
PRODUCTION to the earth closet is to be
sought in the idea that people dread the
difficulty of obtaining Il suitable alb
sorbent in the proper state of prepare
tion-Whenever coal is used for fuel,
this obstacle is entirely removed, as the
ashes are just the very best material
that can be procured. Where ashes are
scarce it may be used five times over
and seem to be perfectly inofiensive in
the end.
AS to the value of this manure, no
one doubts its efficacy; it is always in
demand, and the article manufactured
in the cities and sold by companies is
not half as effective as the homemade
article, as its bulk is considerably in
creased bv the addition of an unneces-
sary amount of earth, rubbish, &c, not
containing much fertilizing qualities.
On the heap of waste compost, usual
" formed near the kitchen, the ashes
must be sprinkled over the whole mass
every four days.
In saving the ashes, it will be best
to sift under cover and keep them per-
fectly dry, as in that condition they are
better absorbent. But if heaps are
about the premises, sift and expose to
the sun, when day or two's sun will
make them very dry.
Aside from the ease with which this
very valuable material is provided to
Increase our stock of homemade fertil-
izer, there is further advantage in the
regular sitting of the cinders that the
system requires A great deal of half
burned coal, that would otherwise be
thrown away, is thus economical for
second burning, and the ashes them
selves, instead of accommodating to no
purpose, are made very valuable for
use ON the farm or garden.
Z. A. NANNORT
Hanescille, Kent Co., Maryland