The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-03-29
COAL ASHES.
From tho MARYLAND Farmer.

FROM mo maryland FARMER.
In reply to your correspondent Mr..
John Batee, of Petersburg, desiring in
formation relative to the value of COAL |
ASHES, in one of your issues of last year,
l would state that by actual experiment
and careful observ alton, am convinced |
that they are of more real value to the
farmer, than generally regarded by those,
who it would seem were we'll calculated |
to estimate their worth
l have looked in vain for an article
upon this subject which would express
my opinion, and as this is the season
for saving coal ashes offer my views
upon the subject.
Mr.. B., was unable to see any differ
ence in the yield Of potatoes, where he
used coal ashes, side by side with stable
manure. Although almost universally
used, stable manure is not the best ma
nure for the potato; much the contrary
but we should have expected marked
difference if a good dressing of super
phosphate had been used. l do not con-
tend that coal ashes would be as val
liable as the phosphate, but nevertheless
they are serviceable as manure, always
worth something and occasionally very
effective.
One of my neighbors, Mr. Robert
Nicholson, very reliable gentleman,
and an observant farmer, assured me
that he was unable to see any difference
in corn were, WOOD ASHES and COAL
ASHES were used along side of each
other; AND 1T WAS UPON LIGHT LAND
Of course he applied the latter in
double the quantity to the former, but
they were PURE COAL ASHES, with only
the foreign substance which usually get
into them from kindlings, &c.
have repeatedly experimental with
COAL ASHES upon wheat, corn, potatoes
and grass, with marked effect: and so
have others of my acquaintance, whom
l could name, and refer to the expert
ments, if necessary.
No one doubts their beneficial effects,
MECHANICALLY upon stiff soils, and of
their value attributable to the small
amount of wood ashes in them. But l
am prepared to explain their value,
apart from any admixture Of wood ashes
they happen to contain.
LIST. To their power of absorbing am
mouia, and
Cd. To the silica or silicic acid which
they contain.
Now, as to the first proposition, /
hold that they do absorb free ammonia
and ammoniacal gas from the atmos-
phere, and the longer exposed, the
greater the quantity absorbed, conse-
quently the more valuable. Now for
the proof; 1 have mixed quick lime and
sal-ammoniac in glass retort, and by
subjecting the mixture to gentle heat
obtained and collected by displacement
the free ammonia. The lime decom-
poses the chlorice of ammonium, FORM
ing chloride of calcium, and Eberating
the ammoniacal gas which escapes
colorless and transparent In glass
stoppered jar containing this gas, have.
subjected to its influence recently, buzz
ed coal ashes, from which every trace
of ammonia had been removed, for diff.
ferent lengths of time, and afterwards
examined them for ammonia, mixed
them in the same kind of jar, after ex-
posure, with quick lime and closing the
for few minutes
Removing the stopper and exposing
a glass rod moistened with dilute nv
drochloric acid, white cloud Chloride
of ammonium) is produced, from the
formation of the solid salt. By the in
tensity of this cloud and by other means
at our command, we are enabled to de-
termine the amount Of ammonia each
specimen contains, which varies in diff
ferent samples those longest exposed
to the air containing the larger percent
age.
We all know that the air is a source
of ammonia, and that rains and storms
bring it in contact with substances ex-
posed The ashes seem to be an excel
lent absorbent and increase in value
with exposure
Now for proposition
Cd The coal contains silica and I'M
combined silicon, which by burning, the
alkaline bases form with the silicie acid,
salts, and then silicates are readily
soluble
The acid character of silica is espe-
cially exhibited when exposed U. con-
tact with other salts, to high temper.
ature. 1t then displaces the rlost pow
erful acids from their combinations, and
uniting with their bases, forms silicates.
But just exactly bow this happy devel-
opment of assimilable silicates in marked
quantities or effects, are attributable, I
will not attempt to clearly enunciate. e.
The composition of many of the silicious
minerals is extremely complex, and in
a scientific point of view, extremely
interesting, and yet their chemical form
ula and most natural relations are still
open to question.
1t is well that | do know that silica
is found in the coal, and in the foreign
substances which get into it before be-
ing burned. Almost pure silicic acid
common sand, is frequently mixed with
it in handling, and that the valuable
| ShiSoeSo IN lis ASHES L
have demonstrated to my own satisfac-
ton by actual chemical tests.
l have been long time in acquaint-
ing myself by energetic experimental
experience, with this subject; and in
coming to this determined stand as to
the value of coal ashes
| can confidently say to farmers, your
coal ashes are WORTH SAVING, WORTH
HAULING AND WORTH APPLYING. If
practicable, should prefer to use them
with other substances where the COM
bination would increase their value, as
would also the ashes render the sub
stances with which they are mingled
more valuable. But apply them direct
ly to the soil if you have, or can procure
them in abundance, rather than not use
them ut all. | shall reserve for another