Chapter 9

If the adulteration of guano has been made by sand, it can be detected by dissolving the ashes in muriatic acid. The sand will remain--if it is more than one per cent., it has probably been added fraudulently. As iron exists in loam, it will show in the color of the ash if that is the substance used for adulteration. If lime has been added, it can be detected by dissolving the ash in muriatic acid and separating the sand, loam and iron, if present, by filtration, and then adding oxalate of ammonia to the liquid. If it shows more than a mere trace of lime, it has been falsified.

_Test by salt._--Saturate a quart of water and strain it; pour some in a saucer and sprinkle guano upon the surface. Good guano sinks immediately, leaving only a slight scum. If it has been adulterated by any light or flocculent matters, they will be seen upon the surface of the brine.

_Test by Acid._--Put a teaspoonful of guano in a wine glass and add a little vinegar or dilute muriatic acid. If ground limestone or chalk have been added, the effervessence will show it. A genuine article will only show a few bubbles.

_Test by Water._--The following simple plan will easily detect all the ordinary adulterations of guano. Procure a wide mouthed bottle, with solid glass stopper; fill with water and insert the stopper; let the exterior be well dried. In one pan of accurate scales, place the bottle; counterpoise by shot, sand or gravel. Pour out two thirds of the water, and put in four ounces avoirdupois of guano. Agitate the bottle, add more water; let it rest a couple of minutes, and fill with water, so the froth all escapes; insert the stopper, wipe dry, and replace the bottle in the scale. Add now to the counterpoised scale, one and a half ounces avoirdupois, and a fourpenny piece; if the bottle prove the heavier, the guano is, in all probability, adulterated. Add in addition a three-penny piece, and if the bottle is still heaviest the guano is undoubtedly adulterated. By this simple experiment, a very small amount of sand, marl, &c., is detected.

If farmers will not use some of these simple tests, or employ a chemist to detect suspected adulteration; or if they will buy guano of men who have no character to lose, and who offer to sell below a price to afford them a living profit, they cannot be pitied if they are cheated.

_Prepared Guano._--Never buy anything bearing that name, unless you wish to verify the adage of "the fool and his money are soon parted."

_Analysis of Prepared Guano._--We give an analysis of one sample of domestic manufacture, and two British. No. 1. was offered in London and actually sold as Peruvian guano, to farmers in the south of England; just because they were so neglectful of their own interests as not to inform themselves that an article sold for $35 a ton, could not be genuine, while the regular government price remained fixed at $47. It may readily be seen by the analysis, how they were cheated into paying that price for an article of which 74 per cent. is plaster, and only half of one per cent. ammonia.

No. 1. Gypsum, 74.05

Phosphate of lime, 14.05

Sand, 2.64

Moisture and loss, 9.26 ------ 100.00 ------ Ammonia, 0.51

The other sample is still worse. This was sold as Saldana Bay guano, at $15 to $20 a ton. It was composed of

Sand, 48.81

Phosphate of lime, 10.21

Gypsum, 5.81

Chalk, 22.73

Moisture, 12.44 ------ 100.00 ------ Ammonia, a trace

It would have been dear at half the price. But why? perhaps you inquire, do you give these samples of rascality in England? Just to show you what men are capable of doing there, they will probably do here--nay, have done. Here is the analysis of an article which was sold in the city of New York, under the name of _prepared guano_. The analysis was made by the lately deceased, highly respected, and eminent analytic chemist, Professor Norton, of Yale College, showing the following result.

Water, 4.35

Alumina and phosphate of lime, 7.82

Organic matter, 32.58

Insoluble matter, 26.05

Carbonate of lime, 28.76

Magnesia, alkalies, and loss, 0.43 ------ 100.00

This analysis was made by the request of the editor of the Genesee Farmer, by whom it is not only endorsed, but proof given of its utter worthlessness upon the land where it was applied. Professor Norton made the following remarks upon the subject.

"This is indeed a _prepared_ article. You will observe that three tenths of the whole are water, or matter insoluble in acid, or nothing more than water and sand. More than another three tenths is organic matter; this contains scarcely a trace of ammonia or nitrogen in any form, being worth no more than common muck from a swamp. Thus we have six tenths of the guano made up of a mixture that as a gift, would not be worth carting. Nearly another three tenths is carbonate of lime, a valuable article it is true, but one which can be bought far more cheaply by the barrel, bushel or ton, than as guano. The remaining tenth contains a small quantity of phosphates, but not enough to make the mixture of much value. The parties engaged in this manufacture, should be widely exposed, for it is one of the most outrageous impositions I have ever known. Farmers should avoid everything of this nature unless it is certified to be equal to a copy of analysis shown. This stuff is not worth transporting any distance for your land. J. P. NORTON."

We will now give the analysis of Peruvian, Patagonian, and Chilian guano, as determined by Dr. Anderson, chemist of the Royal Agricultural Society of Scotland, to be a fair average deduced, from a careful examination of many samples. The same results have been obtained in this country by such eminent chemists as Professor Norton, Dr. Antisell, and Dr. Higgins. We only give analysis of these three kinds, for the reason, no other of any consequence is now offered for sale in this country.

ANALYSIS OF GUANO.

Peruvian. Chilian Chilian Patagonian Fine. Inferior. Water, 13.73 6.06 15.09 24.86 Organic matter and} 53.16 54.51 12.88 18.86 ammonical salts, } Phosphates 23.48 11.96 16.44 41.37 Lime, ---- 1.37 8.93 2.94 Sulphuric acid, ---- ---- ---- 2.21 Alkaline salts, 7.97 10.25 6.04 2.70 Sand, 1.66 15.85 40.62 7.56 ------- ------- ------- ------- 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 Ammonia, 17.00 18.80 2.11 2.69

It will readily be seen there is a vast difference in the value of the Chilian, and though not stated, there is as great a difference in the Patagonian, while that from Peru, owing to the fact that it never rains upon the depository, is of a uniform quality. As the principal value of guano consists of the ammonia and phosphates, it is easily calculated.

17 per cent. of ammonia is equal to 340 lbs. in a ton of 2,000 at 12-1/2 cents, $42.50

23.48 per cent. of phosphates is equal to 470 lbs. in a ton at 1-1/2 cents, 7.05

Alkaline salts, 5.00 ______ Value of a ton of Peruvian guano, $54.55

To this may be added the advantage of having these valuable substances in the best possible condition, so finely pulverized they are ready prepared for the use of plants.

It may be taken as an incontrovertible fact then, that guano is a cheap and good manure for any land and any crop which would be benefitted by the best quality of farm yard manure and ground bones. It is most beneficial on poor sandy loam, absolutely unproductive; and most profitable when applied to any land which cannot be otherwise manured on account of distance and transportation of grosser articles. The better the land is kept in tilth, the better will be the effect of an application of guano. The public may also be assured of another fact; if the guano is bought direct from the agents of the Peruvian government in this country, or of reliable merchants, who get their supplies direct from them, it will be of a uniform quality and value, as indicated by the analysis just given.

They may also rest assured, and the author of this pamphlet believes his reputation will warrant the assertion and belief, that he could not be hired to puff an unworthy article, or write a book to induce American farmers, to purchase an article which would not prove highly beneficial to their best interests.

The author does know that the introduction of guano into this country is a blessing to the nation. Its general use will not only increase the wealth of individuals, but that of the body politic. Let us illustrate this point by a statement of an English writer of its advantages to that country. He says--"The importance of this question may be easily illustrated. We grow in this country about 4,000,000 acres of wheat annually. An application of two hundred weight of guano to each acre would increase the produce by six bushels, or raise the average of England from 26 to 32 bushels an acre, giving a total increase to our home produce of 3,000,000 quarters of wheat, which is of itself equivalent to a larger sum than the whole diminution of rent stated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to have been occasioned by free trade in corn. But this is only one use to which guano would be applied, for its effects are even more valuable to green crops than to corn."

The proportionate advantage to this country would be almost inconceivably greater as our average product is far less, and the increased number of bushels per acre, far more; the produce of land as stated by Mr. Newton and others, having been raised from 3 to 15 or 20 bushels per acre.

The estimation in which it is held by some of the best farmers in the world may be judged by the increased demand in England.

The quantity of Peruvian guano annually imported has risen from 22,000 tons in 1846 to 95,000 tons in 1850, but has increased during the last year to about 200,000 tons. If the price were reduced by £2 to £3 a ton, even the present large supply would be found greatly short of the increased demand. In a single season, in 1845, when the price of Ichaboe guano ranged from 6£ to 7£ a-ton, the importation with an open trade rose to 220,000 tons. A reduction of 2£ to 3£ a ton would be followed by an extraordinarily increased consumption. Twice the present importation might be taken advantageously for the wheat crops alone. It seems to be held by the Government that the right of Peru to the Lobos Islands is unquestionable. It is, in that case, only by friendly negotiation that anything can be done. Considerations should be pressed on the present Ministry, pledged as they are to promote the landed and shipping interests. If they can persuade the Peruvian Government, by friendly negotiation, that the interests of that country as well as ours will be benefited by opening the guano trade, they will confer an important service on this country; a full supply would contribute materially to restore the prosperity of the landed interest by increasing their produce at diminished cost; and it would give regular employment to about one-tenth of the whole mercantile navy of England.

Undoubtedly! an increased supply, or rather an increased consumption, would tend materially to restore, in England and in America, to build up the landed interest, by increasing the product of the land at diminished cost. If farmers could buy guano at lower prices, it is argued all would use it. Undoubtedly again! Because their profits would be greater. So great in fact, the temptation to make money out of the purchase and use of guano few could withstand "such a chance for a speculation."

But as they cannot induce the Peruvians to let them have it at a lower price, and as they can make money out of it at the present price, is it not a suicidical measure upon the part of the owners of unprofitable land, to refuse to use guano, because they cannot get it at their own price, while they can certainly profit by its use at present prices.

_The Guano Monopoly._--Much prejudice has been excited against the agents and principal dealers in this country by the cry of monopoly. Are those who cry _wolf_ the loudest, entirely clear themselves, of a fondness for fat mutton? The following extract from a letter of Edward Stabler of Maryland, gives a more fair, impartial view of the subject. He says; "Odious and grinding as monopolies usually become, and hard as this one seems to bear upon the agriculturist's interests, it still appears to be about as fair as ordinary mercantile transactions. The Peruvians may be considered the producers, and like our farmers and planters, may at times require advances from the commission merchant; and in proportion to the prices obtained, are his profits increased; nor does any one censure the merchant for selling at the highest price he can. Dealers, or speculators, if you please, are always censured for raising the price of guano. Is not the same thing done every day, and every hour in the day, by the purchase and sale of flour, wheat, corn, and tobacco--and is not the price of almost every article of commerce regulated in a great degree by the supply and demand? Most certainly; and so long as there is a probability of profit by the purchase and sale of this article, and just so long, and no longer, will the 'trade in second hands' continue. If the present supply is inadequate to the demand, by an almost undeviating rule in commerce, the price is enhanced, until at a point to drive the consumer from the market. This however, is not quite so soon attained with guano, under the present excitement, as with many other things. I have viewed this matter in a different light from some others, though erroneous as some may suppose, and do not think that censuring the dealers will cover the true ground of complaint, or at all tend to remove the existing difficulty. Their agency is, if I may use the term--but in no offensive sense--a kind of necessary evil; for the importer will not retail, and it suits but few of the consumers comparatively, to club together, and purchase in large quantities. The price of guano is owing mainly, if not entirely, to this monopoly in the import trade; and it would be the same thing, and a monopoly still, whether in the hands of English or American merchants; with also, about the same amount of liberality to be looked for, from one as from the other."

Is there anything so unfair in this, that we should cry out "wicked monopoly." The Peruvian government, after the revolution, finds itself deeply in debt, and greatly in want of money, and in possession of one of the most valuable fertilizing substances in the world, which the people of other governments are in want of, or rather, may profit by the use of, which she offers to sell at what she deems a fair price; and for the purpose of enabling her to borrow money for immediate necessities, as well as to pay the war debt, she has given some of her citizens--rich merchants, who can advance money, certain privileges and advantages in the guano trade, upon condition that they will send a supply to all the countries where it can be sold, and in as great quantities as they will buy at fixed prices. This is the monopoly. A parallel case can be found nearer home. The government of the United States, also incurred a revolutionary war debt, and also came in possession of an article which the people of all other countries want, and unlike that possessed by Peru, an article which they must have. Upon this necessity of life, our government has fixed a price, which any one may pay or let it alone--buy or not, just as he pleases. The government will neither sell to citizens or strangers at half price, nor let them have the use of it without pay; in fact, will not let us carry away anything of value from this property, although it might not materially injure the sale of the principal and most valuable portion, which is immovable. Such is the "guano monopoly" of one government, and such is the "land monopoly" of the other. Which is most wicked?

Of the right of each government, no honest man will dispute. That Peru has as much right to the guano upon her desert islands, as the United States has to the live oak timber in the deserts of Florida; or as England has to the codfish in the waters of Newfoundland, seems to be as clear as any right ever exercised by any power on earth. Each protect their own by hired agents, so far as they are able, to prevent dishonest men from carrying away that which each considers valuable.

If English and United States citizens have a right to go and seize upon the guano and bring it off in defiance of Peru, because the guano islands are not inhabited, then have we a right to seize all the codfish in the waters of the sea, because nobody lives there--they cannot live there--they only live on the lands adjacent, and therefore have no right to anything except what they stand upon. Then by the same rule may the lands of the United States be seized upon, because they are unoccupied.

By virtue of decrees now in force, no vessel, either under the national or any foreign flag, has a right to go to the Peruvian guano deposits, without first obtaining permission from the Peruvian Government under penalty of confiscation.

Foreign vessels, furnished with government licences, are allowed to load at the Chinche Islands only.

Finally, any attempt to load vessels without the proper licences, would subject them to be seized by the Government vessels appointed to cruise off, and visit the different guano deposits, in order to prevent not only the illegal extraction of guano by foreign trading vessels, but also to prevent the natives of Peru from violating the Government orders against visiting those localities, and destroying or disturbing the birds.

Notwithstanding this cuts off the free trade in the article, it goes to show what we have always endeavored to impress upon the minds of American farmers, that the supply is inexhaustible--at least in this age and generation--and as every one grows wiser and wiser, it is probable the next will have no occasion to use such an old fashioned article as bird dung for manure. During the present, however, our advice is to every person occupying land which needs something to improve its fertility, to use guano--genuine Peruvian guano--purchased of reliable merchants--and the fewer the better between the importer and consumer.

_The Quantity inexhaustible._--By those surveys, the quantity was ascertained to be upwards of TWENTY MILLIONS OF TONS. As this must appear so enormous as to be almost incredible, we present the annexed cut, supposed to represent a vertical section of one of the Chincha islands and the depth of the deposit according to the government surveys. The paralel lines at the bottom represent the level of the water--the crooked line above, the surface of the rock; its position having been ascertained by boring and observations of the surveyors. The rounded line is the surface of the island as it now appears; all between that and the rock being guano. The almost perpendicular line at the left hand, 100 feet high, is the rock at which ships lay to take in cargo. The space under the dotted line show a comparison of the quantity taken away, as it relates to the whole upon the island. The well hole represented in that section was dug some fifty feet deep to prove the guano was of equal quality at the bottom.

The Chincha Islands are three in number; not remote from each other or differing very materially in size or general feature. The Geological formation presents the appearance of masses of rock jutting out above the surface of the ocean--and occasionally rising nearly perpendicularly to a height of from 50 to 100 feet. At a distance, the islands present to the eye a somewhat conical form; owing probably to the greater deposits of guano in the centre; and all appear equally rich in quantity and quality.

The "North Island" is estimated to be about 300 feet at its greatest elevation; it is about 1-1/2 miles in length, and from 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile average width. In sailing round them, the guano appears to many places to extend to the water's edge.

All the guano islands are uninhabited, except by the laborers, mostly Indians or poor Chinamen, who are employed in the work of digging, carrying and loading the guano into the ships. When a vessel is ready to take in cargo, she is moored alongside of the rocks almost mast head high, from the top of which the guano is sent down through a canvass shute directly into the hold of the ship. Thus several hundred tons can be put on board in a day. The trimming of the cargo is a very unpleasant part of the labor. The dust and odor is almost overpowering; so the men are obliged to come often on deck for fresh air. The rule is to remain below as long as a candle will burn; when that goes out, the air is considered unfit for respiration. If the labor had to be performed by a Yankee, he would think it unfit at first; and thereupon set his ready wit at work to construct a machine to spread the guano as it fell, from one end of the hold to the other. The guano in position upon the island, is so compact it has to be dug up with picks. It is then carried to a contrivance made of cane, at the edge of the rock, which conveys it into the canvass conductors. The mass is cut down in steps, receding and rising from the point of commencement, and has not yet attained a depth of 100 feet, and with all the labor of hundreds of men digging, and numerous ships carrying away to the several countries using it, there is but a bare beginning of removal made upon the mass upon one island only, as may be seen by reference to the diagram.

Supposing like many others, the supply of Peruvian guano was like the Ichaboe, destined to run out--that is all be dug up and carried away; we inquired of an intelligent captain of a ship just returned with a load, how long it would be before the supply would be exhausted. "Exhausted!" said he, with a look over the gangway, as much as to say how long would it take to exhaust the ocean with a pint cup; "why not in one hundred years, if every ship afloat should go into the trade, and load and unload as fast as it would be possible to perform the labor; no, not from the Chincha islands alone. Exhausted! they never will be exhausted." With due allowance for the captain's enthusiasm, we may be very certain from the government surveys, the quantity is so great, that no probability exists of the supply being exhausted until all the present inhabitants of this earth have ceased to move upon its surface. We may be certain of another fact; that unless we commit a great national wrong upon Peru, by seizing upon some of her guano territory; a thing which the sober second thought of this nation will never sanction; we shall not be able to obtain the article only through her government agents, at such prices as her rulers think proper to affix to it. While the demand and the result of the use of guano continues as at present, there is not much probability of any material change.