"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