An instrument called a calorimeter is used to determine the amount of heat a substance will give off upon oxidation. Tests may be made on molasses in order to determine its value as a fuel, and thus a comparison may be obtained of a pound of this material and one of coal having a standard value. The ash from the molasses contains a great deal of potassium and some magnesium, consequently care must be exercised in the burning of the molasses so that this material does not come in direct contact with the tubes of the boiler, since a heavy coating will be formed that will greatly lower the coefficient of heat transmission. On account of the high potash content, these ashes make a valuable fertilizer, which should be mixed with the bagasse ashes and mud cake, and applied to the cane lands. Molasses as a fertilizer.--While molasses is not used to any great extent as a fertilizer, there is no good reason why exhaustive experiments should not be carried out with this by-product on Philippine soils, when it is now being thrown into drains or wasted, until a better use is provided for the molasses. Experiments have been made in Hawaii, Mauritius, and other places with this form of fertilizer, and very encouraging results were reported. The plant-food elements themselves contained in molasses are small in amount, since they are contained in the low percentage of ash after burning, except, of course, nitrogen, which will be entirely saved. Its main value, however, lies in the power to induce bacterial growth, which is so necessary in worn-out soils. Among the organisms induced by these organic matters may be included certain azotobacter species, which contrary to other forms of plant life, have the power of using nitrogen from the air. Carbohydrates form especially good mediums for their development, and it has been found that the activities of these organisms are increased by an increased amount of this substance. While excellent results have been attained by the use of low-grade molasses for fertilizer in other countries yet it remains for the planters here to determine results under Philippine conditions, and the best method of handling their material. In some places where irrigation water is applied, the molasses is mixed with the water and applied in the usual manner. The plant-food material contained in molasses will vary somewhat with the methods of its production, clarifying agents previously used, etc. The following table will indicate the composition of ash from different molasses: [6]