Bones are beneficial as a manure, because their chief constituent (phosphate of lime) is also a constituent of all plants; and the gelatine which is also in bones is of itself a source of food to them. The bones of the ox, sheep, horse, and pig, being those usually employed, their analvses are here given: -

The bones must be applied to the crops in very small pieces or powder; and ten pounds at the time of inserting the seed is enough for thirty square yards, if sown broadcast; and a much smaller quantity is sufficient if sprinkled along the drills in which the seed is sown. There is no doubt that bone dust may be employed with advantage in all gardens and to all garden-crops, but it has been experimented on most extensively with the turnip and potato, and with unfailing benefit. Mixed with sulphur, and drilled in with the turnip seed, it has been found to preserve the young plants from the fly. Mr. Knighl found it beneficial when applied largely to stone-fruit, at the time of planting: and it is quite as good for the vine. To lawns, the dust has been applied with great advantage when the grass was becoming thin. As a manure for the shrubbery, parterre, and green-house, it is also most valuable; and crushed as well as ground, is employed generally to mix with the soil of potted plants. Mr. Maund finds it promotes the luxuriance and beauty of his flowers.

One pound of bone-dust mixed with twelve ounces of sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol), and twelve ounces of water, if left to act upon each other for a day, form super-phosphate of lime, a wine-glass full of which has been found beneficial to pelargoniums. Applied as a top-dressing, mixed with half its weight of charcoal dust, it is a good manure for onions, and may be applied at the rate of nine pounds to the square rod. There is little doubt of this super-phosphate being good for all our kitchen-garden crops, being more prompt in its effects upon a crop than simple bone-dust, because it is soluble in water, and therefore more readily presented to the roots in a state for them to imbibe.