Wood Ashes
The Ashes obtained from wood, after all the organic compounds have been destroyed by burning, form a very valuable manure, as they contain potash compounds, and also the other mineral substances that existed in the plants from which they were prepared. These Ashes usually contain the elements in forms that can be made use of by most plants in their nutrition. They are of especial value to the same species as yielded the wood from which they were prepared, since they possess all the mineral elements required by such plants, and, for the most part, in the desirable proportions. The Ashes that remain after weeds are burned may be employed like Wood Ashes, being similar in general composition; but it is usually better economy to make up the weeds into a compost, and to employ them after slow decomposition with urine. Wood Ashes may be applied pure, or may be previously mixed with dung or other organic manures, e.g., guano. They are sometimes made use of against insect depredations, either dusted without mixture on the plants, or mixed with powdered Pyrethrum leaves or Paris Green (Arseniate of Copper).