The Ash Constituents of Some Lakeland Leaves

Abstract

ALTHOUGH it cannot be maintained that the amount of inorganic matter which the leaves of a tree extract from the soil on which it grows is quite independent of the chemical composition, &c., of that soil, it was deemed advisable to perform a few experiments bearing on this particular feature. Notwithstanding the considerable elevation, viz about 400 feet, the soil in this locality is distinctly suited and adapted to the growth and healthy development of most of our well-known forest trees. It is a cold, basic clay, mostly not very stiff, on account of the presence of some gravel and peat in many places, and, generally speaking, enriched with considerable quantities of potash, silica and manganese, while a serious deficiency in lime is attested by the universal prevalence of distinctly calcifuge plants. The percentage of crude ash set down in the subjoined table was calculated from the combustion of the leaves gathered in the evening, dried first in the air and then at 100° C. The details are as described:—