Guano

(grwah'no, or goo-ah'no.) [From Peruv. hu ano, ordure.] (Com.) A substance which is found in large quantities on islands near the E. coast of S. America, and other parts of the world. It is the accumulated excrement of sea-birds with the decayed bodies of seals, fish, birds, & c., and is such an excellent manure, that it forms an extensive and profitable branch of commerce. The value of different guan os depends upon the quantities of ammonia and phosphoric acid they respectively contain. [s. 428]