Ichaboe, a small island off the coast of Nambia, once towered high with mounds of seabird guano. An excellent fertilizer, beginning in 1843, English ships began exporting the guano to eager farmers in Europe and America. By 1844, 450 ships were streaming to and from the island.

One of those ships was the Shakspeare, which docked in Atlantic Basin in May 1845. Not long afterwards the island was 25 feet shorter and abandoned.

Text of article from the Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer. May 27, 1845: 

GUANO – The cargo ship Shakspeare, from Ichaboe, of very superior quality, landing at the Atlantic Dock, Brooklyn.  It has been well ascertained, that this Guano is superior to any other, as it brings forward crops earlier, and is equally lasting.  For general farming, it will increase crops from 30 to 50 percent and for market purposes it will enhance its value at least 200, and in some instances 400 percent.  300 lbs. is sufficient for an acre.