INSTITUTE, PUSA, FOR 1918-19 37" 



oil took place at a low temperature. The enzyme respon- 

 sible for the liberation of the prussic acid from the cyano- 

 genetic glucoside therefore remained undestroyed. 



The following assistance was rendered to other 

 Sections : — 



Mycological Section. Seventeen samples of copper 

 sulphate solutions were analysed in order to 

 determine the loss of copper sulphate during the 

 steeping of jute seed. Two samples of soils and 

 three of fungicides were also examined. 



Entomological Section. Twelve samples of soil and 

 three of carbon bisulphide were reported upon. 



Agricultural Section. Forty-one samples of sugarcane 

 and thirteen manures were analysed. 



Indigo Research Section. Six soils and four samples 

 of manure were reported upon. 



General. In compliance with the generally expressed 

 wish of members of the Pusa staff the soils and 

 subsoils of the permanent manurial experi- 

 mental plots were carefully sampled and the 

 variations in composition determined. These 

 samples have not been included in the list given 

 above. 



VI. Methods of analysis. 



The investigation upon the value of Dyer's method of 

 estimating available phosphoric acid when applied to 

 calcareous soils was referred to in last year's report^and the 

 conclusions therein formulated have been confirmed. The 

 problem of finding a suitable basis for the interpretation of 

 the values obtained, or, alternatively, of evolving a new 

 basis of comparison, has been merged in the wider investiga- 

 tion regarding the retention of phosphates in soils, and will 

 be considered in that category. 



Arising out of the recommendations of the Chemists* 

 Meeting a critical study of the various methods of deter- 

 mining nitrogen in fertilizers has been undertaken. 



